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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G 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/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedMay 2012October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length28 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction11 elements in nine groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo 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 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 G-type CPU lens covering FX; DX angle of view equivalent to 42 mm on FXNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.22×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with an ultrasonic motor according to Nikon Japan; reviews identify Silent Wave Motor and manual overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.25 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 UK specifies 0.22×, while Nikon Japan specifies 0.21×; the UK figure is retainedMaximum 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 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 diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter73 mm74.5 mm
Length80.5 mm88 mm
Weight330 g330 g
ControlsM/A–M switch, focus ring and distance windowCustomisable 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 resistanceBoth reviews identify a rubber seal at the mount; Digital Camera World notes it is not fully weather sealed. No general maker rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 73 mm maximum diameter × 80.5 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-67 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-64 bayonet hood and CL-0915 flexible pouchLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records 24 May 2012 availability. Nikon's Canadian announcement specifies the end of May 2012Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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