Nikon expands APS-C/DX-format lens lineup

Both lenses now announced by Nikon grant, the company says,” immense versatility and extraordinary creative possibilities for Nikon DX-format mirrorless camera users.”

The new NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture is an excellent entry point to discovering the impressive optical performance of NIKKOR Z lenses. It delivers the large, natural bokeh characteristics of an f/2.8 maximum aperture, as well as high-resolution rendering of details when stopping down. The built-in lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism (5.0-stop compensation) reduces the effects of camera shake, even when slower shutter speeds are used in low-light conditions. For video and content creators, the lens also uses a stepping motor (STM) for exceptionally quiet autofocus and features an optical design that minimizes focus breathing.

The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is a standard DX-format zoom lens that covers a focal length range that is equivalent to wide-angle to medium telephoto, with the benefit of a fast, constant maximum aperture of f/2.8. This focal range is similar to the popular 24-75mm full frame /FX-format equivalent, making it ideal for subjects of all kinds, including wide landscapes, intimate interiors and flattering portraits. With its large f/2.8 aperture, the lens excels in low light capture by allowing more light in and enabling creative shallow depth of field for emotive portraits with blurred backgrounds.

Here are the key features of the new NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens:

• 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 16mm to 50mm wide-angle to mid-range of focal lengths supports a wide variety of scenes and subjects.
• A minimum focus distance of 5.9 in (0.15 m) at the wide-angle end and 9.8 in (0.25 m) at the long end allows users to get close to their subjects for dynamic shots.
• Equipped with a lens-shift vibration reduction (VR) mechanism with camera-shake compensation equivalent to a 5.0-stop (at the center) increase in shutter speed.
• Portable and lightweight, with a total length of approximately 3.4 in (8.8 cm) and weight of approximately 11.6 oz (330 g) enables easy hand-held shooting.
• Optimized for video recording with a design that suppresses focus breathing and incorporates a stepping motor (STM) for quiet autofocusing.
• Customizable Control Ring allows for direct control over focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO sensitivity.
• One ED glass and two aspherical lens elements effectively minimize various lens aberrations.
• Nine-blade aperture produces circular, natural bokeh.
• When recording video using the Z50II, Hi-Res Zoom expands the zoom range to the equivalent of 16-100mm (6.25× 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.

The second lens announced by Nikon, the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 is a fast, lightweight standard micro lens. It pulls double duty as a capable lens for macro photography, as well as an everyday fast prime lens. The company says that “it is the first APS-C-size/DX-format NIKKOR Z lens to achieve a maximum reproduction ratio equivalent to life-size, giving users the ability to get closer than ever to reveal intricate details. The very short minimum focus distance of 6.2 in (0.16 m) lets users explore the hidden world that exists in the ordinary. Familiar things like pets, flowers, insects, food, or textiles are all rendered in beautiful, sharp detail like never before.”

With a fast f/1.7 aperture and a natural 35mm focal length similar to the field of view of the human eye, the lens also excels as a fast, go-anywhere companion prime lens. From tabletop photos to portraits, or snapshots to low-light cityscapes, this lens gives users the ability to shoot in minimal light and blur the background to draw attention to the subject.

Here are the key features of the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 lens:

• A maximum reproduction ratio of 0.67×, which is life-size equivalent in FX/35mm [135] format, enables the capture of small subjects at a larger size.
• The fast f/1.7 maximum aperture allows users to make the most of large bokeh and minimize noise in low-light conditions.
• Users can get extremely close to their subjects with an approximately 2.8 in (7 cm) working distance from the front of the lens, and a minimum focusing distance of only 6.2 in (0.16 m) to reveal stunning up-close details.
• Adoption of an aspherical ED glass element effectively minimizes chromatic aberration.
• An internal focusing (IF) system eliminates any change in the total length of the lens.
• Adoption of a stepping motor (STM) realizes quiet autofocusing.
• The customizable control ring allows for direct control over focus, aperture, exposure compensation or ISO sensitivity.
• Designed with consideration of dust- and drip-resistance.

The new Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens will be available in late October 2025 for a suggested retail price of $899.95. The new Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 Lens will be available in late October 2025 for a suggested retail price of $449.95.