The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM and the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E 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 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is the longer of the two lenses at 108mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 22mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM also has a larger diameter of 88mm 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, 52% (540g) lighter than the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM's weight of 1020g.
Filter Threads
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a filter size of 82mm whereas the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has a 72mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has the Nikon F (DX) 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 Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM is also available in the Sigma SA and Canon EF mounts.
Focal Range
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG OS HSM has a focal range of 24-70mm and
2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 105mm.
On the other hand, the 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.
