Nikon Imaging announced the upcoming release of the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR. This lens is a standard zoom lens compatible with APS-C size/DX format mirrorless cameras. It’s scheduled to be released on October 31, 2025. Pre-orders are expected this week, and the lens is expected to be popular with APS-C users.
What is the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a standard zoom lens for APS-C size/DX format, covering focal lengths from 16mm to 50mm with a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the entire zoom range. It achieves the large, natural bokeh characteristic of an f/2.8 maximum aperture, and the clear depiction with reduced color bleeding thanks to the high optical performance of NIKKOR Z lenses, enabling highly artistic expression.
The lens shoots a wide range of creative expression, from soft rendering at full aperture to high-resolution rendering at narrow apertures. Furthermore, the lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism (5.0-stop compensation) effectively reduces camera shake even when using slow shutter speeds in dark locations. Despite being a large-aperture zoom lens, its compact and lightweight design (approximately 88mm in length and weighing approximately 330g) ensures excellent portability and mobility.
The adoption of an STM (stepping motor) also enables quiet AF drive, and combined with a lens design that suppresses focus breathing, it supports video shooting. This lens further enhances the lens lineup for users of Nikon Z series APS-C and DX format cameras.
NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Features
- Constant bright maximum aperture of F2.8 throughout the entire zoom range
- 16-50mm focal length covering wide-angle to medium telephoto range
- The minimum shooting distance is 0.15m at the wide-angle end and 0.25m at the telephoto end.
- One ED lens and two aspherical lenses effectively reduce various aberrations
- Equipped with a VR mechanism that provides 5.0 stops of image stabilization
- Compact and lightweight design with a total length of approximately 88 mm and a weight of approximately 330 g
- “STM” technology is used to achieve quiet AF drive
- Designed to suppress focus breathing
- Equipped with a control ring that provides a comfortable and smooth operation
- When combined with the “Z50II,” the “High-Resolution Zoom” function allows for a field of view equivalent to 16-100mm f/2.8.
- Dust-proof and water-resistant design
Main specifications
| mount | Nikon Z mount |
| focal length | 16-50mm |
| Maximum aperture ratio | 1:2.8 |
| Lens construction | 12 elements in 11 groups (1 ED lens, 2 aspherical lenses) |
| Angle of view | 83°-31°30′ (DX imaging range) |
| size | Approximately 74.5mm (maximum diameter) x 88mm |
| mass | Approximately 330g |
