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Nikon NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S II 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 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S IINikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedMarch 2026October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length70–200 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/22f/22
Optical construction18 elements in 16 groups; internal focusing12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED, one Super ED, two aspherical, one aspherical ED, one fluorite and one SR elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsMeso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat; front-element fluorine coating–
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 throughout zoom rangef/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
Diaphragm11 blades with rounded apertureNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 34°20′–12°20′; DX 22°50′–8°DX 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
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; full-frame FX image circle, also usable on DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Teleconverter supportCompatible with Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and TC-2.0×–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.38 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.3×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSilky Swift VCM multi-focusing driveStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailDistances from focal plane; 0.38 m at 70/85 mm, 0.5 m at 105 mm, 0.6 m at 135 mm and 0.8 m at 200 mmMinimum 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 detailMaximum 0.3× at 70 mm or 0.25× at 200 mm; no separate AF/MF distinction publishedMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailMaker six-stop claim under CIPA2024 yaw/pitch/roll testing with Z6III, Synchro VR enabled, at telephoto end in Normal mode; support depends on cameraLens-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–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 resistantYesYes
Filter diameter77 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter90 mm74.5 mm
Length208 mm88 mm
Weight998 g330 g
ControlsAF/manual switch, programmable function controls and focus limiter FULL (infinity–0.38 m) or LIMIT (infinity–5 m); control-ring clicking requires compatible camera/firmwareCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designInternal zoom maintains barrel length and balanceBarrel 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–67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in every situationDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 90 mm maximum diameter × 208 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 998 g without tripod collar ring or 1180 g with itApproximately 330 g
Tripod mountRemovable collar with Arca-Swiss screw-clamp foot; maker advises against lever clamps. Protective collar cover included.–
Lens hoodHB-119 with filter-adjustment windowHB-118 included
In the boxLC-77B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-119 hood and CL-C3 lens case; removable tripod collar and protective coverLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailUS maker states late March 2026; exact earliest retail day or first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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