The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 is the longer of the two lenses at 206mm. The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD with a length of 95mm, is 111mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 also has a larger diameter of 85mm compared to the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD's 80mm diameter.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD weighs 570g, 41% (410g) lighter than the Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9's weight of 980g.
Filter Threads
The Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD:
Lens Mounts
The Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A9 III, Sony A7C Mark II and Sony A7CR for the Sony E Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Fujinon MK 18-55mm T2.9 has a focal range of 18-55mm and
3.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
27 - 82.5mm.
On the other hand, the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II VC LD has a focal range of 17-50mm and 2.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.