Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR & NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 Lenses Announced
Nikon has unveiled two new additions to its DX-format mirrorless lineup, further solidifying its commitment to APS-C creators: the NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR standard zoom and the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 micro prime lens. These compact yet powerful lenses deliver remarkable optical performance, versatility, and speed, making them ideal companions for photographers and content creators using Nikon’s Z DX cameras such as the Z50 II and Z30. Together, they address the long-standing demand for brighter, more capable DX-format lenses designed to maximize the potential of Nikon’s crop-sensor mirrorless system.
Pre-order links:
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7 Lens (Nikon Z) at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR: A Fast, Versatile Standard Zoom
Serving as a professional upgrade to Nikon’s popular kit zoom, the new NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR brings a host of improvements in speed, stabilization, and optical design. Covering an equivalent focal range of 24–75mm (in full-frame terms), the lens is a practical all-rounder for landscapes, portraits, street scenes, and everyday shooting. The constant f/2.8 aperture is a game-changer for DX users, providing excellent light-gathering ability for low-light photography and enabling smooth background separation with rich, creamy bokeh.
One of the most notable upgrades is the addition of built-in Vibration Reduction (VR), offering up to 5 stops of stabilization. This feature makes handheld shooting easier in challenging lighting conditions, helping maintain sharpness at slower shutter speeds. The nine-blade aperture—a first for Nikon’s DX mirrorless lenses—contributes to smoother and more natural background blur compared to the traditional seven-blade design.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the 16–50mm f/2.8 VR remains highly portable, weighing just 330 grams (11.6 oz) and measuring approximately 8.8 cm in length. Inside, Nikon has included one ED and two aspherical elements to correct aberrations and ensure high-resolution performance across the frame. The customizable control ring allows users to assign key functions such as aperture, ISO, or exposure compensation—enhancing shooting efficiency.
For video creators, this lens offers quiet autofocus thanks to a stepping motor (STM), along with optical design tweaks that minimize focus breathing—crucial for maintaining consistent framing during focus pulls. When paired with the Nikon Z50 II, users can even utilize Hi-Res Zoom, which digitally extends the effective zoom range to 16–100mm without resolution loss while maintaining the f/2.8 aperture. Altogether, the 16–50mm f/2.8 VR represents a major step forward in both optical quality and handling for Nikon’s DX system.
NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7: A Compact Prime with Macro Versatility
Complementing the new zoom is the NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7, a fast and lightweight prime that doubles as both a standard walk-around lens and a capable close-up tool. With a 52.5mm full-frame equivalent focal length, it delivers a natural field of view similar to the human eye, making it an excellent choice for portraits, street photography, and everyday storytelling. Its bright f/1.7 aperture allows for exceptional low-light performance and artistic shallow depth of field.
What makes this lens stand out is its macro capability. With a minimum focus distance of 6.2 inches (0.16 m) and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.67× (life-size equivalent on full frame), photographers can capture fine details in subjects such as flowers, food, or small objects with remarkable clarity. The aspherical ED element minimizes chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp, color-accurate images even at close range.
The internal focusing (IF) design prevents the lens from extending while focusing, improving handling and balance for both photography and video work. Like the zoom, it also uses a quiet stepping motor (STM) and a customizable control ring, making it well-suited for discreet shooting or cinematic video production. Weighing only 220 grams (7.8 oz), it’s a perfect travel companion and an appealing option for creators seeking compactness without sacrificing image quality.
A Strengthened DX Ecosystem for Modern Creators
With these two lenses, Nikon has taken significant strides in expanding the creative capabilities of its APS-C mirrorless platform. The 16–50mm f/2.8 VR offers a professional-grade standard zoom with the kind of speed and stabilization previously reserved for full-frame optics, while the 35mm f/1.7 DX MC provides a versatile prime that encourages exploration of both everyday and macro subjects.
Together, they answer a clear demand from DX users for faster, more flexible lenses that maximize the Z system’s potential for stills and video. Both are thoughtfully designed with dust- and drip-resistant construction, quiet operation, and intuitive control—all in compact, travel-friendly packages.
For enthusiasts and professionals alike, these new lenses expand what’s possible with Nikon’s Z DX lineup. Whether capturing street portraits under city lights, handheld interiors, or up-close details in nature, the combination of fast apertures, advanced stabilization, and refined optical designs gives photographers the creative freedom to elevate their imagery.
Price and Availability
Both lenses will be available in late October 2025.
- NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 VR: $899.95 USD
- NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm f/1.7: $449.95 USD
With these releases, Nikon signals a continued investment in its DX mirrorless ecosystem, empowering a new generation of creators to push the boundaries of their craft with speed, precision, and light.
