Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR vs Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD
Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD has more in its favour on paper. The 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD gathers more light for low light and background blur; the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR is the alternative. The Nikon lens is the mount maker's own, while the Tamron is a third-party alternative.
Choose the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR for
- more reach (600mm vs 500mm)
Choose the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD for
- a brighter maximum aperture (f/5-6.7, about 0.3 stops more light)
- less weight (1725g vs 1955g)
- a lower price (about £1,199 vs £1,550)
- a wider starting focal length (150mm vs 180mm)
| Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR | 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Nikon | Tamron |
| Focal length | 180-600mm | 150-500mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5.6-6.3 | f/5-6.7 |
| Weight | 1955 g | 1725 g |
| Stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes |
| Filter size | 95mm | 82mm |
| Made for | Full frame | Full frame |
| New price | £1,699 | £1,199 |
| Used at MPB (Nikon Z) | £1,449–£1,659 | None listed |
More lens comparisons
See all Nikon Z cameras and lenses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR better than the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD?
The Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR offers more reach (600mm vs 500mm); the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers a brighter maximum aperture (f/5-6.7, about 0.3 stops more light), less weight (1725g vs 1955g), a lower price (about £1,199 vs £1,550).
Which is better value, the Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR or the 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD?
On Nikon Z, the Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD costs about £1,199 against about £1,550 for the Nikon Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR (MPB used where listed, otherwise new; checked 5 November 2026).
Is f/5 worth it over f/5.6?
f/5 gathers about 0.3 stops more light, which helps indoors, at night and for background blur. If you mostly shoot in good light, the slower lens is usually lighter and cheaper.
Do both lenses fit the same cameras?
Both are available for Nikon Z (and other mounts: Sony E / FE, Fujifilm X).