Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR § 03 Head to head
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR vs Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
Nikon 50–250mm f/4.5 - 6.3 is 850 g lighter. Tamron 50–400mm f/4.5 - 6.3 has a longer reach.
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is a 50–250mm f/4.5 - 6.3 zoom, and the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is a 50–400mm f/4.5 - 6.3 zoom. On paper the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD comes out ahead, 5 advantages to 4, but which one suits you depends on what you shoot.
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR 
Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD 01
Key differences
Why is the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR better than the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
- 850 g lighter (305 g vs 1155 g)
- 73 mm shorter (110 mm vs 183.4 mm long)
- Smaller filter thread (62 mm vs 67 mm)
- $950 cheaper ($349 launch price vs $1,299 list price)
Why is the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD better than the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR?
- Longer reach (400mm vs 250mm)
- Focuses 25 cm closer (0.25 m vs 0.5 m)
- More aperture blades (9 vs 7)
- Covers a larger sensor format (full-frame vs APS-C)
- Newer design (2022 vs 2019)
02
Which should you buy?
- portrait For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR has the edge: it is 850 g lighter to carry.
03
Specification
| Specification | Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR | Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 50–250mm | 50–400mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4.5 - 6.3 | f/4.5 - 6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/32 |
| Lens type | Zoom lens | Zoom lens |
| Format | APS-C | Full frame |
| Weight | 305 g ◆ | 1155 g |
| Dimensions | 110 x 74 mm | 183.4 x 88.5 mm |
| Minimum focusing distance | 0.5 m | 0.25 m ◆ |
| Image stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | — | Yes |
| Aperture ring | No | No |
| Aperture blades | 7 | 9 ◆ |
| Optical construction | 16 elements / 12 groups | 24 elements / 18 groups |
| Filter size | 62 mm ◆ | 67 mm |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z | Sony E, Nikon Z |
| Released | 2019 | 2022 |
| Price | $349 launch price ◆ | $1,299 list price |
04
Size
- A · Nikon
- B · Tamron
- 110 × 74 mm
- 183.4 × 88.5 mm
The Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD is 73 mm longer and 850 g heavier than the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.
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Sample frames
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD
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Video reviews
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Questions
- Which is lighter, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR or the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR weighs 305 g, 850 g less than the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (1155 g).
- Which focuses closer, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR or the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD?
- The Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD focuses down to 0.25 m, against 0.5 m for the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.
- Do the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR and the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD have image stabilization?
- Yes, both lenses have optical image stabilization.
- Is the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR or the Tamron 50-400 mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD better for portrait photography?
- For portrait photography, the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm f/4.5-6.3 VR has the edge: it is 850 g lighter to carry.