The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II and the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF 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. Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF is the longer of the two lenses at 90mm. The Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II with a length of 89mm, is 1mm shorter. On the other hand, the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF's 83mm 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 12-24mm f4G ED-IF weighs 485g, 13% (75g) lighter than the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II's weight of 560g.
Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for size comparison purposes.
Ultra-Wideangle Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount for Size Comparison
Filter Threads
Both the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II and the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF 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 11-16mm f2.8 DX II and the Nikon 12-24mm f4G 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 11-16mm f2.8 DX II is also available in Canon EF and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX II has a focal range of 11-16mm and
1.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
16.5-24mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 12-24mm f4G ED-IF has a focal range of 12-24mm and 2.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 18-36mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.