Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF vs Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2
Both are Nikon Z wide zoom lenses. Here is what actually differs.
Pick the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF if
- You want a wider view: 8mm vs 16mm at the wide end
Pick the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 if
- You need ⅔ stop more light for low light or background blur (f/2.8 vs f/3.5)
- You need more reach: 30mm vs 16mm at the long end
- You want bigger close-ups: 0.19× vs 0.13× maximum magnification
- You shoot full frame: the Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF is made for APS-C
- You care about the shape of out-of-focus highlights: 9 aperture blades vs 5
Spec differences
12 differences| Laowa 8-16mm f/3.5-5 Zoom CF | Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Brand |
Laowa
|
Tamron
|
| Format |
APS-C
|
Full frame
|
| Focal length |
8-16mm
|
16-30mm
|
| Max aperture |
f/3.5
|
f/2.8
⅔ stop faster
|
| Diameter |
not listed
|
74.8 mm
|
| Filter thread |
86 mm
|
67 mm
|
| Min focus distance |
0.2 m
|
0.19 m
closer
|
| Max magnification |
0.13×
|
0.19×
larger
|
| Aperture blades |
5
|
9
more blades
|
| Autofocus motor |
not listed
|
VXD
|
| Weather sealing |
not listed
|
Yes
|
| Released |
not listed
|
2025
|
4 identical specs hidden: mount, type, optical design, image stabilization. Show all
- Mount
- Nikon Z both
- Type
- Wide Zoom both
- Optical design
- 16 elements / 12 groups both
- Image stabilization
- No both
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