Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Nikon Z
A Nikon S-Line lens meets a third-party zoom with more reach. The Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S arrived in October 2021, has built-in vibration reduction (VR) and works with the Z teleconverters TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x (up to 800 mm). It starts at 100 mm and is faster at the long end (f/5.6).
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for Z followed in October 2023 and was developed under license from Nikon, according to Tamron. It offers 100 mm more reach, VC stabilization and a VXD linear motor, but starts at 150 mm and, at 1720 g, is 365 g heavier than the Nikon (1355 g).
Which one suits whom?
- Nikkor 100-400mm: You want a lighter S-Line zoom that starts at 100 mm and accepts teleconverters.
- Tamron 150-500mm: You need the extra 100 mm for birds and shy animals and can live with 150 mm at the short end.
Key differences
- Focal length: 100-400 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S, 150-500 mm on the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is faster: f/4.5 instead of f/5, about 0.3 stops more light.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is 365 g lighter (1,355 g vs 1,720 g).
- The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD is 10 mm shorter.
- The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD focuses closer: from 60 cm instead of 75 cm.
- Filter thread: 77 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S, 82 mm on the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S | Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 100-400 mm | 150-500 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-5.6 | f/5-6.7 |
| Weight | 1,355 g | 1,720 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 82 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 75 cm | 60 cm |
| Length | 222 mm | 212 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S: 222 × 98 mm
- Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD: 212 × 93 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).