§ 03 Head to head

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Nikon 70–200mm f/2.8 is 70 g lighter. Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8 is 9 mm shorter.

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a 70–200mm f/2.8 zoom, and the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a 70–200mm f/2.8 zoom. On paper the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 comes out ahead, 3 advantages to 1, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

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01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

Why is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR better than the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2?

  • 70 g lighter (1430 g vs 1500 g)

Why is the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 better than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR?

  • 9 mm shorter (193.8 mm vs 202.5 mm long)
  • Focuses 15 cm closer (0.95 m vs 1.1 m)
  • Newer design (2017 vs 2016)
02

Which should you buy?

By use
  • portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR has the edge: it is 70 g lighter to carry.
03

Specification

17 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VRTamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Focal length70–200mm 70–200mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8 f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22 f/22
Lens typeZoom lens Zoom lens
FormatFull frame Full frame
Weight1430 g (50.44 oz) ◆1500 g (52.91 oz)
Dimensions88.5 x 202.5 mm 88 x 193.8 mm
Minimum focusing distance1.10 m (43.31 inches) 0.95 m (37.40 inches) ◆
Image stabilizationYes Yes
Weather sealingYes Yes
Aperture ring—No
Aperture blades9 9
Optical construction22 elements / 18 groups 23 elements / 17 groups
Filter size77 mm 77 mm
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F
Released2016 2017
Price$2,799.95 launch price —
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Nikon
  • B · Tamron
  • 202.5 × 88.5 mm
  • 193.8 × 88 mm

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is 9 mm longer and 70 g lighter than the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2.

05

Sample frames

Shot on each lens

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

Black Market 7-19
Black Market 7-19 by rabidscottsman
3716次 (3716+3158合併運轉)
3716次 (3716+3158合併運轉) by Edward-05
6669次
6669次 by Edward-05
20261002_Lake Creek vs College Station-JV_0065
20261002_Lake Creek vs College Station-JV_0065 by jerry1540

Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Mom 85th Bday Z-7 -2799
Mom 85th Bday Z-7 -2799 by The Pastor's Photography
DSC_8084
DSC_8084 by Bob Whitelaw
LOCHAR THISTLE v LOCHMABEN
LOCHAR THISTLE v LOCHMABEN by Bob Whitelaw
LOCHAR THISTLE v LOCHMABEN
LOCHAR THISTLE v LOCHMABEN by Bob Whitelaw
06

Video reviews

4 on YouTube
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR review 1
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR review 2
Video thumbnail for Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 review 1
Video thumbnail for Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 review 2
07

Questions

Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2?
The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR weighs 1430 g, 70 g less than the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 (1500 g).
Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2?
The Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 focuses down to 0.95 m, against 1.1 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR.
Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 have image stabilization?
Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
Is the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 better for portrait photography?
For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8E FL ED VR has the edge: it is 70 g lighter to carry.
08

Other comparisons