Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | July 2020 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 24–200 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4–6.3 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22–36 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Nineteen elements in fifteen groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Two ED elements, one aspherical ED element and two aspherical elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | ARNEO coat and fluorine-coated front element | – |
| Aperture detail | Maximum f/4 at wide end and f/6.3 at telephoto end; minimum f/22–36 | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Seven rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 84°–12°20′; DX 61°–8° | 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 36–300 mm zoom on full frame | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.5 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.28× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon Japan specifies | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.5 m at 24 mm, 0.54 m at 35 mm, 0.55 m at 50 mm, 0.58 m at 70 mm, 0.65 m at 105 mm, 0.68 m at 135 mm and 0.7 m at 200 mm | 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 0.28× at 200 mm, as Nikon Japan specifies | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; Nikon UK claims 4.5 stops under CIPA conditions. Nikon Japan's launch release instead states 5 stops in Normal mode on a full-frame mirrorless body at the longest focal length; regional claims differ | 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 focus shift while zooming, quiet autofocus and smooth aperture changes | 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 | 67 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 76.5 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 114 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 570 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Zoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and zoom lock; autofocus/manual selection through the camera. Control ring can adjust aperture, ISO or exposure compensation, as Digital Camera World describes | Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews |
| Zoom design | Extending zoom barrel; lock holds the retracted 24 mm position, as Photography Blog describes | 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 | 67 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Nikon describes sealing against dust and moisture; no waterproof rating stated | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 76.5 × 114 mm, length measured from camera lens mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 570 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | HB-93 bayonet hood included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-93 hood and CL-C1 case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon Japan gives 3 July 2020 as the on-sale date; initially planned April availability was postponed | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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