Tokina AT-X PRO 28mm
Score: 85/100
Sigma 18-50mm F2.8
Score: 82/100Rankings
The Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 PRO FX provides a constant f/2.8 aperture with high optical performance and full weather sealing for Nikon full-frame shooters. Its heavy weight and absence of a filter thread make it less convenient for travel. Best suited for professional landscape and architecture work.
The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN Contemporary is a compact, constant-aperture standard zoom for APS-C mirrorless cameras, offering sharp optics and close-focus capability. Its lack of image stabilization and reduced corner performance on very high-resolution sensors are notable trade-offs. Ideal for travel and street photographers who value portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.28 m | 0.121 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 950 g | 290 gbest |
1.8 | 2.8best | |
9best | 7 | |
5.3best | 0.4 | |
15best | 13 | |
13best | 10 |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
Mount Compatibility | FX full-frame, DX crop | L-Mount, Sony E, Fujifilm X, Canon RF |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | Silent DC motor with GMR magnetic AF sensor | Autofocus |
Focus Type | Internal focusing | Autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 16-28 mm | 18-50 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.28 m | 0.121 m |
Zoom Ratio | 1.75 | 2.78 |
Macro Ratio | 5.26 | 0.36 |
Number of Optical Elements | 15 | 13 |
Number of Optical Groups | 13 | 10 |
Diaphragm Blades | 9 | 7 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 950 g | 290 g |
Length (mm) | 133.3 mm | 74.5 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 56 mm | 65.4 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 for its optical sharpness, low distortion and constant f/2.8 aperture, noting it rivals Nikon's 14-24mm lens.
Everyday users consistently applaud the lens's sharpness, low-light capability and solid build quality, seeing it as a high-value alternative to Nikon's flagship optics. Common complaints revolve around its heavy weight, inability to use filters, flare in bright backlit situations, and a zoom ring that feels stiff.
Professional reviewers commend the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 DC DN for its revolutionary compactness, sharp optics and bright constant aperture, calling it an "ultimate workhorse" that delivers excellent image quality in a tiny package. They also note its strong close-focus capability, but point out the lack of image stabilization, corner softness on very high-resolution sensors, and a slightly limited 18 mm wide-end compared with competing lenses.
Everyday users love the lens's pocketable size, sharpness for street and travel shooting, and the value it provides as a daily driver. Common praise centers on its lightweight feel, macro-style close-ups, and affordable price, while recurring themes of criticism include edge distortion, autofocus noise in video, and the missing stabilization feature.
“ultimate workhorse”
“excellent image quality”
“pretty sharp throughout”
