The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM and the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF 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 Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM with a length of 88mm, is 23mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM's 81mm 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 DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM weighs 577g, which means it is 178g (23%) lighter than the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF which has a weight of 755g.
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF:
Lens Mounts
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has the Sony Alpha lens mount whereas the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM 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.
On the other hand, the 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.
