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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 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/3.5-6.3 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024November 2019
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length50 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/3.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/16f/22–40
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusingNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED and four aspherical elements
Aperture detailf/1.4–16–
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′DX 83°–31°30′
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 camerasNikon Z DX format; 24–75 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describes
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.37 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.17×0.2×
Optical stabilisationNoYes
Autofocus detailMulti-focusing system; stepping motors; automatic or manual focusingStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describes
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.37 m from focal plane; no separate AF/manual distance publishedInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.25 m at 16 mm, 0.2 m at 24 mm, 0.23 m at 35 mm and 0.3 m at 50 mm
Magnification detailMaximum 0.17×Maximum reproduction ratio 0.2×
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyLens-shift VR with voice-coil motors; Nikon's 4.5-stop CIPA claim measured on an APS-C camera at maximum telephoto
Video featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ringNikon describes reduced focus breathing and fast, quiet focusing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter62 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm70 mm
Length86.5 mm32 mm
Weight420 g135 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments described by Nikon. Digital Camera World also identifies ISO assignment
Zoom designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchangedButton-free retractable design; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch46 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionPhotography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protection
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 32 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greater
Weight detailApproximately 420 gApproximately 135 g
Lens hoodHB-115 included–
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-46B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or case
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 USA announced November 2019 availability with Z50 lens kits. The black and later silver finishes are grouped as configurations of the same optical model

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