Nikon
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S — 50mm f/1.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$599
Launch priceReleased Sep 2018
Nikon
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Nikon Z Mount
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S — 70–200mm f/2.8 for Nikon Z, a popular choice in the nikon lineup.
$2,599
Launch priceReleased Oct 2020
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is 2.1 years newer.
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Wins
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Wins
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
1 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has higher OIS effectiveness (5 stops vs 0 stops)
- ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Weight (415 g vs 1360 g)
- ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Length (108 mm vs 240 mm)
- BNIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S has higher Max magnification (0.25 × vs 0.15 ×)
- ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this lens size diff to shareNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
⌀81 × 108 mm
415 g (0.91 lb / 14.64 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
⌀81 × 240 mm
1360 g (3.00 lb / 47.97 oz)
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 132mm shorter than NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is 945 g lighter than NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S.
Diameter (⌀) is the maximum barrel width; length is measured from the mount to the front of the lens.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
- ✓
Weight
415 g vs 1360 g — lower is better
- ✓
Length
108 mm vs 240 mm — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8 vs f/2.8 — lower is better
- ✓
Min focus distance
30 cm vs 38 cm — lower is better
Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- ✓
OIS effectiveness
5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
- ✓
Optical stabilization
Only NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S supports it
- ✓
Weather sealing
Only NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S supports it
- ✓
Control ring
Only NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S supports it
- ✓
Custom function button
Only NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S supports it
- ✓
Max magnification
0.25 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better
Shared specifications
Internal focus
Both support internal focus
Diameter
Both 81 mm
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Pros
- ✓Prime design typically delivers strong sharpness and lighter weight
- ✓Solid optical performance for the price tier
- ✓Native Nikon Z mount compatibility
Cons
- –Third-party or older alternatives may offer better value
NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Pros
- ✓Versatile zoom range covers multiple focal lengths in one lens
- ✓Built-in optical image stabilization
- ✓Weather-sealed construction for outdoor shooting
Cons
- –Premium price point
- –Relatively heavy for extended handheld use
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S at major authorized retailers.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed October 2026.