The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM and the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 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. Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM is the longer of the two lenses at 111mm. The Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX with a length of 97mm, is 14mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
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. Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX weighs 610g, 5% (35g) lighter than the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM's weight of 645g.
Filter Threads
Both the Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM and the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
The Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM has the Canon EF-S lens mount whereas the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX has the Canon EF lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF-S Mount and Canon T8i, Canon 90D and Canon SL3 for the Canon EF Mount.
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX is also available in Nikon F (DX) mount.
Focal Range
Canon 17-55mm f2.8 IS USM has a focal range of 17-55mm and
3.2X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27.2-88mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX has a focal range of 16-50mm and 3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.6-80mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.