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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G 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

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G EDNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2014October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction13 elements in 11 groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED glass elements and two aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX and 35 mm film 94°; DX 70°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; full-frame/FX coverage, also usable on DXNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with Silent Wave Motor; manual focus possible, according to Nikon JapanStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.2 m from the focal planeMinimum 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 maximum 0.23×; Camera Labs measures 1:4, which is not substituted for the maker valueMaximum 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 featuresCamera Labs observes visible focus breathing and some focus-ring playSuppressed 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
Length80.5 mm88 mm
Weight355 g330 g
ControlsFocus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings only at f/16 and no aperture ringCustomisable 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 filters; 0.75 mm thread pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceCamera Labs identifies a rubber gasket at the mount and no further weather sealing; Photography Blog describes the lens as unsealed. A general weather-resistance rating is therefore not assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 82.5 mm maximum diameter × 80.5 mm length from the mount, according to Nikon JapanApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 355 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-72 bayonet hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-77 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-72 hood and CL-1015 flexible pouchLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 25 September 2014; the global announcement was issued on 12 SeptemberNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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