Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2016 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 105 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 14 elements in nine groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Three ED glass elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Aperture detail | – | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coatings on front and rear elements | – |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 23°10′; DX 15°20′ | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | Nikon F mount with FX coverage; requires a camera supporting the E-type electromagnetic diaphragm. Nikon's announcement lists compatible bodies including the D5, D810, D750, D500 and D7200; not universally compatible with older F-mount bodies | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 1 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.13× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Silent Wave Motor with M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus; Photography Blog confirms internal focusing and a non-rotating front | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Nikon specifies minimum 1 m. Camera Labs reaches 0.93 m in manual focus; the maker's figure is retained | Minimum 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 detail | Nikon specifies maximum 0.13×. Camera Labs obtains 1:6.3 in manual focus; this measured result is not substituted for the maker figure | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | No lens optical VR, confirmed by Camera Labs | Lens-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 | Camera Labs measures a 28% increase in magnification focusing from infinity to 1.05 m, indicating substantial focus breathing | 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 | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 82 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 94.5 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 106 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 985 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Wide focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ring | Customisable 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 detail | 82 mm screw-in filters | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Nikon USA states the lens is sealed and gasketed against dust and moisture. Camera Labs describes only the visible mount gasket; the maker's broader sealing claim is retained without implying waterproofing | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 94.5 mm diameter × 106 mm length from the mount, according to Nikon's CIPA-based figures | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 985 g by Nikon's CIPA-based figure; Camera Labs measures 979 g without the hood | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | HB-79 bayonet hood included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-82 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-79 hood and CL-1218 soft case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon Japan records first sale on 26 August 2016; Nikon USA's announcement specifies late August availability | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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