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Nikon NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S 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 600mm f/4 TC VR SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2022October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length600 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/4f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/32f/22
Optical construction26 elements in 20 groups, including seven elements in four groups in the built-in teleconverter12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsThree ED elements, one super-ED element, two fluorite elements and two SR elements including the built-in converterOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat, Nano Crystal Coat and fluorine coating on the front element–
Aperture detailf/4–32 without the built-in teleconverter; f/5.6–45 with it engagedf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded blades; electromagnetic aperture controlNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 4°10′ at 600 mm and 3° at 840 mm; DX 2°40′ and 2° respectivelyDX 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
Compatibility–Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Teleconverter supportBuilt-in 1.4× converter selects 600 mm or 840 mm; Nikon UK also confirms compatibility with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x converters–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance4.3 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.14×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM with optical ABS encoder and internal focusing; FULL and infinity–10 m focus limiter positionsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum focal-plane distance 4.3 m with or without the built-in converter; Cameralabs measured approximately 4.12 m in manual focusMinimum 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 detailMaker 0.14× at 600 mm, used in the main specifications; 0.2× with the built-in converter engagedMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR rated 5.0 stops under CIPA conditions on an FX mirrorless camera in NORMAL mode, built-in converter disabled; 5.5 stops with Z9 Synchro VRLens-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 featuresMaker breathing-suppression claim; Cameralabs observes visible focus breathing and recommends refocusing after switching the built-in converterSuppressed 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 diameter46 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter165 mm74.5 mm
Length437 mm88 mm
Weight3,260 g330 g
ControlsConfigurable control ring, L-Fn controls, Memory Set button and Fn ring for focus recall, A–M switch and lockable built-in converter leverCustomisable 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 detail46 mm drop-in filter system, not a front screw-in thread67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceMaker sealing around moving parts and mount gasket; protection is not guaranteed in all conditionsDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 165 mm maximum diameter × 437 mm from the mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 3,260 g; Cameralabs reports an additional 248 g for the hoodApproximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
Tripod mountRotating tripod collar and foot; Cameralabs notes the standard foot lacks an Arca-Swiss profile–
In the boxNikon Japan lists LC-K107 front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HK-43 hood, LN-3 or LN-4 strap and CL-L3 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon Japan records 25 November 2022 release, following its planned delivery start on that date; this is the Japanese retail dateNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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