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Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 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 26mm f/2.8NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2023October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length26 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionEight elements in six groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/2.8 maximum; f/16 minimumf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 79°; DX 57°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 39 mm lens on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.19×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon USAStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailAll-element focusing system; minimum 0.2 m measured from focal plane. The inner barrel extends during close focusingMinimum 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 0.19×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR; 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 featuresCamera Labs finds visible focus breathing; both Camera Labs and Amateur Photographer find audible focus-drive noiseSuppressed 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 diameter70 mm74.5 mm
Length23.5 mm88 mm
Weight125 g330 g
ControlsProgrammable focus/control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; focus mode selected through the cameraCustomisable 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 detail52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch, attach to the supplied HB-111 hood rather than directly to the lens67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMetal mount and dust- and drip-resistant design; Nikon does not guarantee resistance in every conditionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 70 × 23.5 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 125 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-111 included; provides filter attachment and protects the frontHB-118 included
In the boxLC-K108 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-111 hood; CL-C4 case optionalLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA specifies early March 2023 availability; month precision retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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