Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 70-180mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR for standard, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) for telephoto.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is $899, $100 under the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z).
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 330g (11.6 oz) vs 855g (1.88 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR or the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 70-180mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR for standard, the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) for telephoto.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 855g (1.88 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 180mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 70-180mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 83° – 31.5° | 34° – 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 52 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | − | 80mm |
| Length | − | 165.6mm |
| Weight | 330g (11.6 oz) | 855g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
