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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

Every spec side by side, from each maker's published figures.

Better figure, where one is clearly better

NikonNIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedOctober 2025October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–50 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/2.8f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/22f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical construction12 elements in 11 groups; internal focusingEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and two aspherical elementsOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detailf/2.8–22 throughout the zoom rangeAt infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmNine rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 83°–31°30′; 24–75 mm equivalent angle of view in FX formatDX 44°; Nikon Canada gives 52.5 mm equivalent angle of view in FX format
Mount and compatibility
MountsNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Image circleAPS-CAPS-C
CompatibilityNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C formatNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.15 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.24×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailStepping motor; automatic or manual focusingStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailMinimum 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 mmMinimum 0.16 m measured from the focal plane; UK maker states 7.2 cm working distance from the front of the lens
Magnification detailMaximum 0.24× at 50 mm; no separate AF/MF figure publishedActual maximum reproduction ratio 0.67×; Nikon describes this as life-size equivalent in 35 mm/FX format, rather than an actual 1× ratio
Stabilisation detailLens-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 conditionsNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresSuppressed 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 offSuppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantYesYes
Filter diameter67 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter74.5 mm70 mm
Length88 mm72 mm
Weight330 g220 g
ControlsCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; physical zoom ring; no AF/manual switch, as confirmed by both reviewsCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom designBarrel extends while zooming, as confirmed by both reviews; internal focusing does not change length. Focal-length markings 16, 24, 35 and 50 mmInternal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail67 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistanceDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every conditionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 74.5 mm maximum diameter × 88 mm from mount flangeApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 330 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hoodHB-118 includedOptional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-67B front cap, LF-N1 rear cap and HB-118 hoodLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retainedNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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