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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4GNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2008March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elements–One ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating, confirmed by Digital Camera WorldMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 46°; Nikon's launch announcement gives a 75 mm equivalent field of view on DXFX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount; FX and DX cameras. Built-in motor supports autofocus on Nikon DSLRs without a body focus motor; Digital Camera World confirms use with Z cameras through FTZ or FTZ IINative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter support–Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailMinimum focus distance 0.45 m; Nikon confirms the focus ring does not rotate during autofocusDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.15×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by both reviewsMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter58 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter73.5 mm90 mm
Length54 mm208 mm
Weight280 g998 g
ControlsFocus ring, distance window and M/A–M switch; no aperture ringAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail58 mm screw-in filters–
Weather resistanceCamera Labs identifies a rubber mount gasket but no further weather sealing. No general weather rating is assignedDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 73.5 mm diameter × 54 mm length from the mountApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 280 gApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hoodHB-47 bayonet hood includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-47 hood and CL-1013 flexible pouch, as listed by Nikon UKLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon's September 2008 announcement specifies December 2008 availability; an exact first on-sale day is not establishedUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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