Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR vs Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Nikon Z
Both are Nikon DX zooms for APS-C cameras with the same maximum aperture at the wide end, but they differ in size and reach. The Z DX 16-50 VR (October 2019) came as the kit lens for the Z 50, is retractable and weighs just 135 g with a 46 mm filter. The Z DX 18-140 VR (October 2021) is a 7.8x travel zoom that, according to Nikon, goes far beyond a kit lens: it reaches 140 mm (210 mm equivalent), has up to 5 stops of VR and weighs 315 g. Both have a stabilizer in the lens.
The 18-140 focuses to 0.33x at 140 mm, the 16-50 reaches 0.2x.
Which one suits whom?
- Z DX 16-50: You want the smallest and lightest everyday combination and don't need more than 50 mm.
- Z DX 18-140: You want one travel lens from wide angle to tele and accept the extra weight.
Key differences
- Focal length: 16-50 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR, 18-140 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR.
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR is 180 g lighter (135 g vs 315 g).
- The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR is 58 mm shorter.
- Filter thread: 46 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR, 62 mm on the Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR.
Specs side by side
The key specs of both lenses side by side.
| Lens | Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR | Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR |
|---|---|---|
| Focal length | 16-50 mm | 18-140 mm |
| Max. aperture | f/3.5-6.3 | f/3.5-6.3 |
| Weight | 135 g | 315 g |
| Filter diameter | 46 mm | 62 mm |
| Min. focus distance | 20 cm | 20 cm |
| Length | 32 mm | 90 mm |
| Autofocus | yes | yes |
| Image stabilization | yes | yes |
Size comparison
- Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR: 32 × 70 mm
- Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR: 90 × 73 mm
Side view to the same scale, length × diameter (without lens hood).