Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR vs Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD

Side-by-side comparison from our catalogue data. Better values are highlighted only where a clear difference exists.

Nikon

AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

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Tamron

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

Verdict at a glance

Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD is faster by 0.3 stops (f/5.0 vs f/5.6), letting in more light.
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD goes wider (150mm vs 200mm).
Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD reaches further (600mm vs 500mm).

Specification comparison
Spec	AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR	SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD
Brand	Nikon	Tamron
Mount	Nikon F	Nikon F
Type	Telephoto Zoom	Telephoto Zoom
Focal length	200-500mm	150-600mm (wider)
Max aperture	f/5.6	f/5.0 (faster)
Released	2015	n/a
Blades	9	n/a
Format	full-frame	n/a
Groups	12	n/a
Af motor	SWM	USD
Elements	19	n/a
Weight g	2300.0	n/a
Filter mm	95	95
Length mm	256.5	n/a
Stabilized	Yes	Yes
Diameter mm	108.0	n/a
Min focus m	2.2 (closer focusing)	2.7
Max magnification	0.22	n/a

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

A large telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount DSLRs with a constant f/5.6 aperture and vibration reduction, popular for wildlife.

Pros

Constant f/5.6
500mm reach
Vibration reduction
Electromagnetic diaphragm

Cons

Large and heavy (2.3 kg)
95mm filter thread

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

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