Request a product

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16–35mm f/4G ED VR 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 NIKKOR 16–35mm f/4G ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2010October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length16–35 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction17 elements in 12 groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED glass elements and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX and 35 mm film 107°–63°; DX 83°–44°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, G-type CPU lens covering FX; DX angle of view equivalent to 24–52.5 mm on FXNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailInternal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; Nikon USA identifies Silent Wave Motor with manual focusing availableStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.29 m at 16 and 35 mm, and 0.28 m at 20–28 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 Japan specifies 0.24×; Digital Camera World's table gives 0.25×. The maker figure is retainedMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailCurrent maker rating 2.5 stops under CIPA conditions, measured at maximum telephoto on an FX DSLR in Normal mode; no tripod VR. The original 2010 announcement used a four-stop claim under its earlier conditionsLens-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 diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter82.5 mm74.5 mm
Length125 mm88 mm
Weight680 g330 g
ControlsFocus and zoom rings, distance window and M/A–M switch; ePHOTOzine reports quick, quiet autofocusCustomisable 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 detail77 mm screw-in filters67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDigital Camera World identifies a mount seal; no general maker protection rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 82.5 mm maximum diameter × 125 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailMaker specifies approximately 680 g; ePHOTOzine's older review lists 685 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-77 front cap, rear cap, HB-23 bayonet hood and CL-1120 soft caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA stated late February 2010 availability; Nikon Japan records 26 February 2010. Month precision is retained because the US day is unspecifiedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

More comparisons