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 Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 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 Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 with a length of 70mm, is 16mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR also has a larger diameter of 80mm compared to the Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6'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. Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 weighs 237g, 50% (243g) 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 Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 has a 58mm 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 58mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 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.
Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 is also available in Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Pentax KAF mounts.
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 Tamron AF 28-80mm f3.5-5.6 has a focal range of 28-80mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42 - 120mm.
