We have here a compact, low price, high-performance lens that really sets the bar very high for "plastic fantastic" standard zooms. It even gives many prime lenses a run for their money.

Outstanding sharpness, Approaching zero distortion, Compact and light, Fast accurate AF, Very low CA, Modest vignetting, Pleasant, smooth bokeh, Great VFM, Fantastic handling, Built-in VR

The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR complements Nikon’s APS-C format mirrorless cameras perfectly. As well as being the most affordable Nikon Z-mount lens currently available, it’s small, light and extremely capable.

Good image quality, Light and compact

No focus scale, Single control ring

Nikon has expanded its Z mirrorless system to include models with the DX (APS-C) sensor size, in addition FX (full-frame) cameras and lenses already in the catalog. The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR ($299.95) is the first standard zoom lens that's purpose-built for the smaller sensor format. It's a fine starter lens, with solid wide-angle coverage, optical stabilization, and nearly silent autofocus, but it isn't as sturdily built or sealed as the full-frame Z lenses released to date. If you're buying a Z 50, you should certainly opt for the kit that bundles this lens, cutting its cost to about $140. Collapsible Design The DX 16-50mm is a collapsible lens—its optics retract into the barrel when not in use. When attached to the Z 50, I'm able to carry the pair in the pocket of a winter coat without a problem. The lens itself measures 1.3 by 2.8 inches when collapsed, weighs just 4.8 ounces, and supports 46mm front filters. The compact design omits a lens hood, but I did...

The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is one of the better starter zoom lenses we've seen, but you should definitely buy it along with a camera to save some money.

Quite compact; Retracts and extends without a lock; Sharp photos; Nominal distortion; Optical stabilization; Minimal focus breathing

Plastic lens mount; Pricier when bought on its own; Loss of resolution at edges at wide aperture; Overly sensitive control ring

Nikon Z 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF) Standard Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Z Mount cameras. What type of photography is the Nikon Z 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 lens good for?

Optical Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Minimum focus distance of, 0.2m / 7.9 inch, Light weight at only, 135g / 4.8 oz, No Weather Sealing, Hood is not supplied, Lens Extends while zooming, Slow Aperture at Tele end, Variable Aperture

Optical Image Stabilization, Autofocus, Minimum focus distance of, 0.2m / 7.9 inch, Light weight at only, 135g / 4.8 oz, No Weather Sealing, Hood is not supplied, Lens Extends while zooming, Slow Aperture at Tele end, Variable Aperture

This general-purpose, ‘walkaround’ lens is most likely to be purchased with the Z50 body, for which it is an ideal partner. It can also be fitted to a Z6 or Z7 body provided that camera has the latest firmware – but the frame will be cropped to 23.6 x 15.8 mm size, which makes the exercise a bit...

I have really enjoyed this lens so far. It is small and light and hardly realize it is there on my Z6. I have used this lens to do a number of sunsets and have even had a couple of them shown on our local Television News Weather reports. This is a really fine lens and very complementary to my Z6.

Much of the Nikon Z 50’s appeal is its petite form factor and the Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR (35mm equivalent) doesn’t hamper that in the slightest. It’s tiny, it’s featherweight and it’s sure to prove popular with travel and street photographers alike.

Super-compact size, Impressive minimum focus distance, Customizable control ring

Max aperture only f/6.3 at full zoom, Plastic build may disappoint some, Narrow focus ring could prove fiddly