Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
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 shoot handheld in dim light or video: it has optical image stabilization and the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A does not
- Our notes say it suits: Events on DX, travel, video on Z DX bodies
Pick the Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A if
- You prefer a newer design: released 2026 vs 2025
Spec differences
12 differences| Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR | Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Nikon
|
Tamron
|
| Format |
APS-C
|
not listed
|
| Weight |
330 g
|
not listed
|
| Length |
88 mm
|
not listed
|
| Diameter |
74.5 mm
|
not listed
|
| Filter thread |
67 mm
|
55 mm
|
| Max magnification |
0.24×
larger
|
0.22×
|
| Aperture blades |
not listed
|
7
|
| Optical design |
12 elements / 11 groups
|
14 elements / 10 groups
|
| Image stabilization |
Yes
stabilized
|
No
|
| Weather sealing |
not listed
|
Yes
|
| Released |
2025
|
2026
|
5 identical specs hidden: mount, type, focal length, max aperture, min focus distance. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon Z both
- Type
- Zoom both
- Focal length
- 16-50mm both
- Max aperture
- f/2.8 both
- Min focus distance
- 0.15 m 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 16-50mm f/2.8 A
More comparisons
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Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F2.8 S vs Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
more reach (70mm) vs wider (16mm)
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF
⅔ stop faster vs wider (8mm)
Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF vs Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A
wider (8mm) vs ⅔ stop faster
Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Sigma 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary
⅔ stop faster vs more reach (300mm)