Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7
The bottom line
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a zoom (16-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 16-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe.
- ✓You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You're on a budget — $249 vs $899 leaves more for other gear.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 330g (11.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is 24mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Price: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is $249, $650 under the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR.
- ›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 24mm f/1.7 is 135g (4.8 oz) vs 330g (11.6 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 better?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a zoom (16-50mm) and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is a 24mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.7 vs f/2.8) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.
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 need more reach — it goes to 50mm vs 24mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 16mm vs 24mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 16-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 24mm can't reframe. Choose it if you shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/2.8, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you're on a budget — $249 vs $899 leaves more for other gear. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 24mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 135g (4.8 oz) it's lighter than the 330g (11.6 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR's f/2.8 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 16-50mm | 24mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 12 | 9 |
| Optical Groups | 11 | 7 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 83° – 31.5° | 61° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 24-75mm | 36-36mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 15 cm | 18 cm |
| Max Magnification | − | 0.2x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $899 | $249 |
| Filter Size | 67mm | 46mm |
| Diameter | − | 63mm |
| Length | − | 57.5mm |
| Weight | 330g (11.6 oz) | 135g (4.8 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
