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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR 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 DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR
Overview
ReleasedMay 2023October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length12–28 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/2.8
Minimum aperturef/16–25f/22
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eleven groups12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and one aspherical elementOne ED and two aspherical elements
Aperture detail–f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 99°–53°DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityNikon Z DX format; 18–42 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view. Nikon's launch release limited camera-button and eleven-speed support to Z30 and Zfc, with remote software support to followNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.19 m0.15 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.24×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release statesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsMinimum 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 reproduction ratio 0.21×Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published
Stabilisation detailLens-shift VR using voice-coil motors; 4.5-stop CIPA claim on a DX camera in Normal VR at maximum telephotoLens-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 diameter67 mm67 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm74.5 mm
Length63.5 mm88 mm
Weight205 g330 g
ControlsPower-zoom ring and silent customisable control ring. Amateur Photographer identifies manual focus, aperture, exposure compensation and ISO assignments; AF and VR are controlled from the cameraCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews
Zoom designInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 secondsBarrel 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 resistanceNikon specifies dust- and drip-resistant construction, without guaranteeing protection in every condition; this takes precedence over Amateur Photographer's contrary weather-proofing statementDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 205 gApproximately 330 g
Lens hood–HB-118 included
In the boxLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separatelyLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood
Release detailNikon USA announced availability in May 2023Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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