Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S vs Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

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 · 2023

150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD

f/51720 gVXD

Check price Full specs

Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S 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: 285 g lighter (1435 g vs 1720 g)
You want a wider view: 100mm vs 150mm at the wide end
You want bigger close-ups: 0.39× vs 0.32× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Wildlife, sports, airshows

Pick the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD if

You need more reach: 500mm vs 400mm at the long end
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.6 m vs 0.75 m
You prefer a newer design: released 2023 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 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
	Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 VR S	Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Brand	Nikon	Tamron
Focal length	100-400mm	150-500mm
Max aperture	f/4.5 ⅓ stop faster	f/5
Weight	1435 g lighter	1720 g
Length	222 mm	212.3 mm shorter
Diameter	98 mm	93 mm slimmer
Filter thread	77 mm	82 mm
Min focus distance	0.75 m	0.6 m closer
Max magnification	0.39× larger	0.32×
Aperture blades	not listed	7
Optical design	25 elements / 20 groups	25 elements / 16 groups
Autofocus motor	not listed	VXD
Weather sealing	not listed	Yes
Released	2021	2023

4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format, image stabilization. Show all

Mount: Nikon Z both
Type: Telephoto Zoom both
Format: Full frame both
Image stabilization: Yes 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.