Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
The bottom line
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3'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 DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 135g (4.8 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 DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 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 DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 16-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR better?
Similar coverage, different speed: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3'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 DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't. Choose it if you value portability — at 135g (4.8 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 DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR opens to f/3.5 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 | 16-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 10 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 8 | 8 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/3.5 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Rounded Aperture | No | No |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 47° | 83° – 32° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 24-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 35 cm | 25 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.16x | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | Yes | Yes |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $249 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 52mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 72mm | 70mm |
| Length | 51.5mm | 32mm |
| Weight | 195g (6.9 oz) | 135g (4.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
