Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | November 2020 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 14–24 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Sixteen elements in eleven groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Four ED and three aspherical elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat, ARNEO coat and fluorine-coated front element | – |
| Aperture detail | Constant f/2.8 maximum; f/22 minimum | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 114°–84°; DX 90°–61° | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | Nikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 21–36 mm zoom on full frame | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.28 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.13× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Stepping-motor autofocus, as Digital Camera World describes; Nikon states smooth, quiet operation | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing; minimum 0.28 m from focal plane at all zoom positions | 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 | Maximum reproduction ratio 0.13× at 24 mm | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | No optical stabilisation, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisation | 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 | Nikon describes reduced focus breathing and reduced focus shift while zooming; smooth aperture control via the control ring | 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 | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 112 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 88.5 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 124.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 650 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Zoom ring, focus ring, separate programmable control ring, L-Fn button, A/M switch and DISP button; OLED shows focal length, aperture, focus distance and depth of field | 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 | 112 mm screw-on filters attach through supplied HB-97 specialised hood; rear slot accepts gel filters. No direct front filter thread on the bare lens | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Extensive sealing around moving barrel parts and an aluminium-alloy mount, according to Nikon UK | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 88.5 × 124.5 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 650 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | HB-96 standard hood and HB-97 filter-support hood included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-Z1424 and LC-K104 front caps, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-96 and HB-97 hoods, and CL-C2 case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon USA specifies November 2020 availability; month precision retained | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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