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 Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 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. Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 is the longer of the two lenses at 141mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 55mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 also has a larger diameter of 92mm compared to the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR's 80mm 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 DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR weighs 480g, which means it is 490g (50%) lighter than the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 which has a weight of 970g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 has a 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend for the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 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.
Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 is also available in Canon EF 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 Zeiss Otus 1.4/55 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 55mm. When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 82.5mm.
