Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8S II lens. Image credit: Amy Davies
In this list, we’re helping you find the best Z-mount lenses for your Nikon mirrorless camera? All the lenses on this list are ones that our team has tested, reviewed and rated, and I’ve made sure that only the best of the best have made the cut. If a lens doesn’t score at least 4.5 out of 5 in our full test and review, it doesn’t make this list.
I’ve also made sure to factor in affordability – this list wouldn’t be much use if it was just a collection of top-tier lenses that only a few can afford. We take value for money into account when scoring products in our reviews, and many of the lenses I’ve included on this list are in the budget-friendly an mid-range categories – so many, in fact, that I’ve given them their own section!
Read on to see which of the best mirrorless lenses for Nikon made the cut. If you need a primer on technical terms, scroll to the bottom of this page where I’ve put together an explainer of the key technical terms we’ll be dealing with, as well as some additional recommendations for APS-C Nikon cameras specifically (this list mostly covers full-frame, though I’ve added a couple of top-notch DX suggestions at the beginning). Otherwise, let’s get to the lenses!
Best Z mount lenses for Nikon: our quick list
Best DX lenses for APS-C cameras:
Best DX-format fast aperture prime lens: Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7 – Buy now
Best DX-format standard zoom lens: Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR – Buy now
Best affordable lenses:
Best mid-price Z-mount wide-angle zoom: Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 – Buy now
Best versatile telephoto zoom lens: Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 –Buy now
Best cheap Z-Mount standard prime: Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 – Buy now
Best affordable Z-Mount portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S – Buy now
Best Z-Mount macro lens: Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S – Buy now
Best premium lenses:
Best standard zoom lens for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S – Buy now
Best long standard zoom for Z-mount: Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S – Buy now
Best premium wide-angle Z-mount zoom: Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S – Buy now
Best telephoto zoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S – Buy now
Best long tele-zoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S – Buy now
Best high-end 135mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – Buy now
Looking for the best deal on Nikon Z-mount lenses? Not only will you find the best lenses for Nikon Z-mount lenses, but also some of the best Z-mount lens deals for Nikon, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons are setup to automatically take you to the best prices from trusted retailers. You’ll also find a list of other retailers below each lens, so you can find the right deal for you.
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Best DX lenses for APS-C Nikon Z cameras
Here are the best Z-mount lenses specifically for smaller-sensor DX-format cameras, including the Nikon Z50II (and Z50), Z fc and Z30.
Best DX-format fast aperture prime lens: Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7
The DX 24mm f/1.7 is Nikon’s first dedicated prime for its DX-format Z-mount mirrorless system. Photo credit: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
This lens gives APS-C users an affordable way to shoot at wide apertures and at a classic focal length. It performed well optically in our tests.
Pros
Small
Lightweight
Fast maximum aperture
Cons
Limited weather sealing
Plastic mount
No optical image stabilisation
Construction
9 elements in 8 groups
Weight
135g
Price
$277 / £209
With its attractive price and fast maximum aperture, this Z DX 24mm prime will appeal to photographers wanting the perfect walkaround lens. It is small and light and meshes wonderfully with cameras such as the Nikon Z30, Zfc and Z50. Coverage-wise, it gives the full-frame focal length equivalent of 36mm, so it’s ideal for street, travel and family record photography. An extra dimension is its ability to focus as close as 18cm from the sensor.
In our test, it proved a capable optical performer too, especially bearing in mind its tempting price, giving good sharpness at f/1.7 with the best performance coming at f/2.8-4.
Best DX-format standard zoom lens: Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR
A side view of the Nikon 16-50mm f/2.8 lens, mounted on the Nikon Z50 II. Image: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
Possibly the most versatile and impressive lens for Nikon’s DX-format cameras, this lens is a great do-it-all travel companion. But its price tag could be a sticking point.
Pros
Constant f/2.8 aperture
Lightweight build
Built-in Vibration Reduction
Close focusing distance
Cons
On the pricey side for DX
Construction
12 elements in 11 groups
Weight
330g
Price
$895 / £799
This lens arrived as a welcome sign that Nikon was taking its APS-C offering a bit more seriously. The crop factor of the smaller sensor size means that the DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR covers an equivalent focal range of 24-75mm, a common standard zoom range favoured by professional photographers for its ability to cope with a wide variety of shooting situations. And with its constant f/2.8 aperture ensuring that performance remains high even when light levels get low, the DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR brings that level of versatility to the APS-C Nikon cameras.
