Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR if…
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 250mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 50-250mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm 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 MC 35mm f/1.7 if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom.
- ✓You value portability — at 166g (5.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm, Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is a zoom (flexible framing), the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Stabilisation: only the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR has optical stabilisation — steadier handheld shots, especially on bodies without IBIS.
- ›Close-up: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 reaches 0.5x magnification vs 0.2x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 166g (5.9 oz) vs 405g (14.3 oz) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is 50-250mm, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is 35mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for telephoto, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 for short-telephoto / portrait.
Who should choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR if you need more reach — it goes to 250mm vs 35mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 50-250mm zoom covers what the fixed 35mm 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 MC 35mm f/1.7?
Choose the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 if you want more light and background blur — f/1.7 is faster than f/4.5, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you shoot wide — it starts at 35mm vs 50mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 35mm prime over a zoom. Choose it if you value portability — at 166g (5.9 oz) it's lighter than the 405g (14.3 oz) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7?
Aperture: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 opens to f/1.7 vs the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR's f/4.5 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 50-250mm | 35mm |
| Lens Type | Zoom | Prime |
| Optical Elements | 16 | 11 |
| Optical Groups | 12 | 9 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.7 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/16 |
| Aperture Blades | 7 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | APS-C | APS-C |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z | Nikon Z |
| Angle of View | 32° – 6° | 44° |
| 35mm Equivalent | 75-375mm | 52-52mm |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | Stepping | Stepping |
| Focus Limiter | No | No |
| AF/MF Switch | No | No |
| Min Focus Distance | 50 cm | 12 cm |
| Max Magnification | 0.2x | 0.5x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | Yes | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $299 | $299 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 62mm |
| Diameter | 70mm | 70mm |
| Length | 132.5mm | 67mm |
| Weight | 405g (14.3 oz) | 166g (5.9 oz) |
| Weather Sealed | No | No |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
