StoreDeal.ai store
Shop
  • Deals
  • Deal checker
  • Black Friday
  • Buying guides
  • Brands
  • Stores
Travel
  • Flight deals
  • Hotel deals
Company
  • Research
  • Press
  • deal.ai apps
Black Friday 2026
  • Walmart
  • Best Buy
  • Target
  • TVs
  • Laptops
  • Headphones
  • Apple
  • Gaming
  • Vacuums
  • Kitchen
  • Toys
  • Smartwatches
  • Tablets
  • Furniture
  • Mattresses
© Deal.ai Inc.
TermsPrivacy
Deal.ai › Compare

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Both are constant f/2.8 24-70mm full-frame zooms with stabilization, so the choice comes down to mount and handling. The Nikon is the heavier, larger lens with fluorine-coated front and rear elements, an electromagnetic aperture, and a 20-element design; owners praise its sharpness and bokeh for weddings, portraits and travel, though it is a big lens to carry all day. The Tamron G2 is the lighter, smaller alternative with VC and USD, and it is the only option if you shoot Canon EF; on Nikon bodies it needs the right mount version. Buy the Nikon for a Nikon F body and the Tamron for a Canon EF body or a lighter bag.

  • Choose the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR if you shoot a Nikon F-mount full-frame body and want fluorine-coated elements, an electromagnetic aperture and the rendering owners praise for portraits and events.
  • Choose the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 if you shoot Canon EF, or want a lighter stabilized f/2.8 standard zoom for travel and all-day carry.

Prices

  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: $1,395.00 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium (last seen Nov 3)
  • Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: $699.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is $695.05 cheaper than the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 9)
Nikon
AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

4.6(201 ratings)
$1,395.00at Willoughby's Photo EmporiumChecked Nov 3
See all prices and details
Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
Pros
  • Constant f/2.8 across 24-70mm
  • VR good for about four stops
  • Sharp, with pleasing bokeh for portraits and events
  • Fluorine coating on both front and rear elements
  • Electromagnetic aperture helps burst exposure consistency
Cons
  • Very heavy at about 37.7 oz
  • Large 82mm filters cost more
  • Owners note it is not ideal in low light
  • Nikon F mount only
Tamron
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

$699.95at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros

What separates them

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
MountNikon F onlyCanon EF (and a C-mount listing)
WeightAbout 37.7 oz, one of the heaviest in its classLighter and easier to carry all day
Size6.1 in long, 3.5 in diameter, 82mm filter threadMore compact barrel
StabilizationVR rated to about four stopsVC (Vibration Compensation)
AutofocusSilent Wave Motor with instant manual overrideUSD ring-type motor with full-time manual focus
Optical design20 elements in 16 groups, including one aspherical ED, three aspherical, two ED and one high-index elementG2 optical formula tuned for edge sharpness
Coatings and sealingNano Crystal and Super Integrated coatings; fluorine coating on front and rear elementsFluorine coating on the front element
Aperture controlElectromagnetic diaphragm for steadier exposure in continuous shootingConventional mechanical diaphragm

Price history

$1,446.95$1,099.00
Nov 4Nov 10
  • Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: lowest $1,395.00 on Nov 4 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium; $1,446.95 on Nov 10.
  • Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: lowest $1,099.00 on Nov 4 at Amazon; $1,099.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

  • Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,395.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,446.95Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by crutchfield_electronics (99.9% positive, 23,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $1,446.95Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • B&H Photo-Video-AudioNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,446.95Checked Nov 3
    Visit B&H Photo-Video-Audio

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • ClubCamera.comCheck price at ClubCamera.com
  • Wall Street PhotoCheck price at Wall Street Photo

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 10 stores and price history →

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $1,154.90Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by rarefindsuae (100% positive, 148 ratings)Ships from United Arab Emirates · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $699.95+ $119.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $891.01Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
ColorBlackBlack
Aperture (max)ƒ/2.8ƒ/2.8
ConstructionZoomZoom
Lens MountNikonC-Mount, Canon EF
Focal Length (min) (mm)24.024.0
Focal Length (max) (mm)70.070.0
MountNikon F—
Maximum Aperturef/2.8—
Image StabilizingYes—
Ultrasonic MotorYes—
Specialty TypeWide Angle—
AsphericalYes—
Show all 26 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Zoom Focal Length24-70 mm—
TypeZoom—
Focusing Distance (min) (ft)1.247—
Magnification Ratio (1:x) (x)0.27—
Elements/Groups20/16—
Diameter (")3.5—
Aperture (min)ƒ/22—
Weight (oz)37.743—
Type of LensStandard—
Release Year

What reviewers say

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

  • 4.6 / 5201 ratings

Reviewers call it a versatile, reliable performer for weddings, portraits and travel, with sharp output and pleasing bokeh. One notes it is not ideal in low light.

What people mention
  • SharpnessPraisedReviewers describe the lens as sharp across its zoom range.
  • BokehPraisedThe f/2.8 aperture gives bokeh reviewers call beautiful.
  • VersatilityPraisedOwners use it for weddings, portraits, branding sessions and travel.
  • Low lightCriticisedOne reviewer says it is not ideal in low light.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Owners and reviewers generally praise the sharp center, useful stabilization and weather sealing for the money. Many note it is heavy and that edge sharpness wide open and autofocus speed fall short of the first-party f/2.8 zooms.

What people mention
  • SharpnessMixedCenter is sharp wide open, but corners need stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6.
  • StabilizationPraisedVC lets owners handhold at slow shutter speeds in dim venues.
  • WeightCriticisedOwners find it heavy and front-heavy, especially on smaller DSLR bodies.
  • AutofocusMixedAF is accurate but slower and more prone to hunting than first-party pro zooms.

Questions and answers

Which is better for weddings and events?
Both work well. The Nikon's rendering and bokeh are widely praised by owners for weddings and portraits, but it is heavy for a full day on your feet. The Tamron is easier to carry through a long event.
Which is better for travel?
The Tamron. It is lighter and smaller, which matters when the lens stays on the camera all day. The Nikon is a big lens to pack and carry.
Do both have image stabilization?
Yes. Nikon calls it VR and rates it to about four stops; Tamron calls it VC. Both help in dim light and at the long end.
Which lasts longer?
Both are pro-grade zooms with metal mounts and weather-resistant construction. The Nikon's fluorine coating on both elements and electromagnetic aperture are durability pluses; the Tamron's lighter build is easier on your back but has fewer protective coatings.
Is the Nikon worth stepping up to?
If you shoot Nikon F and want the extra coatings, electromagnetic aperture and the rendering owners praise, yes. If you shoot Canon EF, the Tamron is the only one of the two that fits.
Can I use the Tamron on a Nikon body?
Not the version listed here, which is Canon EF. Tamron makes Nikon-fit versions of this lens, but check the mount before you buy.

Ask our shopping agent

It checks today's price at every store, compares the alternatives and answers in about a minute.

Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line

More comparisons

  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art
  • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens vs AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens
  • Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best standard zoom lenses for Nikon F mount
Constant f/2.8 across 24-70mm
  • Lighter and smaller for travel
  • VC and USD autofocus
  • Available in Canon EF
  • G2 build is a step up from the first version
  • Cons
    • Not available for Nikon F in this listing
    • Front-only fluorine coating
    • Fewer exotic elements than the Nikon design
    2015
    —
    Filter Diameter (")3.228—
    Auto FocusYes—
    Image StabilizationYes—
    Length (")6.1—