The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS 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. Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS is the longer of the two lenses at 113mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 27mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS also has a larger diameter of 83mm 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, 27% (183g) lighter than the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS's weight of 663g.
Filter Threads
The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS has a filter size of 77mm 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 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
The Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS has the Sony E 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 Sony FX5, Sony A7R VI and Sony A7 V for the Sony E Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Sony FE 24-105mm F4 G OSS has a focal range of 24-105mm and
4.4X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
36 - 157.5mm.
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.