Scribblings About Things
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Announced
Earlier this week the Nikon NIKKOR DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR (and Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7) were announced.
Although they were announced together, I have decided to make individual posts for each lens as I think both lenses are interesting and important additions to the Z-mount DX lineup.
The dedicated special contents page and technical specifications of the Nikon NIKKOR DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR can be viewed here:
This is the first f/2.8 constant zoom lens for the Z-mount DX lineup, and in a way is a spiritual successor to the F-mount DX 17-55mm f/2.8 lens.
Although that being said, this new lens is way lighter and sharper (at least based on MTF curves) than the aforementioned F-mount counterpart, and is well suited for video applications as well.
Since it offers a full-frame equivalent view of 24-75mm with an equivalent DoF of f/4.2, it can be also be thought of the DX alternative to the venerable Z 24-70/4S lens, giving DX users access to a constant wide aperture standard zoom lens without compromising on image quality or build quality.
One prominent difference between the Z 24-70/4S and the Z DX 16-50/2.8 is the lack of the stowing lock mechanism in the lens. When I owned the Z 24-70/4S, while the stowing lock helps make the kit more compact when kept away in the bag, it does warrant an extra action when using it in the field, or risk some barrel damage when carrying it in its unlocked position. While it is not a deal breaker whether a lens is collapsible or not, especially after getting some muscle memory in from constant use, having not to worry about unlocking the lens beforehand does has it advantages in high pace situations.
This is not a cheap lens though - its street price at launch in Japan is JPY 103,950, making it the most expensive DX Z-mount lens right now, and putting it in similar price bracket as the Z 24-70/4S, Z 28-75/2.8, Z 24-200/4-6.3, all of which are full frame zooms. Based on sample images, I think image quality does warrant such a price, but for casual users who are thinking of getting a new camera, a Z50II with this lens might cost very similar to a Z6II or Z5II with a 24-70/4S, and thus if size were not a concern it might make sense to go for the full frame for the full frame advantages instead.
The introduction of this lens does help photographers and videographers who are interested in using the DX ecosystem of the Z-mount, and in my opinion and speculation, also does foreshadow a possibly higher tiered DX camera in the works. If so, I suspect this lens might be included as a kit lens for such a body in the future (or even a limited edition of Z50II kit?)