Another lens conundrum... Tamron 70-200 f2.8 or Nikon 70-200 f4?

[juggler]

For portraiture use on full frame, both outdoor and studio.

Does the weight of the Tamron get you down?
Do you find flare an issue with either?

The Nikon f2.8 is too expensive when options like the Tamron exist and I've already got an 85mm f1.8 for more considered work but I'd really like a fast-focusing zoom in this range.

 

[CraigDHD]

I've not used the f4 so can't do a comparison but my views on the tamron, weight isn't a big issue for me though it balances better on my d700 than d750. It is as sharp and quick as I could ever need and seems solid and smooth to me. I love the photos it produces probably my favourite lens but there's 2 potential issues. it doesn't take teleconvertors, not really an issue for what I shoot. It does focus breathe quite badly, now if you were comparing it to the nikon 2.8 it's probably fairly similar but I've heard the f4 is better for this. It only affects it at close range and the real world affect is you can't go quite as tight as you'd expect at the minimum focus distance, If I was going super tight I'd use my macro anyway personally. I got mine for about £600 used and for that it is a beast of a lens and I'd have no issues recommending it but it would probably come down to whether 2.8 and price is more useful than the drawbacks.

 

[connersz]

I've used the Tamron and it's fantastic. I actually have the 24-70 version which I use all the time. I've not tried the Nikon but they're not quite comparable as Nikon also make a 2.8. Is the f4 all the way through?

 

[juggler]

Thank you both. I've read that the f4 is much better for focus breathing but it doesn't really worry me. And thanks for the heads up about teleconverters. One of the potential reasons for going to f2.8 would be to allow for a TC, not that I have any real need of one.

 

[PaulButler]

Not used the tamron 70-200 (well the new one, have tried the older one which is dire). I own the Nikon F4, it is really rather good, but not weather sealed if that matters. Focus is fast and the VR works well. Not shot any portraits with it yet so can't help there, sorry. I haven't noticed any focus breathing either, but it isn't something that bothers me so haven't really looked for it. It will take TC's too, works fine with the 1.4.