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 and the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED 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 11-16mm f2.8 DX is the longer of the two lenses at 89mm. The Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED with a length of 83mm, is 6mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX also has a larger diameter of 84mm compared to the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED'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 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED weighs 370g, 33% (190g) lighter than the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX's weight of 560g.
Filter Threads
Both the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX and the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED 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
The Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED 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 11-16mm f2.8 DX is also available in the Canon EF and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 DX 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 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED has a focal range of 18-35mm and 1.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 27 - 52.5mm.
