Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | September 2018 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 24–70 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | Fourteen elements in eleven groups | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | One ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine-coated front element | – |
| Aperture detail | Constant f/4 maximum; f/22 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragm | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Seven rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 84°–34°20′; DX 61°–22°50′ | 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; full-frame FX and DX cameras | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.3 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | – | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Nikon describes smooth, quiet focusing with floating lens elements for close-distance focus | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Internal focusing; minimum 0.3 m from focal plane at all zoom positions; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notes | 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 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | Uses compatible cameras' in-body VR; Nikon's UK page quotes up to five stops for its original camera system, not lens optical VR | 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 | Quiet operation, compensation for focus breathing and smooth exposure control according to Nikon's launch announcement | 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 | 72 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 77.5 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 88.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 500 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Zoom ring, programmable focus/control ring and A/M switch; no focus-distance scale. Control ring can adjust exposure compensation in AF | Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews |
| Zoom design | Retractable barrel, extended by turning the zoom ring without a separate release button; must extend to a shooting focal length before use | 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 | 72 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Nikon states sealing of the lens including moving parts for dust and drip resistance; not a waterproof guarantee | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 77.5 mm maximum diameter × 88.5 mm from the lens mount flange when retracted | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 500 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | HB-85 included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-72B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-85 hood and CL-C1 case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Nikon USA's August 2018 announcement gives September 27 availability. This is the retractable f/4 model, distinct from the later f/2.8 zoom | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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