The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR and the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH 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. Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 2mm shorter. On the other hand, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH's 73mm 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. Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH weighs 315g, 34% (165g) lighter than the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR's weight of 480g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH has a 67mm 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 DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH has the Micro Four Thirds 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 OM System OM-3 Astro, OM System OM-5 II and OM System OM-3 for the Micro Four Thirds Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a focal range of 16-80mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
24-120mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Panasonic 8-18mm F2.8-4.0 ASPH has a focal range of 8-18mm and 2.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 16-36mm when used on a FourThirds format camera.