As we found in our review, it’s a brilliant and capable lens in just about all situations – the main potential sticking point is the price. While the RRP of this lens at $895 / £799 isn’t a patch on the cost of professional lenses, it is about the same amount that DX-format users will have paid for their camera! Whether it’s worth it, ultimately, is up to you – but the fact that this lens is versatile enough to potentially be the only lens you use makes it worthy of consideration.
Here are our picks of the full-frame (FX) Nikon Z lenses that won’t break the bank. Pitched towards amateur and enthusiast photographers, these are fantastic lenses for a whole range of photographic and video disciplines.
Best mid-price Z-mount wide-angle zoom: Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8
The Nikon Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 lens. Photo credit: Angela Nicholson.
Amateur Photographer verdict
A very capable lens, excellent for low-light situations, with an f/2.8 constant aperture (though it lacks stabilisation).
Pros
Pleasingly lightweight for an f/2.8
Can close-focus
Image quality is excellent
Cons
Minimal physical controls
Quite a narrow zoom range
Relies on in camera stabilisation
Construction
13 elements in 11 groups
Weight
450g
Price
$1,197 / £900
While this isn’t one of Nikon’s top-flight ‘S’ lenses, it carries a four-figure price tag, so that makes it premium in our book. Fortunately, the Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 acquits itself well, covering a useful standard focal range with a constant aperture of f/2.8 that gives the user real versatility in the field. Image quality is excellent across the frame, and while the construction isn’t fully weather sealed, the rubber gasket around the mount helps keep out dust and moisture.
Best versatile telephoto zoom lens: Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8
Nikon Nikkor Z 70-180 mm f2.8 lens
Amateur Photographer verdict
Adaptable to a variety of subjects: portraits, (some) wildlife, macro, weddings and other events. Lightweight and portable for every day use.
Pros
Constant f/2.8 aperture
Good value
Lightweight
Cons
No vibration reduction
Slightly short for some subjects
Construction
19 elements in 14 groups
Weight
795g
Price
$1,100 / £1,000
This telephoto zoom is a good bet for all kinds of different subjects, thanks to its 70-180mm focal length. It’s well-suited to portraits, close-up, event photography, relatively close wildlife and action, and could even have a crack landscape, architecture and abstract photography. The constant aperture running through the focal length gives it some flex in low light, and as we found in our review, it delivers the goods optically as well.
Best cheap Z-Mount standard prime: Nikkor Z 40mm f/2
Nikkor Z 40mm f/2. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
Decent optics, a reasonably bright aperture, good portability and responsive AF all combine to make for a lens that offers superb value for money.
Pros
Very affordable and good value
Optical quality impresses
Slender and lightweight
Cons
Sharpness suffers up close
Noticeable vignetting at f/2
Construction
6 elements in 4 groups
Weight
170g
Price
$300 / £190
Easy to find at an affordable price, the Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 lens delivers strong optical performance at a slightly unusual focal length, slotting between the established ‘standard’ 35mm and 50mm prime focal lengths. Weighing just 170g and measuring just 45.5mm long, the 40mm f/2 lens scored well in our testing, with its autofocusing on the lens being snappy, silent and accurate.
Best affordable Z-Mount portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f1.8 S. Image credit: Michael Topham
Amateur Photographer verdict
A short telephoto lens that works particularly well for portraits, especially when combined with Eye-Detection AF.
Pros
Well-optimised for portraits
Excellent optical quality
Solid build
Cons
Quite expensive for an f/1.8
Physically large
Construction
12 elements in 8 groups
Weight
470g
Price
$800 / £690
The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S offers a weather-sealed body and a great focal length for portraits. That wide aperture means the lens gives a pleasing background blur and bokeh. The optical quality of the images is impressive, as we found in our review, and while it isn’t exactly cheap, this is far from the most expensive lens in the Nikon stable, as we’ve seen.
Best Z-Mount macro lens: Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
The Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a superb macro lens. Photo credit: Angela Nicholson
Amateur Photographer verdict
Delivers impressive sharpness across the frame, and superb depth of field control, from the widest aperture down to f/32.
Pros
Exceptionally good sharpness
Full weather sealing
Big focus ring with manual override
Cons
Diffraction at smallest apertures
Construction
16 elements in 11 groups
Weight
630g
Price
$1,047 with filter kit / £800
The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S is Nikon’s premium macro lens for the Z system, priced at $946 / £944. Altogether, the lens offers excellent levels of sharpness, weather-sealing and built-in Vibration Reduction (VR). With an aperture of f/2.8, this lens also makes a good option for portrait photography. Nikon currently offers two Z-mount macro lenses, this one, and the cheaper Nikkor MC 50mm f/2.8.
