Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a zoom (24-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is a 28mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 28mm can't reframe.
- ✓You use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 28mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 145g (5.1 oz) it's lighter than the 195g (6.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is 24-50mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is 28mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a zoom (24-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 is a 28mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 if you need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 28mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 28mm can't reframe. Choose it if you use filters or shoot video — internal zoom keeps length and balance constant.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 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 prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 28mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 145g (5.1 oz) it's lighter than the 195g (6.9 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-50mm | 28mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 47° | 75° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 70mm |
| Length | 51.5mm | 45.5mm |
| Weight | 195g (6.9 oz) | 145g (5.1 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
