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Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Prime/zoom

88
/ 100
From $1,599
VS
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Prime/Zoom

88
/ 100
From $899
Specdex verdict

Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G lands at 88 and Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 at 88. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.

Pick Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale

Pick Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Compared on the build sub-score

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Autofocus

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 leads on af (87 vs 84).

Value for money

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 more score per dollar ($899 vs $1,599).

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 88
vs
88 Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
build 90
value 86
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
88
sharpness 88
af 87
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G versus Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

FAQ: Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G vs Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2? +

Both score 88 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G worth the price? +

At $1,599, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Is Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 worth the price? +

At $899, Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 delivers a Specdex score of 88 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 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.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2? +

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2? +

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 — leads on af (87 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.