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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E 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 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2015October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionTwenty elements in sixteen groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED, one aspherical ED, three aspherical and one HRI elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on front and rear elements–
DiaphragmNine rounded blades with electromagnetic controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′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, FX and DX formats; Nikon Japan warns that E-type electronic diaphragm operation has restrictions with some camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.28×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual override; internal focusing, as Amateur Photographer describesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum distance from focal plane 0.38 m at 35–50 mm; 0.41 m at 24, 28 and 70 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 detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.28×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailFour-stop CIPA VR claim, measured at maximum telephoto on an FX DSLR in Normal mode; Normal, Active and Off settingsLens-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 resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88 mm74.5 mm
Length154.5 mm88 mm
Weight1,070 g330 g
ControlsZoom and manual-focus rings, focus-distance window, M/A–M focus switch and VR mode switchCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designBarrel extends during zooming but not focusing, as ePHOTOzine describesBarrel 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–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon UK calls it fully weather-sealed and Nikon Japan specifies dust/drip protection; ePHOTOzine's contrary no-weather-resistance statement is not used for the main fieldDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 88 mm diameter × 154.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1070 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-74 bayonet hood with recessed release lockHB-118 included
In the boxLC-82 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-74 hood and CL-M3 semi-soft caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan gives 22 October 2015; its 20 August notice postponed the original 27 August target to OctoberNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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