Nikon has rounded out its APS-C Z-mount lineup with two practical lenses aimed at creators who want more speed and steadier handheld footage: the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom and the NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7 prime. Both are available to preorder, with shipping currently listed for October 30.
The new Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm gives DX users a constant f/2.8 aperture across a 24–75mm full-frame equivalent field of view, while adding in-lens stabilization and a 9-blade iris, two quality-of-life updates for both video and stills. The 35mm arrives as a fast, lightweight everyday prime with close-focus capability and quiet STM autofocus.
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR: constant-aperture standard zoom for DX
Covering 16–50mm on DX bodies, this lens delivers a 24–75mm equivalent range with a constant f/2.8, useful when you need consistent exposure and depth control while zooming. Nikon rates the built-in Vibration Reduction at up to 4.5 stops, and the rounded 9-blade diaphragm aims for more natural, circular bokeh compared to previous DX zooms. Focus breathing is minimized, and autofocus is driven by a quiet stepping motor, making it suitable for gimbal and on-camera work.
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR in use. Image credit: Nikon
For close-ups, the lens focuses as near as 15 cm / 5.9 inches at the wide end and 25 cm / 9.8 inches at tele. Practical touches include a user-assignable control ring and a 67mm front filter thread. Size and weight are travel-friendly, with a 3.5-inch length listed.
Still image captured with the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR. Image credit: NikonNikon NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7: fast, compact everyday prime
On DX cameras, 35mm translates to an effective 52.5mm, a natural field of view for portraits, street, and product work. The f/1.7 aperture provides low-light flexibility and shallow depth of field, while internal focusing keeps the barrel length steady during focus pulls. Minimum focus distance is 16 cm / 6.3 inches, helpful for semi-macro details. The lens uses an STM drive for fast, quiet autofocus and accepts 52mm front filters.
Still image taken with the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7. Image credit: NikonVideo-focused details that matter
Both lenses emphasize creator-friendly behavior. The 16–50mm adds optical VR and reduced breathing for steadier frames and cleaner focus transitions, while its 9-blade iris should help background rendition look less nervous on skin and highlights. The 35mm’s short close-focus distance invites tabletop and product shots without extension tubes, and its quiet AF keeps on-camera mics cleaner.
Nikon Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR and Nikon Z DX 35mm f/1.7 lenses next to each other. Image credit: NikonAvailability, pricing and included accessories
Both lenses are open for preorder at the time of writing, with an estimated ship date of Thursday, October 30. The NIKKOR Z DX 16–50 mm f/2.8 VR is priced at $896.95 USD, while the NIKKOR Z DX 35 mm f/1.7 retails for $446.96 USD. Each includes front and rear caps, and the 16–50 mm also ships with the HB-118 lens hood.
What do you think, DX shooters: does a constant-aperture 24–75mm-equivalent zoom and a fast normal prime fill the gaps in your Z kit, or are you still waiting for something longer?