Nikon Adds a Fast Macro Prime and a Fast Wide-Angle Zoom to the NIKKOR Z DX Range

Nikon adds two new DX Z-mount lenses, a 16–50 mm f/2.8 zoom and a 35 mm f/1.7 macro to the range, giving creators faster glass and sharper low-light performance for stills and video.

Nikon has expanded its DX-format Z-mount lens range with two new lenses aimed at photographers and video creators seeking faster apertures and improved low-light performance. The company has announced the NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR, the first f/2.8 zoom for DX-format Z cameras, and the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7, its first DX micro lens.

Both are compact, weather-sealed, and aimed at hybrid stills and video use, with quiet autofocus and reduced focus breathing.

NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR

The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is the first f/2.8 DX zoom lens to join the Nikon Z family and it’s a veritable DX workhorse. Users get all the advantages of a fast, constant f/2.8 aperture while the 16-50mm focal-length range (equivalent to 24-75mm in 35mm/FX format) provides versatile coverage for diverse scenes. Stills or video, Nikon’s powerful built-in VR image stabilisation should help keep handheld shots steady in low light, and sharp close-up focusing adds framing flexibility.

Key specifications include:

• Aperture: Constant f/2.8 for consistent exposure and shallow depth of field.

• Minimum focus distance: 0.15 m (5.9 in) at 16 mm and 0.25 m (9.8 in) at 50 mm.

• Vibration Reduction: Lens-shift VR providing up to 5 stops of image stabilisation.

• Weight: Approx. 330 g (11.6 oz).

• Video features: Quiet autofocus, reduced focus breathing, and a silent control ring for smooth exposure or focus changes.

• Hi-Res Zoom: Extends focal range by up to 2× when shooting video (to 100 mm equivalent) without apparent quality loss.

• Build: Dust- and drip-resistant design.

• Accessories: Supplied with the new HB-118 bayonet hood.

NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7

The new 35 mm f/1.7 macro is Nikon’s first DX Micro lens, offering a 0.67× maximum reproduction ratio, equivalent to 1:1 life-size magnification on a full-frame sensor. The lens is designed for both macro and everyday photography, with a 35 mm focal length (50 mm full-frame equivalent) providing a natural perspective.

Key specifications include:

• Aperture: f/1.7 for low-light shooting and subject isolation.

• Minimum focus distance: 0.16 m (6.3 in), allowing sharp focus when the front of the lens is just 7.2 cm (2.8 in) from the subject—or 5.85 cm (2.3 in) when using the hood.

• Optics: Includes an aspherical ED element for sharp detail and smooth background blur.

• Weight: Approx. 220 g (7.8 oz).

• Video features: Quiet autofocus, reduced breathing, and silent control ring.

• Build: Dust- and drip-resistant construction.

• Accessories: New HN-43 screw-on hood, also compatible with the NIKKOR Z 28 mm f/2.8 and Z 40 mm f/2 lenses.

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR will ship for $899 and the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 for $449. Both will be available in late October.