Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S 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

NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S compared with NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
NikonNIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2020October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length14–24 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical constructionSixteen elements in eleven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsFour ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat, ARNEO coat and fluorine-coated front element–
Aperture detailConstant f/2.8 maximum; f/22 minimumf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 114°–84°; DX 90°–61°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; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 21–36 mm zoom on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.28 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.13×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocus, as Digital Camera World describes; Nikon states smooth, quiet operationStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.28 m from focal plane at all zoom positionsMinimum 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 0.13× at 24 mmMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisationLens-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 featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing and reduced focus shift while zooming; smooth aperture control via the control ringSuppressed 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 diameter112 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter88.5 mm74.5 mm
Length124.5 mm88 mm
Weight650 g330 g (better)
ControlsZoom 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 fieldCustomisable 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 detail112 mm screw-on filters attach through supplied HB-97 specialised hood; rear slot accepts gel filters. No direct front filter thread on the bare lens67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceExtensive sealing around moving barrel parts and an aluminium-alloy mount, according to Nikon UKDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 88.5 × 124.5 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 650 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-96 standard hood and HB-97 filter-support hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-Z1424 and LC-K104 front caps, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-96 and HB-97 hoods, and CL-C2 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA specifies November 2020 availability; 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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