Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VRvsNikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
16-50mm / F2.8
24-75mm equiv.
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NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
50mm / F1.8
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Which to choose
When the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR suits you better
- Weight85g lighter, so easier to carry
- Close focusFocuses as close as 15cm
- Zoom rangeCovers 16-50mm in a single lens
- StabilizationHas stabilization
When the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S suits you better
- Brightness1.3 stops brighter — better in low light and blurs the background more
- 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
- NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR88mm long × 74.5mm diameter
- NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S86.5mm long × 76mm diameter
Specifications compared
| Specification | Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal length (wide) | 16mm | 50mm | −34mm |
| Focal length (tele) | 50mm | 50mm | — |
| Max aperture (wide) | F2.8 | F1.8 | 1.3 stops darker |
| Max aperture (tele) | F2.8 | F1.8 | 1.3 stops darker |
| Min aperture | — | F16 | No data |
| Min focus distance | 15cm | 40cm | −0.25m |
| Max magnification | 0.24× | 0.15× | +0.09x |
| Aperture blades | — | 9blades | No data |
| Weight | 330g | 415g | −85g |
| Length | 88mm | 86.5mm | +1.5mm |
| Diameter | 74.5mm | 76mm | −1.5mm |
| Filter size | 67mm | 62mm | +5mm |
| Released | 2025 | 2018 | +7year |
| Stabilization | Yes | No | Yes |
| Weather sealing | No | Yes | No |
| Macro | No | No | — |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes | — |
The difference column reads as NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR relative to NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S.The highlighted cell is the better side for that specification.
Check prices
NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
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NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
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NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR in detailNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S in detailAll Z mount lenses