The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX 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 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 111mm. The Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX with a length of 97mm, is 14mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX's 84mm 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. Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX weighs 610g, 19% (145g) lighter than the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF's weight of 755g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF and the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has a focal range of 17-55mm and
3.2X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
25.5-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX has a focal range of 16-50mm and 3.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.