Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is 24mm, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S for standard, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) for telephoto.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S if…

  • You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom.
  • You value portability — at 450g (15.9 oz) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
  • You like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 35-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is 24mm, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-150mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is 450g (15.9 oz) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S or the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) better?

These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is 24mm, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-150mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S for standard, the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) for telephoto.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 450g (15.9 oz) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.19x magnification vs 0.12x.

Who should choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 35-150mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S and the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length24mm35-150mm
Lens TypePrimeZoom
Optical Elements1222
Optical Groups1015
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/1.8f/2
Minimum Aperturef/16f/22
Aperture Blades99
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageFull-FrameFull-Frame
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View84°63° – 16°
35mm Equivalent
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorMulti-focus SteppingVXD
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance25 cm33 cm
Max Magnification0.19x0.12x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationNoNo
Aperture RingNoNo
Declickable ApertureNoNo
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$999$999
Filter Size72mm82mm
Diameter84.5mm89.8mm
Length102.5mm157.8mm
Weight450g (15.9 oz)1165g (2.57 lb)
Weather SealedYesYes
Tripod CollarNoNo