Compare lenses

Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR vs Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD side by side, computed from this guide's catalogue.

Which to pick

Pick the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR if you want more reach (to 35mm equivalent). Pick the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD if you want a brighter f/2.8 (1.0 stops more light), for dim light and softer backgrounds and a fit on more cameras (39 against 17 in this guide).

Still torn? Ask the guide about the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD

Specs side by side

Rows that differ are in full colour; the better value is marked where one is better by any measure.
Spec	Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR	Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
Maker	Nikon	Tamron
Focal length	16-35mm (zoom)	15-30mm (zoom)
Full-frame equivalent	16-35mm	15-30mm
Maximum aperture	f/4	f/2.8brighter
Made for	Full frame	Full frame
Mounts	Nikon F	Canon EF, Nikon F
Stabilised	yes	yes
Autofocus	yes	yes
Zoom range	2.2×	2.0×
Weight	680 g	not listed
Cameras it fits	17 in this guide	39 in this guidefits more cameras

Focal range, in full-frame terms

Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR: 16-35mm.

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD: 15-30mm.

Aperture

Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR: f/4 wide open.

Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD: f/2.8 wide open.

Each opening drawn to scale against f/1.4: a smaller f-number lets in more light and blurs the background more.

Field of view

How wide each sees, at each end, on the sensor it was made for.

Cameras they fit

17 cameras in this guide take both, so either works on the same body. In all, the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR fits 17 and the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD 39.