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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G 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/1.8GNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2012October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionNine 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
CoatingsSuper Integrated Coatings, according to Nikon USA's announcement–
DiaphragmSeven 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; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.124×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailSilent Wave Motor; M/A manual-priority autofocus and M manual focus modesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing with a non-rotating front element; minimum 0.8 m from the focal planeMinimum 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 0.124×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 diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter80 mm74.5 mm
Length73 mm88 mm
Weight350 g330 g
ControlsFocus ring, M/A–M switch and focus-distance windowCustomisable 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 detail67 mm screw-in filters67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceBoth reviews identify a rubber seal at the mount. Digital Camera World says broader weather sealing is limited; Nikon UK's specifications give no general protection ratingDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 80 mm diameter × 73 mm length from the lens mountApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 350 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-62 bayonet hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-67 front cap, LF-4 rear cap, HB-62 hood and CL-1015 flexible pouchLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records first sale on 16 February 2012. Nikon USA's announcement states March availability in the USNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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