Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Both are Nikon F telephoto zoom lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-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: 1206 g lighter (745 g vs 1951 g)
- You want a wider view: 70mm vs 150mm at the wide end
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 1.5 m vs 2.7 m
- Our notes say it suits: Casual wildlife, sports, travel
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 prefer a newer design: released 2014 vs 2006
- Our notes say it suits: Birds and wildlife, motorsport and airshows, long-reach travel photography
Spec differences
13 differences| Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR | Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Nikon
|
Tamron
|
| Focal length |
70-300mm
|
150-600mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/4.5
⅓ stop faster
|
f/5
|
| Weight |
745 g
lighter
|
1951 g
|
| Length |
143.5 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
80 mm
slimmer
|
105.6 mm
|
| Filter thread |
67 mm
|
95 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
1.5 m
closer
|
2.7 m
|
| Max magnification |
not listed
|
0.2×
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
9
|
| Optical design |
17 elements / 12 groups
|
20 elements / 13 groups
|
| Autofocus motor |
SWM
|
USD
|
| Released |
2006
|
2014
|
4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format, image stabilization. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon F both
- Type
- Telephoto Zoom both
- Format
- Full frame both
- Image stabilization
- Yes both
Our notes
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
A lightweight telephoto zoom for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction and a silent-wave motor.
Pros
- Light (745 g)
- Vibration reduction
- Silent-wave AF
Cons
- Soft at 300mm
- Variable aperture
- Slow in low light
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
More comparisons
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Tamron 100-400mm F4.5-6.3 Di VC USD
390 g lighter vs more reach (400mm)
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD vs Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 APO DG OS HSM
more reach (600mm) vs focuses closer
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport
focuses closer vs wider (60mm)
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD vs Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sport
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD: birds and wildlife
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR vs Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 LD Macro
stabilized vs ⅓ stop faster
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
⅓ stop faster vs more reach (600mm)