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Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ 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 28-135mm f/4 PZNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Overview
ReleasedApril 2025November 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length28–135 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/3.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/22f/22–40
Optical construction18 elements in 13 groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsThree ED elements, one aspherical ED element and four aspherical elementsOne ED and four aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and fluorine coating on the front element–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 75° to 18°10′; DX 53° to 12°DX 83°–31°30′
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
Compatibility–Nikon Z DX format; 24–75 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describes
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.34 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.25×0.2×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailStepping motor autofocus and internal focusingStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describes
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distances of 0.34 m at 28, 35 and 50 mm; 0.39 m at 70 mm; 0.43 m at 85 mm; 0.49 m at 105 mm; 0.57 m at 135 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 reproduction ratio 0.25× at 55–135 mmMaximum reproduction ratio 0.2×
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, confirmed by Digital Camera World; camera stabilisation depends on the 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, linear manual-focus support and power zoom; Hi-Res Zoom synchronisation requires a supported camera and suitable firmwareNikon describes reduced focus breathing and fast, quiet focusing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter95 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter105 mm70 mm
Length177.5 mm32 mm
Weight1,210 g135 g
ControlsZoom rocker, electronically coupled zoom and focus rings, customisable control ring, two L-Fn buttons and A–M switch; no mechanically driven manual zoom ringZoom 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 power zoom with eleven selectable speeds on compatible cameras; adjustable zoom-ring direction and rotation angle, with firmware and camera compatibility requirementsButton-free retractable design; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted
Filter detail95 mm screw-in filter thread; HB-116 rectangular hood has a filter adjustment window46 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMaker dust and drip-resistant design; protection is not guaranteed in every conditionPhotography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protection
Dimensions detailApproximately 105 mm maximum diameter × 177.5 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 32 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greater
Weight detailApproximately 1,210 g including tripod collar, used in the main specifications; approximately 1,120 g without itApproximately 135 g
Tripod mountTripod collar with removable foot–
In the boxLC-95B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-116 hood and CL-C5 caseLC-46B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or case
Release detailNikon USA specified April 2025 retail availability; the February announcement date is not used as the on-sale dateNikon 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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