Nikon has launched two new lenses for its DX Z-mount mirrorless cameras. DX cameras have a Super 35 or APS-C sized sensor. The new lenses are a 35 mm f/1.7 macro prime lens and a 16-50 mm f/2.8 wide-angle zoom lens with image stabilization.
16-50mm zoom lens
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is the first Z Mount DX f/2.8 zoom lens. It has a field of view equivalent to 24-75mm on a full frame camera. This is versatile focal length range, suitable for portraits, street scenes, architecture, and even landscapes. The constant f/2.8 aperture is also ideal for video use as your exposure won’t alter when you change focal lengths.
The wide maximum aperture should deliver a good low light performance and a shallow depth of field.
Vibration Reduction
The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm zoom lens offers up to 5 stops of built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilisation. This delivers sharper handheld shots in low light and more stable handheld video footage. Nikon also says that the 16-50 mm lens features fast and quiet autofocus with reduced focus breathing. With a close focus distance of under 6 inches (0.15 meters) at 16 mm, and just 9.8 inches (0.25 meters) at 50mm you can get some great close-up shots too. Also, the 16-50mm zoom lens weighs only 11.6 ounces (330 g) and features a dust- and drip-resistant build.
35 mm prime lens
The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 macro prime lens delivers a 0.67x maximum reproduction ratio. That’s equivalent to 1:1 life-size magnification with a full frame camera. The 35mm focal length is also equivalent to a standard 50mm focal length on a full frame sensor. In addition, with a wide maximum aperture of f/1.7, you will get great low light performance and a very shallow depth of field. Nion says that the lens’s high-resolution rendering and aspherical ED glass element ensure crisp subject detail and soft, round bokeh highlights.
Close focus
The NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm prime lens can focus as close as 6.3 inches (0.16 meters) for super close-ups and macro shots. The autofocus is also fast and quiet, and focus breathing is reduced, which again makes the lens ideal for video use.
Additionally, the 35mm lens is lightweight at just 7.8 ounces (220g) but still offers a dust- and drip-resistant design.
What we think
Nikon’s new lenses are great additions to the DX Z series. With its fast, constant maximum aperture and VR image stabilization, the 16-50mm lens is perfect for video use. 16-50mm is also such a versatile focal length range that the new NIKKOR wide angle zoom might be the only lens you need. However, the macro capabilities and super-fast f/1.7 maximum aperture make the new NIKKOR 35mm lens an attractive proposition too. If you shoot with a DX Z Mount mirrorless camera, both of Nikon’s new lenses are highly recommended.
Pricing and availability
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR wide-angle zoom lens will retail at $899 and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 macro prime lens will cost $449. Both lenses are scheduled to be available from the end of October 2025.
