Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR vs Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD

Pick the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR if

• You need ⅓ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/4.5 vs f/5)
• You want the lighter lens to carry: 1421 g lighter (530 g vs 1951 g)
• You want a wider view: 55mm vs 150mm at the wide end
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 1.4 m vs 2.7 m
• Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, travel telephoto

Pick the Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD if

• You need more reach: 600mm vs 300mm at the long end
• You shoot full frame: the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is made for APS-C
• You prefer a newer design: released 2014 vs 2010
• Our notes say it suits: Birds and wildlife, motorsport and airshows, long-reach travel photography

Our notes

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

A 2010 DX telephoto zoom with a 58mm filter thread and VR. It reaches 450mm equivalent.

Pros

• Long reach
• VR
• Compact for its range

Cons

• Slow aperture
• Softens at 300mm
• Plastic build

Our notes

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD

Tamron's first 150-600mm telephoto zoom, popular with bird and wildlife photographers. It has Vibration Compensation, a USD motor, a 95mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 2.7 m.

Pros

• Wide 150-600mm range
• Built-in stabilization (VC)
• USD focus motor
• Zoom lock

Cons

• Heavy and long when extended
• Slow aperture at 600mm
• Later G2 version has improved focus and VC