Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR, a standard zoom lens with a f/2.8 aperture that offers bokeh expression and low-light shooting
October 16, 2025
TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce the release of the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR, a standard zoom lens for APS-C size/DX-format mirrorless cameras.
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a standard APS-C size/DX-format zoom lens that covers the 16 mm to 50 mm*1 range of focal lengths with a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range. It delivers the large, natural bokeh characteristics of the f/2.8 maximum aperture, and offers clear color rendering with less color bleed*2 achieved through the superior optical performance of a NIKKOR Z lens, enabling highly artistic imaging expression. Users can enjoy versatile creative expression, from soft rendering at maximum aperture to sharp, high-resolution rendering of details by closing down the aperture. The built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism (5.0-stop compensation at the center of the frame equivalent to an increase in shutter speed*3) effectively reduces the effects of camera shake, even when slower shutter speeds are used in low-light conditions. Despite its fast zoom specifications, this lens combines superior portability and agility with a compact and lightweight design for a total length of approximately 88 mm and a weight of approximately 330 g. It also provides additional support for video recording with the adoption of a stepping motor (STM) that achieves quiet autofocus, and a design that suppresses focus breathing. This lens adds to the lineup of Nikon Z series lenses available to users of APS-C size/DX-format mirrorless cameras.
Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance while meeting users' needs, contributing to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.
- *1 Angle of view equivalent to that of a 24-75mm lens in FX/35mm [135] format.
- *2 When using the Nikon Z50, camera firmware must be updated to the latest version.
- *3 Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch correction performance with the Nikon Z50II (telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
Primary features
- The fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 throughout the zoom range allows for large, natural bokeh and reduces the effects of camera shake when shooting in low-light conditions.
- Coverage for the 16 mm to 50 mm*1 wide-angle to mid-range of focal lengths supports a wide variety of scenes and subjects.
- A minimum focus distance of 0.15 m at the wide-angle end and 0.25 m at the telephoto end allows users to get extremely close to their subjects for dynamic shots.
- One ED glass and two aspherical lens elements effectively minimize various lens aberrations*2.
- Equipped with a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism with camera-shake compensation equivalent to a 5.0-stop (at the center)*3 increase in shutter speed.
- A total length of approximately 88 mm and weight of approximately 330 g enables easy hand-held shooting.
- Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) realizes quiet autofocusing.
- Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing.
- Functions such as focus mode (M/A), aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO sensitivity can be assigned to the built-in control ring for a smooth operational feel.
- When recording video using the Z50II, Hi-Res Zoom*4 expands the zoom range to the equivalent of 16-100 mm (6.25x zoom) while still maintaining a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 with no loss in resolution.
- Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistance*5.
- *1Angle of view equivalent to that of a 24-75mm lens in FX/35mm [135] format.
- *2When using the Z50, camera firmware must be updated to the latest version.
- *3Based on CIPA 2024 Standard. Yaw/pitch correction performance with the Z50II (telephoto end, NORMAL mode).
- *4Hi-Res Zoom is available when used with the Z50II, and [1920x1080; 30p], [1920x1080; 25p], or [1920x1080; 24p] is selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the video recording menu. AF-area mode is fixed at [Wide-area AF (L)], and the focus point is not displayed. Additionally, [Electronic VR] in the video recording menu is set to [OFF].
- *5Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
- Specifications, design, product name and supplied accessories may differ by country or area. Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.