When it comes to telephoto zoom lenses, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is the undisputed workhorse for professional photographers. In the Nikon ecosystem, two options consistently spark debate: the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and the Nikon 70-200mm VR II. As a photographer who’s spent countless hours shooting with both lenses in various conditions, I understand the dilemma you’re facing. Which one offers better value? Which delivers superior image quality? Most importantly, which one is right for your specific photography needs? In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll break down every aspect of these lenses to help you make an informed decision.
Quick Comparison: Tamron 70-200 G2 vs Nikon 70-200 VR II at a Glance
| Feature | Tamron 70-200mm G2 | Nikon 70-200mm VR II |
|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 70-200mm | 70-200mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 (constant) | f/2.8 (constant) |
| Image Stabilization | Yes (VC) – 5 stops | Yes (VR II) – 4 stops |
| Weight | 1,500g (3.31 lbs) | 1,540g (3.40 lbs) |
| Length | 194mm (7.6″) | 208mm (8.2″) |
| Filter Size | 77mm | 77mm |
| Weather Sealing | Yes (Moisture-resistant) | Yes |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.95m (3.1 ft) | 1.4m (4.6 ft) |
| Maximum Magnification | 1:5.6 | 1:8.3 |
| Lens Elements | 23 elements in 17 groups | 21 elements in 16 groups |
| Special Elements | 5 LD, 1 XLD, 1 aspherical | 5 ED, 3 aspherical |
| USD Motor | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Deep Dive: Understanding the Key Differences
Build Quality and Design
Both lenses feature solid construction with weather sealing, but there are notable differences in their design and handling.
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 feels robust and well-built, with a textured finish that provides a secure grip. During a rainy day shoot in Seattle, I appreciated its moisture-resistant construction as it continued to perform flawlessly despite the conditions. The zoom and focus rings are well-damped and smooth, though slightly stiffer than the Nikon’s.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II, being Nikon’s professional offering, exudes quality with its magnesium alloy construction and professional finish. It feels slightly more substantial in hand, though it’s only marginally heavier. I’ve used this lens in dusty conditions in Arizona, and its weather sealing held up perfectly.
One ergonomic difference I noticed: the Tamron’s zoom ring is slightly wider and positioned closer to the camera body, which I found more comfortable for quick adjustments. The Nikon’s tripod collar is also more substantial and easier to adjust quickly.
Optical Performance and Image Quality
This is where things get interesting. Both lenses produce excellent images, but with some key differences:
Sharpness: The Tamron 70-200mm G2 is remarkably sharp wide open at f/2.8 throughout its zoom range. When I tested both lenses side by side on my Nikon D850, the Tamron showed slightly better sharpness at the center of the frame, especially at 200mm. The Nikon 70-200mm VR II is no slouch either, delivering excellent sharpness, but it requires stopping down to f/4 to match the Tamron’s wide-open performance.
Chromatic Aberration: The Tamron’s advanced optical design, with its XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) elements, results in excellent control of chromatic aberration. During high-contrast situations – like shooting backlit portraits – I noticed less purple fringing with the Tamron, even when viewing images at 100%.
Vignetting and Distortion: Both lenses exhibit some vignetting, especially at wider apertures, but the Nikon shows slightly more pronounced vignetting at 200mm. Fortunately, modern cameras and software can easily correct this.
Distortion is well-controlled on both lenses, with the Tamron showing slightly less barrel distortion at 70mm and the Nikon having a slight edge at the telephoto end.
Bokeh Quality: For a telephoto lens, bokeh quality is often a priority. Both lenses deliver pleasing background blur when shooting portraits, but the Nikon produces slightly creamier bokeh in my experience, particularly when shooting at the 200mm end. The Tamron’s bokeh is still very good, but it can be a bit busy in certain situations.
Autofocus Performance
Both lenses feature fast and accurate autofocus, but with some differences worth noting:
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 uses Tamron’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) motor, which is fast and nearly silent. During a basketball game I shot last December, the lens locked onto players quickly and tracked their movement with impressive accuracy.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II employs Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), which is equally fast and perhaps even quieter than the Tamron’s. In low-light situations, I found the Nikon to hunt slightly less, though the difference was minimal.
For continuous autofocus tracking, both lenses perform well, but the Nikon has a slight edge in challenging situations with fast-moving subjects coming toward the camera.
Image Stabilization
Both lenses come equipped with effective image stabilization, but they use different technologies:
The Tamron features its Vibration Compensation (VC) system, which Tamron claims provides up to 5 stops of stabilization. In my real-world testing, I found this claim to be accurate – I was able to get sharp handheld shots at 1/15s at 200mm, which is impressive.
The Nikon uses its second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) system, which Nikon claims provides up to 4 stops of stabilization. My testing showed similar performance to the Tamron, with sharp handheld results at slow shutter speeds.
For video, both stabilization systems work well, though I noticed the Tamron’s VC produced slightly smoother footage when walking while recording.
Real-World Performance: Which Lens Shines Where?
Portrait Photography
For portrait photography, both lenses perform admirably, but with some differences:
The Tamron 70-200mm G2’s closer minimum focusing distance (0.95m vs 1.4m) allows you to get closer to your subject, making it ideal for headshots and environmental portraits. During a portrait session last month, I appreciated being able to fill the frame with my subject without having to step back as far as I would with the Nikon.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II produces slightly creamier bokeh, which can be flattering for portraits. During a corporate headshot session, I found the background separation to be slightly more pleasing with the Nikon, though the difference was subtle.
