The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S 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 Z 24-120mm F4 S is the longer of the two lenses at 118mm. The Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX with a length of 97mm, is 21mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
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, 3% (20g) lighter than the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S's weight of 630g.
Filter Threads
Both the Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S 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
The Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon ZR, Nikon Z5 II and RED Komodo-X 6K Z for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 24-120mm F4 S has a focal range of 24-120mm and
5.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 180mm.
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.