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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 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/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Overview
ReleasedJune 2011September 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm24–70 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Macro lens–No
Optical constructionSeven elements in six groups14 elements in 10 groups
Special elementsOne aspherical elementTwo ED and three aspherical elements
CoatingsSuper Integrated CoatingMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/1.8–16; no aperture ring–
DiaphragmSeven rounded blades11 rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon F mountNikon Z
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 confirmsNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circle
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.24 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.32×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor with manual focus overrideMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil Motors
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 lensMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.15×; not a life-size macro lensMaximum 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mm
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VRNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera body
Video features–Focus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbals
Design
Dust and moisture resistant–Yes
Filter diameter58 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm84 mm
Length52.5 mm142 mm
Weight185 g675 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 limiterClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom range
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains the lens length
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 assignedDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 52.5 mm lengthApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens end
Weight detailApproximately 185 g according to Nikon; Photography Blog reports 187 g, which is not substituted for the maker figureMaker approximately 675 g
Lens hoodHB-47 includedHB-117 with window for rotating filters
In the boxLC-58 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-47 bayonet hood and CL-1013 pouchLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 case
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/1.8GAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail day

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