Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S vs Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) for standard zoom.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S or the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is 85mm, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) is 17-70mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for short-telephoto / portrait, the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) for standard zoom.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — an 85mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z) if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 85mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 85mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S and the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Tamron 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 85mm | 17-70mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 16 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 12 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | − |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 28.5° – 28.5° | 79.9° – 22.7° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 26-105mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 80 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 75mm | 74.6mm |
| Length | 99mm | 119.3mm |
| Weight | 470g (1.04 lb) | 525g (1.16 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
