Nikon Unveils Z-Mount DX Lens Duo

2025.10.16

Nikon just launched a pair of Z-mount lenses with APS-C coverage. This are completely new entries, not models that were simply refreshed. One bright zoom and a prime lens was announced today.

The most impressive of the two is the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F/2.8 VR. This is the very first constant-aperture zoom lens for the Nikon Z-mount to have an APS-C coverage by Nikon. It is equivalent to ubiquitous 24-75mm F/2.8 lenses available for Full-Frame cameras. This specific combination of focal-length and aperture is one of the most popular with professional photographers, yet is rarely designed for smaller APS-C mirrorless cameras.

A versatile lens like this one is suitable to photograph a wide variety of subjects. Its maximum 83° angle-of-view is sufficiently wide to capture landscapes, architecture and indoor environments. With a 15cm minimum distance it delivers a maximum 0.24X magnification suitable for close-up photography. The Z DX 16-50mm F/2.8 VR has a 5-stop image-stabilization system builtin, to the benefit for Nikon APS-C mirrorless that do not offer IBIS.

By designing this lens to be exclusive to APS-C mirrorless, Nikon made it exceptionally compact. Its 7½cm long barrel weighs just 320g. The front of the lens accepts common 67mm filters and an included lens hood. This and the other DX lens launched today are designed to be partially weatherproof. The wording Nikon uses hints that it is not fully weatherproof. This could be due to the fact that there are no weatherproof APS-C Nikon mirrorless yet. In all cases, both a weatherproof camera and weatherproof lens must be used together.

The other lens Nikon launched today is the Nikkor Z DX MC 35mm F/1.7. This is a diminutive semi-macro lens with APS-C sensor coverage. An extremely compact prime with a bright F/1.7 maximum aperture and normal focal-length of 35mm, which is equivalent to roughly 50mm on a Full-Frame camera.

Optics in the DX MC 35mm F/1.7 can focus down to 16cm, capturing its field-of-view at a maximum magnification of 0.67X. Although not official macro, it is close enough to serve as a typical macro lens, while being lighter and smaller. In fact, this new lens weighs a mere 220g. The front accepts small 52mm filters and a screw-on optional lens hood.

Nikon expects to ship this two new lenses in the next few weeks. The Nikon Z DX 16-50mm F/2.8 VR is expected for $900 USD or $950 CAD, while the Nikon Z DX MC 35mm F/1.7 is set to cost $450 USD or $540 CAD. Both Adorama and B&H Photo are ready to accept preorders. Follow the previous links for details and purchasing options, when available.

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