Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its exceptional sharpness, fast and accurate autofocus, and effective vibration reduction. Users praise its image quality, color rendition, and build, noting it performs well on both DSLR and mirrorless bodies. A few mention the weight and price as considerations, but most consider it worth the investment.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Effective vibration reduction
- Excellent image quality and color
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Heavy weight
- High price
- Zoom ring position takes adjustment
- No QD port on tripod foot
Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
The Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD lens is widely praised for its sharpness, versatile zoom range, constant aperture, and effective stabilization, making it an excellent all-around lens for APS-C cameras. Users appreciate its solid build quality and value for money, though many note it is noticeably heavier and larger than typical kit lenses, which can feel unbalanced on smaller camera bodies. A few reviewers mention minor issues like chromatic aberration at the longer end and noise from the aperture blades at certain settings, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- sharp image quality across zoom range
- constant f/2.8 aperture
- effective image stabilization
- fast and quiet autofocus
- versatile 17-70mm focal range
Cons
- heavy and large for APS-C body
- chromatic aberration at 50-70mm
- aperture blade noise above f/5.6
- short zoom throw initially stiff
- no aperture ring on Fuji version
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S | Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 70 mm | 17 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 200 mm | 70 mm |
| Elements | 22 | 16 |
| Groups | 18 | 12 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 3★ |
| ED Elements | 6★ | 2 |
| Coating | Nano Crystal Coat | Fluorine Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✓ | ✓ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Format | full-frame★ | APS-C |
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 1.43 kg | 0.54 kg★ |
| Filter Thread | 77 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | RXD Stepping AF Motor |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 1.10 m | 70 mm★ |
| Max Magnification | 0.21x | 1:4.8★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- Strong optical (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong stabilization (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong user sentiment (91st percentile)91st %ile
- Strong versatility (79th percentile)
- Below average build (19th percentile)19th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
- Below average macro (29th percentile)
Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD
- Strong macro (94th percentile)94th %ile
- Strong optical (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong versatility (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Below average social proof (17th percentile)17th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (25th percentile)
Pricing
Tamron Di III-A 17-70mm F/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD offers 2.7x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 73 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 4 of 22 specs.
