Nikon expands the DX Z-mount with two compact, high-performance primes and zooms
Nikon has expanded its APS-C friendly NIKKOR Z lineup with two lenses designed for creators who need speed, steadiness, and practical everyday usability. The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom and the NIKKOR Z DX 35mm f/1.7 prime join Nikon’s growing family of DX-format lenses, tailored for Z-mount bodies. Both lenses are currently available for preorder, with shipping expected around October 30. Together, they promise to improve handheld footage and stills alike, especially for vloggers, documentary shooters, and street photographers who rely on quick, reliable glass.
16-50mm f/2.8 VR: a constant-aperture workhorse for DX shooters
The DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR covers a versatile 16–50mm range on DX bodies, which translates to a 24–75mm full-frame equivalent. A constant f/2.8 aperture across that range is a notable feature for an APS-C zoom, delivering consistent exposure and depth control as you zoom. Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) claims up to 4.5 stops of stabilization, a boon for handheld video and low-light stills. The 9-blade rounded diaphragm helps produce smoother, more natural bokeh around backgrounds at open apertures, which is particularly welcome for portraits or product shots that sit near the edges of the frame.
Tech-wise, the lens minimizes focus breathing, an important detail for video work where smooth transitions are essential. A quiet stepping motor drives autofocus, making it friendlier for gimbal use and on-camera AF transitions. For close-ups, the lens focuses as near as 15 cm at the wide end and 25 cm at the tele end, supporting close-up detail work without needing to add close-up accessories. Practical handling touches include a user-assignable control ring and a standard 67mm front filter thread, making it easy to attach ND filters or circular polarizers during field shoots. At roughly travel-friendly dimensions, Nikon positions it as a reliable all-around zoom for DX cameras that need speed without adding bulk.
DX 35mm f/1.7: a fast, compact everyday prime for DX cameras
On DX sensors, the 35mm f/1.7 becomes a natural 52.5mm equivalent—a classic short-tele focal length well-suited for portraits, street photography, and detail work. The f/1.7 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and the potential for creamy shallow depth of field, while internal focusing helps keep the lens length steady during focus pulls, aiding both the photographer and the vlogger who needs predictable framing. A minimum focus distance of 16 cm enables semi-macro details and close-up product shots without the need for extension tubes. The lens uses an STM drive for quietly confident autofocus, which is beneficial for video capture and when recording with on-camera mics. It accepts 52mm front filters, giving shooters a simple route to add stabilization or creative effects in post or during capture.
Practical design touches mirror those of the zoom: a compact build, lightweight handling, and a focus experience that stays out of the way during handheld shooting. This makes the 35mm f/1.7 a strong companion to the 16–50mm, providing a fast, improv-friendly pair for creators who want both a versatile zoom and a low-light prime for more cinematic looks or sharp social content.
Video and stills-friendly features that matter to creators
Both lenses underscore Nikon’s focus on creator-friendly behavior. The 16–50mm f/2.8 VR is designed for steadier video through optical stabilization and reduced breathing, while the 9-blade iris helps render smoother backgrounds. The 35mm f/1.7’s quiet AF, compact size, and close-focus capability support tabletop, product, and street shoots—areas where fast glass can make a real difference in capturing decisive moments. The combination of a fast prime and a steady zoom expands a DX user’s toolkit without requiring a second lens center of gravity or heavy rigs.
Availability, pricing, and what’s included
Both lenses are currently open for preorder, with shipping anticipated around 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 carries a price of $446.96 USD. Each lens ships with front and rear caps; the 16–50mm kit additionally includes the HB-118 lens hood. These inclusions help buyers hit the ground running for both stills and video right out of the box.
Bottom line
Nikon’s latest additions to the DX Z-mount lineup deliver practical speed, stabilization, and portability for creators working with APS-C bodies. The constant-aperture 16–50mm f/2.8 VR and the fast 35mm f/1.7 prime form a complementary duo: one flexible zoom that maintains exposure and focus quality under changing lighting, and one compact prime that shines in dim conditions and close-up work. For photographers and videographers who want reliable glass that travels well and behaves predictably on a DX Z camera, these lenses offer a compelling upgrade path.
