Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Both are Nikon Z telephoto zoom lenses for full frame. Here is what actually differs.

Nikon · 2021

Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

f/4.51435 g

Full specs

Tamron · 2022

70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

f/4.5580 gRXD

Check price Full specs

Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S if

You need more reach: 400mm vs 300mm at the long end
You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD does not
You want bigger close-ups: 0.39× vs 0.2× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Pick the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD if

You want the lighter lens to carry: 855 g lighter (580 g vs 1435 g)
You want a wider view: 70mm vs 100mm at the wide end
You want a compact lens: 150.3 mm vs 222 mm long
You prefer a newer design: released 2022 vs 2021

Spec differences

14 differences

Specifications that differ between the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
	Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
Brand	Nikon	Tamron
Focal length	100-400mm	70-300mm
Weight	1435 g	580 g lighter
Length	222 mm	150.3 mm shorter
Diameter	98 mm	77 mm slimmer
Filter thread	77 mm	67 mm
Min focus distance	0.75 m closer	0.8 m
Max magnification	0.39× larger	0.2×
Aperture blades	not listed	7
Optical design	25 elements / 20 groups	15 elements / 10 groups
Autofocus motor	not listed	RXD
Image stabilization	Yes stabilized	No
Weather sealing	not listed	Yes
Released	2021	2022

4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format, max aperture. Show all

Mount: Nikon Z both
Type: Telephoto Zoom both
Format: Full frame both
Max aperture: f/4.5 both

Our notes

Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S

The Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S is a telephoto zoom for Nikon Z full-frame cameras with vibration reduction and weather sealing, popular for wildlife and sports.