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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/3.5-6.3 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/3.5-6.3 VR
Overview
ReleasedMay 2023November 2019
Optics
Lens typeZoomZoom
Focal length12–28 mm16–50 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–5.6f/3.5–6.3
Minimum aperturef/16–25f/22–40
Optical constructionTwelve elements in eleven groupsNine elements in seven groups
Special elementsOne ED and one aspherical elementOne ED and four aspherical elements
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesSeven rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 99°–53°DX 83°–31°30′
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 followNikon Z DX format; 24–75 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describes
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.19 m0.2 m
Maximum magnification0.21×0.2×
Optical stabilisationYesYes
Autofocus detailSTM stepping-motor autofocus, as Nikon's launch release statesStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describes
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distance 0.19 m from the focal plane at all zoom positionsInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.25 m at 16 mm, 0.2 m at 24 mm, 0.23 m at 35 mm and 0.3 m at 50 mm
Magnification detailMaximum reproduction ratio 0.21×Maximum reproduction ratio 0.2×
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 with voice-coil motors; Nikon's 4.5-stop CIPA claim measured on an APS-C camera at maximum telephoto
Video features–Nikon describes reduced focus breathing and fast, quiet focusing
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesNo
Filter diameter67 mm46 mm
Maximum diameter72 mm70 mm
Length63.5 mm32 mm
Weight205 g135 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 cameraZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments described by Nikon. Digital Camera World also identifies ISO assignment
Zoom designInternal power zoom; fixed exterior length during zoom and focus. Eleven selectable speeds cover the range in approximately 0.55–36 secondsButton-free retractable design; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted
Filter detail–46 mm screw-on 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 statementPhotography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protection
Dimensions detailApproximately 72 mm maximum diameter × 63.5 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 32 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greater
Weight detailApproximately 205 gApproximately 135 g
In the boxLC-67B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; HB-112 hood sold separatelyLC-46B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or case
Release detailNikon USA announced availability in May 2023Nikon USA announced November 2019 availability with Z50 lens kits. The black and later silver finishes are grouped as configurations of the same optical model

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