NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR User's Manual

Before using this product, please read these instructions carefully. You will also need to consult the camera manual.

• This lens is intended exclusively for use with mirrorless cameras featuring a Nikon Z mount.
• Update to the latest version of the camera firmware before using this lens with the Z 7 or Z 6, as otherwise the camera may fail to correctly recognize the lens and features such as vibration reduction may be unavailable. The latest firmware is available from the Nikon Download Center.

For Your Safety

To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read "For Your Safety" in its entirety before using this product. Keep these safety instructions where all those who use this product will read them.

A WARNING: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could result in death or severe injury.

A CAUTION: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this icon could result in injury or property damage.

General Warnings and Cautions

A WARNING

• Do not disassemble or modify this product. Do not touch internal parts that become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident. Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or other injury.
• Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product producing smoke, heat, or unusual odors, immediately disconnect the camera power source. Continued operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.
• Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands. Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric shock.
• Do not use this product in the presence of flammable dust or gas such as propane, gasoline or aerosols. Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or fire.
• Do not directly view the sun or other bright light source through the lens. Failure to observe this precaution could result in visual impairment.
• Keep this product out of reach of children. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek immediate medical attention.
• Do not handle with bare hands in locations exposed to extremely high or low temperatures. Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or frostbite.

A CAUTION

• Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or other strong light sources. Light focused by the lens could cause fire or damage to product's internal parts. When shooting backlit subjects, keep the sun well out of the frame.
• Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely high temperatures, for an extended period such as in an enclosed automobile or in direct sunlight. Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product malfunction.
• Do not transport cameras or lenses with tripods or similar accessories attached. Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product malfunction.

Notices for Customers in the U.S.A.

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Radio Frequency Interference Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

CAUTIONS Modifications

The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to this device that are not expressly approved by Nikon Corporation may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Nikon Inc., 1300 Walt Whitman Road, Melville, New York 11747-3064, U.S.A. Tel.: 631-547-4200

Notice for Customers in Canada

CAN ICES-3 B / NMB-3 B

Using the Lens

Parts of the Lens: Names and Functions

See below for the names and functions of the parts of the lens.

Diagram Description: The lens is shown from the front and side. The side view includes numbered callouts pointing to specific parts of the lens.

Attachment and Removal

Attaching the Lens

1. Turn the camera off, remove the body cap, and detach the rear lens cap.
2. Position the lens on the camera body, keeping the mounting mark on the lens aligned with the mounting mark on the camera body, and then rotate the lens counterclockwise until it clicks into place.

Removing the Lens

1. Turn the camera off.
2. Press and hold the lens release button while turning the lens clockwise.

Before Use

The lens is retractable and must be extended before use. Rotate the zoom ring as shown until the lens clicks into the extended position. Pictures can only be taken when the focal length mark points to positions between 16 and 50 on the focal length scale.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows the lens barrel extending. A focal length scale is depicted with marks at 16, 24, 35, and 50mm. Text states, "Pictures can be taken at these focal lengths."

To retract the lens, rotate the zoom ring in the opposite direction, stopping when you reach the [O] position on the focal length scale. If the camera is turned on with the lens retracted, a warning will be displayed. Extend the lens before use.

Attaching and Removing Optional Lens Hoods

Lens hoods (available separately) screw directly into the threads in front of the lens. Do not touch the glass surface of the lens or use excessive force. To remove the hood, unscrew it from the lens.

Diagram Description: An illustration shows a lens hood being screwed onto the front of the lens, with numbered arrows indicating the direction of rotation.

Using the Lens on Cameras with a Built-in Flash

Shadows will be visible in photos where the light from the built-in flash is obscured by the lens or lens hood. Remove the lens hood before shooting. Note, however, that even if the hood is removed, shadows may still be visible at some focal lengths and subject distances.

