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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 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD wins by 4
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Prime/Zoom

92
/ 100
From $1,899
Specdex verdict

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G lands at 88 and Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD at 92. That puts Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 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
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Winner by scenario

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

Build

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the build sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on sharpness (92 vs 88).

Autofocus

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD leads on af (91 vs 84).

Value for money

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G more score per dollar ($1,599 vs $1,899).

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G 88
vs
92 Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Score breakdown

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
88
sharpness 88
af 84
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

Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G versus Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

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 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 85mm f/1.4G vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Which is better, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD scores 92 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. 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 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 85mm f/1.4G 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.

Which is better for build, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — leads on sharpness (92 vs 88). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.