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Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — Prime/Zoom
Nikon

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Prime/Zoom

91
/ 100
From $2,699
VS
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S wins by 5
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD — Prime/Zoom
Tamron

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Prime/Zoom

86
/ 100
From $899
Specdex verdict

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lands at 91 and Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD at 86. That puts Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)

Pick Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD if…

  • ✓Fast aperture
  • ✓Quiet autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed (most)
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Winner by scenario

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

Sharpness

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on sharpness (91 vs 86).

Build

Tie

Compared on the build sub-score

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

Autofocus

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S leads on af (89 vs 84).

Value for money

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD more score per dollar ($899 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
86 Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD
86
sharpness 86
af 84
build 88
value 85

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Pros
  • +Fast aperture
  • +Quiet autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed (most)
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Weight varies
  • −Price scales with quality

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S scores 91 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S worth the price? +

At $2,699, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in sharpness.

Is Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD worth the price? +

At $899, Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD delivers a Specdex score of 86 — strongest in build.

Does Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD 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 sharpness, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on sharpness (91 vs 86). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD? +

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S — leads on af (89 vs 84). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.