The type of photography that you are planning to use is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR and the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF for their suitability to various photography scenarios:
Size and Weight Comparison
The size of a lens is a crucial factor to consider when comparing two lenses. Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR is the longer of the two lenses at 110mm. The Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF with a length of 87mm, is 23mm shorter. On the other hand, there is no difference between the max diameters of these lenses, both coming at 74mm.
The weight of a lens is equally significant as its external dimensions, particularly if you intend to handhold your camera and lens combination for extended periods. Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF weighs 385g, 4% (20g) lighter than the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR's weight of 405g.
Filter Threads
The Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has a filter size of 62mm whereas the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF has a 67mm diameter. Larger filters are generally more expensive than the smaller ones given all the other features are equal.
Below are links to the 62mm filters that we recommend you to consider for the Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR:
And these are the 67mm filters that we recommend for the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF:
Lens Mounts
The Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has the Nikon Z lens mount whereas the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF has the Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with these mounts are Nikon Z30, Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z50 for the Nikon Z Mount and Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600 for the Nikon F (DX) Mount.
Focal Range
Nikon Z 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR has a focal range of 50-250mm and
5.0X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of
75-375mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
On the other hand, the Nikon 18-135mm f3.5-5.6G ED-IF has a focal range of 18-135mm and 7.5X zoom ratio which has an effective (full-frame 35mm equivalent) focal range of 27-202.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.