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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z)

BH #NIZ165028 • MFR #20133
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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z)
90-Second Intro
Key Features
  • APS-C | f/2.8 to f/22
  • 24-75mm (Full-Frame Equivalent)
  • STM Autofocus | 5.9 to 9.8" Close Focus
  • 4.5-Stop Vibration Reduction I.S.
Designed for Z-mount cameras with APS-C sensors, the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens from Nikon is a versatile zoom that provides a 24 to 75mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures consistent exposure control, smooth background separation, and reliable low-light performance across the zoom range. Weighing just 11.6 oz and measuring 3.5" long, it combines portability with strong imaging capabilities, making it the ideal tool for travel, street photography, portraiture, and a wide variety of other scenarios.
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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 Overview

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From Manufacturer

Designed for Z-mount cameras with APS-C sensors, the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens from Nikon is a versatile zoom that provides a 24 to 75mm full-frame equivalent field of view. Its constant f/2.8 maximum aperture ensures consistent exposure control, smooth background separation, and reliable low-light performance across the zoom range. Weighing just 11.6 oz and measuring 3.5" long, it combines portability with strong imaging capabilities, making it the ideal tool for travel, street photography, portraiture, and a wide variety of other scenarios.

The NIKKOR zoom lens features a 9-blade rounded iris that produces natural, circular bokeh, while its minimum focusing distance of 5.9" at the wide end allows detailed close-up work. Vibration Reduction provides up to 4.5 stops of stabilization for sharper handheld shots, and the STM-driven autofocus system delivers fast, quiet performance suitable for both stills and video. A user-assignable control ring enables smooth adjustment of settings such as aperture, ISO, or exposure, while minimized focus breathing supports natural-looking video capture.

Optical Performance
  • 16 to 50mm focal length for APS-C/DX cameras, providing a 24 to 75mm full-frame equivalent view
  • Constant f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range for consistent low-light performance and depth control
  • 9-blade rounded aperture for distinct, smooth, and circular bokeh
  • 12-element in 11-group optical design delivers clarity and sharpness across focal lengths
  • 5.9" (wide) to 9.8" (tele) close focus allows detailed close-up imagery with shallow depth of field
  • Static angle of view allows minimized focus breathing for consistent footage
Usability
  • Vibration Reduction provides up to 4.5 stops of stabilization for sharper handheld shooting
  • Stepping motor autofocus ensures fast, precise, and quiet operation for stills and video
  • Control ring supports customizable functions such as aperture, ISO, or exposure adjustments
  • Lightweight build at 11.6 oz with a compact 3.5"-long form factor for daily carry
  • 67mm front filter thread for straightforward filter integration
  • Native Nikon Z-mount compatibility with DX-format mirrorless cameras
UPC: 018208201334

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 Specs

Focal Length
16 to 50mm (35mm Equivalent: 24 to 75mm)
Aperture
Maximum: f/2.8
Minimum: f/22
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Lens Format Coverage
APS-C
Minimum Focus Distance
5.9" / 15 cm (Wide) to 9.8" / 25 cm (Tele)
Optical Design
12 Elements in 11 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Filter Size
67 mm (Front)
Dimensions
ø: 2.9 x L: 3.5" / ø: 74.5 x L: 88 mm
Weight
11.6 oz / 330 g
Packaging Info
Package Weight
1.4 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9 x 5.75 x 4.5"

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 Reviews

Clean Low-Light Images

By Thomas
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2026-07-03

I’ve been waiting to post a review of this lens till I used it enough to give it a fair review. I have several hundred images now that I can compare to all those I shot with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. [TLDR: If you NEED low light performance for Nikon APS-C, you need this lens.] It is versatile, and it is a great one-lens travel/walk-around setup with the Z50/Z50II. It is a little big on the Zf, and Z30, but not overly so. I didn’t find it any “sharper” than the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, but being able to shoot at f/2.8 can mean lower ISO, and cleaner images. If you want less weight, the DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR only weighs 135 grams and is very sharp, and the price is much less.

Big improvement over kit lens

By Gary
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2026-03-01

I like the f/2.8 max aperture for the greater subject isolation ability and reducing ISO in low light situations. The VR is a welcome addition too. The size and weight are still reasonable.

See any errors on this page?

Will the hood go on backwards to keep it there han

Will the hood go on backwards to keep it there handy?
Asked by: Gary
Yes, the hood that comes with the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens can be mounted in reverse when not in use.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2026-02-22

will this lens have a metal mount?

will this lens have a metal mount?
Asked by: Robert
Yes, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens does have a metal mount.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2025-10-23

How would this lens work with the Z6iii?

How would this lens work with the Z6iii?
Asked by: winnie
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z), BH #NIZ165028, is designed for the APS-C Nikon Z mount. On the Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera, BH #NIZ63, it will have a crop factor.
Answered by: Cindy H
Date published: 2025-10-21

Does a polarizer filter screw on and off while the

Does a polarizer filter screw on and off while the hood is on?
Asked by: Gary
Yes, the B+W High-Transmission MRC-Nano Master Circular Polarizer Filter (67mm) will work with the lens hood on with the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z).
Answered by: Andres S
Date published: 2026-02-19

Does it have weather sealing?

Does it have weather sealing?
Asked by: Sean
Nikon press release: Designed with consideration of dust and drip resistance
Answered by: Steven
Date published: 2025-10-24
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