Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR gives that up to stay lighter (330g (11.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) is 35-150mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is $899, $100 under the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 330g (11.6 oz) vs 1165g (2.57 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR or the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower background blur. The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR gives that up to stay lighter (330g (11.6 oz)) and cheaper ($899). It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 35mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 1165g (2.57 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/2 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 150mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD (Nikon Z) opens to f/2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 35-150mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 83° – 31.5° | 63° – 16° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 33 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.12x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $999 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | − | 89.8mm |
| Length | − | 157.8mm |
| Weight | 330g (11.6 oz) | 1165g (2.57 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
