Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) vs Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay lighter (855g (1.88 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
Choose the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 855g (1.88 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-150mm, Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 70-180mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) is 855g (1.88 lb) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) or the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 versus the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay lighter (855g (1.88 lb)). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
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 want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 70mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
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 shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 855g (1.88 lb) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.25x magnification vs 0.12x.
What is the main difference between the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) and the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 vs the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 Di III VC VXD G2 (Nikon Z)'s f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 35-150mm | 70-180mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 22 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 18 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 63° – 16° | 34° – 14° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | VXD | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 33 cm | 52 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.12x | 0.25x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $999 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 89.8mm | 80mm |
| Length | 157.8mm | 165.6mm |
| Weight | 1165g (2.57 lb) | 855g (1.88 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
