Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR vs Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD
Nikon Z
Both are compact telephoto zooms for Nikon Z, but for different formats. The Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR (October 2019) is designed for DX cameras such as the Z 50, equals about 75-375 mm in full frame terms, has image stabilization and weighs 405 g. The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (September 2022) was Tamron's first lens for Nikon Z and is designed for full frame. It has no stabilization and weighs about 580 g. On a DX camera it behaves like roughly 105-450 mm.
So you get stabilization and less weight, or a full-frame lens with more headroom for later.
Which one suits whom?
- Z DX 50-250mm: You use a DX camera and want a light telephoto with stabilization.
- Tamron 70-300mm: You have full frame or plan to move up, or you want more reach on DX (about 450 mm full frame equivalent).
Key differences
- Focal length: 50-250 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR, 70-300 mm on the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is 175 g lighter (405 g vs 580 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is 40 mm shorter.
- Only the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has optical image stabilization.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR focuses closer: from 50 cm instead of 80 cm.
- Filter thread: 62 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR, 67 mm on the Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD.
- The Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD is a full-frame lens, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is designed for APS-C.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR | Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50-250 mm | 70-300 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4.5-6.3 | f/4.5-6.3 |
| Weight | 405 g | 580 g |
| Filter diameter | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 50 cm | 80 cm |
| Length | 110 mm | 150 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | no |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR: 110 × 74 mm
- Tamron 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 DI III RXD: 150 × 77 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).