The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR and the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX 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. Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX is the longer of the two lenses at 78mm. The Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR with a length of 63mm, is 15mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR's 65mm 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. Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR weighs 205g, which means it is 405g (66%) lighter than the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX which has a weight of 610g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR has a filter size of 55mm whereas the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 55mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR and the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR is also available in Nikon F (DX) mount.
Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR has a focal range of 18-55mm and
3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has a focal range of 17-135mm and 7.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.