Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8
Both are Nikon Z lenses. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if
- You need more reach: 50mm vs 20mm at the long end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 does not
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.18 m
- You want bigger close-ups: 0.24× vs 0.17× maximum magnification
- Our notes say it suits: Events on DX, travel, video on Z DX bodies
Pick the Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 if
- You want a wider view: 12mm vs 16mm at the wide end
- You shoot full frame: the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is made for APS-C
- You prefer a newer design: released 2026 vs 2025
Spec differences
15 differences| Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR | Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Nikon
|
Tamron
|
| Type |
Zoom
|
Wide Zoom
|
| Format |
APS-C
|
Full frame
|
| Focal length |
16-50mm
|
12-20mm
|
| Weight |
330 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
88 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
74.5 mm
slimmer
|
90 mm
|
| Filter thread |
67 mm
|
not listed
|
| Min focus distance |
0.15 m
closer
|
0.18 m
|
| Max magnification |
0.24×
larger
|
0.17×
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
12
|
| Optical design |
12 elements / 11 groups
|
17 elements / 12 groups
|
| Image stabilization |
Yes
stabilized
|
No
|
| Weather sealing |
not listed
|
Yes
|
| Released |
2025
|
2026
|
2 identical specs hidden: mount, max aperture. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon Z both
- Max aperture
- f/2.8 both
Our notes
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
Nikon's DX zoom with a constant f/2.8 aperture and VR, announced as Nikon's first f/2.8 zoom for the DX Z lineup, introduced in 2025. It weighs about 330g and focuses as close as 0.15m at 16mm.
Pros
- Constant f/2.8
- VR
- Light at about 330g
- Close focus of 0.15m
Cons
- DX only
- Short 50mm end
- Heavier than the 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3
Our notes
Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8
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Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
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