Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonAF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | April 2013 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 800 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/32 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 20 elements in 13 groups plus protective glass; supplied converter has five elements in three groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Two ED and two fluorite elements in the lens; one ED element in the converter | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; no fluorine coating claimed in the maker specification tables used here | – |
| Aperture detail | f/5.6–32 without the converter; f/7.1–40 with the supplied TC800-1.25E ED | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture control | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 3°10′; DX 2° without converter | 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 | CPU-equipped E-type Nikon F lens; electromagnetic aperture control requires compatible camera operation | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Teleconverter support | Supplied matched TC800-1.25E ED is exclusive to this lens and gives 1000 mm f/7.1; original US announcement names D4, D800 series and D600 for full autofocus with it | – |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 5.9 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Internal focusing with ultrasonic motor; autofocus and manual focus | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Maker main minimum distance 5.9 m; Japan converter table gives 5.9 m in autofocus and 5.8 m in manual focus with the matched converter. Focus limiter selects FULL or infinity–10 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 | Nikon Japan publishes 0.15× without converter in AF and MF, used in the main specifications; UK gives 1/6.7. Japan lists converter ratios of 1/5.3 in AF and 1/5.1 in MF | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-shift VR rated 4.5 stops under CIPA conditions in NORMAL mode on an FX DSLR; NORMAL and ACTIVE 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 |
| Filter diameter | 52 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 160 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 461 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 4,590 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | – | 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 | 52 mm drop-in holder system; pitch 0.75 mm | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | – | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 160 mm maximum diameter × 461 mm from the mount flange; matched converter approximately 62.5 mm diameter × 16 mm between bayonet reference planes, 29 mm overall | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 4,590 g lens; supplied matched converter approximately 135 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | – | HB-118 included |
| In the box | – | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Original Nikon US announcement specifies April 2013 retail availability; January introduction is not used as the first-sale date | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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