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Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC 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.

Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S if

  • You need 1⅓ stops more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/4.5)
  • 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 prefer a newer design: released 2026 vs 2022

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

  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 2155 g lighter (580 g vs 2735 g)
  • You want a wider view: 70mm vs 120mm at the wide end
  • You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.8 m vs 0.98 m
  • You want a compact lens: 150.3 mm vs 353.5 mm long

Spec differences

15 differences
Specifications that differ between the Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S and the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
Brand
Nikon
Tamron
Focal length
120-300mm
70-300mm
Max aperture
f/2.8 1⅓ stops faster
f/4.5
Weight
2735 g
580 g lighter
Length
353.5 mm
150.3 mm shorter
Diameter
128 mm
77 mm slimmer
Filter thread
112 mm
67 mm
Min focus distance
0.98 m
0.8 m closer
Max magnification
0.18×
0.2× larger
Aperture blades
not listed
7
Optical design
30 elements / 24 groups
15 elements / 10 groups
Autofocus motor
not listed
RXD
Image stabilization
Yes stabilized
No
Weather sealing
not listed
Yes
Released
2026
2022
3 identical specs hidden: mount, type, format. Show all
Mount
Nikon Z both
Type
Telephoto Zoom both
Format
Full frame both

More comparisons

Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z

Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z vs Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S

1 stop faster vs more reach (300mm)

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

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

more reach (400mm) vs 855 g lighter

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S
Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F4 S vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

⅓ stop faster vs 50 g lighter

Nikon Nikkor Z 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary

⅔ stop faster vs 2105 g lighter

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

Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary vs Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

⅔ stop faster vs 50 g lighter

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm F2.8 VR S vs 120-300mm F2.8 TC VR S

1295 g lighter vs more reach (300mm)

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