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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.4E 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 28mm f/1.4E EDNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedJune 2017October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length28 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/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 and fluorine coating–
Aperture detailE-type electromagnetic automatic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 75°; DX 53°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 E-type CPU lens; ePHOTOzine notes that electronic aperture control requires a compatible later camera body. Phillip Reeve tested autofocus successfully on a Nikon Zf through the FTZ II adapterNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with Silent Wave Motor and manual override; Nikon Japan specifies rear focusing rather than generic internal focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.28 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 detailMaker maximum 0.17×; Phillip Reeve's measured 1:5.5 is a test result, not the maker specificationMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by ePHOTOzineLens-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 diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter83 mm74.5 mm
Length100.5 mm88 mm
Weight645 g330 g
ControlsDedicated focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switchCustomisable 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–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction; fluorine coating repels water, dust and dirt. No waterproof or IP rating is claimedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 83 mm maximum diameter × 100.5 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailMaker approximately 645 g; Phillip Reeve measured 646 g without hood or capsApproximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-77 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-83 bayonet hood and CL-1118 lens caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA stated late June 2017 availability; Nikon Japan records 30 June 2017. Month precision is retained because the US first-sale day is unspecifiedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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