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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 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 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VRNikonNIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Overview
ReleasedNovember 2019October 2025
Optics
Lens typeZoomPrime
Focal length50–250 mm35 mm
Maximum aperturef/4.5–6.3f/1.7
Minimum aperturef/22–32f/16
Macro lens–Yes
Optical constructionSixteen elements in twelve groupsEight elements in seven groups; internal focusing
Special elementsOne ED elementOne 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 31°30′–6°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; 75–375 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 distance0.5 m0.16 m
Maximum magnification0.23×0.67×
Optical stabilisationYesNo
Autofocus detailStepping-motor autofocus, as Photography Blog describesStepping motor; automatic or manual focusing
Focus distance detailInternal focusing; minimum distances from focal plane 0.5 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 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 0.23×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 five-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 diameter62 mm52 mm
Maximum diameter74 mm70 mm
Length110 mm72 mm
Weight405 g220 g
ControlsZoom ring and programmable focus/control ring with manual focus, aperture and exposure-compensation assignments. 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 mechanism; rotate the zoom ring to extend before shooting. Locks when retracted; barrel extends further towards 250 mmInternal focusing keeps total length unchanged
Filter detail62 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 74 mm maximum diameter × 110 mm from mount flange when retracted; shooting length is greaterApproximately 70 mm maximum diameter × 72 mm from mount flange
Weight detailApproximately 405 gApproximately 220 g, lens only
Lens hood–Optional HN-43, sold separately
In the boxLC-62B 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 twin-lens kitsNikon Canada states late October 2025 availability; earliest exact retail day and first UK day unconfirmed, so month precision retained

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