Conclusion

The Nikon Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is a compact, very lightweight telephoto zoom lens that is much better than its modest price-tag might at first suggest, especially if you pick it up with the Nikon Z fc or Z50 cameras where it's sold as part of a more economical double kit lens option with the Z DX 16-50mm.

We reviewed it in conjunction with the Nikon Z50, where its main selling points are its diminutive size and weight, effective built-in stabilisation and its ability to really zoom in on your subject.

Optically the Z DX 50-250mm is a very good performer given the zoom range on offer, being satisfyingly sharp in the centre throughout all of the available focal lengths, even when shooting wide-open.

The edge performance isn't in the same league as the centre, but that's perhaps forgivable given the modest asking price and the versatility that this lens provides.

Chromatic aberrations and distortion are well-controlled in both the JPEG and Raw files, the bokeh from the 7-blade aperture is quite nice, sunstars at f/22 are quite well defined and flare isn't that evident even when shooting directly into the sun. Vignetting is a little heavy when shooting wide-open, but that's our only real complaint.

This lens' main concession to its low price-point is build quality - it has an all-plastic construction, right down to the plastic lens mount and filter threads.

Whether this causes any long-term issues remains to be seen, but if you're a stickler for a metal construction, you'll need to look elsewhere - we think it's an acceptable compromise given the overall cost of this lens.

There are also no accessories included with the Z 50-250mm, other than the front and rear lens caps, so there's no hood or case included in the box.

Overall, the Nikon Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is a very good telephoto zoom that is a clear step above most other similar kit lenses. If you're new to either Nikon or mirrorless then this lens makes a lot of sense from both a financial and performance point of view...

Ratings (out of 5)
Design	4.5
Features	4.5
Ease-of-use	4.5
Image quality	4
Value for money	4.5