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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8

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 MC 50mm f/2.8
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2024June 2021
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction10 elements in seven groups; internal focusing10 elements in seven groups; front focusing
Special elementsOne aspherical elementOne ED and one aspherical element
Coatings–Fluorine-coated front element
Aperture detailf/1.4–16f/2.8–22 at infinity; effective f/5.6–32 at closest focus distance of 0.16 m. Main aperture values refer to infinity
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′FX 47°; DX 31°30′
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; FX/full-frame image circle, also usable on DX cameras
Adaptor support–Compatible with the Nikon ES-2 film digitising adapter
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.37 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.17×1×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
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 0.16 m from the focal plane; front lens barrel extends when focusing close. Limiter selects FULL or 0.16–0.30 m close range, rather than excluding close distances as Digital Camera World states
Magnification detailMaximum 0.17×Maximum 1× life-size reproduction; barrel markings indicate 1:2, 1:1.4 and 1:1. Nikon UK states approximately 5 cm between the lens front and subject at closest focus
Stabilisation detailNo optical VR, as confirmed by Amateur Photographer; camera-body stabilisation depends on the bodyNo lens optical VR; compatible cameras may provide in-body stabilisation
Video featuresSuppressed focus breathing, quiet focusing and clickless control ringNear-silent autofocus and a silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm74.5 mm
Length86.5 mm66 mm
Weight420 g260 g
ControlsSeparate manual focus and customisable control rings; no physical AF/manual switch or function buttons, as confirmed by Amateur PhotographerCombined focus/customisable control ring, AF/manual switch and close-range focus limiter; focus-distance and reproduction-ratio indicators appear on the extending barrel according to Nikon's release
Zoom designInternal focusing keeps lens length unchanged–
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch46 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and moisture resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionNikon USA describes dust and drip resistance; not a waterproof rating. Fluorine front coating resists dirt and smudges
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 66 mm from mount flange; barrel extends during close focusing
Weight detailApproximately 420 gApproximately 260 g
Lens hoodHB-115 includedHN-41 included
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-115 hoodLC-46B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HN-41 hood and CL-C1 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 states late-June 2021 availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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