§ 03 Head to head

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

Tamron 70–200mm f/2.8 is 12 mm shorter.

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II 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 0, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.

Add a third lens →
01

Key differences

From manufacturer specifications

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

No measurable advantage on paper.

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/2.8G ED VR II?

  • 12 mm shorter (193.8 mm vs 205.5 mm long)
  • Focuses 45 cm closer (0.95 m vs 1.4 m)
  • Newer design (2017 vs 2009)
03

Specification

16 rows · better value flagged ◆
SpecificationNikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR IITamron 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
Weight1540 g (54.32 oz) 1500 g (52.91 oz) ◆
Dimensions87 x 205.5 mm 88 x 193.8 mm
Minimum focusing distance1.4 m (55.12 inches) 0.95 m (37.40 inches) ◆
Image stabilizationYes Yes
Weather sealing—Yes
Aperture ringNo No
Aperture blades9 9
Optical construction21 elements in 16 groups 23 elements / 17 groups
Filter size77 mm 77 mm
Lens mountNikon F Canon EF, Nikon F
Released2009 2017
04

Size

Drawn to relative scale
  • A · Nikon
  • B · Tamron
  • 205.5 × 87 mm
  • 193.8 × 88 mm

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II is 12 mm longer and 40 g heavier 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/2.8G ED VR II

241206_SCSU_Gymnastics_orazzi_6491
241206_SCSU_Gymnastics_orazzi_6491 by newspaper_guy Mike Orazzi
Irene. Autumn Behind a Leaf.
Irene. Autumn Behind a Leaf. by hayksenekerimyan
Gregory before The Lonsdale Cup
Gregory before The Lonsdale Cup by Steve Barowik
A Certain Distance.
A Certain Distance. by hayksenekerimyan

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/2.8G ED VR II review 1
Video thumbnail for Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II 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/2.8G ED VR II 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 weighs 1500 g, 40 g less than the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II (1540 g).
Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II 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 1.4 m for the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II.
Do the Nikon Nikkor AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G ED VR II and the Tamron SP 70-200 mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 have image stabilization?
Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
08

Other comparisons