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 Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA 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 DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR is the longer of the two lenses at 86mm. The Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA with a length of 83mm, is 3mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA's 72mm 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. Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA weighs 445g, 7% (35g) 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 Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA 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 DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
And these are the 62mm filters that we recommend for the Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA has the Sony Alpha 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 Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Focal Range
Both lenses have the same focal range of
16-80mm but while Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the fastest aperture of
F2.8 - F4.0, the Sony DT 16-80mm F3.5-4.5 ZA's widest aperture value is
F3.5 - F4.5.
