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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 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/3.5-6.3 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2025November 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length24–70 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/3.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–40
Macro lensNo–
Optical construction14 elements in 10 groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and four aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; fluorine-coated front element–
Diaphragm11 rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′DX 83°–31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon ZNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z mount, FX/full-frame image circleNikon Z DX format; 24–75 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describes
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.24 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.32×0.2×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with Silky Swift Voice Coil MotorsStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describes
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 mmInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.25 m at 16 mm, 0.2 m at 24 mm, 0.23 m at 35 mm and 0.3 m at 50 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.21× at 24 mm or 0.32× at 70 mmMaximum reproduction ratio 0.2×
Stabilisation detailNo in-lens VR according to Photography Blog; stabilisation depends on the attached camera bodyLens-shift VR with voice-coil motors; Nikon's 4.5-stop CIPA claim measured on an APS-C camera at maximum telephoto
Video featuresFocus-breathing suppression; internal zoom keeps the centre of gravity steady on gimbalsNikon describes reduced focus breathing and fast, quiet focusing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter77 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter84 mm70 mm
Length142 mm32 mm
Weight675 g135 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 rangeZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments described by Nikon. Digital Camera World also identifies ISO assignment
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains the lens lengthButton-free retractable design; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted
Filter detail–46 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust- and drip-resistant construction; not guaranteed in every situationPhotography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protection
Dimensions detailApproximately 84 mm maximum diameter by 142 mm from camera mount flange to lens endApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 32 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greater
Weight detailMaker approximately 675 gApproximately 135 g
Lens hoodHB-117 with window for rotating filters–
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-117 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-46B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or case
Release detailAnnounced 22 August 2025; Nikon US specified mid-September availability. Main keeps the confirmed month without inventing a UK retail dayNikon USA announced November 2019 availability with Z50 lens kits. The black and later silver finishes are grouped as configurations of the same optical model

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