Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR vs Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z

Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR if

• You want the lighter lens to carry: 1055 g lighter (135 g vs 1190 g)
• You want a wider view: 16mm vs 35mm at the wide end
• You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z does not
• You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.2 m vs 0.33 m
• You want bigger close-ups: 0.2× vs 0.18× maximum magnification
• Our notes say it suits: Travel on a small kit, vlogging, everyday photography

Pick the Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z if

• You need 1⅔ stops more light for low light or background blur (f/2 vs f/3.5)
• You need more reach: 150mm vs 50mm at the long end
• You shoot full frame: the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR is made for APS-C
• You prefer a newer design: released 2023 vs 2019

Our notes

Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR

A 2019 retractable DX kit zoom for the Z 50 and Z fc with VR and a 46mm filter thread. It weighs only about 135g.

Pros

• Very light and compact
• VR
• Collapses for storage
• Close focus 0.2m

Cons

• Slow variable aperture
• Plastic build

Our notes

Tamron E 35-150mm f/2-2.8 2.0-2.8 Di III VXD A058Z

This 35-150mm f/2-2.8 full-frame standard zoom lens from Tamron fits Nikon Z mount cameras. The range covers everything from wide scenes to portraits, so it works as a general-purpose lens.