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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II 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 24-70mm f/2.8 S IINikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2025October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Macro lensNo–
Optical construction14 elements in 10 groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element–
Diaphragm11 rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon ZNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circleNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.32×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil MotorsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focus from focal plane 0.24 m at 24/28 mm, 0.27 m at 35 mm, 0.30 m at 50 mm and 0.33 m at 70 mmMinimum 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 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mmMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera bodyLens-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 featuresFocus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbalsSuppressed 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 mm74.5 mm
Length142 mm88 mm
Weight675 g330 g
ControlsClick on/off control ring, two assignable L-fn buttons and focus-limit switch that restricts minimum focus to 0.33 m throughout the zoom rangeCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains the lens lengthBarrel 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-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situationDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens endApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailMaker approximately 675 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-117 with window for rotating filtersHB-118 included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail dayNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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