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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm 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 50mm f/1.2 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2020October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.2f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionSeventeen elements in fifteen groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and three aspherical elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat and ARNEO coat; Nikon USA also specifies Super Integrated Coating–
Aperture detailf/1.2 maximum; f/16 minimum; electromagnetic diaphragmf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′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 75 mm lens on full frameNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.45 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system with two stepping motors moving two smaller focusing groups, according to Nikon USAStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.45 m measured from focal planeMinimum 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 0.15×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical stabilisation, as Camera Labs confirms; 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 featuresNikon describes quiet focusing, reduced focus breathing, stable exposure and smooth aperture adjustment 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 diameter82 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter89.5 mm74.5 mm
Length150 mm88 mm
Weight1,090 g330 g
ControlsFocus ring, separate programmable control ring, L-Fn button, A/M switch and DISP button; OLED shows aperture, focus distance and depth of fieldCustomisable 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 resistanceSeals around moving barrel parts and rubber sealing around the metal mount, according to Nikon UKDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 89.5 × 150 mm, distance to end of lens measured from camera lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 1090 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-94 included, reversible for transportHB-118 included
In the boxLC-82B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-94 hood and CL-C2 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA specifies December 2020 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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