The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM 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. Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX is the longer of the two lenses at 97mm. The Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM with a length of 92mm, is 5mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 84mm.
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. Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM weighs 565g, 7% (45g) lighter than the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX's weight of 610g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Standard Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Standard Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM have the same Filter thread size of 77mm.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for these lenses:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX and the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM has the same Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX is also available in Canon EF mount.
Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM is also available in Canon EF , Pentax KAF3, Sony Alpha and Sigma SA mounts.
Focal Range
Tokina 16-50mm f2.8 DX 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 Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM 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.