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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S 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 24mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2019October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length24 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionTwelve elements in ten groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and four aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
Aperture detailf/1.8 maximum; f/16 minimumf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 84°; DX 61°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; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.25 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system using two AF drives in tandem; near-silent stepping motors, according to Nikon's launch announcementStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailRear focusing system according to Nikon UK; minimum 0.25 m from focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notesMinimum 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 approximately 0.15×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR, as Digital Camera World confirms; compatible cameras provide in-body stabilisation. Nikon's launch release identifies in-camera five-axis VR and electronic VRLens-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, near-silent AF and silent aperture control 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 diameter72 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter78 mm74.5 mm
Length96.5 mm88 mm
Weight450 g330 g
ControlsProgrammable focus/control ring and A/M switch; ring can control aperture or exposure compensation; no focus-distance scaleCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom design–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 detail72 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of moving barrel parts against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof guaranteeDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 78 mm maximum diameter × 96.5 mm from the camera lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 450 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-88 includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-72B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-88 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Canada's September 2019 announcement specifies October 2019 availability; a confirmed first retail day was not foundNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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