Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe.
- ✓You like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.15x.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is 24-70mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is $599, $100 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 415g (14.6 oz) vs 500g (1.10 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a 50mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S if you need more reach — it goes to 70mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 24mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 24-70mm zoom covers what the fixed 50mm can't reframe. Choose it if you like close-focus work — 0.3x magnification vs 0.15x.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S if you want more light and background blur — f/1.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S opens to f/1.8 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 24-70mm | 50mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 14 | 12 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/1.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 84° – 34° | 47° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Multi-focus Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 40 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 0.15x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $699 | $599 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 76mm |
| Length | 88.5mm | 86.5mm |
| Weight | 500g (1.10 lb) | 415g (14.6 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
