Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064)
Both are Nikon Z mount zooms for wide-angle and vlogging — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.
| Spec | Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR | Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 12-28mm | 16-30mm |
| Max aperture | f/3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Type | zoom | zoom |
| Coverage | APS-C | full-frame |
| Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
Which should you buy?
- the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR covers 12-28mm and the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) covers 16-30mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot
- the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) covers full-frame (also works on APS-C bodies); the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is APS-C-only — it won't fill a full-frame sensor
- the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is first-party (Nikon) for guaranteed full autofocus and in-camera corrections; the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) is third-party — usually the value pick
Where to buy
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VRSee price on Amazon
Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064)See price on Amazon
FAQ
What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064)?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, APS-C; the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) is 16-30mm f/2.8 zoom, full-frame. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.
Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR or the Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064)?
The Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/3.5-5.6 of the other.
Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and Tamron 16-30mm F/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (A064) fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C). Note the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is APS-C-only and won't fill a full-frame sensor.
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