Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You value portability — at 415g (14.6 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.19x.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is 17-28mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is 24-200mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is 415g (14.6 oz) vs 570g (1.26 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower background blur. It comes down to how much you value that extra brightness.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you value portability — at 415g (14.6 oz) it's lighter than the 570g (1.26 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 200mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.28x magnification vs 0.19x.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 17-28mm | 24-200mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 13 | 19 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 15 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/32 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 104° – 75° | 84° – 12.2° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 19 cm | 50 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.19x | 0.28x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 75mm | 76.5mm |
| Length | 99mm | 114mm |
| Weight | 415g (14.6 oz) | 570g (1.26 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
