Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR vs Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)

The bottom line

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (18-140mm) and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is a 56mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if…

  • You need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
  • You shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
  • You want one-lens flexibility — a 18-140mm zoom covers what the fixed 56mm can't reframe.
  • You shoot handheld or on an unstabilised body — it has optical stabilisation, the other doesn't.

Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if…

  • You want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation.
  • You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 56mm prime over a zoom.
  • You work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

Where they differ

  • Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
  • Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 18-140mm, Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is 56mm — different framing and reach.
  • Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
  • Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
  • Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is 315g (11.1 oz) vs 595g (1.31 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
  • Durability: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is weather-sealed; the other isn't.

Frequently asked

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR or the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) better?

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (18-140mm) and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) is a 56mm prime. The zoom gives you framing flexibility from one lens; the prime trades that for a fixed focal length that's usually brighter (f/1.2 vs f/3.5) and lighter to carry. Choose flexibility or a fast single focal length.

Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR?

Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 140mm vs 56mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 18mm vs 56mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 18-140mm zoom covers what the fixed 56mm 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 Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?

Choose the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) if you want more light and background blur — f/1.2 is faster than f/3.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 56mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you work outdoors — it's weather-sealed against dust and moisture; the other isn't.

What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z)?

Aperture: the Viltrox AF 56mm f/1.2 PRO (Nikon Z) opens to f/1.2 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR's f/3.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.

Product
Optical Design
Focal Length18-140mm56mm
Lens TypeZoomPrime
Optical Elements1613
Optical Groups118
Aperture & Iris
Maximum Aperturef/3.5f/1.2
Minimum Aperturef/22f/16
Aperture Blades711
Rounded ApertureYesYes
Coverage & Angle
Format CoverageAPS-CAPS-C
Lens MountNikon ZNikon Z
Angle of View76° – 12°29°
35mm Equivalent27-210mm85-85mm
Focus
AutofocusYesYes
Focus MotorSteppingDual HyperVCM
Focus LimiterNoNo
AF/MF SwitchNoYes
Min Focus Distance20 cm50 cm
Max Magnification0.36x
Stabilization & Video
Optical StabilizationYesNo
Aperture RingNoYes
Declickable ApertureNoYes
ParfocalNoNo
Internal ZoomNoNo
General
Price (MSRP)$599$580
Filter Size62mm67mm
Diameter70mm78.4mm
Length88.5mm94mm
Weight315g (11.1 oz)595g (1.31 lb)
Weather SealedNoYes
Tripod CollarNoNo