Are you a wildlife or sports photographer looking for a powerful telephoto zoom lens?
The Nikon 200-500 and Tamron 150-600 G2 are two popular choices that offer exceptional reach and image quality.
But which one is right for you? In this comparison article, we’ll take a closer look at these two lenses and help you decide which one will best suit your needs.
![Nikon 200-500 Vs Tamron 150-600 G2](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Nikon-200-500-Vs-Tamron-150-600-G2.webp)
Nikon 200-500 Vs Tamron 150-600 G2: What Is The Key Feature?
Both lenses are telephoto zoom lenses compatible with the Nikon F mount. The Nikon 200-500mm has a focal range of 200-500mm and a constant aperture of f/5.6, while the Tamron 150-600mm G2 has a focal range of 150-600mm and a variable aperture of f/5-6.3.
The Tamron lens has a new Flex Zoom Lock mechanism, better moisture resistance, and faster AF speed. However, the Nikon lens has a slightly shorter minimum focusing distance and is lighter in weight.
Quick Comparison Table
Specifications | Nikon 200-500 mm | Tamron 150-600 mm G2 |
---|---|---|
Focal Length | 200 | 150 |
Maximum Magnification | 0.22x | 0.26x |
Minimum Focus distance | 86.4 inches | 86.64 inches |
Max Aperture | f/5.6 | f/5 |
Number of Groups | 12 | 13 |
Number of Elements | 19 | 21 |
Filter Size | 95 mm | 95 mm |
Weather Sealed | No | Yes |
Image Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
Tripod Collar | Included | Included |
Aperture Blade Design | Rounded | Rounded |
Diameter | 4.25 in | 4.27 in |
Length | 10.53 in. | 10.24 in. |
Weight | 4.6 lbs. | 4.42 lbs. |
Nikon 200-500 Vs Tamron 150-600 G2: In-Depth Comparison
Using the 500-600mm range means shooting at 10-12x magnification, and it is more than a typical 8x pair of binoculars.
This range is mostly required for wildlife photography and a few sports photography subjects such as motorsports.
The following is the comparison of the Nikon 200-500 and Tamron 150-600 g2 cameras with plenty of features to help you pick the best lens for your challenging photography:
Fixed Versus Variable Aperture
![Fixed Versus Variable Aperture](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/Fixed-Versus-Variable-Aperture.webp)
Edge: Nikon 200-500
The Tamron 150-600 has a variable maximum aperture, while the Nikon 200-500 comes with a fixed maximum aperture.
In comparison, fixed apertures are sharper, faster, and costlier than variable apertures.
However, it’s mostly true for f/2.8 zooms. At a fixed f/5.6, the Nikon 200-500 lens isn’t much faster and 1/3stop quicker than the Tamron at maximum zoom.
Conversely, the Tamron 150-600 lens is faster at the wide ends than the Nikon 200-500.
Sharpness
Edge: Nikon 200-500
The Nikon 200-500 is sharp at 500 mm and close to the least focusing distance.
However, its corner sharpness begins to fall off from around 600 feet from the subject to infinity.
In this case, the Tamron 150-600 beat Nikon at a long distance, even at infinity.
This Nikon lens is the perfect option for shooting smaller wildlife photography and cropping. You can also use the lens for shooting a crop sensor body.
Compared to the Nikon lens, the Tamron 150-600 has the best balance of corner-to-corner sharpness across the focal length.
This model is also preferable for long-distance landscapes. In terms of wildlife, it’s good enough.
However, the Tamron 150-600 can cause focusing issues at wider apertures.
For example, focusing using the center point and recomposing to move the subject near the corner of the frame needs either refocusing with the outer AF point or stopping down to improve depth of field.
>> Nikon 70-200 Vr1 vs Vr2 comparison
Autofocus Performance
![Autofocus Performance](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/Autofocus-Performance-1024x575.webp)
Edge: Tamron 150-600 G2
In terms of AF speed, the Tamron lens is considerably quicker. Even it takes the same amount of time to rack focus from 10 feet to infinity.
In this case, the Nikon lens is slightly slower.
If you consider accuracy, you’ll find both the Nikon and Tamron similar.
Plus, the Nikon 200-500 lens operates on Silent Wave focusing technology while the Tamron 150-600 g2 uses the USD Ultrasonic Silent Drive system.
But both lenses work similarly as they use an ultrasonic drive to shift the focusing elements existing inside the lens.
Hence, the lenses remain steady in their size during autofocusing while the zoom length changes.
>> Can you tell if a Nikon lens is DX or FX
Manual Focus
Edge: Nikon 200-500
The focus collars of the Tamron turn in the opposite direction from Nikon. However, it isn’t a big deal as reverse zoon.
