Tokina AT-X PRO 28mm
Score: 85/100
Tamron 17-70mm
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 Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD is a versatile, constant-aperture zoom with built-in vibration compensation and weather-sealed construction, delivering sharp images across a useful focal range. Minor vignetting and by-wire focus quirks are its main trade-offs. It excels for APS-C mirrorless shooters needing a fast, all-round travel lens.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
2.8best | 2.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 0.28 m | 0.19 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 950 g | 525 gbest |
1.8 | 4.1best | |
9best | 9best | |
5.3best | 0.2 | |
15 | 16best | |
13best | 12 |
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| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(2) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Sony E |
Mount Compatibility | FX full-frame, DX crop | Sony E-mount (APS-C) |
Features(2) | ||
Autofocus Type | Silent DC motor with GMR magnetic AF sensor | RXD |
Focus Type | Internal focusing | Autofocus |
Optics(7) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 16-28 mm | 17-70 mm |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 0.28 m | 0.19 m |
Zoom Ratio | 1.75 | 4.1 |
Macro Ratio | 5.26 | 0.21 |
Number of Optical Elements | 15 | 16 |
Number of Optical Groups | 13 | 12 |
Coating | Multi-layer | Fluorine, BBAR |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Weight (g) | 950 g | 525 g |
Length (mm) | 133.3 mm | 119.3 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 56 mm | 74.6 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 Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 for its travel-friendly size, constant fast aperture, and the added benefit of VC, which together deliver high-resolution, homogenous images and quiet, responsive autofocus. The lens is praised as a well-balanced, versatile option that feels solid in hand, though critics point out its noticeable vignetting, slight edge softness at 70 mm, and the quirks of its by-wire focus system.
Everyday users love the lens's portability, sharpness and the ability to shoot handheld in low light thanks to the f/2.8 aperture and VC. They frequently cite its "do-it-all" range as a major value, while repeatedly noting the need to correct vignetting and occasional autofocus oddities as the main pain points.
“Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture enables consistent exposure and depth-of-field control.”
“Built-in Tamron Vibration Compensation provides up to approximately five stops of image stabilization.”
