Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR vs Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD
Nikon F-Mount
Both wide-angle zooms for Nikon F full frame have image stabilization, but they differ in speed and weight. The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD (September 2014) offers constant f/2.8 and starts at 15 mm. As with other very wide zooms, it has a bulging front element without a filter thread. It weighs 1100 g. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR (February 2010) is a stop slower, but takes 77 mm filters, reaches 35 mm and weighs about 680 g.
So you trade a stop of light and 1 mm of wide angle for filter options, reach and less weight.
Which one suits whom?
- Nikon 16-35mm: You work with screw-in filters or travel with light luggage.
- Tamron 15-30mm: You want f/2.8 with stabilization for interiors, events or landscape and accept the weight.
Key differences
- Focal length: 16-35 mm on the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR, 15-30 mm on the Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD.
- The Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD is faster: f/2.8 instead of f/4, about 1 stops more light.
- The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR is 420 g lighter (680 g vs 1,100 g).
- The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR is 20 mm shorter.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR | Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16-35 mm | 15-30 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Weight | 680 g | 1,100 g |
| Filter diameter | 77 mm | – |
| Min. focus distance | 28 cm | 28 cm |
| Length | 125 mm | 145 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR: 125 × 83 mm
- Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD: 145 × 98 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).