Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | July 2015 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 500 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 16 elements in 12 groups plus one protective glass element | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Three ED elements and two fluorite elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Aperture detail | – | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; fluorine coating on the protective glass | – |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 5°; DX 3°10′ | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon F mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control restricts compatibility with some older DSLRs | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Teleconverter support | Original Nikon announcement lists TC-14E, TC-17E and TC-20E series; autofocus operation depends on the converter and camera aperture support | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 3.6 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum focal-plane distance 3.6 m; focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–8 m | Minimum 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 detail | Lens-shift VR rated 4.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and SPORT modes, with tripod vibration reduction supported | Lens-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 | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 40.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 140 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 387 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 3,090 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Reviews describe A/M and M/A modes and four configurable buttons for AF-ON, AF lock or focus memory recall | Customisable 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 | 40.5 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Original Nikon announcement describes sealing and gaskets against the elements; no waterproof rating stated | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 140 mm maximum diameter × 387 mm from the mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | – | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | – | HB-118 included |
| In the box | Nikon UK lists slip-on front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HK-34 hood, 40.5 mm NC filter, CT-505 case, LN-2 strap and monopod collar | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon US specified mid-July 2015 retail availability; the 2 July announcement is not used as the first-sale date | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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