Best Z Mount lenses for Nikon in 2025: high-quality Nikon mirrorless lenses for all budgets

Looking for the best Z mount lenses for your Nikon mirrorless camera? You’ve come to the right place! Our team has tested, reviewed and rated a lot of lenses for Nikon’s mirrorless camera system, and I’ve collated the best of the best for this list. I’ve been quite strict with my criteria, and only Nikon mirrorless lenses that have scored 4.5 or 5 out of 5 in our review have made the cut. So, you know you’re getting the good stuff.

This isn’t just a list of expensive top-tier lenses though, as our team take value for money into account when reviewing photo and video. This means there are affordable, budget-friendly lenses on this list, as well as mid-range options and professional glass. Basically, if a lens justifies its price, whether that price is high or low, it makes it onto this list. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. Simple!

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 recommendations for APS-C Nikon cameras specifically (this list mostly covers full-frame). Otherwise, let’s get to the lenses!

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Best Z mount lenses for Nikon: our quick list

• Best DX-format fast aperture prime lens: Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7 – Buy now
• 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 mid-price Z-mount wide-angle zoom: Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 – Buy now
• Best long tele-zoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S – Buy now
• Best 50mm all-rounder: Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4 – Buy now
• Best high-end 135mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena – Buy now
• Best Z-Mount macro lens: Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S –Buy now
• Best Z-Mount wide-angle prime: Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S – Buy now
• Best Z-Mount 85mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S – Buy now
• Best affordable Z-Mount standard prime: Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 – Buy now
• Best top-end 85mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S –Buy now
• Best versatile telephoto zoom lens: Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 –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 Z-mount lens for APS-C: Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7

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.

Read our Nikkor Z DX 24mm /1.7 review

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Best standard zoom lens for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Construction	17 elements in 15 groups
Weight	805g
Price	$2,400 / £1,500

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f2.8 S lens is a premium “standard” zoom lens, giving an f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, weather sealing, and professional level build quality. Nikon has managed to make a smaller and lighter lens when compared to the F-Mount 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, however, the F-Mount lens features VR, whereas the Z 24-70mm lens relies on in-body image stabilisation. One thing to note is the price, which could be too expensive for some, but Nikon also offer a clever retracting 24-70mm f/4 lens and a Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8, both of which are half the price.

Read our Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S review

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Best long standard zoom for Z-mount: Nikkor Z 24-120mm f4 S

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S review

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Best premium wide-angle Z-mount zoom: Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S review

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Best telephoto zoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S review.

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Best mid-price Z-mount wide-angle zoom: Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 review

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Best long telezoom for Z-Mount: Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S review

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Best 50mm all-rounder: Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.4

Construction	10 elements in 7 groups
Weight	420g
Price	$499 / £499

A nifty-fifty with a bright aperture and an affordable price point. It may not be as sharp as its f/1.8 S-line counterpart, but it still delivers a good deal of sharpness and detail. Autofocusing is very quiet, and thanks to the clickless control ring, it’s ideal not just for photography but video too. It creates a distinct background blur and a pleasing bokeh, and it’s both compact and lightweight, which is great news for street photographers.

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Best high-end portrait lens: Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

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.

Read our full review of the Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena

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Best Z-Mount macro lens: Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S

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.

Read our Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S review

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Best value 35mm Z-mount lens: Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.4

Construction	11 elements in 9 groups
Weight	415g
Price	$599 / £649

It offers a good compromise between price brightness and overall sharpness. Just like Nikon’s other 1.4 prime the 50mm f/1.4 the 35mm f/1.4 is not as sharp as its S-line cousin but it still packs a fair amount of detail and at £600 price it is a sweet deal for those looking for a bright lens. Autofocusing is very quiet, and thanks to the clickless control ring it is ideal not just for photography but video too. Bokeh can seem a little rough albeit still very pleasing.

Read our full review of the Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 here.

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Best Z-Mount wide-angle prime: Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S

Construction	12 elements in 10 groups
Weight	450g
Price	$1,000 / £930

The Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S lens is a compact, and lightweight alternative to the 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens, and is brighter with an f/1.8 aperture, making it great if you are going to be shooting in low-light conditions. To begin with, the lens is a great choice for landscape, street, and interior photography. Furthermore, there’s a close focusing distance of 25cm, so you can get nice and close to your subject.

Read our Nikon Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S review

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Best Z-Mount 85mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S review

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Best affordable Z-Mount standard prime: Nikkor Z 40mm 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.

Read our Nikkor Z 40mm f/2 Review

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Best top-end 85mm portrait lens: Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S

Construction	15 elements in 10 groups
Weight	1.16 kg
Price	$2,800 / £2,600

This is a lens truly capable of delivering stunning imagery, with fantastic sharpness and gorgeous bokeh. It sits alongside the 85mm f/1.8 lens, which has been in the Z line-up since 2019, however it comes at a much higher price, as befitting a lens geared towards professionals.

Autofocusing is quick, quiet and accurate too, holding up even when shooting with the razor-thin depth of field at f/1.2. This extra aperture width gives wonderfully rich out-of-focus areas – with Nikon claiming “special attention” was given to the rendering of bokeh during lens development, using the same philosophy as 2020’s 50mm f/1.2. It shows – this is one of the finest portrait lenses we’ve ever tested, and certainly the best option for Z-mount.

Read our Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S review

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Best versatile telephoto zoom lens: Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8

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.

Read our Nikkor Z 70-180mm f/2.8 review

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How to choose the best Z-mount lens

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:

• Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f3.5-6.3 VR – buy now
• Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR – buy now
• Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f4.5-6.3 VR – buy now
• Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR – buy now

If you’re looking for a different lens, then here is our handy, at-a-glance list of all the Nikon Nikkor Z-Mount lenses currently available:

Z-Mount Prime Lenses

• 20mm f/1.8 S
• 24mm f/1.8 S
• 26mm f/2.8
• 28mm f/2.8 / and SE version
• 28mm f/2.8
• 35mm f/1.8 S
• 35mm f/1.4
• 35mm f/1.2
• 40mm f/2 SE
• 40mm f/2
• 50mm f/1.2 S
• 50mm f/1.4
• 50mm f/1.8 S
• 50mm f/2.8 Macro
• 58mm f/0.95 Noct (MF)
• 85mm f1.8 S
• 85mm f/1.2 S
• 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro
• 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
• 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
• 400mm f/4.5 VR S
• 600mm f/4 TC VR S
• 600mm f/6.3 VR S
• 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Z-Mount Zoom Lenses

• 14-24mm f/2.8 S
• 14-30mm f/4 S
• 17-28mm f/2.8
• 24-50mm f/4-6.3
• 24-70mm f/2.8 S
• 24-70mm f/4 S
• 24-120mm f/4 S
• 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR 
• 28-75mm f/2.8
• 70-180mm f/2.8 
• 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
• 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S
• 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

DX (APS-C) Lenses

• 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
• 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
• 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
• 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
• 24mm f/1.7

Teleconverters:

• Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x
• Z Teleconverter TC-2.0x

Mount adapter:

• FTZ II
• FTZ

Find more great buying advice, in our buyer’s guides section!

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Further reading:

• Best Nikon Mirrorless Cameras To Buy
• Best Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
• Best Nikon F-Mount lenses to buy
• Nikon Z9 review

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