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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 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/3.5-6.3 VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2019October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length16–50 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/3.5–6.3f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/22–40f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionNine elements in seven groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED and four aspherical elementsOne aspherical ED element
Aperture detail–At infinity f/1.7–16; at 0.16 m focus distance f/3.2–22
DiaphragmSeven rounded bladesNine rounded blades
Angle of viewDX 83°–31°30′DX 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
CompatibilityNikon Z DX format; 24–75 mm full-frame-equivalent angle of view, as Photography Blog describesNative Nikon Z mount; designed for DX/APS-C format
Focus and stabilisation
AutofocusYesYes
Minimum focus distance0.2 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.2×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal 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 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 reproduction ratio 0.2×Actual 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 with voice-coil motors; Nikon's 4.5-stop CIPA claim measured on an APS-C camera at maximum telephotoNo optical VR, as confirmed by both reviews; camera-body stabilisation depends on the body
Video featuresNikon describes reduced focus breathing and fast, quiet focusingSuppressed focus breathing and quiet focusing; silent control ring
Design
Dust and moisture resistantNoYes
Filter diameter46 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter70 mm70 mm
Length32 mm72 mm
Weight135 g220 g
ControlsZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring; manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments described by Nikon. Digital Camera World also identifies ISO assignmentCustomisable control ring for focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO; no physical AF/manual switch, as noted by Amateur Photographer
Zoom designButton-free retractable design; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retractedInternal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail46 mm screw-on filters, 0.75 mm pitch52 mm screw-in filters, 0.75 mm pitch
Weather resistancePhotography Blog reports no dust or moisture sealing and a plastic mount; Nikon UK's page does not claim weather protectionDesigned for dust and drip resistance; resistance is not guaranteed under every condition
Dimensions detailApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 32 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greaterApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 135 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hood–Optional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-46B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap; Photography Blog reports no supplied hood or caseLC-52B front cap and LF-N1 rear cap
Release detailNikon USA announced November 2019 availability with Z50 lens kits. The black and later silver finishes are grouped as configurations of the same optical modelNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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