The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR and the Nikon 20mm f2.8D 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. Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR is the longer of the two lenses at 73mm. The Nikon 20mm f2.8D with a length of 43mm, is 30mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR also has a larger diameter of 77mm compared to the Nikon 20mm f2.8D's 69mm 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 AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR weighs 230g, which means it is 40g (14%) lighter than the Nikon 20mm f2.8D which has a weight of 270g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Nikon 20mm f2.8D has a 62mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 20mm f2.8D:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 20mm f2.8D has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon AF-P DX 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR has a focal range of 10-20mm and
2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
15-30mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 20mm f2.8D is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 20mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 30mm.