The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD and the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM 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 AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD with a length of 84mm, is 4mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM also has a larger diameter of 81mm compared to the Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 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 AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD weighs 398g, which means it is 179g (31%) lighter than the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM which has a weight of 577g.
Filter Threads
The Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM 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 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM:
Lens Mounts
The Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Sony DT 16-50mm F2.8 SSM has the Sony Alpha lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount and Sony A68, Sony A77 II and Sony A58 for the Sony Alpha Mount.
Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD is also available in the Canon EF , Sony Alpha and Pentax KAF mounts.
Focal Range
Tamron AF 18-200mm f3.5-6.3 XR II LD has a focal range of 18-200mm and
11.1X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
27-300mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the 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.
