Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay cheaper ($849). 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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 400mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) is 50-400mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 330g (11.6 oz) vs 1130g (2.49 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR or the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR opens to f/2.8 versus the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower background blur. The Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) gives that up to stay cheaper ($849). 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 want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 1130g (2.49 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)?
Choose the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z) if you need more reach — it goes to 400mm 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 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 50-400mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III VC VXD (Nikon Z)'s f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 50-400mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 22 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 16 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| 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° | 47° – 6° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | No | Yes |
| AF/MF Switch | No | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 72 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.28x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $849 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 82mm |
| Diameter | − | 88.2mm |
| Length | − | 183.4mm |
| Weight | 330g (11.6 oz) | 1130g (2.49 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | Yes |
