Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED 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

AF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G ED compared with NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 14–24mm f/2.8G EDNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2007October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length14–24 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction14 elements in 11 groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED glass elements and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
Aperture detailConstant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range; G-type automatic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX and 35 mm film 114°–84°; DX 90°–61°DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon F mount with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DXNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification–0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; Nikon USA identifies Silent Wave Motor. Manual focus override via M/A modeStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.28 m at 18–24 mm; Nikon Japan specifies 0.3 m below 18 mmMinimum 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 detailNikon UK publishes a maximum reproduction ratio of 1/6.7, while the current Japanese table gives 0.14×; both are retained here without silently equating themMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by Digital Camera WorldLens-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 diameter–67 mm
Maximum diameter98 mm74.5 mm
Length131.5 mm88 mm
Weight1,000 g330 g (better)
ControlsZoom ring, focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; ePHOTOzine finds both rings smooth with short focus-ring travelCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designRotating zoom ring with focal-length markings at 14, 15, 16, 18, 20 and 24 mmBarrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detailNo standard screw-in filter attachment. Digital Camera World notes specialist external filter systems can be used with a dedicated adapter67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceePHOTOzine identifies a rubber seal at the mount and Digital Camera World describes weather seals. The maker tables do not define broader protection, so no general rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 98 mm maximum diameter × 131.5 mm length from the lens mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailNikon UK specifies approximately 1,000 g; the current Japanese table specifies approximately 970 g. The UK figure is retainedApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodFixed hood around the curved front elementHB-118 included
In the boxSlip-on front cap, rear cap and CL-M3 semi-soft case; Nikon Japan's shop identifies the rear cap as LF-1LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA stated November 2007 availability; Nikon Japan's shop records 30 November 2007. Month precision is retained because the US first-sale day is not givenNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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