Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) for super-telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 545g (1.20 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR opens to f/3.5 vs the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm, Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 130g (4.6 oz) vs 545g (1.20 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR or the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) is 70-300mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR for wide-angle, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) for super-telephoto.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR if you want more light and background blur — f/3.5 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 12mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 130g (4.6 oz) it's lighter than the 545g (1.20 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 300mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR opens to f/3.5 vs the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 12-28mm | 70-300mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 11 | 14 |
| Optical Groups | 9 | 10 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 99° – 54° | 34° – 8° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 18-42mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | RXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 80 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.23x | 0.32x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $499 | $449 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 74.4mm |
| Length | 45.5mm | 148.3mm |
| Weight | 130g (4.6 oz) | 545g (1.20 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
