The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 and the Samyang 16mm f2.0 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. Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 is the longer of the two lenses at 102mm. The Samyang 16mm f2.0 with a length of 89mm, is 13mm shorter. On the other hand, the Samyang 16mm f2.0 has a larger diameter of 83mm compared to the Tamron 16-30mm f2.8's 75mm 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 16-30mm f2.8 weighs 440g, which means it is 143g (24%) lighter than the Samyang 16mm f2.0 which has a weight of 583g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Samyang 16mm f2.0 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 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron 16-30mm f2.8:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Samyang 16mm f2.0:
Lens Mounts
The Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 has the Sony E lens mount whereas the Samyang 16mm f2.0 has the Samsung NX 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 Samsung NX1, Samsung NX3000 and Samsung NX30 for the Samsung NX Mount.
Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 is also available in the Nikon Z mount.
Samyang 16mm f2.0 is also available in Canon EF , Canon EF-M, Fujifilm X, Nikon F (DX), Four Thirds, Micro Four Thirds, Pentax KAF, Sony Alpha and Sony E mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron 16-30mm f2.8 has a focal range of 16-30mm and
1.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
24 - 45mm.
On the other hand, the Samyang 16mm f2.0 is a prime lens with fixed focal lenght of 16mm which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 24mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
