DxOMark published their test results for the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lenses and those are their conclusions:
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD ($1,299.00)
“A DxOMark Overall Score of 29 ranks the Tamron 1st for image quality on professional standard zooms, just pushing the own brand Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G AD into second with 28 points, and is well ahead of the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM with 23.
The Tamron offers better sharpness overall, scoring 17 P-Mpix, compared to 15 P-Mpix for the Nikon, good performance at f/2.8 and boasts significantly better chromatic aberration results, too.
What’s more with a $1299 price tag it’s a whooping $600 cheaper than the own brand alternative making it superb value for money for Nikon shooters.”
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II ($2,396.95)
“So, no surprises, one of the most expensive medium range telephoto lenses ever has impressive DxOMark Scores and nudges out both its predecessor and Nikon’s cheaper f/4 version to boot. In fact the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II has no significant weaknesses and is the best zoom lens you can mount on a Nikon Full Frame body.
It comes top in the DxOMark table of top 5 70-200mm lenses beating both its predecessor the Nikon 70-200mm f2.8G ED VR and the cheaper 3rd party competition from Sigma. Costing $2400 it’s expensive however and for $1000 less the Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is an excellent lens too that offers the same sharpness as the f/2.8 version but with more vignetting visible shooting at the maximum aperture.”
Here is the new top 5 list for the best 70-200mm lenses mounted on the Nikon D800 camera:
