The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF and the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II 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. Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II is the longer of the two lenses at 112mm. The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF with a length of 106mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II also has a larger diameter of 88mm compared to the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF's 83mm 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 FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II weighs 547g, 26% (198g) lighter than the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF's weight of 745g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a 82mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF:
And these are the 82mm filters that we recommend for the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has the Sony E lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF has a focal range of 17-35mm and
2.1X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
25.5 - 52.5mm.
On the other hand, the Sony FE 16-35mm F2.8 GM II has a focal range of 16-35mm and 2.2X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 52.5mm.
