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Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedDecember 2018October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimePrime
Focal length50 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/16f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction12 elements in nine groups; internal focusingEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED and two aspherical elementsOne aspherical ED element
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat; the maker does not list a fluorine coating for this model, despite Photography Blog describing one–
Aperture detailf/1.8–16; electromagnetic aperture controlAt infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 47°; DX 31°30′DX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleFull frameAPS-C
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame/FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.4 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.15×0.67×
Optical stabilisationNoNo
Autofocus detailStepping motor; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 0.4 m measured from the focal plane; internal focusingMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detailMaximum 0.15× according to Nikon Japan's specificationsActual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
Stabilisation detailNo 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 bodyNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresNear-silent autofocus, reduced focus breathing and smooth aperture changesSuppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter62 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter76 mm70 mm
Length86.5 mm72 mm
Weight415 g220 g
ControlsCombined focus/customisable control ring and AF/manual switch; no distance scale, as Photography Blog notesCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom design–Internal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail62 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMount and moving barrel parts sealed against dust and water droplets; not a waterproof ratingDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 76 mm maximum diameter × 86.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 415 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hoodHB-90 includedOptional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-62B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-90 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailAnnounced 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 chronologyNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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