Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S vs Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 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/2.8 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm 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 shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 260g (9.2 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 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 MC 50mm f/2.8 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 MC 50mm f/2.8 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 reaches 1x magnification vs 0.3x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is 260g (9.2 oz) vs 500g (1.10 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
- ›Durability: the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is weather-sealed; the other isn't.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S or the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a zoom (24-70mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 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/2.8 vs f/4) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm 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 work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm 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 shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 50mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 260g (9.2 oz) it's lighter than the 500g (1.10 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 opens to f/2.8 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 | 13 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| 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° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 16 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.3x | 1x |
| 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 | $699 |
| Filter Size | 72mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | 77.5mm | 66mm |
| Length | 88.5mm | 74.5mm |
| Weight | 500g (1.10 lb) | 260g (9.2 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