Sports Photography
For sports photography, both lenses have their strengths:
The Tamron 70-200mm G2’s faster autofocus and superior image stabilization make it excellent for capturing fast action. I shot a soccer tournament with both lenses, and the Tamron consistently captured more sharp images of players in motion, especially in lower light conditions.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II’s slightly better subject tracking makes it ideal for sports where subjects move unpredictably, like basketball or tennis. During a tennis match, the Nikon maintained focus on the player more consistently as they moved across the court.
Wildlife Photography
For wildlife photography, both lenses work well, but with different strengths:
The Tamron 70-200mm G2’s closer minimum focusing distance makes it better for small subjects like birds and insects. During a visit to a local nature reserve, I was able to capture detailed shots of small birds that would have been impossible with the Nikon’s longer minimum focus distance.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II’s slightly better bokeh and subject tracking make it ideal for larger wildlife subjects. During a safari trip, I found the Nikon to be slightly better at tracking moving animals like antelopes and zebras.
Also Read: Nikon 24-70 2.8 VR vs Non VR
Event Photography
For events like weddings or parties, both lenses have their strengths:
The Tamron 70-200mm G2’s superior image stabilization makes it excellent for indoor events with challenging lighting. During a dimly lit reception, it consistently delivered sharp images where other lenses might have struggled.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II’s slightly better autofocus tracking makes it ideal for capturing fleeting moments at events. During a wedding ceremony, it captured more sharp images of the couple as they moved down the aisle.
Who Should Buy Which Lens?
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 Is For You If:
- You want the best possible image stabilization
- You frequently shoot in low-light conditions
- You need a closer minimum focusing distance
- You’re on a tighter budget but still want professional performance
- You prioritize sharpness and optical performance above all else
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II Is For You If:
- You prefer using native Nikon lenses
- You primarily shoot sports or action
- You value subject tracking and autofocus performance
- You prefer slightly creamier bokeh
- You have the budget for a premium lens
Alternative Options to Consider
While these two lenses are excellent choices, they’re not your only options. If you’re looking for something different, consider:
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: Nikon’s current flagship 70-200mm lens, lighter and optically superior to the VR II, but at a higher price.
- Tamron 70-210mm f/4 Di VC USD: A lighter, more affordable option with a slightly smaller aperture, but excellent performance for its price.
- Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports: Another third-party alternative with excellent build quality and optical performance.
- Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR: If you don’t need the f/2.8 aperture, this lighter, more affordable option is worth considering.
Pro Tips: Getting the Most From Your Telephoto Lens
Whether you choose the Tamron 70-200mm G2 or the Nikon 70-200mm VR II, here are some tips I’ve learned over the years:
- Use a monopod for stability: Especially for sports and wildlife photography, a monopod can help reduce fatigue and improve sharpness.
- Master your autofocus settings: Both lenses have complex autofocus systems. Take time to learn the different AF modes and when to use them.
- Stop down slightly for maximum sharpness: While both lenses are sharp wide open, stopping down to f/4 can improve corner sharpness.
- Use a lens hood: Not only does it reduce flare, but it also provides valuable protection for your front element.
- Clean your lens regularly: Telephoto lenses, especially those with extending barrels, can suck in dust. Use a quality lens cleaning kit to maintain optical clarity.
Also Read: Mamiya RB67 vs RB67 Pro S
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tamron 70-200 G2 as good as the Nikon 70-200 VR II?
In many ways, yes. The Tamron offers superior image stabilization, closer minimum focusing distance, and slightly better sharpness wide open. However, the Nikon has better autofocus tracking and slightly creamier bokeh. For most photographers, the differences are minimal, and the Tamron offers excellent value for the price.
Can I use these lenses on Nikon’s mirrorless Z-series cameras?
Yes, both lenses can be used on Nikon Z-series cameras with the FTZ or FTZ II adapter. I’ve used both on my Z7 II, and they perform excellently with minimal loss in autofocus speed or image quality.
Which lens is better for video work?
Both lenses are suitable for video, but the Tamron’s superior image stabilization makes it slightly better for handheld video work. However, the Nikon’s quieter autofocus might be more important if you’re recording audio.
How do these lenses compare to Nikon’s newer 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR?
Nikon’s newer 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is lighter, optically superior, and has better autofocus than both the Tamron G2 and Nikon VR II. However, it’s also significantly more expensive. For most photographers, the Tamron G2 offers the best balance of performance and value.
Do these lenses have focus breathing issues?
Both lenses exhibit some focus breathing, which is common in zoom lenses. The Nikon shows slightly more breathing than the Tamron, especially at the telephoto end. For most photography applications, this won’t be noticeable, but it could be a concern for serious videographers.
Final Verdict
After months of shooting with both lenses in various conditions, I’ve come to this conclusion: both the Tamron 70-200mm G2 and the Nikon 70-200mm VR II are excellent telephoto lenses that will serve most photographers well.
The Tamron 70-200mm G2 is the better value option, offering superior image stabilization, closer minimum focusing distance, and slightly better sharpness wide open. It’s an excellent choice for photographers who prioritize optical performance and want professional quality without breaking the bank.
The Nikon 70-200mm VR II, on the other hand, delivers slightly better autofocus tracking and creamier bokeh. It’s an excellent choice for sports photographers and those who prefer using native Nikon lenses.
Ultimately, the right lens depends on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. If you’re on a tighter budget or prioritize image stabilization and close focusing, the Tamron 70-200mm G2 is hard to beat. If you primarily shoot sports or action and prefer native Nikon lenses, the Nikon 70-200mm VR II is an excellent choice.
Whichever lens you choose, you’re getting a high-quality optic that will serve you well for years to come. Happy shooting!