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Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

For a DX-format Nikon body, the Nikon 16-80mm is the more useful lens: its 24-120mm equivalent range covers wide to short telephoto, and reviewers consistently call it sharp across the frame with strong VR. The Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 is a full-frame lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture and weather sealing, so it suits FX shooters who want one fast standard zoom. On a DX camera the Tamron becomes a 36-105mm equivalent with no wide end, and it is much larger and heavier.

  • Choose the Nikon 16-80mm if you shoot DX and want one compact walk-around lens that goes from wide landscapes to portraits with effective stabilization.
  • Choose the Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 G2 if you shoot full frame and want a constant f/2.8 standard zoom with weather sealing and fast, quiet USD autofocus.

Prices

  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR: $649.00 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium (last seen Nov 3)
  • Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: $699.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is $50.95 cheaper than the Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 at the latest prices (Nov 3 and Nov 9)
Nikon
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

$649.00at Willoughby's Photo EmporiumChecked Nov 3
See all prices and details
Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
Pros
  • Sharp corner to corner across the aperture range, per reviewers
  • Versatile 24-120mm equivalent range replaces several lenses
  • Effective VR that reviewers praise in low light
  • Light and compact for a walk-around zoom
  • Fast, quiet Silent Wave Motor autofocus with manual override
Cons
  • Not weather-sealed
  • Aperture drops to f/4 at the long end
  • Plastic body feel noted by reviewers
  • DX only, so it will not cover a full-frame sensor
Tamron
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

$699.95at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture through the zoom
  • Weather-sealed build for outdoor work
  • Full-frame coverage with wide 24mm end
  • Fast, quiet USD autofocus
  • Available in Canon EF and Nikon F mounts
Cons
  • Heavy and large compared with the Nikon
  • On DX it loses the wide end, starting at 36mm equivalent
  • Shorter zoom range limits reach for travel and portraits
  • Lower maximum magnification for close-up work

What separates them

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Sensor formatDX only; 24-120mm equivalent on APS-CFull frame; 24-70mm on FX, 36-105mm equivalent on DX
Maximum aperturef/2.8 at the wide end, f/4 at 80mmConstant f/2.8 through the zoom
Zoom range5x zoom, wide to short telephotoAbout 2.9x, standard zoom only
Weather sealingNot weather-sealedMoisture-resistant construction
StabilizationVR rated to about four stops, with Sport and Tripod modesVC image stabilization
Size and weight480 g, 80mm diameter, 85.5mm longNoticeably larger and heavier full-frame build
Closest focus and magnification1.15 ft, 0.22x magnificationAbout 1.25 ft, lower magnification
MountsNikon F (DX) onlyCanon EF and Nikon F versions

Price history

$1,099.00$649.00
Nov 4Nov 10
  • Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR: lowest $649.00 on Nov 4 at Willoughby's Photo Emporium.
  • Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: lowest $1,099.00 on Nov 4 at Amazon; $1,099.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

  • eBayPre-owned

    Availability unknownSold by timotderri0 (100% positive, 7 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $329.99+ $6.08 shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • eBayRefurbished

    Availability unknownSold by flagshipcamera (99.8% positive, 5,400 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $483.46Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • Willoughby's Photo EmporiumNew

    Availability unknown

    $649.00Checked Nov 3
    Visit Willoughby's Photo Emporium
  • Camera WholesalersNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,099.08Checked Nov 3
    Visit Camera Wholesalers

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 6 stores and price history →

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

  • NeweggNew

    In stock

    $1,154.90Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Newegg
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by rarefindsuae (100% positive, 148 ratings)Ships from United Arab Emirates · duties may applyReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $699.95+ $119.00 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • AmazonRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $891.01Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked 5 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Equivalent focal length24-120mm—
Zoom Focal Length16-80mm—
DurabilityNot weather-sealed—
Included AccessoriesHood, Front cap, Rear cap—
Included HighlightsWith Lens Hood—
Magnification0.22x—
Accessory TypeLens—
Hood TypeBayonet hood—
Focus AdjustmentAutofocus—
Minimum Focus Distance1.15 ft. (0.35m)—
Focus HighlightsInternal Focusing System—
Lens TypeZoom lens—
Show all 27 specsShow fewer specs
SpecNikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VRTamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
Aperture Rangef/2.8-4—
Specialty TypeNight photography lens—
Elements17 elements—
Aperture Blades7—
Diameter3.1 in. (80 mm)—
Length3.3 in. (85.5 mm)—
SizeCompact—
Weight480 g—
Maximum Aperturef/2.8—
Lens Mount—

What reviewers say

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

Reviewers consistently praise the lens for sharpness across the zoom and aperture range, its versatile 16-80mm range and its effective VR, and several call it a favorite walk-around or travel lens. The main complaint is price: one reviewer says it is worth it only depending on budget and needs.

What people mention
  • SharpnessPraisedReviewers say it stays sharp across the zoom and aperture range, corner to corner.
  • Focal rangePraisedThe 16-80mm range is called versatile enough to replace several lenses.
  • Vibration reductionPraisedOwners report very effective stabilization, including in low light.
  • AutofocusPraisedFocusing is described as fast and quiet.

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2

Owners and reviewers generally praise the sharp center, useful stabilization and weather sealing for the money. Many note it is heavy and that edge sharpness wide open and autofocus speed fall short of the first-party f/2.8 zooms.

What people mention
  • SharpnessMixedCenter is sharp wide open, but corners need stopping down to f/4 or f/5.6.
  • StabilizationPraisedVC lets owners handhold at slow shutter speeds in dim venues.
  • WeightCriticisedOwners find it heavy and front-heavy, especially on smaller DSLR bodies.
  • AutofocusMixedAF is accurate but slower and more prone to hunting than first-party pro zooms.

Questions and answers

Which is better for travel on a Nikon DX camera?
The Nikon 16-80mm. It is lighter, starts at a true wide angle on DX, and reaches 120mm equivalent, so one lens covers most travel shots. The Tamron is bigger and starts at 36mm equivalent on DX.
Which has the better low-light aperture?
The Tamron, because it holds f/2.8 at every focal length. The Nikon is f/2.8 only at 16mm and narrows to f/4 by 80mm. Both have stabilization, which helps more at slow shutter speeds.
Is the Tamron worth stepping up to for a full-frame shooter?
Yes, if you need a constant f/2.8 standard zoom with weather sealing. The Nikon is a DX lens and will not cover a full-frame sensor, so it is not an alternative on FX bodies.
Which is sharper?
Reviewers praise the Nikon as sharp across the zoom and aperture range, corner to corner. The Tamron G2 is also well regarded optically, but the Nikon's consistent sharpness is its most cited strength.
Which lasts longer in bad weather?
The Tamron. It has a moisture-resistant construction, while the Nikon is not weather-sealed. Neither is waterproof, so cover both in heavy rain.
Can I use either lens for close-up work?
The Nikon focuses closer, at 1.15 ft with 0.22x magnification, which suits flowers and details. The Tamron focuses a bit farther away with lower magnification, so it is less suited to close-ups.

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More comparisons

  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
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  • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
  • AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens
  • Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art vs Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 Lens

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best standard zoom lenses for Nikon F mount
C-Mount, Canon EF
Aperture (max)—ƒ/2.8
Construction—Zoom
Focal Length (min) (mm)—24.0
Color—Black
Focal Length (max) (mm)—70.0