Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8GvsNikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
50mm / F1.8
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
16-80mm / F2.8-4
24-120mm equiv.
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Which to choose
When the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G suits you better
- Brightness1.3 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- Weight295g lighter, so easier to carry
When the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR suits you better
- Close focusFocuses as close as 35cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 16-80mm in a single lens
- StabilizationHas stabilization
- Weather sealingHas weather sealing
These points are derived mechanically from the numbers. How a lens actually renders does not show up in specifications, so look at samples before deciding.
Size compared
- AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G52.5mm long × 72mm diameter
- AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR85.5mm long × 80mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G | Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 50mm | 16mm | +34mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 50mm | 80mm | −30mm |
| Max aperture (wide) | F1.8 | F2.8 | 1.3 stops brighter |
| Max aperture (tele) | F1.8 | F4 | 2.3 stops brighter |
| Min aperture | F16 | — | No data |
| Min focus distance | 45cm | 35cm | +0.10m |
| Max magnification | 0.15× | 0.22× | −0.07x |
| Aperture blades | 7blades | — | No data |
| Weight | 185g | 480g | −295g |
| Length | 52.5mm | 85.5mm | −33mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 80mm | −8mm |
| Filter size | 58mm | 72mm | −14mm |
| Released | 2011 | 2015 | −4year |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | No |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes | No |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G relative to AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
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AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
ADLinks to Amazon, MPB, Wex Photo Video, Park Cameras, eBay are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.Links to London Camera Exchange are not affiliate links.Links marked “Search results” go to that retailer’s search page for this lens name.Check price and availability on the retailer’s own site.
AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G in detailAF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR in detailAll F mount lenses