What To Know
- The Tamron lens is made of a lightweight magnesium alloy, while the Nikon lens is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate.
- However, it is important to note that the Nikon lens offers a number of advantages over the Tamron lens, including better optical quality, autofocus, and image stabilization.
- However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of optical quality, which may be important for photographers who need to capture distant subjects with a high level of detail.
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II are two highly regarded telephoto zoom lenses that have earned the respect of photographers worldwide. Both lenses offer a versatile focal length range, making them ideal for a wide range of applications, including portraiture, sports, wildlife, and event photography. However, there are some key differences between these two lenses that may influence your choice.
Optical Quality
Both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II produce sharp and detailed images throughout their zoom range. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of optical quality, particularly at the wider end of the focal range. This is due to its use of higher-quality glass and more advanced optical design.
Autofocus
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 features Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) motor, which provides fast and accurate autofocus. The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II also uses a fast and accurate autofocus system, but it has the added benefit of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. This helps to stabilize the lens, reducing camera shake and improving image sharpness, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
Build Quality
Both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II are well-built lenses that are designed to withstand the rigors of professional use. The Tamron lens is made of a lightweight magnesium alloy, while the Nikon lens is made of a combination of magnesium alloy and polycarbonate. Both lenses are weather-sealed, making them resistant to dust and moisture.
Image Stabilization
As mentioned earlier, the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II features Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. This helps to stabilize the lens, reducing camera shake and improving image sharpness, especially when shooting at slower shutter speeds. The Tamron 70-200mm G2 does not have built-in image stabilization, so it is more susceptible to camera shake.
Price
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 is significantly less expensive than the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II. This makes it a more affordable option for photographers who are on a budget. However, it is important to note that the Nikon lens offers a number of advantages over the Tamron lens, including better optical quality, autofocus, and image stabilization.
The Bottom Line: The Best Lens for Your Needs
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II are both excellent telephoto zoom lenses that offer a versatile focal length range and high image quality. The Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of optical quality, autofocus, and image stabilization, but it is also more expensive. The Tamron lens is more affordable and offers a number of features that make it a great value for the price. Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
Information You Need to Know
1. Which lens is better for portraiture?
Both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II are excellent choices for portraiture. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of optical quality, which may be important for professional photographers who need the highest possible image quality.
2. Which lens is better for sports photography?
The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II is the better choice for sports photography. Its fast and accurate autofocus system, combined with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects.
3. Which lens is better for wildlife photography?
Both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II are suitable for wildlife photography. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of optical quality, which may be important for photographers who need to capture distant subjects with a high level of detail.
4. Which lens is better for event photography?
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 is a good choice for event photography, as it is relatively lightweight and affordable. However, the Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II is a better choice for professional event photographers who need the highest possible image quality and autofocus performance.
5. Which lens is better for low-light photography?
Both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II have a maximum aperture of f/2.8, which makes them suitable for low-light photography. However, the Nikon lens has a slight edge in terms of image stabilization, which may be beneficial for photographers who need to shoot at slower shutter speeds in low-light conditions.
