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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 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/1.4NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/1.4–16f/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
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 distance0.37 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.24×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual 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 0.17×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyLens-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 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 diameter62 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm74.5 mm
Length86.5 mm88 mm
Weight420 g330 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchangedBarrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mm
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 420 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-115 includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
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 predecessorNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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