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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
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD wins by 1
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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lands at 91 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 1 points — a narrow 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 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

Sharpness

Tie

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

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

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 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 89).

Value for money

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

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD more score per dollar ($1,899 vs $2,699).

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 91
vs
92 Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Score breakdown

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
91
sharpness 91
af 89
build 88
value 85
Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD
92
sharpness 92
af 91
build 94
value 84

Specs side-by-side

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S versus Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — full spec comparison
Spec Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

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

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

FAQ: Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD

Which is better, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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 1. 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 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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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 Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S 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 88). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S or Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD? +

Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD — leads on af (91 vs 89). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.