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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm 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 85mm f/1.4GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2010October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionTen elements in nine 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
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 28°30′; DX 18°50′DX 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 G-type lens covering FX and DX; Digital Camera World confirms use on Z bodies through FTZ or FTZ IINative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.85 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.12×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor autofocus with M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing keeps the barrel length unchanged; minimum focus 0.85 mMinimum 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–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 diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter86.5 mm74.5 mm
Length84 mm88 mm
Weight595 g330 g
ControlsManual focus 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 detail–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews identify a seal at the lens mount; no general maker weather-protection claim is assignedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 86.5 mm maximum diameter × 84 mm from the mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detail–Approximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-77 front cap, LF-1 rear cap, HB-55 bayonet hood and CL-1118 flexible lens pouch, as listed by Nikon UKLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon's original US announcement specifies availability starting September 2010. Its heading appends ED to the model name, but the exact UK product name and optical table omit ED; no ED element is assignedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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