During manual focusing, the photographer gets a little bit more time, and the reverse direction won’t cause them to miss the shot.
The Tamron has a larger and smoother focus ring, making the manual focus adjustment much easier.
The Nikon also has a big and smooth focus collar placed a bit far from the body for better balance. In terms of manual focusing, Nikon is better than Tamron.
Despite this, both of these lenses exhibit the same amount of focus breathing.
Its meaning is that during focusing on close images, the image magnification is low compared to the expectation at the given setting.
Flare
Edge: Both
Flare is a test of the capability of a lens in tough conditions.
Both the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 150-600 g2 offer similar performance in strong backlight with regard to flare.
Neither of these lenses has an expensive coating, either, so they won’t perform well in intense backlight. Hence, you may get a few soft images.
Build Quality
![Build Quality Tamron 150-600 G2](https://ronspixguide.com/wp-content/uploads/Build-Quality-Tamron-150-600-G2.webp)
Edge: Tamron 150-600 G2
Both the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 150-600 g2 come with the decent build quality. They both have a rubber gasket at the lens mount.
However, Tamron claims that this one is waterproof.
In practice, none of these premium lenses are waterproof. Tamron, on the other hand, can withstand mist, rain, fog, and streams but not heavy downpours.
The Nikon 200-500 offers a 5 year warranty while the Tamron 150-600 g2 features a 6 year warranty.
However, you can’t claim a warranty due to water damage or wear and tear.
Despite, both lenses including tripod mounts and operating the same way, the Nikon is a bit larger than its counterpart.
Image Stabilization
Edge: Tamron 150-600 G2
In terms of image stabilization, both the Tamron 150-600mm G2 and the Nikon 200-500mm outshine and work well.
However, the image of the Nikon lens sometimes tends to jump around slightly, so you have to recompose the images slightly.
It can frustrate you, especially during shooting a burst. In this case, the Tamron 150-600 g2 has a slight edge.
Bokeh
Edge: Nikon 200-500
Bokeh and depth of field are desirable for every photographer.
Though the Tamron 150-600 g2 produces a brighter image, its bokeh doesn’t remain as sharp as the Nikon 200-500.
The Nikon lens provides a more round appeal to the bokeh.
Another consideration is the zoom lock. The zoom lock is used to prevent the barrel extension and allow it to shoot at the maximum focal length.
In comparison, both the Nikon and Tamron lenses extend to full length without blocking them.
Lens Hood
Edge: Both
Both the Nikon and Tamron hoods are slightly difficult to untwist from the stowed position and struggle with strong backlight.
Lens Case
Edge: Nikon 200-500
The Nikon 200-500 comes in a standard Nikon black sock, while the Tamron 150-600 comes in a normal plastic bag.
Nikon 200-500 vs Tamron 150-600 G2: Which Lens Is Best?
The best lens between the Nikon 200-500 and the Tamron 150-600 g2 depends on your preference.
Though these prime lenses use different technology, they aren’t much different and do a great job.
The Tamron is also cheaper, and its focal length specs and weight offer impressive benefits.
However, Nikon will reward your minimum focus distance and constant aperture.
The other benefits of the Tamron 150-600 g2 are decent sharpness overall, fast and accurate AF, decent tracking of moving subjects, and image stabilization.
Conversely, some benefits of the Nikon 200-500 lens are reliable, precise AF, razor-sharp up close, tracking moving subjects, and decent image stabilization.
If you are concerned about downsides, the Tamron lens tends to cause autofocus freeze-ups occasionally, big-time dust pumps, and reverse focus.
On the other hand, the Nikon produces soft images at long distances, especially at longer focal lengths.
It is larger and heavier and has a large VR shift. Plus, its AF achievement is also slower and has less range.
FAQs
Is the Tamron 150 600 worth it?
The Tamron 150-600 is an excellent lens for its decent captured results, particularly for the relative price.
It’s a versatile lens for capturing a variety of scenarios, including moving subjects from a long distance.
What Is The Sweet Spot For Nikon’s 200–500mm Lens?
The Nikon 200-500 lens produces an image with superb sharpness with the sweet spot at f/8.
Hence the lens is photographing in a dark environment in the wild.
Final words
Both the Nikon 200-500 and Tamron 150-600 G2 lenses are solid performers.
They also come in durable and weather-sealed designs as well as being considerably lighter. Plus, both prime lenses feature image stabilization technology.
Still, they produce different performances in terms of specific aspects and overall results.
I hope this Nikon 200-500 vs Tamron 150-600 G2 debating guide helps you pick the preferable lens to achieve your desired photography.