Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR vs Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.2x.
Choose the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 395g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is 24-200mm, Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 16-30mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 395g (13.9 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR or the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 30mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.2x.
Who should choose the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 395g (13.9 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (Nikon Z) opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-200mm | 16-30mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 19 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 12.2° | 107° – 72° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.28x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $849 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 76.5mm | 76.2mm |
| Length | 114mm | 88.2mm |
| Weight | 570g (1.26 lb) | 395g (13.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
