The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM and the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR 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. Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 92mm. The Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR with a length of 85mm, is 7mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR'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. Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR weighs 485g, 14% (80g) lighter than the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM's weight of 565g.
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
The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR has a 67mm 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 Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM and the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR 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.
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has a focal range of 17-50mm and
2.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
25.5-75mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR has a focal range of 16-85mm and 5.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24-127.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.