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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 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 24-50mm f/4-6.3NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedAugust 2020October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–50 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4–6.3f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22–36f/22
Optical constructionEleven elements in ten groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailMaximum f/4 at 24 mm and f/6.3 at 50 mm; minimum f/22 at 24 mm and f/36 at 50 mmf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–47°; DX 61°–31°30′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 36–75 mm zoom on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.35 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocusStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.35 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 0.17× at 50 mmMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical vibration reduction, as both reviews confirm; 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, quiet autofocus and smooth exposure adjustments through 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 diameter52 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter73.5 mm74.5 mm
Length51 mm88 mm
Weight195 g330 g
ControlsZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; control ring can adjust aperture, exposure compensation or ISO. No dedicated autofocus/manual switch, as both reviews describeCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designButton-free retractable barrel operated by rotating the zoom ring; lens must be extended for shootingBarrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detail52 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon describes dust and drip resistance; no waterproof rating statedDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 73.5 × 51 mm; 51 mm is measured from camera lens mount flange with lens retractedApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 195 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-98 hood is optional, sold separatelyHB-118 included
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; CL-C4 case is optionalLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan gives 28 August 2020 as the on-sale date; July 2020 was the announcement monthNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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