Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

Both are Nikon Z lenses. Here is what actually differs.

Nikon · 2025

Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR

f/2.8330 g

Check price Full specs

Tamron · 2025

16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

f/2.8VXD

Check price Full specs

Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if

You need more reach: 50mm vs 30mm at the long end
You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 does not
You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.19 m
You want bigger close-ups: 0.24× vs 0.19× maximum magnification
Our notes say it suits: Events on DX, travel, video on Z DX bodies

Pick the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if

You shoot full frame: the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is made for APS-C

Spec differences

14 differences

Specifications that differ between the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
	Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR	Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Brand	Nikon	Tamron
Type	Zoom	Wide Zoom
Format	APS-C	Full frame
Focal length	16-50mm	16-30mm
Weight	330 g	not listed
Length	88 mm	not listed
Diameter	74.5 mm	74.8 mm
Min focus distance	0.15 m closer	0.19 m
Max magnification	0.24× larger	0.19×
Aperture blades	not listed	9
Optical design	12 elements / 11 groups	16 elements / 12 groups
Autofocus motor	not listed	VXD
Image stabilization	Yes stabilized	No
Weather sealing	not listed	Yes

4 identical specs hidden: mount, max aperture, filter thread, released. Show all

Mount: Nikon Z both
Max aperture: f/2.8 both
Filter thread: 67 mm both
Released: 2025 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.