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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1

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

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonAF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z 24–105mm f/4–7.1
Overview
ReleasedJune 2011January 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm24–105 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/4–7.1
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–40
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups12 elements in 10 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coating–
Aperture detailf/1.8–16; no aperture ringf/4–22 at 24 mm and f/7.1–40 at 105 mm; displayed minimum aperture may vary with camera exposure increments
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 84°–23°10′; DX 61°–15°20′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon F mount; full-frame/FX coverage, also usable on DX cameras. Built-in autofocus motor supports Nikon DSLRs without an in-body focus motor, as Photography Blog confirmsNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.5×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual focus overrideStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.45 m; Photography Blog confirms the outer barrel's length stays unchanged and the filter thread does not rotate during focusing, while noting this is not a true internal-focus lensDistances from focal plane; 0.2 m at 24/50 mm and 0.28 m at 105 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lensMaximum 0.5× at 70–105 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VRNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; stabilisation depends on the camera body
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter58 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm73.5 mm
Length52.5 mm106.5 mm
Weight185 g350 g
ControlsManual focus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance window; Photography Blog notes depth-of-field markings for f/16 only and no focus limiterCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; AF/manual selection in camera menu
Zoom design–Barrel extends when zooming; focal-length markings 24, 35, 50, 70, 85 and 105 mm
Filter detail58 mm screw-in filters–
Weather resistanceBoth reviews confirm a rubber seal at the metal mount. Broader barrel sealing is not established, so no general weather-resistance rating is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance, which is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm lengthApproximately 73.5 mm maximum diameter × 106.5 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figureApproximately 350 g
Lens hoodHB-47 includedOptional HB-93B; not included, as confirmed by both reviews
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouchLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear cap may differ in camera kits
Release detailNikon USA's April 2011 announcement states 16 June availability. Earliest exact global and first UK day unconfirmed, so June precision retained. Photography Blog's URL includes DX and its image captions refer to 24mm, but the actual review tests this FX 50mm f/1.8GUS maker states mid-January 2026; earliest exact retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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