Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | October 2025 | November 2021 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 16–50 mm | 18–140 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/3.5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22–40 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing | Seventeen elements in thirteen groups |
| Special elements | One ED and two aspherical elements | Two ED and two aspherical elements |
| Aperture detail | f/2.8–22 throughout the zoom range | – |
| Diaphragm | Nine rounded blades | Seven rounded blades |
| Angle of view | DX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format | DX 76°–11°30′ |
| Mount and compatibility | ||
| Mounts | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Image circle | APS-C | APS-C |
| Compatibility | Native Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format | Nikon Z DX cameras; Nikon USA gives a 27–210 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.15 m | 0.2 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.24× | 0.33× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing | Stepping-motor autofocus |
| Focus distance detail | Minimum 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 | Internal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.2 m at 18 mm, 0.22 m at 24 mm, 0.25 m at 35 mm, 0.3 m at 50 mm, 0.36 m at 70 mm and 0.4 m at 100–140 mm |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published | Maximum reproduction ratio 0.33× at maximum telephoto |
| Stabilisation detail | Lens-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 | Lens-shift VR with voice-coil motors; five-stop CIPA claim on an APS-C camera in NORMAL mode at maximum telephoto |
| 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 | Nikon describes reduced focus shift while zooming, reduced focus breathing and quiet autofocus |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | Yes |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 74.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Length | 88 mm | 90 mm |
| Weight | 330 g | 315 g (better) |
| Controls | Customisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviews | Zoom ring and programmable focus/control ring with ISO, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments. Focus mode and VR are selected on the camera; no lens switches, function buttons or display, as Amateur Photographer describes |
| 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 | Barrel extends while zooming towards 140 mm, as Amateur Photographer illustrates |
| Filter detail | 67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch | 62 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch |
| Weather resistance | Designed for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition | Nikon describes dust and drip protection but does not guarantee it in all conditions. Both reviews report a plastic mount without a sealing gasket; this does not replace Nikon's qualified protection claim |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange | Approximately 73 × 90 mm; extension from lens mount |
| Weight detail | Approximately 330 g | Approximately 315 g |
| Lens hood | HB-118 included | Optional HB-101 hood |
| In the box | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood | LC-62B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; rear caps may differ in lens kits |
| Release detail | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained | Nikon USA gives November 2021 availability; Nikon Japan specifies its regional on-sale date as 26 November 2021 |
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