Nikon
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Prime/zoom
92
/ 100
From $2,799
VS
Tamron
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
Prime/Zoom
92
/ 100
From $1,899
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lands at 92 and Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD at 92. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR if…
- ✓Proven optical formula
- ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- ✓Strong resale
Pick Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD if…
- ✓Fast autofocus
- ✓Weather-sealed
- ✓Premium optics
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR 92
vs 92 Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
Score breakdown
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
92 sharpness 92
af 88
build 90
value 86
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
92 sharpness 92
af 91
build 94
value 84
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD |
|---|
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Pros
- +Proven optical formula
- +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
- +Strong resale
Cons
- −Mount-specific
- −Older AF motor on some
- −Heavier than modern counterparts
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
Pros
- +Fast autofocus
- +Weather-sealed
- +Premium optics
Cons
- −Heavy
- −Expensive
- −Focus breathing varies
FAQ: Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
Which is better, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +
Both score 92 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR worth the price? +
At $2,799, Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in sharpness.
Is Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD worth the price? +
At $1,899, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in build.
Does Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.