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Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

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

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

  • You want the lighter lens to carry: 220 g lighter (330 g vs 550 g)
  • You want a wider view: 16mm vs 28mm at the wide end
  • You shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 does not
  • You shoot close-ups: it focuses down to 0.15 m vs 0.18 m
  • You want a compact lens: 88 mm vs 119.8 mm long
  • Our notes say it suits: Events on DX, travel, video on Z DX bodies

Pick the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if

  • You need more reach: 75mm vs 50mm at the long end
  • You want bigger close-ups: 0.37× vs 0.24× maximum magnification
  • 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 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Brand
Nikon
Tamron
Format
APS-C
Full frame
Focal length
16-50mm
28-75mm
Weight
330 g lighter
550 g
Length
88 mm shorter
119.8 mm
Diameter
74.5 mm
75.8 mm
Min focus distance
0.15 m closer
0.18 m
Max magnification
0.24×
0.37× larger
Aperture blades
not listed
9
Optical design
12 elements / 11 groups
17 elements / 15 groups
Autofocus motor
not listed
VXD
Image stabilization
Yes stabilized
No
Weather sealing
not listed
Yes
Released
2025
2024
4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, max aperture, filter thread. Show all
Mount
Nikon Z both
Type
Zoom both
Max aperture
f/2.8 both
Filter thread
67 mm 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 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2

More comparisons

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