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Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF vs Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

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Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF

Wideangle Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF
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Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD

Wideangle Zoom | Nikon F (FX)

Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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BUY from B&H PHOTO

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF vs Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD, two Wideangle Zoom lenses from Tokina and Tamron.

We will start with briefly looking and the main specs of these two lenses and in the section, we will start analyzing in more detail and list the pros and cons of each lenses.

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF Key Specs

  • 16-28mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 940g.
  • Diameter: 89mm
  • Length: 134mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.19x

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Key Specs

  • 15-30mm Focal Range
  • F2.8 Max Aperture
  • Image Stabilization
  • Max Format: 35mm FF
  • Nikon F (FX) Mount
  • Weight: 1100g.
  • Diameter: 98mm
  • Length: 145mm
  • Min Focus Distance:0.28m
  • Max Magnification:0.2x

What type of photography are the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD lenses good for?

The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD for their suitability to various photography scenarios:

Photography Type Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD
Bird/WildlifePoorPoor
SportsPoorPoor
PortraitFairFair
TravelGoodAverage
StreetGoodAverage
WeddingFairFair
Walk AroundGoodAverage
VloggingVery GoodGood
LandscapeVery GoodVery Good
MacroPoorFair

Size and Weight Comparison

Size of a lens is an important deciding factor when comparing two lenses.Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is the longer of the two lenses at 145mm. The Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF with a length of 134mm is 11mm shorter. Besides being longer, the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD also has a larger diameter of 98mm compared to Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF's 89mm diameter.

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. Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF weighs 940g, which means it is 160g (14%) lighter than the Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD which has a weight of 1100g.


Below you can find the dimension and weight table of the 'Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for size comparison purposes.

Wideangle Zoom Lenses in Nikon F (FX) Mount for Size Comparison
Model Length Diameter Weight Street Price
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8G ED Lens Nikon 14-24mm f2.8G ED
132mm
98mm 970g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f4G ED VR Lens Nikon 16-35mm f4G ED VR
125mm
83mm 685g Amazon B&H Photo
Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f2.8 Pro FX Lens Tokina 16-28mm f2.8 Pro FX
133mm
90mm 950g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF Lens Nikon 17-35mm f2.8D ED-IF
106mm
83mm 745g Amazon B&H Photo
Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD G2
145mm
98mm 1110g Amazon B&H Photo
Nikon AF Nikkor 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED Lens Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5D IF ED
83mm
83mm 370g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM Art Lens Sigma 14-24mm F2.8 DG HSM
135mm
96mm 1150g Amazon B&H Photo
Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM Lens Sigma 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 II DG HSM
120mm
87mm 670g Amazon B&H Photo

Lens Mounts

Both Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has the same Nikon F (FX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (FX) lenses are Nikon D6, Nikon D780 and Nikon D3500.

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF is also available in Canon EF mount.

Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD is also available in Canon EF and Sony Alpha mounts.

Focal Range

Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF has a focal range of 16-28mm and 1.8X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 24 - 42mm.
Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD has a focal range of 15-30mm and 2.0X zoom ratio . When it is mounted on an APS-C sensor camera with 1.5x crop, it provides an 35mm (FF) equivalent of 22.5 - 45mm.

Reasons to choose Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF over Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD

Weight 940g vs 1100g 160g lighter
Diameter 89mm vs 98mm 9mm smaller in diameter
Length 134mm vs 145mm 11mm shorter

Reasons to choose Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD over Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF

Focal Length - Wide 15mm vs 16mm 1mm Wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele 30mm vs 28mm 2mm more Tele coverage
Image Stabilization Yes vs No Sharper Images at longer shutter speeds
Optical Zoom 2.00x vs 1.80x More flexible focal coverage
Max Magnification 0.2x vs 0.19x higher magnification better for close-up shots

Common Strengths of Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
Distance Scale Yes vs Yes Distance Scale to assist focusing
Common Weaknesses of Tokina Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF and Tamron SP 15-30mm F2.8 Di VC USD
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 Opera 16-28mm F2.8 FF vs Tamron 15-30mm f2.8 VC USD Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications
General
Brand Tokina Tamron
Lens Type Zoom Zoom
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE
Lens Type Wideangle Zoom Wideangle Zoom
Lens Mount Nikon F (FX) Nikon F (FX)
Max Format 35mm FF 35mm FF
Focal Range 16-28mm 15-30mm
Image Stabilization Yes
Colour Black Black
Zoom Method Rotary (extending) No Zoom
Power Zoom No No
Zoom Lock - -
Zoom Ratio 1.8X 2.0X
Aperture
Max Aperture F2.8 F2.8
Min Aperture F22 F22.0
Aperture Ring No No
Diaphragm Blades 9 9
Optics
Optical Elements 15 18
Optical Groups 13 13
Focusing
Min Focus Distance 0.28m 0.28m
Max Magnification 0.19X 0.2X
Autofocus Yes Yes
AF Motor Type Micromotor Ultrasonic
Full Time Manual Yes Yes
Focus Method Internal Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Yes
DoF Scale No Unknown
Distance Scale Yes Yes
Focus Distance Limiter Unknown Unknown
Physical Specs
Weight 940g 1100g
Diameter 89mm 98mm
Length 134mm 145mm
Materials Unknown Unknown
Weather Sealing Unknown Unknown
Filter Thread Unknown Unknown
Filter Notes - -
Hood Supplied Yes Yes
Hood Code Unknown Unknown
Tripod Collar No No
Optional Accessories - -
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