Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR SvsTamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
100-400mm / F4.5-5.6
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18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
18-300mm / F3.5-6.3
27-450mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S suits you better
No standout advantage in this comparison.
When the 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD suits you better
- Brightness0.7 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- Weight720g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 15cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 18-300mm in a single lens
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S222mm long × 98mm diameter
- 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD127.6mm long × 75.5mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S | Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 100mm | 18mm | +82mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 400mm | 300mm | +100mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F4.5 | F3.5 | 0.7 stops darker |
| Max aperture (tele) | F5.6 | F6.3 | 0.3 stops brighter |
| Min aperture | F32 | — | No data |
| Min focus distance | 75cm | 15cm | +0.60m |
| Max magnification | 0.38× | — | No data |
| Aperture blades | 9blades | — | No data |
| Weight | 1.36kg | 635g | +720g |
| Length | 222mm | 127.6mm | +94.4mm |
| Diameter | 98mm | 75.5mm | +22.5mm |
| Filter size | 77mm | 67mm | +10mm |
| Released | 2022 | 2025 | −3year |
| Stabilization | Yes | Yes | — |
| Weather sealing | Yes | Yes | — |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S relative to 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
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18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD
ADLinks to Amazon, MPB, Wex Photo Video, Park Cameras, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links to London Camera Exchange are not affiliate links.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S in detail18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD in detailAll Z mount lenses