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 Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
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 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD weighs 555g, 9% (55g) lighter than the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX's weight of 610g.
Filter Threads
The Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has a filter size of 77mm whereas the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 77mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD:
Lens Mounts
The Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD has the Nikon F (FX) 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 Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500 for the Nikon F (FX) Mount.
Tokina 16.5-135mm f3.5-5.6 DX is also available in the Canon EF mount.
Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD 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.
On the other hand, the Tamron AF 28-300mm f3.5-6.3 XR VC LD has a focal range of 28-300mm and 10.7X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 42 - 450mm.
