The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 each cowl the extensive angle vary you want for landscapes, journey, and even astro work. Deciding between them issues as a result of the selection impacts not solely sharpness and weight but additionally what circumstances you possibly can shoot in with out carrying a number of lenses.
Coming to you from Adrian Alford Pictures, this detailed video places the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 G2 aspect by aspect and exhibits precisely how they differ in real-world use. The Nikon is barely shorter when retracted, however as soon as prolonged at 14mm, it truly turns into longer than the Tamron. That issues as a result of the Tamron makes use of an inner zoom design, which makes it higher at preserving out mud and moisture. Alford explains how exterior zoom barrels just like the Nikon’s can attract nice particles, one thing you’ll discover over time when you’re working in dry or gritty environments. On the similar time, he factors out the Tamron’s entrance component does shift, so that you’ll nonetheless need to shield it with a filter.
Measurement and weight variations could appear minor, however they add up. The Nikon weighs 485 grams, whereas the Tamron is available in lighter at 450 grams. Aperture is one other clear dividing line. The Nikon runs from f/4 to f/22, whereas the Tamron opens to f/2.8 and stops at f/16. That further light-gathering skill exhibits itself in minimal focus assessments. At 16mm, the Tamron focuses as shut as 19 cm, letting you create stronger background blur in comparison with Nikon’s fixed 28 cm throughout the zoom vary. Whenever you step as much as 30mm, the Nikon closes the hole barely by focusing 2 cm nearer than the Tamron, however the distinction in bokeh nonetheless favors the sooner lens.
One other stunning element is available in area of view. The Nikon solely goes 2mm wider at 14mm, however the distinction is seen. Facet-by-side examples make it clear that even these small numbers translate into noticeably extra protection, which issues for landscapes or actual property interiors the place each little bit of width counts. Autofocus pace is almost equivalent, although Alford thought the Tamron snapped only a contact faster from foreground to background. Filter sizes are much less about efficiency and extra about value and comfort. The Nikon requires 82mm filters, whereas Tamron continues its constant 67mm thread throughout the G2 sequence. That makes sharing filters between a number of Tamron lenses a lot simpler, whereas Nikon homeowners may have step-up rings in the event that they don’t need to purchase a number of filter sizes.
Sharpness assessments confirmed each lenses performing nicely, with the Nikon probably simply edging forward when extensive open, however not by a big margin. Worth, nonetheless, is more durable to disregard. The Tamron is a powerful worth from the beginning. Alford notes that for his personal package, he retains the Nikon, but when he have been beginning contemporary, he would lean towards the Tamron as a result of its f/2.8 aperture makes it extra versatile for astro, occasions, and journey while not having one other extensive lens within the bag. Take a look at the video above for the complete rundown from Alford.
