Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | December 2018 | October 2025 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Prime | Zoom |
| Focal length | 50 mm | 16–50 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum aperture | f/16 | f/22 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements in nine groups; internal focusing | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing |
| Special elements | Two ED and two aspherical elements | One ED and two aspherical elements |
| Coatings | Nano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing one | – |
| Aperture detail | f/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture control | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | Nine rounded blades |
| Angle of view | FX 47°; DX 31°30′ | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | Full frame | APS-C |
| Compatibility | Native Nikon Z mount; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX cameras | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.4 m | 0.15 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.15× | 0.24× |
| Optical stabilisation | No | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusing | Minimum 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 detail | Maximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specifications | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published |
| Stabilisation detail | No lens optical VR; uses in-body stabilisation on compatible cameras. Nikon UK quotes up to five stops under CIPA standards for the original compatible camera system, not every Nikon Z body | Lens-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 features | Near-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changes | Suppressed 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 resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 62 mm | 67 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 76 mm | 74.5 mm |
| Length | 86.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Weight | 415 g | 330 g (better) |
| Controls | Combined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notes | Customisable 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 detail | 62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Mount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof rating | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flange | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange |
| Weight detail | Approximately 415 g | Approximately 330 g |
| Lens hood | HB-90 included | HB-118 included |
| In the box | LC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 case | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood |
| Release detail | Announced August 2018. Nikon Japan's updated November notice confirms 7 December 2018 local availability after an earlier planned date; earliest exact global and UK day unconfirmed, so December precision retained. ePHOTOzine's 2022 review introduction does not describe the original launch chronology | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained |
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