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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm 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

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2008October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in seven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elements–One ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating, confirmed by Digital Camera World–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 46°; Nikon's launch announcement gives a 75 mm equivalent field of view on DXDX 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; 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; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus distance 0.45 m; Nikon confirms the focus ring does not rotate during autofocusMinimum 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 detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.15×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 diameter73.5 mm74.5 mm
Length54 mm88 mm
Weight280 g330 g
ControlsFocus 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 detail58 mm screw-in filters67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceCamera Labs identifies a rubber mount gasket but no further weather sealing. No general weather rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 73.5 mm diameter × 54 mm length from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 280 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-47 bayonet hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-47 hood and CL-1013 flexible pouch, as listed by Nikon UKLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon's September 2008 announcement specifies December 2008 availability; an exact first on-sale day is not establishedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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