Nikon NIKKOR Telephoto Lens Z 50-250mm, Black Review
Overview
The Nikon NIKKOR Telephoto Lens Z 50-250mm offers a versatile telephoto zoom range ideal for sports and wildlife photography, as well as videography with cinematic close-ups. Its compact size paired with excellent optical performance makes it a standout choice among similarly priced lenses.
What's In The Box
- Main product
- Carrying case or accessories
- Documentation
Technical Specifications
| Aperture Range | f/4.5-6.3 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.7m (at maximum focal length) |
| Maximum Focal Length | 250mm |
| Lens Construction | 11 elements in 8 groups, including 3 aspherical elements |
| Image Stabilization | VR (Vibration Reduction) |
| Weight | 470g |
Design & Build Quality
The Nikon NIKKOR Telephoto Lens Z 50-250mm features a compact and lightweight design, weighing only 470 grams. Despite its small size, the build quality is robust with a durable magnesium alloy outer barrel that feels solid in hand. The lens has a weather-sealed construction, making it suitable for outdoor photography in various conditions. Additionally, the focusing ring operates smoothly and quietly, contributing to an overall high-quality user experience.
Performance
In real-world use, this telephoto zoom delivers exceptional sharpness throughout its focal range, even when shooting at maximum aperture. The VR (Vibration Reduction) feature effectively reduces camera shake, allowing for clearer images and videos in low light conditions without the need for higher ISO settings. During video recording, the lens significantly suppresses focus breathing, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage.
Key Feature Analysis
One of the standout features is its ability to produce shallow depth-of-field effects at longer focal lengths, which is ideal for isolating subjects in crowded environments. The 50-250mm range provides versatility without the bulkiness typically associated with high-magnification lenses. However, while the lens performs admirably in daylight conditions, low-light performance can be slightly compromised due to its narrower maximum aperture at longer focal lengths.
Durability
The durability of this lens is impressive given its lightweight construction. The weather-sealing ensures protection against dust and moisture, although it may not withstand extremely harsh conditions as some professional-grade lenses do. Over time, the smooth operation remains consistent without any significant degradation in performance or wear on the mechanical components.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile focal range for various photography needs
- Compact and lightweight design
- Effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system
- Smooth and quiet focusing mechanism
- Excellent video quality with minimized focus breathing
Cons
- Narrow aperture at longer focal lengths can affect low-light performance
- Limited zoom control options compared to higher-end models
- Weather sealing may not be suitable for extremely harsh environments
- Price point may seem high considering its specifications and build quality
Final Verdict
The Nikon NIKKOR Telephoto Lens Z 50-250mm is an excellent choice for photographers and videographers looking for a compact, versatile telephoto lens. Its performance in both photography and video recording makes it highly competitive within its price range.
Who should buy: Photographers and videographers who need a lightweight, high-performing lens for diverse shooting conditions.
Who should skip: Users requiring the absolute highest optical quality at all focal lengths or those seeking extensive weather protection should consider higher-end professional lenses.