Here are our top picks of the high-end Nikon Z lenses. Pitched towards serious enthusiasts and professionals, these lenses aren’t cheap, but they deliver some of the finest optical quality and performance on the market.
Best standard zoom lens for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II
Nikon Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8S II lens. Image credit: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
An expensive but outstanding standard workhorse lens for users of Nikon full-frame cameras, offering a significant weight reduction compared to the previous version.
Pros
Internal zoom and other video features
Super-fast focusing
Extra-lightweight build
Cons
On the pricey end
No built-in stabilisation
Construction
14 elements in 10 groups
Weight
675g
Price
$2,796 / £2,599
The long-awaited updated version of the original Nikkor Z 24-70mm f2.8 S lens, this premium standard zoom lens offers all the features you’d expect from a workhorse lens at this professional level. This means an f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, weather sealing, and professional level build quality. Earning the full five stars in our review, this lens makes a pretty convincing case for itself as the best everyday zoom on the market, delivering stunningly sharp results all the way across the frame, as well as super-fast focusing capabilities and attractive rendering of out-of-focus areas in images. With an entirely internal zoom, it’s also well-suited for video use.
Best long standard zoom for Z-mount: Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S
Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S. Photo credit: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
An ideal all-rounder covering a good focal length range at a more affordable price
Pros
Built just right for travel
Good optical performance
Affordable price
Cons
F/4 can be limiting
No built-in stabilisation
Construction
16 elements in 13 groups
Weight
630g
Price
$1,097 / £1,080
The Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S strikes a nice balance between a broad focal length, a fixed aperture, the promise of superior image quality and a reasonably travel-friendly size and weight. What’s more, at $1,096 / £1,034, it’s just over half what you’d pay for the 24-70mm f/2.8. As part of Nikon’s pro-level S-series you’d expect good performance, and the 24-120mm doesn’t disappoint. Overall, it’s a great option for travel photography or if you’re looking for a good zoom range and to keep the weight down in your kitbag.
Best premium wide-angle Z-mount zoom: Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S with Z7, Photo: Michael Topham / AP
Amateur Photographer verdict
A high-end zoom with fast aperture, and impressive build quality, but it comes at a high asking price
Pros
Outstanding image quality
Rubberised zoom/focus rings
Lighter than F-mount counterpart
Cons
Control ring somewhat over-sensitive
Painful asking price
Construction
16 elements in 11 groups
Weight
650g
Price
$2,497 / £1,740
The Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S wide-angle zoom offers an f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, and gives highly impressive image quality. There’s a customisable control ring, and like other premium Z mount lenses features a built-in display panel. There’s weather sealing, as you’d expect, as well as excellent flare resistance. It’s a beautiful lens for landscapes and cityscapes, but of course, at this professional tier, it comes at a high price.
Best telephoto zoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. Photo credit: Michael Topham
Amateur Photographer verdict
Features state-of-the-art optical performance, resulting in impressively sharp images, beautiful background blur and excellent contrast.
Pros
Built in Vibration Reduction
Gorgeous image quality with excellent aberration control
Removable tripod foot
Cons
Very expensive
Just as heavy as F-mount equivalent
Construction
21 elements in 18 groups
Weight
1,360g
Price
$2,697 / £1,800
The telephoto zoom lens offers stunning image quality, with fast and quiet autofocus. As a pro lens, you’ll also find that it is weather sealed, keeping it safe in inclement weather conditions. Vibration Reduction (VR) is included and works in combination with IBIS if the camera has it. This quality doesn’t come cheap, but the lens does deliver exceptional optical performance, and is worth its price to those who can afford it.
Best long telezoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S
Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S. Photo credit: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
Versatile across multiple subjects. While it’s not cheap, it still offers an impressive level of performance for the money.
Pros
Versatile, useful zoom range
Teleconverter compatibility
Excellent sharpness
Cons
Pricey for a zoom
Construction
25 elements in 20 groups
Weight
1,435g
$2,700 / £1,950
$2,700 / £1,950
The Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S telephoto zoom is the second longest focal length lens in the Nikon Z mount line up after the 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR. This versatile zoom can be paired with 1.4x (making up to 560mm) or 2x (making up to 800mm) teleconverters to further boost focal length capabilities for sports and wildlife. It also includes Vibration Reduction, which promises up to 5.5 stops of compensation. Overall, it’s a very pleasing performer and earned a GOLD in our review.
