Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR
Nikon F-Mount
Both are Nikon DX standard zooms for APS-C DSLRs, but more than ten years apart. The 17-55 f/2.8G is the professional DX zoom with a constant f/2.8, an ultrasonic motor and no stabilizer, while the 16-80 f/2.8-4E VR (July 2015) goes for range and stabilization. It has Nano Crystal Coat, up to 4 stops of VR according to Nikon and an electromagnetic diaphragm.
The price of constant speed: the 17-55 weighs 755 g, the 16-80 only 480 g. The 16-80 also covers up to 80 instead of 55 mm and goes one millimeter wider at 16 mm. Its filter size is 72 mm, the 17-55 takes 77 mm.
Which one suits whom?
- 17-55: You want a constant f/2.8, for example for events and portraits, and can do without a stabilizer.
- 16-80: You want a light walk-around zoom with stabilization and more reach.
Key differences
- Focal length: 17-55 mm on the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF, 16-80 mm on the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR.
- The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR is 275 g lighter (480 g vs 755 g).
- The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR is 25 mm shorter.
- Only the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR has optical image stabilization.
- The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR focuses closer: from 35 cm instead of 36 cm.
- Filter thread: 77 mm on the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF, 72 mm on the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF | Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 17-55 mm | 16-80 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8-4 |
| Weight | 755 g | 480 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 36 cm | 35 cm |
| Length | 111 mm | 86 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | no | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF: 111 × 86 mm
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR: 86 × 80 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).