New Nikon NIKKOR Z DX Lenses Extend APS-C Creativity
Nikon has expanded its APS-C Z-mount lineup with two practical, speed-focused lenses designed for creators who want steadier handheld footage and versatile everyday shooting. The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom and the NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7 prime arrive ahead of busy shooting seasons and are available for preorder, with shipping listed for October 30.
16-50mm f/2.8 VR: Constant Aperture, Stabilization, and Flexibility
The DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR provides a constant f/2.8 aperture across a 16–50mm zoom range, translating to a 24–75mm full-frame equivalent. This is ideal for photographers and videographers who want consistent exposure and depth of field as they zoom in or out. Nikon rates the built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) at up to 4.5 stops, helping to keep handheld shots steadier in low light or during moving captures.
A rounded 9-blade iris contributes to smoother, more natural bokeh, particularly at wider apertures, while a minimized focus breathing profile helps maintain consistent framing when focusing during video work. The lens uses a quiet stepping motor for autofocus, making it more suitable for gimbals and on-camera use where noise and speed matter.
Close focusing is practical for both macro-style detail shots and tight interviews: 15 cm (5.9 inches) at the wide end and 25 cm (9.8 inches) when zoomed toward tele. A user-assignable control ring adds quick, tactile adjustments, and a 67mm front filter thread keeps accessory options straightforward. At approximately 3.5 inches in length, the lens is travel-friendly for creators on the move.
35mm f/1.7: Fast, Lightweight Everyday Prime
On APS-C bodies, the 35mm focal length behaves like a natural 52.5mm field of view, making it well-suited for portraits, street photography, and product shots. The f/1.7 maximum aperture delivers strong low-light performance and pleasing background separation, while the internal focusing mechanism keeps the lens’ barrel length steady through focus pulls.
With a minimum focusing distance of 16 cm (6.3 inches), this prime supports semi-macro compositions and close-up details without needing extra gear. The quiet STM autofocus drive ensures smooth and discreet focusing, a boon for video capture as well as stills. The 35mm f/1.7 accepts 52mm filters, aligning with common accessory sizes for a wide range of shots.
Video-Friendly Features for Creators
Both lenses are designed with creator workflows in mind. The 16–50mm f/2.8 VR’s optical stabilization and reduced breathing offer steadier footage and cleaner transitions when panning or changing focal length. The 9-blade iris helps render skin tones and highlights with less harshness in bokeh and out-of-focus areas, which is especially noticeable in video interviews and run-and-gun shoots.
The 35mm f/1.7’s quiet autofocus helps keep on-camera microphones free from lens-induced noise, enabling crisper audio alongside sharp imagery. For tabletop or product shoots, the lens’ close focusing distance and compact footprint make it a practical choice without resorting to adapters or extension tubes.
Availability, Pricing, and What’s Included
As of writing, both lenses are open for preorder with an expected ship date of October 30. The NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR is priced at $896.95 USD, while the NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7 lists at $446.96 USD. Each lens ships with front and rear caps, and the 16–50mm version includes the HB-118 lens hood as part of the package.
Why These Lenses Matter for DX Creators
For creators who mix stills and video, the combination of a constant-aperture standard zoom and a fast prime provides a versatile toolkit in a compact footprint. The 16–50mm f/2.8 VR covers a broad range from standard to short-wide framing, while the 35mm f/1.7 offers a lightweight option for low-light storytelling, street photography, and close-up product work. Together, they strengthen Nikon’s DX lineup by delivering speed, stabilization, and quiet operation in everyday shooting scenarios.
Whether you’re an aspiring videographer, a social creator, or a photographer who values travel-friendly gear, these lenses represent practical upgrades that align with a modern, hybrid approach to photography and video.
