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Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2011October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length40 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Macro lensYes–
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elements–One ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/2.8 maximum aperture at infinity; Nikon notes the effective aperture becomes smaller at close focus, with camera exposure and displayed aperture automatically compensatedf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 38°50′; angle of view equivalent to 60 mm on FXDX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon F-mount G-type CPU lens designed for DXNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.163 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification1×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailUltrasonic motor with manual focusing available; both reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.163 m from the focal plane at life-size reproduction. Digital Camera World reports a 3.5 cm working distance from the lens front at maximum magnification; the barrel extends when focusing closerMinimum distances from focal plane are 0.15 m at 16 mm, 0.18 m at 24 mm, 0.21 m at 35 mm and 0.25 m at 50 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 1× life-size reproductionMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors. UK maker states up to 4.5 stops under CIPA standards with a DX camera, Normal VR mode and maximum telephoto setting. Canada announcement gives 5 stops under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch testing with Z50II at telephoto in Normal mode; these claims use different stated test conditions
Video features–Suppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing. Nikon Canada specifies Z50II Hi-Res Zoom for Full HD 30p/25p/24p only; Wide-area AF (L), no displayed focus point and electronic VR off
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter52 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter68.5 mm74.5 mm
Length64.5 mm88 mm
Weight235 g330 g
ControlsFocus ring and distance window; focus limiter selects the full infinity–0.163 m range or infinity–0.2 mCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom design–Barrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detail52 mm screw-in filters; ePHOTOzine reports the thread does not rotate during focusing67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceePHOTOzine identifies a mount gasket but explicitly notes no weather-resistance claim; no general rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 68.5 mm maximum diameter × 64.5 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-52 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-61 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouchLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 August 2011 availabilityNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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