Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR vs Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR

Both are Nikon Z mount zooms for vlogging — here's how the specs differ and which to pick. Every spec is from the manufacturer's own catalog.

Last verified 2026-08-31 · Nikon Z mount · prices change — check the retailer

Spec	Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR	Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
Focal length	12-28mm	16-50mm
Max aperture	f/3.5-5.6	f/2.8
Type	zoom	zoom
Coverage	APS-C	APS-C
Mount	Nikon Z	Nikon Z

Which should you buy?

the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR opens wider (f/2.8) — brighter in low light and more background blur
the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR covers 12-28mm and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR covers 16-50mm — pick the range that matches what you shoot

Where to buy

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VRSee price on Amazon

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 | Premium Constant F/2.8 Aperture Zoom Lens with Image stabilization for APS-C Size/DX F

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VRSee price on Amazon

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FAQ

What's the difference between the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR is 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom, APS-C; the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR is 16-50mm f/2.8 zoom, APS-C. Both fit the Nikon Z mount.

Which is better in low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR or the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR?
The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR — its f/2.8 maximum aperture lets in more light and gives more background blur than the f/3.5-5.6 of the other.

Do the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR and Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR fit the same camera?
Yes — both are Nikon Z mount lenses, so they fit Nikon Z series (Z6/Z7/Z8/Z9 full-frame, Z50/Zfc APS-C).

Citing these specs? Go ahead — manufacturer data, last verified 2026-08-31. Copy a ready-made reference:

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VRAffiliate linkSee price on Amazon