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A brighter
view.

composite photo of a female model outdoors smiling and a plant taken with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR lens
  • DXDesigned for DX
    (APS-C)
  • 16-50mmEquivalent to 24-75mm in FX (Full-Frame)
  • f/2.8Large, Bright Max Aperture
  • Vibration
    Reduction    5 Stops1

 Shot with the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR 

Essential zoom range.

Use the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR lens to switch quickly from immersive interiors, landscapes and group photos at wide-angle to portraits, closeups and details at longer focal lengths.

Ready for adventure.

The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR lens is our most portable f/2.8 standard zoom ever2—light enough to carry all day at 11.6 oz.

Focus on the details.

Get dynamic closeup shots of flowers, food, products and more with close minimum focus at every focal length.

Video friendly.

All the creative advantages of a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8, plus video-centric features including built-in stabilization and a customizable, clickless control ring.
  • IF_Large.png

    Internal Focus

    A NIKKOR lens in which only the internal lens group shifts during focusing. These lenses will be designated with the abbreviation IF on the lens barrel.

  • ED_Large.png

    ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass

    An optical glass developed by Nikon that is used with normal optical glass in telephoto lenses to obtain optimum correction of chromatic aberrations.

  • AS_Large.png

    AS

    AS stands for Aspherical lens elements. This type of lens utilizes non-spherical surfaces on either one or both sides of the glass in order to eliminate certain types of lens aberration.

  • E_Large.png

    Electromagnetic Diaphragm Mechanism

    An electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism in the lens barrel provides highly accurate electronic diaphragm or aperture blade control when using auto exposure during continuous shooting. With conventional D/G type lenses, the diaphragm blades are operated by mechanical linkage levers.

  • STM_Large.png

    Silent Stepping Motor (STM) Control

    NIKKOR Z lenses use a stepping motor for fast, accurate, smooth, quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling. This quiet drive system makes the lenses ideal for use when shooting video.

1Based on CIPA 2024 Standard; this value is achieved when attached to the Z50II (telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
2According to Nikon research as of October 16, 2025.
3Available when [Resolution/frame rate] is set to [1920×1080 30p], [1920×1080 25p], or [1920×1080 24p]. AF-area mode is fixed to [Wide-area AF (L)], and the focus point is not displayed. Additionally, [Electronic VR] in the movie shooting menu is set to [OFF].
4Compatible with Nikon Z50II, as of October 16, 2025.
5Thorough dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.

Tech Specs

  • Focal Length Range

    Focal Length Range

    16 -50mm
  • Maximum Aperture

    Maximum Aperture

    f/2.8

  • Format

    DX
  • VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization

    VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization

    Yes
  • VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization

    VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization

    Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
  • Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)

    Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)

    3 in.74.5 mmx3.5 in.88 mm
  • Approx. Weight

    Approx. Weight

    11.7 oz.330 g
  • Mount Type
    Nikon Z Mount
  • Focal Length Range
    16 -50mm
  • Zoom Ratio
    3.1x
  • Maximum Aperture
    f/2.8
  • Minimum Aperture
    f/22
  • Aperture Range
    2.8 - 22
  • Format
    DX
  • Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)
    83° to 31° 30′
  • Maximum Reproduction Ratio
    0.24 x (50mm focal length)x
  • Lens Elements
    12
  • Lens Groups
    11
  • Compatible Format(s)
    DX, FX
  • VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
    Yes
  • VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
    Lens shift using voice coil motors (VCMs)
  • Diaphragm Blades
    9
  • ED Glass Elements
    1
  • Aspherical Elements
    2
  • Autofocus
    Yes
  • Internal Focusing
    Yes
  • Minimum Focus Distance
    16mm zoom position: 0.5 ft (0.15 m)
    24mm zoom position: 0.59 ft (0.18 m)
    35mm zoom position: 0.69 ft (0.21 m)
    50mm zoom position: 0.82 ft (0.25 m)
  • Focus Mode
    AF, Manual
  • E-type
    Yes
  • Filter Size
    67mm
  • Accepts Filter Type
    Screw on
  • Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)
    3 in.74.5 mmx3.5 in.88 mm
  • Approx. Weight
    11.7 oz.330 g
  • Lens Type
    Zoom

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