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Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX
vs
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF

x
Lens to replace
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Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX

SuperZoom | Nikon F (DX)

Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX
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Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF

SuperZoom | Nikon F (DX)

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX vs Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX for the F(DX) Mount and the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF for the F(DX) Mount, two SuperZoom lenses from Tokina and Nikon.

We will start by looking briefly at the main specs of these two lenses, and in the following section, we will start analyzing them in more detail and listing the pros and cons of each lens.

Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX Key Specs

  • 17-135mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 77mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 610g.
  • Diameter: 84mm
  • Length: 78mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.5m
  • Max Magnification: 0.18x

Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF Key Specs

  • 18-135mm Focal Range
  • F3.5 - F5.6 Max Aperture
  • Filter Thread: 67mm
  • Max Format: APS-C / DX
  • Nikon F (DX) Mount
  • Weight: 385g.
  • Diameter: 74mm
  • Length: 87mm
  • Min Focus Distance: 0.45m
Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX Tokina 16.5-135mm f3..
Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-..
Tokina 16.5-135mm f3..
See at AMAZON
Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-..
See at AMAZON

What type of photography are the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX and Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX and the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF
Bird/WildlifeAverageAverage
SportsAverageAverage
PortraitGoodGood
TravelExcellentExcellent
StreetGoodGood
WeddingGoodGood
Walk AroundVery GoodVery Good
VloggingGoodGood
LandscapeGoodGood


Size and Weight Comparison

The size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses. Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 87mm. The Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX with a length of 78mm, is 9mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF's 74mm diameter.

The weight of a lens is as important as its external dimensions, especially if you are planning to hand hold your camera and lens combination for longer periods. Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF weighs 385g, 36% (225g) lighter than the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX's weight of 610g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the SuperZoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

SuperZoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD Lens Tamron 18-400mm F3.5-6.3 VC
124mm
79mm 710g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR
99mm
79mm 550g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Lens Sigma 18-300 F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
102mm
79mm 585g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens Nikon 18-140mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR
97mm
78mm 490g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR II Lens Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR II
97mm
77mm 565g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens Nikon 18-105mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR
89mm
76mm 420g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC Lens Tamron 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC
97mm
75mm 400g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron 16-300mm F3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro Lens Tamron 16-300mm f3.5-6.3 II VC PZD
100mm
75mm 540g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX and the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF 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 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX is also available in Canon EF mount.

Focal Range

Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has a focal range of 17-135mm and 7.9X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 25.5-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera. Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF has a focal range of 18-135mm and 7.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.

Reasons to choose Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX over Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF

Focal Length - Wide 17mm vs 18mm 1mm Wider coverage
Optical Zoom 7.90x vs 7.50x More flexible focal coverage
Diaphragm Blades 9 vs 7 Potentially more rounded and smooth bokeh
Length 78mm vs 87mm 9mm shorter
Max Magnification 0.18x vs x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Reasons to choose Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF over Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX

Internal Zoom Yes vs No Length of the lens doesn't change during zooming
Weight 385g vs 610g 225g lighter
Diameter 74mm vs 84mm 10mm smaller in diameter
Filter Thread 67mm vs 77mm Smaller filters are cheaper and easier to find
Minimum Focus Distance 0.45m vs 0.5m can focus closer to the subject
Common Weaknesses of Tokina AT-X 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX and Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF
Image Stabilization No vs No Reliant on in-body Image Stabilization
Weather Sealing No vs No not safe under rain and dust




**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX vs Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tokina Nikon
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type SuperZoom SuperZoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (DX) Nikon F (DX)
Max Format APS-C / DX APS-C / DX
Focal Range 17-135mm 18-135mm
Image Stabilization No No
Colour - Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) Rotary (internal)
Power Zoom - -
Zoom Lock - -
Zoom Ratio 7.9X 7.5X
Aperture
Max Aperture F3.5 - F5.6 F3.5 - F5.6
Min Aperture F22.0 - F36.0 F22.0 - F38.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 7
Optics
Optical Elements 15 15
Optical Groups 9 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.5m 0.45m
Max Magnification 0.18X -
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor Micro-type ultrasonic
Full Time Manual No
Focus Method - Internal
Distance Scale Yes -
DoF Scale No -
Distance Scale Yes -
Focus Distance Limiter No No
Physical Specs
Weight 610g 385g
Diameter 84mm 74mm
Length 78mm 87mm
Materials - Plastic barrel, plastic mount
Weather Sealing No No
Filter Thread 77mm 67mm
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code BH-777 HB-32
Tripod Collar No No
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