Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR: A Powerful Zoom Lens for Nikon Z Cameras

Nikon Z mirrorless cameras are becoming hugely popular. Cameras like the Nikon Z50, Nikon Z5, and Nikon Z6 offer excellent quality in a much smaller size than traditional full-frame DSLRs. To accompany these mirrorless cameras, there is a great range of Z-series lenses, like the one we’re diving into today: the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR.

This is a powerful zoom lens that offers anything from portrait through to mid-range telephoto photography. It is relatively affordable and has a good set of features like vibration reduction and a silent autofocus system. It is a great, mid-range telephoto lens for Nikon Z series cameras and one of the best official lenses available.

Main Features

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is a Nikon Z mount lens, and is formatted for DX cameras. This means it is compatible with APS-C sensor mirrorless Nikon cameras like the Nikon Z50. The following are its basic technical specifications:

• Weight: 405g
• Max Length: 110mm
• Viewing Angle: 31° 30′ to 6° 30′
• Maximum Aperture: f/4.5
• Minimum Aperture: f/32
• Image Stabilization: Yes
• Lens Hood: Yes
• Closest Focusing Distance: 0.5m at 50mm
• Maximum Magnification: 0.23x
• Filter Diameter: 62mm

As you can see, it has a decent closest focusing distance and magnification ratio. Although it isn’t 1:1, it could still be used to create quality close-up photos, just not quite at macro recreation.

The focal distance is graduated in the following set groupings – 50mm, 70mm, 100mm, 135mm, 200mm, and 250mm. This gives an even distribution throughout the whole focal range. It also has a decent viewing angle and a solid minimum aperture range of f/22 at 50mm, through to f/32 at 250mm.

As standard, the lens comes with a front and rear lens cap, and you can also purchase an attachable lens hood. You could consider purchasing the lens hood to help shade from bright light sources. Finally, the lens can accept 62mm filters.

Design

In terms of overall build and style, this lens looks fantastic. The Nikon Z series lenses are much smaller and more compact in comparison to full-frame lenses. The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR is just 405g and has a maximum length of 110mm. This means it is easy to carry and doesn’t add much weight to your camera.

Also, like Canon’s EF-M lenses, the Nikon Z lenses look great and have a simple but stylish design. The large, textured grip allows you to hold the lens firmly and also twist through the zoom range with ease.

Aside from the textured grip, the lens is minimalistic and doesn’t have any additional features. Regardless, it is still highly functional and well-designed.

This lens features internal vibration reduction, which is Nikon’s form of image stabilization. This allows you to shoot handheld at shutter speeds up to 5 stops slower than usual. As a result, when shooting moving objects or in difficult shooting conditions, you can still keep the lens stable and get high-quality, sharp images.

Performance

The lens construction of the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR features 16 elements in 12 groups. This advanced construction includes one extra-low dispersion element, which helps maintain image consistency and reduce distortions.

Also, it features an aperture diaphragm made from seven rounded blades. This provides excellent quality backgrounds and when at the higher maximum apertures, you can create smooth, rounded bokeh effects for out-of-focus background objects.

Image quality is excellent due to the advanced lens construction and aperture blades. You can expect consistent colors, detail, and depth, and sharpness even at the extreme edges of photos. Also, you will notice minimal distortion like lens flare, ghosting, chromatic aberration, and other aberrations.

We also like the silent control ring on the top part of the lens, nearest the external glass element. The control ring can be used for focusing, but it can also be programmed for a variety of other functions. Examples of programmable functions include aperture control, exposure compensation, and ISO metering. Using this control ring, you can improve the efficiency of your photography and minimize the need to look at your screen to change camera settings.

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR vs. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

This is a great lens for Nikon Z cameras, but there are other options available, too. To get a better understanding, we should look at how this lens compares to similar spec models. A good comparison is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. You can see a basic comparison table of the two lenses below:

As you can see, there are differences between these two lenses. Firstly, the 55-300mm obviously provides super-telephoto distances whereas the Z lens doesn’t quite reach that far. Nonetheless, 250mm still allows you to capture great detail.

The 50-250mm is a much smaller and more compact lens. It weighs over 100g less than the 55-300mm and also has a smaller overall length. As a result, the 55-300mm is relatively clunky and much bulkier when the lenses are compared side by side. The Nikon Z lens is definitely the best option for a travel lens.

Both lenses have built-in vibration reduction which is essential for a telephoto lens. However, the 55-300mm possibly has a better autofocusing system. It has Nikon’s special SWM (Silent Wave Motor), which provides quick and effective focusing. The Nikon Z lens, however, only has an internal focusing system. It is still efficient, but not so much as the SWM motor.

Is the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR a Worthwhile Lens for Nikon Z Cameras?

If you want a versatile lens with telephoto capabilities for your Nikon Z camera, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm F/4.5-6.3 VR is a worthy choice. It looks great and is incredibly easy to use. Also, features like vibration reduction and the focus control ring improve performance and allow you to use the lens effectively in numerous ways.