The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX 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. Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX is the longer of the two lenses at 106mm. The Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR with a length of 86mm, is 20mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX also has a larger diameter of 89mm 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, 33% (245g) lighter than the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX's weight of 725g.
Filter Threads
The Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX has a filter size of 82mm 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 82mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX:
And these are the 72mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR:
Lens Mounts
Both the Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX and the Nikon DX 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR 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 AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX is also available in the Canon EF mount.
Focal Range
Tokina AT-X 14-20mm F2 Pro DX has a focal range of 14-20mm and
1.4X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
21-30mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
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.