The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 and the Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX 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 SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX with a length of 90mm, is 55mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to the Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX's 84mm 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. Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX weighs 530g, 52% (580g) lighter than the Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2's weight of 1110g.
Lens Mounts
The Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 has the Nikon F (FX) lens mount whereas the Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 is also available in Canon EF mount.
Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 has a focal range of 15-30mm and
2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of
22.5 - 45mm.
On the other hand, the Tokina 12-28mm f4 Pro DX has a focal range of 12-28mm and 2.3X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 18-42mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.