Which Lens is Best for Sports Photography: Nikon Z 24-120, Tamron 70-300, or Nikon Z 105 f2.8?

Are you a sports enthusiast looking to capture those action-packed moments on your camera? If you own a Nikon Z 5 camera and want to invest in a zoom lens, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll explore three popular lens options – the Nikon Z 24-120, Tamron 70-300, and Nikon Z 105 f2.8 – and help you decide which one suits your needs best.

The Dilemma

Our reader Soaptrail is torn between these three lenses. While the Nikon Z 24-70 is a great lens, they are considering the 24-120 for its extended zoom range. On the other hand, the Tamron 70-300 is an intriguing option with limited available metrics but promising online photos. Lastly, the Nikon Z 105 f2.8 offers macro capabilities but lacks the versatility of a zoom lens.

With another season of high school mountain biking around the corner, Soaptrail needs a lens that allows them to capture the action from different distances. Budget is a consideration, and they find the Nikon 70-200MM 2.8 too large for their needs.

The Clear Choice for Sports

Out of the three options, the Tamron 70-300 emerges as the clear winner for sports photography. While the Z 105mm and 24-70 f/4 are excellent lenses, they do not excel in capturing fast-paced action. The Z 105mm, in particular, may be slow to focus for sports, and the 24-70 f/4 lacks the necessary reach.

Soaptrail’s Z 5 camera features In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which helps compensate for the Tamron lens’s lack of Vibration Reduction (VR). However, it’s worth noting that the Z5’s maximum frame rate may be limiting for sports photography.

Consideration for Different Lens Options

Although the Tamron lens is an excellent choice, let’s explore a few other alternatives that may suit Soaptrail’s needs:

  1. Nikon Z 24-200mm: This lens offers an extensive zoom range and can be found on various platforms like MPB, KEH, and even Nikon USA refurbished. However, it may be slower to focus at the longer end and still falls slightly short for sports photography.

  2. Nikon Z50 with the 50-250mm Kit Lens: If budget is a concern, this combination provides a viable option. It costs a little more than the Tamron lens and considerably less than pairing the FTZ adapter with the F-mount 70-300mm lens. It may require some experimentation with the autofocus modes, but once dialed in, it delivers impressive results for sports photography.

Making the Right Choice

When photographing sports, it’s crucial to have a lens that can keep up with the action. While the Nikon Z 24-120 and Z 105 f2.8 are fantastic lenses, they may not be the most suitable options for sports photography. The Tamron 70-300, on the other hand, ticks the right boxes, offering a balanced combination of zoom range and performance.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative, the Nikon Z50 with the 50-250mm kit lens provides an excellent starting point. While it may require some tweaking of autofocus settings, it has proven to be a reliable choice for sports photography.

Ready to capture those thrilling moments on the field or track? Explore the full range of lenses available at Blog Hồng and equip yourself with the perfect gear for your sports photography adventures.

Disclaimer: Our recommendations are based on expertise and experience in the field of photography. Individual preferences and shooting conditions may vary, so we encourage you to explore different options before making a final decision.