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Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 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 35mm f/1.2 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedFebruary 2025October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length35 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction17 elements in 15 groups; internal focusing12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED, one aspherical ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous, Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings–
Aperture detailf/1.2–16f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
Diaphragm11 rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 63°; DX 44°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
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.3 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.24×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with dual stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.3 m from focal plane; no separate AF/MF distance publishedMinimum 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 0.2×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detail–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 featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring; linear manual focusing can be enabled through compatible camera settingsSuppressed 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 diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter90 mm74.5 mm
Length150 mm88 mm
Weight1,060 g330 g
ControlsTwo customisable L-Fn buttons for horizontal or vertical shooting, customisable control ring and manual focus ring; AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviewsCustomisable 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 detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceSealed body, mount and movable barrel parts for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 150 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1060 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-110 includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-110 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA states late February 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so 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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