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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4NikonNIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024March 2026
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm70–200 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR element
Coatings–Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating
Aperture detailf/1.4–16f/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
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative 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 distance0.37 m0.38 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.3×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing drive
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance publishedDistances 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 0.17×Maximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyMaker 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 featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ring–
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm77 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm90 mm
Length86.5 mm208 mm
Weight420 g998 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerAF/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 designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchangedInternal zoom maintains barrel length and balance
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch–
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situation
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 420 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-115 includedHB-119 with filter-adjustment window
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective cover
Release detailNikon USA states late September 2024 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained. The co-marketed f/1.8 S is not treated as its predecessorUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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