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Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 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 40mm f/2NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2021October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length40 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionSix elements in four groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 57°; DX 38°50′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 distance0.29 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailQuiet stepping-motor autofocus, according to Nikon UKStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.29 m measured from focal plane; barrel length remains constant while 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 0.17×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras can provide in-body stabilisation. Original Z50 and Zfc bodies lack IBISLens-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, quiet focusing 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 diameter52 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm74.5 mm
Length45.5 mm88 mm
Weight170 g330 g
ControlsOne programmable 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 pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states dust- and drip-resistant sealing, but explicitly does not guarantee resistance in all conditionsDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailStandard version approximately 70 × 45.5 mm; SE approximately 71.5 × 45.5 mm, measured from lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 170 g for either finishApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodNot included; Nikon UK now lists optional HN-43 hoodHB-118 included
In the boxLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; no supplied hood or caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailSeptember 2021 UK launch coverage gives September 30 availability, while Nikon USA specifies later that autumn. Month precision is retained. The later SE changes the exterior finish and diameter, with the same optical specificationNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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