The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX and the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD 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. Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 197mm. The Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX with a length of 135mm, is 62mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 86mm compared to the Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX's 78mm 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. Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX weighs 845g, which means it is 625g (42%) lighter than the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD which has a weight of 1470g.
Filter Threads
The Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX has a filter size of 67mm whereas the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD has a 77mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 67mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX:
And these are the 77mm filters that we recommend for the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD:
Lens Mounts
The Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount whereas the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD has the Canon EF 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 Blackmagic URSA 12K LF, Z CAM E2-F6 II 6K and Z CAM E2-S6 II 6K for the Canon EF Mount.
Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX is also available in the Canon EF mount.
Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD is also available in Nikon F (FX) and Sony Alpha mounts.
Focal Range
Tokina 50-135mm f2.8 DX has a focal range of 50-135mm and
2.7X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
75-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Tamron 70-200mm f2.8 VC USD has a focal range of 70-200mm and 2.9X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.6x crop, it provides a 35mm (FF) equivalent of 112 - 320mm.
