Request a product

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 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

NikonNIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2020October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length20 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionFourteen elements in eleven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
Aperture detailf/1.8 maximum; f/16 minimumf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 94°; DX 70°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
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailNikon's launch announcement identifies a stepping motor for fast, quiet autofocus; UK page describes a multi-focusing systemStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.2 m from focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notesMinimum 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 0.19×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible camera bodies can provide in-body 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 smooth, quiet focus and suppressed focus breathing, with silent aperture control using 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 diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter84.5 mm74.5 mm
Length108.5 mm88 mm
Weight505 g330 g
ControlsProgrammable focus/control ring and A/M switch; control ring can adjust ISO, aperture or exposure compensation; no focus-distance scaleCustomisable 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 detail77 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states extensive sealing of movable barrel parts against dust and moisture; not a waterproof guaranteeDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 84.5 mm maximum diameter × 108.5 mm from the camera lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 505 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-95 includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-95 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA's February 2020 announcement specifies March 2020 availability; an earlier confirmed retail day was not foundNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

More comparisons