Nikon has just expanded its DX-format NIKKOR lineup with the addition of two new lenses: the Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom and the Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 standard micro prime.
Both are designed specifically for Nikon’s APS-C format Z Series mirrorless cameras. Here’s what we know about each.
NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
With a fast constant maximum aperture, this bright new lens is clearly a step up from the existing NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens in terms of its broader light-gathering capacity.
This is a standard DX (APS-C) format zoom lens that effectively spans a focal length range similar to the 24-70mm FX (full-frame) format equivalent. It’s ideal for everything from portraits to interiors to landscapes.
The large f/2.8 aperture lets considerably more light in and allows the lens to shine in low-light scenarios, enabling creative shallow depth of field with pleasantly blurred backgrounds.
The lens features a built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism to deliver up to five stops of shake reduction and an STM stepping motor to deliver exceptionally quiet autofocus.
For those shooting video, the optical formula is designed to minimize focus breathing.
Features
• Fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture throughout the zoom range
• Covers wide-angle to mid-range focal lengths
• 0.15m minimum focus distance at the wide end; 0.25m at the long end
• Lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism for five stops of camera-shake compensation
• Customizable control ring
• Nine-blade aperture
View NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Pricing and Availability at Vistek
NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7
Nikon calls this a standard micro lens and says it can serve as both a macro photography tool and as a fast everyday prime.
In fact, this is the first of its DX (APS-C format) NIKKOR Z lens to achieve a maximum reproduction ratio equivalent to life-size. With a short minimum focus distance of 0.16 m, you can set your sights on subjects like flowers and insects or even pets and food, captured up close in superbly sharp detail.
The fast f/1.7 aperture and 35mm focal length allow to shoot everything from tabletop photos and portraits to snapshots and cityscapes in minimal lighting conditions with a nicely blur background drawing attention to your chosen subject.
Thanks to its internal focusing system, the total length of the lens doesn’t change when you focus in and out, and the STM stepping motor makes for quiet autofocusing.
You’ve also got a customizable control ring giving you direct control over functions like aperture, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity.
View NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7 VR Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Features
• Fast f/1.7 maximum aperture
• 0.67× maximum reproduction ratio (life-size equivalent in FX/35mm format)
• Aspherical ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration
• Internal focusing (IF) system eliminates change in total length of the lens
• Stepping motor (STM) for quiet autofocusing
• Customizable control ring