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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 SNikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in fifteen groups18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coat; Nikon USA also specifies Super Integrated CoatingMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailf/1.2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades11 blades with rounded aperture
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameFull frame
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; FX and DX cameras; DX gives the angle of view of a 75 mm lens on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Teleconverter support–Compatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motors moving two smaller focusing groups, according to Nikon USASilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.45 m measured from focal planeDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.15×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation, as Camera Labs confirms; compatible bodies can provide sensor-shift stabilisationMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on camera
Video featuresNikon describes quiet focusing, reduced focus breathing, stable exposure and smooth aperture adjustment through the control ring–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter82 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter89.5 mm90 mm
Length150 mm208 mm
Weight1,090 g998 g
ControlsFocus ring, separate programmable control ring, L-Fn button, A/M switch and DISP button; OLED shows aperture, focus distance and depth of fieldAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmware
Zoom design–Internal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail82 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceSeals around moving barrel parts and rubber sealing around the metal mount, according to Nikon UKDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 89.5 × 150 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1090 gApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with it
Tripod mount–Removable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.
Lens hoodHB-94 included, reversible for transportHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-94 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon USA specifies December 2020 availability; month precision retainedUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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