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 Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD 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 DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM is the longer of the two lenses at 88mm. The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD with a length of 82mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM also has a larger diameter of 81mm compared to the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD's 74mm 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. Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD weighs 430g, 25% (147g) lighter than the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM's weight of 577g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Sony Alpha Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
The Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has a filter size of 72mm whereas the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD 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 72mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD:
Lens Mounts
Both the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM and the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD has the same Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Sony Alpha lenses are Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58.
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD is also available in Canon EF , Nikon F (DX) and Pentax KAF mounts.
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 Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 XR II LD 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.