Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF 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/5.6E PF ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2018 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 500 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 19 elements in 11 groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Three ED glass elements and one Phase Fresnel element | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front lens surface | – |
| Aperture detail | Electromagnetic E-type automatic diaphragm | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | 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 | Nikon F mount with FX coverage, also usable on DX; Nikon warns that some cameras impose E-type lens restrictions. Nikon USA confirms Z6 and Z7 use with the FTZ mount adapter | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Teleconverter support | Nikon confirms compatibility with the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 3 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.18× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Nikon internal focusing with an ultrasonic motor; manual focus possible | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum 3 m from the focal plane; focus limiter selects the full range 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 | Four stops under CIPA testing in Normal mode on a full-frame/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 | 95 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 106 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 237 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 1,460 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Focus ring, focus-mode switch, focus limiter and VR switch; Photography Blog identifies focus-function buttons and 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 | 95 mm screw-in filters; 1.0 mm thread pitch | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Nikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction with seals at moving barrel parts and other locations; fluorine coating helps repel dirt and water on the front lens surface | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 106 mm maximum diameter × 237 mm length from the lens mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 1,460 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Tripod mount | Rotating tripod collar; Photography Blog describes the locking knob for switching between horizontal and vertical orientation | – |
| Lens hood | HB-84 bayonet hood included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-95 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-84 hood and CL-M5 lens case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon USA announced availability on 13 September 2018; Nikon Japan records sale on 14 September 2018 | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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