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Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 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 85mm f/1.8 SNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedSeptember 2019October 2025
Optics
Lens typePrimeZoom
Focal length85 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/1.8f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16f/22
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eight groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsTwo ED elementsOne ED and two aspherical elements
CoatingsNano Crystal Coat–
Aperture detailf/1.8–16f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewFX 28°30′; DX 18°50′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
CompatibilityNikon Z mount; full-frame FX and DX camerasNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Image circle detailPhysical 85 mm focal length; 127.5 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view on DX, as Photography Blog notes–
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.8 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification–0.24×
Optical stabilisation–Yes
Autofocus detailNikon Multi-Focus System with quiet focus motorsStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum 0.8 m from the focal plane; no mechanical end stops on the focus ring, as Photography Blog notesMinimum 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 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailNikon's launch announcement confirms compatibility with the in-body five-axis VR in the Z6 and Z7Lens-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 featuresReduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus; control ring can adjust aperture smoothlySuppressed 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 diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter75 mm74.5 mm
Length99 mm88 mm
Weight470 g330 g
ControlsA/M focus switch and programmable ring for manual focus, aperture or exposure compensation; no distance scaleCustomisable 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 detail67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch. Photography Blog's 62 mm reference conflicts with Nikon's specification and is not used67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceNikon states sealing of moving parts against dust and water droplets; this is not a waterproof claimDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 75 mm maximum diameter × 99 mm from the lens mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 470 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hoodHB-91 bayonet hood includedHB-118 included
In the boxLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap, HB-91 hood and CL-C1 caseLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA's July 2019 announcement states September availability. Earliest exact global and first UK retail day are unconfirmed, so month precision is retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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