Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G 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

AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G compared with NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
NikonAF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2010October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in seven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX and 35 mm film 63°; DX 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; Nikon Japan specifies autofocus support with the FT1 adapterNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailRear focusing with Silent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual mode; the front barrel does not rotate during focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus 0.3 mMinimum 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 publishes 0.2× maximum reproduction ratio, used in the main specifications; Nikon Japan gives 0.19×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by CameralabsLens-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 diameter83 mm74.5 mm
Length89.5 mm88 mm
Weight600 g330 g (better)
ControlsManual focus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; 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 detail–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews describe sealing, including a rubber mount gasket; no general maker protection rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 83 mm maximum diameter × 89.5 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-59 bayonet hood and CL-1118 flexible lens pouch, as listed by Nikon UKLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA announced mid-November 2010 availability; Nikon Japan records 19 November 2010 releaseNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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