Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
The bottom line
There's a clear price gap: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR at $899 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II at $2,599. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You're on a budget — $899 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
- ✓You value portability — at 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is $899, $1,700 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II.
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 330g (11.6 oz) vs 810g (1.79 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR better?
There's a clear price gap: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR at $899 versus the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II at $2,599. Check the differences below to see whether the pricier lens's advantages are ones you'll actually use.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you're on a budget — $899 vs $2,599 leaves more for other gear. 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 330g (11.6 oz) it's lighter than the 810g (1.79 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm — different framing and reach.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 16-50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 18 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 15 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 11 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 83° – 31.5° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | 24-75mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Multi-focus Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 15 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.34x | − |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | Yes |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $2,599 | $899 |
| Filter Size | 82mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 89mm | − |
| Length | 126mm | − |
| Weight | 810g (1.79 lb) | 330g (11.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
