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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 price

Released Sep 2018

vs

Sony

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Sony E Mount

The ultimate standard zoom — incredibly sharp, exceptionally compact, and built for professionals.

$2,299

Launch price

Released Apr 2022

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II is 3.6 years newer.

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Wins

5categories

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

PortraitSports & Action

Wins

2categories

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

LandscapeSports & Action

1 categories tied

TL;DR — Key differences

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S wins 3 categories·FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II wins 2 categories
  • BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has higher Max magnification (0.32 × vs 0.15 ×)
  • ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Weight (415 g vs 695 g)
  • ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Max aperture (Wide) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
  • ANIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S has lower Max aperture (Tele) (f/1.8 vs f/2.8)
  • BFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II has lower Min focus distance (21 cm vs 30 cm)

Key specs at a glance

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 SFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Focal Length50 mm24-70 mm
Max Aperturef/1.8f/2.8
MountNikon ZSony E
CoverageFull FrameFull Frame
StabilizationNoNo
Weight415 g695 g
Min Focus30 cm21 cm
Filter Size77 mm82 mm

Use-case scoring

Which one for what?

Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class

Use caseNIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 SFE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Portrait
8.0Excellent
4.5Fair
Sports & Action
6.5Good
6.5Good
Video & Hybrid
3.5Limited
5.0Fair
Landscape
1.0Limited
7.0Good
Travel
4.0Fair
5.5Fair
Wildlife
1.0Limited
3.0Limited
Macro & Close-up
1.5Limited
3.5Limited

Why pick one over the other

Reasons to choose the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

  • Special elements

    Adds Aspherical

  • Weight

    415 g vs 695 g — 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

  • Length

    108 mm vs 120 mm — lower is better

  • Diameter

    81 mm vs 88 mm — lower is better

Reasons to choose the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

  • Special elements

    Adds 2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED…

  • Weather sealing

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Control ring

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Custom function button

    Only FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II supports it

  • Min focus distance

    21 cm vs 30 cm — lower is better

  • Max magnification

    0.32 × vs 0.15 × — higher is better

Shared specifications

Internal focus

Both support internal focus

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

FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

Pros

  • Outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range
  • Remarkably small and lightweight for an f/2.8 zoom
  • Four XD Linear focus motors provide blazing-fast AF tracking
  • Excellent close-up magnification
  • De-clickable aperture ring and customized function buttons

Cons

  • No built-in optical image stabilization (relies on body IBIS)
  • High launch price
  • Aperture ring can be easily bumped if not locked

Decided which one is right for you?

Compare live prices for the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S and FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II at major authorized retailers.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II

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Full specifications

= category winner

NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Focal length (Min)
50 mm
24 mm
Focal length (Max)
50 mm
70 mm
Max aperture (Wide)
f/1.8+1.3 stops wider
f/2.8
Max aperture (Tele)
f/1.8+1.3 stops wider
f/2.8
Elements
14
20
Groups
11
15
Special elements
Aspherical
2 XA (extreme aspherical), 3 Aspherical, 2 ED, 2 Super ED
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Min focus distance
30 cm
21 cm−9 cm less
Max magnification
0.15 ×
0.32 ×2.1× more
Autofocus motor
Linear / Stepping Motor
4 XD Linear Motors
Internal focus
Yes
Yes
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Optical stabilization
No
No
OIS effectiveness
0 stops
0 stops
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Weight
415 g−280 g less
695 g
Length
108 mm−12 mm less
120 mm
Diameter
81 mm−7 mm less
88 mm
Filter thread size
77 mm
82 mm
Weather sealing
No
Yes
Diaphragm blades
11
11
NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM II
Lens mount
Nikon Z
Sony E
Format coverage
Full Frame
Full Frame

Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.