Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S vs Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 at $999 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at $2,699. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $999 vs $2,699 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 1440g (3.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.2x.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 70-200mm, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is $999, $1,700 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 reaches 0.4x magnification vs 0.2x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 575g (1.27 lb) vs 1440g (3.17 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S or the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 better?
There's a clear price gap: the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 at $999 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at $2,699. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Choose the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 if you shoot wide — it starts at 25mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $999 vs $2,699 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you value portability — at 575g (1.27 lb) it's lighter than the 1440g (3.17 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.4x magnification vs 0.2x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and the Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 70-200mm, Tamron 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2 is 25-200mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 70-200mm | 25-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 21 | 18 |
| Optical Groups | 18 | 14 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 34° – 12° | 82° – 12° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 17 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.4x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,699 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | 76.6mm |
| Length | 220mm | 118.6mm |
| Weight | 1440g (3.17 lb) | 575g (1.27 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | Yes | No |
