Nikon NIKKOR Z 20054 600mm
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR Z 20054 600mm
The Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is widely praised for its sharpness, fast autofocus, and significant weight reduction compared to previous models, making it more manageable for handheld use and travel. However, a notable minority report serious reliability issues, with the autofocus system failing without warning and Nikon's repair service facing parts shortages, leading to extended downtime. The lens delivers exceptional image quality, especially with teleconverters, but the high price and occasional quality control concerns give potential buyers pause.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness and image quality
- Significant weight reduction (3 lbs lighter)
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Improved balance for handheld use
- Excellent with teleconverters
Cons
- Autofocus reliability issues
- Nikon repair parts shortage
- High price point
- Tripod foot not Arca-Swiss compatible
- Heavy for extended handheld use
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
The Tamron 28-300mm super-zoom wins praise for its lightweight design, versatile focal range, and solid image quality. Users appreciate the compact build and smooth zoom mechanism, but note the slow aperture and trade-offs in sharpness compared to more expensive zooms. Verified reviewers find it an ideal travel lens that pairs well with Sony bodies.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Versatile 28-300mm focal range
- Smooth zoom ring operation
- Compact build for travel
- Good integration with Sony bodies
Cons
- Small maximum aperture (f/4-7.1)
- Reduced sharpness vs. premium zooms
- Not an internal zoom lens
- Slow autofocus at high fps on some bodies
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 20054 600mm | Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | super-telephoto | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 600 mm | 28 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 600 mm | 300 mm |
| Elements | 16 | 20 |
| Groups | 12 | 13 |
| Aspherical Elements | 0 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 4★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings | fluorine coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | f/4 | 4-7.1 |
| Constant | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 3.81 kg | 0.59 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 41 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD linear motor★ |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 4.40 m | 190 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 1:7 | 1:3.8 |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR Z 20054 600mm
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong optical (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average build (7th percentile)7th %ile
- Below average aperture (20th percentile)20th %ile
- Below average bokeh (23rd percentile)
- Below average macro (32nd percentile)
Tamron Di III VC 28-300mm f/4-7.1 Di III VC VXD
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong versatility (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong optical (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
Verdict
Scores 100 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.