What To Know
- The Nikon 24-200mm lens is made of a combination of metal and plastic, while the Tamron 28-200mm lens is made primarily of plastic.
- The Nikon 24-200mm lens is a good choice if you need a versatile zoom lens with a wide focal length range.
- The Tamron 28-200mm lens is a good choice if you need a more compact and lightweight lens with a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end.
When it comes to versatile and convenient zoom lenses, the Nikon 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the Tamron 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III RXD are two popular options for Nikon shooters. Both lenses offer a wide focal length range, making them suitable for a variety of photography genres, from landscapes to portraits. However, there are some key differences between the two lenses that may influence your choice.
Focal Length Range
The Nikon 24-200mm lens has a wider focal length range than the Tamron 28-200mm, covering from 24mm to 200mm. This wider range allows you to capture a broader perspective, making it ideal for landscape and architectural photography. The Tamron 28-200mm, on the other hand, has a narrower focal length range, starting at 28mm instead of 24mm. While it may not be as versatile for wide-angle shots, it offers a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end, making it better suited for wildlife and portrait photography.
Aperture Range
The Nikon 24-200mm lens has a variable aperture range of f/4-6.3, while the Tamron 28-200mm lens has a variable aperture range of f/2.8-5.6. A smaller aperture number indicates a wider aperture, which allows more light to reach the camera’s sensor. This makes the Tamron lens better suited for low-light photography, as it can produce a shallower depth of field and blur the background more effectively.
Image Stabilization
Both the Nikon 24-200mm and the Tamron 28-200mm lenses feature image stabilization, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when shooting at slower shutter speeds. The Nikon lens uses Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, while the Tamron lens uses Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology. Both systems are effective at reducing camera shake, but some users may find one system to be more effective than the other in certain situations.
Autofocus Performance
The Nikon 24-200mm lens uses a stepping motor for autofocus, while the Tamron 28-200mm lens uses a linear motor. Both lenses offer fast and accurate autofocus, but the Tamron lens is generally considered to have a slight edge in this area. It focuses more smoothly and quietly, making it a better choice for video recording or photographing moving subjects.
Build Quality and Weather Resistance
The Nikon 24-200mm lens is made of a combination of metal and plastic, while the Tamron 28-200mm lens is made primarily of plastic. Both lenses feel solid and well-built, but the Nikon lens has a slightly more premium feel due to its metal construction. Neither lens is weather-sealed, so they are not ideal for use in inclement weather.
Price
The Nikon 24-200mm lens is typically more expensive than the Tamron 28-200mm lens. The Nikon lens has a suggested retail price of around $900, while the Tamron lens has a suggested retail price of around $700. However, both lenses can often be found for less than their retail prices, especially if you shop around or purchase used.
Which Lens is Right for You?
The Nikon 24-200mm lens is a good choice if you need a versatile zoom lens with a wide focal length range. It is ideal for landscape, architectural, and travel photography. The Tamron 28-200mm lens is a good choice if you need a more compact and lightweight lens with a slightly longer reach at the telephoto end. It is better suited for wildlife, portrait, and sports photography.
Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Consider the focal length range, aperture range, image stabilization, autofocus performance, build quality, and price of each lens before making a decision.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Which lens is sharper?
A: Both lenses are capable of producing sharp images, but the Nikon 24-200mm lens is generally considered to be slightly sharper, especially at the wide end of the focal length range.
Q: Which lens is better for low-light photography?
A: The Tamron 28-200mm lens has a wider maximum aperture, making it better suited for low-light photography. It can produce a shallower depth of field and blur the background more effectively.
Q: Which lens is more versatile?
A: The Nikon 24-200mm lens has a wider focal length range, making it more versatile for a wider range of photography genres. It is better suited for landscape, architectural, and travel photography.