Best high-end portrait lens: Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
The Plena lens is stunning, but the price is high. Image: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
A superb lens for portraits and similar subjects, with the finest optical excellence you can buy. However, it’s less flexible than an 85mm portrait lens, and it’s also hugely expensive.
Pros
Exquisite bokeh
Superb sharpness
Excellent optics
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
Construction
16 elements in 14 groups
Weight
995g
Price
$2,499/ £2,699
If you are looking for the best portrait lens Nikon has to offer, this large aperture prime will tick all the boxes. However, the perfectly well-rounded bokeh and astonishing sharpness won’t come cheap. The high price tag is also justified by the quick and quiet autofocus and lovely out-of-focus areas. Thanks to the special lens construction with 16 elements in 14 groups, including 4 special elements, it clamps down on ghosting, flare and unwanted reflections. With a short telephoto focal length, it is also ideal for still life, product photography and close-up type subjects like flowers.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what to look for when buying a Z mount lens.
1. Consider what you want to capture
You may wonder what focal length of lens you need. This depends largely on what you want to shoot. For example, if you’re planning to capture wide vistas in landscape or large frame-filling architecture shots, a wide-angle (anything less than 28mm or so) is a good bet. Alternatively, if you’re wanting a good naturalistic walk-around lens, a standard lens (35-50mm) is your port of call. For portraiture, a short telephoto (about 85mm) will work, as this will flatter facial features and help you get plenty in the frame. Finally, if you’re capturing distant subjects, then a long telephoto of more than 150mm will be essential.
2. Add a zoom lens
Overall, this is a good general approach. Other considerations will arise as we get into the lenses. You may also want to consider a zoom lens to provide you with multiple perspectives in one optic. Although this is useful, it does tend to have an impact on image quality. Prime lenses, i.e. those with a fixed focal length, can’t be beat for delivering ultimate sharpness.
3. Look for built-in vibration reduction
All of Nikon’s full-frame Z-series cameras feature in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), and this helps keep images sharp when using slower shutter speeds. But you’ll still benefit from a lens with built-in Vibration Reduction (VR), as this will also help, particularly with longer telephoto lenses.
If you own an APS-C (DX) camera, then note that these cameras (the Z30, Z fc and the Z50) don’t have IBIS, and will therefore benefit from a VR lens. Also, there aren’t many DX-format Z lenses yet. While you can use a full-frame lens on a DX body, they will be subject to a 1.5x crop factor that increases their effective focal length (for instance, a 50mm lens would provide the equivalent perspective of a 75mm lens).
Which are the best APS-C lenses for Z-mount?
We haven’t forgotten about Nikon’s APS-C cameras, including the Nikon Z30, Nikon Z50 II and Nikon Z fc. These can take full frame Nikon Z lenses directly, but with standard or ‘kit’ lenses, you’re better off with Nikon’s specially designed Nikkor Z DX lenses. These include the:
We review lenses from the perspective of choosing one for its photography and video performance, so we test every lens for all aspects of image quality: sharpness, contrast, background blur and bokeh, as well as other image qualities pertinent to assessing a lens type. We look for optical flaws such as chromatic aberration and distortion. We test focus performance for both accuracy and speed (in different lighting conditions), as well as how the lens delivers or renders images. This is tested in a range of shooting scenarios designed to expose lens characteristics, but we also examine how it performs in real world use in diverse shooting situations.
Beyond the pure optical performance of the lens, we assess the lens’ physical qualities, such as its design, build quality, ease of handling, and whether it offers any unique or interesting features worth mention. Beyond image quality certain lenses can be assessed for how they make you feel, or how they may affect a camera system set-up for portability, compactness, weight etc.
Recent updates:
March 2026: Added the Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR and Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II, two recent lenses that received 4.5 and 5 stars respectively in our reviews.
Joshua Waller has been reviewing cameras since 2004, originally setting up an online review site DigiCamReview. Following this he joined ePHOTOzine in 2011 as Technical Editor where he was in charge of reviews, and setting up a detailed test system. Josh joined Amateur Photographer in 2021, and as Online Editor, is responsible for bringing great content to the site, as well as reviewing cameras, lenses, smartphones and more.
