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Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena 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

NikonNIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S PlenaNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2023October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length135 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in fourteen groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsFour ED, one aspherical and one SR elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat–
Aperture detailf/1.8–16f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmEleven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 18°10′; DX 12°DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Image circle detailPhysical 135 mm focal length; 202.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as Photography Blog notes–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.82 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system using stepping motorsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing, minimum 0.82 m; manual override in M/A modeMinimum 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 0.2×; not a life-size macro lensMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirmsLens-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 featuresQuiet operation and stable exposure according to Nikon; clickless control ring for aperture, ISO or exposure compensationSuppressed 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 resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter98 mm74.5 mm
Length139.5 mm88 mm
Weight995 g330 g
ControlsManual focus ring, separate programmable control ring, A/M switch and two programmable L-Fn buttons for landscape or portrait use; no OLED distance display, as Photography Blog notesCustomisable 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 detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistant; Nikon qualifies that resistance is not guaranteed in every situation or conditionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 98 mm maximum diameter × 139.5 mm from the lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 995 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-108 includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-108 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Canada's September 2023 announcement states mid-October availability. Exact earliest global and first UK retail day unconfirmed; month precision retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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