Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
Both are Nikon Z lenses. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if
- You want a wider view: 16mm vs 20mm at the wide end
- You need more reach: 50mm vs 40mm at the long end
- You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD does not
- You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.17 m
- Our notes say it suits: Events on DX, travel, video on Z DX bodies
Pick the Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD if
- 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
14 differences| Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR | Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Nikon
|
Tamron
|
| Type |
Zoom
|
Wide Zoom
|
| Format |
APS-C
|
Full frame
|
| Focal length |
16-50mm
|
20-40mm
|
| Weight |
330 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
88 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
74.5 mm
|
74.4 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
0.15 m
closer
|
0.17 m
|
| Max magnification |
0.24×
|
0.26×
larger
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
9
|
| Autofocus motor |
not listed
|
VXD
|
| Image stabilization |
Yes
stabilized
|
No
|
| Weather sealing |
not listed
|
Yes
|
| Released |
2025
|
2026
|
4 identical specs hidden: mount, max aperture, filter thread, optical design. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon Z both
- Max aperture
- f/2.8 both
- Filter thread
- 67 mm both
- Optical design
- 12 elements / 11 groups 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 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD
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