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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm 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 35mm f/1.8G EDNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2014October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction11 elements in eight groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED glass element and one aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating, identified by Digital Camera World; no Nano Crystal Coat, according to ePHOTOzine–
DiaphragmSeven 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 with full-frame/FX coverage; also usable on DX. This is distinct from the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8GNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; both reviews confirm manual focus overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.25 m from the focal plane; ePHOTOzine confirms internal focusing and a non-rotating filter threadMinimum 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 detail–Maximum 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 diameter58 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm74.5 mm
Length71.5 mm88 mm
Weight305 g330 g
ControlsFocus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ring. Digital Camera World notes limited distance markings between 0.7 m and infinityCustomisable 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 detail58 mm screw-in filters; 0.75 mm thread pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceePHOTOzine identifies a rubber gasket at the mount; Digital Camera World says it is not extensively weather sealed. A general weather-resistance rating is not assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 71.5 mm length from the lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 305 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-70 bayonet hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-70 hood and CL-0915 flexible pouchLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 6 February 2014; Nikon USA announced later US availability on 20 February 2014Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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