Tokina AT-X PRO 28mm
Score: 85/100
Tamron 150-500mm
Score: 86/100Rankings
The Tamron 150-500mm f/5-6.7 Di III VC VXD offers superb sharpness and effective 3-mode vibration compensation in a relatively portable super-telephoto package. Its drawbacks include a variable aperture that hampers low-light AF and a heavy build that benefits from tripod use. Best suited for wildlife and sports photographers who need long reach without the bulk of native lenses.
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.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.28 mbest | 0.6 m |
| ↓ lower better | 950 gbest | 1,879 g |
1.8 | 3.3best | |
9best | 9best | |
5.3best | — | |
15best | — | |
13best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E-mount |
Mount Compatibility | FX full-frame, DX crop | Sony E-mount |
Features(1) | ||
Autofocus Type | Silent DC motor with GMR magnetic AF sensor | VXD |
Optics(4) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 16-28 mm | 150-500 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 2.8 | 5-6.7 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.28 m | 0.6 m |
Zoom Ratio | 1.75 | 3.33 |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 950 g | 1879 g |
Length (mm) | 133.3 mm | 211 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 56 mm | 94 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 consistently praise the Tamron 150-500mm for its excellent sharpness throughout the zoom range, especially when stopped down, and for its 2-3 stop VC system that makes handheld shooting at 500mm viable. The VXD autofocus is lauded for speed, quietness and reliable bird-tracking, while the weather-sealed build and Arca-Swiss tripod collar add rugged appeal. Critics note the extending barrel's exposure to elements, the slower variable aperture that hampers low-light AF, and the reduced 15 fps burst on Sony A1 compared with native lenses.
Everyday users echo the pros highlighted by experts, valuing the lens's sharp handheld wildlife results, close-focus flexibility and strong price-to-performance ratio. Recurring complaints focus on the lens's weight during extended handheld use, occasional low-light autofocus hesitation, and concerns about the extending barrel in dusty or rainy environments.
“excellent throughout focal range”
“very capable super-tele zoom”
“brilliant AF/VC for f/5-6.7 and image quality”
