Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR | NikonNIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | October 2025 | November 2019 |
| Optics | ||
| Lens type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Focal length | 16–50 mm | 50–250 mm |
| Maximum aperture | f/2.8 | f/4.5–6.3 |
| Minimum aperture | f/22 | f/22–32 |
| Optical construction | 12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusing | Sixteen elements in twelve groups |
| Special elements | One ED and two aspherical elements | One ED element |
| 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 31°30′–6°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 format; 75–375 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describes |
| Focus and stabilisation | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | 0.15 m | 0.5 m |
| Maximum magnification | 0.24× | 0.23× |
| Optical stabilisation | Yes | Yes |
| Autofocus detail | Stepping motor; automatic or manual focusing | Stepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describes |
| 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 0.5 m at 50 mm, 0.52 m at 70 mm, 0.58 m at 100 mm, 0.65 m at 135 mm, 0.83 m at 200 mm and 1 m at 250 mm |
| Magnification detail | Maximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure published | Maximum reproduction ratio 0.23× |
| 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; Nikon's five-stop CIPA claim measured on an APS-C camera 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 breathing and fast, quiet focusing |
| Design | ||
| Dust and moisture resistant | Yes | No |
| Filter diameter | 67 mm | 62 mm |
| Maximum diameter | 74.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Length | 88 mm | 110 mm |
| Weight | 330 g (better) | 405 g |
| 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 manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments. Digital Camera World also identifies ISO assignment |
| 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 | Button-free retractable mechanism; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted; barrel extends further towards 250 mm |
| 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 | Photography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protection |
| Dimensions detail | Approximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flange | Approximately 74 mm maximum diameter × 110 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greater |
| Weight detail | Approximately 330 g | Approximately 405 g |
| Lens hood | HB-118 included | – |
| In the box | LC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hood | LC-62B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or case |
| Release detail | Nikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained | Nikon USA announced November 2019 availability with Z50 twin-lens kits |
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