Vibration Reduction (VR)

The lens's on-board vibration reduction can be enabled or disabled using camera controls; see the camera manual for details. With [Normal] selected for the on-camera vibration reduction option, vibration reduction allows speeds up to 4.5 stops* slower than would otherwise be the case, expanding the range of shutter speeds available.

* Measured according to CIPA standards. Values for lenses that support FX format are measured on FX-format mirrorless cameras, those for DX lenses on DX-format mirrorless cameras. Values for zoom lenses are measured at maximum zoom.

✔️ Vibration Reduction

• Due to the design of the vibration reduction system, the lens may rattle when shaken. This does not indicate a malfunction.
• To reduce blur caused by tripod shake, select [Normal] or [Sport] for the on-camera vibration reduction option when the camera is mounted on a tripod. Note, however, that depending on the type of tripod and shooting conditions, there may be cases in which [Off] is the preferred option.
• [Normal] or [Sport] is recommended when the camera is mounted on a monopod.

When the Lens Is Attached

• The focus position may change if you turn the camera off and then on again after focusing. If you have focused on a pre-selected location while waiting for your subject to appear, we recommend that you do not turn the camera off until the picture is taken.
• Mounting this lens on an FX-format camera:
  • selects the DX image area, reducing the available focus points and number of pixels recorded, and
  • disables the [Image Dust Off ref photo] option in the setup menu.
• Movies shot with the lens mounted on a Z 6 and 1920 × 1080 120p, 1920 × 1080 100p, or 1920 × 1080 slow-motion selected for [Frame size/frame rate] in the movie shooting menu will be recorded at the following frame sizes and rates:
  • 1920 × 1080; 120p → 1920 × 1080; 60p
  • 1920 × 1080; 100p → 1920 × 1080; 50p
  • 1920 × 1080; 30p ×4 (slow-motion) → 1920 × 1080; 30p
  • 1920 × 1080; 25p ×4 (slow-motion) → 1920 × 1080; 25p
  • 1920 × 1080; 24p ×5 (slow-motion) → 1920 × 1080; 24p

Precautions for Use

• Do not pick up or hold the lens or camera using only the lens hood.
• Keep the CPU contacts clean.
• Replace the front and rear lens caps when the lens is not in use.
• To protect the interior of the lens, store it out of direct sunlight.
• Do not leave the lens in humid locations or in locations in which it may be exposed to moisture. Rusting of the internal mechanism can cause irreparable damage.
• Do not leave the lens next to open flames or in other extremely hot locations. Extreme heat could damage or warp exterior parts made from reinforced plastic.
• Taking the lens from a warm to a cold environment or vice versa may cause damaging condensation inside and outside the lens. Place the lens in a sealed bag or plastic case before taking it across a temperature boundary. The lens can be taken from the bag or case once it has had time to adjust to the new temperature.
• We recommend that you place the lens in a case (available separately) to protect it from scratches during transport.

Lens Care

• Removing dust is normally sufficient to clean the glass surfaces of the lens.
• Smudges, fingerprints, and other oily stains can be removed from the lens surface using a soft, clean cotton cloth or lens cleaning tissue lightly dampened with a small amount of ethanol or lens cleaner. Wipe gently from the center outwards in a circular motion, taking care not to leave smears or touch the lens with your fingers.
• Never use organic solvents such as paint thinner or benzene to clean the lens.
• Neutral Color (NC) filters (available separately) and the like can be used to protect the front lens element.
• If the lens will not be used for an extended period, store it in a cool, dry location to prevent mold and rust. Do not store in direct sunlight or with naphtha or camphor moth balls.

Accessories

Supplied Accessories

• LC-46B 46 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap
• LF-N1 Rear Lens Cap

Compatible Accessories

• CL-C4 Lens Case
• HN-40 Screw-on Lens Hood
• 46 mm screw-on filters

Filters

• Use only one filter at a time.
• Remove the lens hood before attaching filters.

Specifications

Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance, specifications, and performance of this product at any time and without prior notice.