Are you looking for the best Nikkor Z Lenses? Nikon’s Z series cameras have been a significant changeover for the company’s strategy concerning full-frame mirrorless cameras. One of the significant changes that have come across would be the Z Mount introduced with the new cameras. So, are there any compatible lenses for the Z mount? Let us check out the options currently available for the Z Lenses in this post.
What is Nikkor Z Lens?
Well, Nikon changed one of the most common aspects of their cameras – the mounting system for the lenses which have been used for over 60 years, the Nikon F mount has now given way to the Nikon Z mount.
The Nikon Z mount is specially created to work with the new Z series cameras – Nikon Z6 and Z7. The new mount has been designed for improving the performance of image quality and focusses on reliability and performance. Of course, there are not many lenses currently available that will comply with the new Z mount. However, Nikon has released a few great options in the form of the Nikkor Z Lenses. We will check them out one by one.
Also Read: Nikon Z6 vs Z7 Mirrorless
Best Nikkor Z Lenses
As of now, Nikon has announced three lenses compatible with the Nikon Z mount. Before you may get confused with the concept of Z mount and the lenses thereof, here is a little background information that may prove to help understand them.
Nikon will do away all the nomenclatures currently in use and stick to only one in the form of S. All the lenses that have been launched so far and the subsequent launches in the year ahead will come with the suffix S to indicate that they belong to the new generation of the mount.
Almost all the lenses under the Nikkor Z category will come with nanocrystal coating and offer you freedom from glare and reflection issues to a significant extent. The glasses have also been designed to make use of the new stepping motor and thus let you experience the best in class autofocus functionality that tends to be noiseless.
| Nikon | Z 24-70 F4 S |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor 58mm F0.95 Noct |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor Z 24-70 F2.8 S |  |
| Nikon | Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S |
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| Nikon | Nikkor Z 24-70 F2.8 S |
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Nikkor Z 24-70 F4 S
This forms part of the standard lens kit that comes with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras. The lens is lightweight and comes with a buttonless retractable design. The constant aperture lens is made of 14 elements in 11 groups.
In addition to the nano-coating we just mentioned, you will also find the fluorine coating that should make it easier for cleaning the moisture and fingerprints. While the autofocus functionality is offered through the stepping motor, the manual focus option is also available. You can also make use of the control ring to allow the control over aperture or for exposure compensation depending upon your exact needs.
The features that the lens offers include
- Lightweight, but a well-made design
- A minimum focus distance of 30 cm
- Filter thread value of 72 mm
- Weight – 500 grams
Nikkor Z 50mm F1.8 S
It is one of the standard prime lenses and one of the best from Nikon for the Z mount. The company claims that the lens is one of the best with virtually zero aberrations. It comes with a nine-blade design and is made of 12 elements in 9 groups.
This Nikkor Z lens also comes with the nano-coating along with the fluorine coating for enhanced performance. The autofocus system seems in tune with the other non-Z mount Nikkor lenses we have come to find. The lens offers you a minimum focus distance of 40 cm.
One of the best additions to the nifty fifty lenses, it comes with the following features –
- Weight – 415 grams
- Minimum aperture – f/16
- Maximum aperture – f/1.8
- Nine-blade construction.
Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S
The medium prime wide lens, the Nikkor Z 35mm F1.8 S, is almost similar to the 50 mm lens we just checked out. It is made from 11 elements in 9 groups – This lens is an excellent option for sharper photography.
The optical construction of the lens has a nano-coating and fluorine coating for the apparent benefits that we have already covered. The minimum focus distance offered by the glass is 25 cm. Featuring a nine-blade aperture, it has the same 62 mm filter thread. This is the lightest lens among the Nikkor Z lenses launched so far. The bokeh effects are impressive enough.
Some of the features worth mentioning:
- Weight – 370 grams
- Diaphragm – nine rounded blades
- Minimum aperture – f/16
- Maximum Aperture – f/1.8
Nikkor 58mm F0.95 Noct
The lens has not yet been launched and is likely to make its appearance in early 2019. As per the company updates, the lens will be designed as the best lens for excellent rendering performance. It has been stated to be one of the best options for transitioning between the in focus and out of focus areas.
The lens is also expected to come with a new ARNEO coating for the best anti-reflective performance. The lens will also offer an LCD panel for displaying aperture, depth-of-field, and focal length.
Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
One of the prominent wide-angle zoom lens, the Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S is highly compact and portable in every aspect. It offers you a constant aperture for better results. The lens is constructed with 14 elements in 12 groups, and four of them are extra-low dispersion glass. Four other elements have aspherical surfaces.
The lens has a flat front and thus is capable of handling a standard 82 mm screw-in filters. You also have access to a quiet stepping motor and an internal focusing system. The minimum focus distance reads 28 cm. The lens also has the option to reduce the focus of breathing and its effects.
Nikkor Z 24-70 F2.8 S
The lens comes with a standard zoom performance. This has been considered as the faster cousin of the Nikkor Z 24-70 mm F 4S. The lens is supposed to be the best option for use with the professional and dedicated professional enthusiasts. It can be the right choice for those looking for a restricted depth of filed.
The lens construction is made of 17 elements in 15 groups. This includes two ED low dispersion elements and four aspherical elements. The focusing is internal, and this will be helpful enough in assuring that the lens does not change the length when it is focussing. You also have access to a weather sealing and also offers you access to a small LED screen.
<Update> Best Nikkor Z Lenses:
Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S
One of the prominent wide-angle zoom lens, the Nikkor Z 14-30mm F4 S is highly compact and portable in every aspect. It offers you a constant aperture for better results. The lens is constructed with 14 elements in 12 groups, and four of them are extra-low dispersion glass. Four other parts have aspherical surfaces.
The lens has a flat front and thus is capable of handling a standard 82 mm screw-in filters. You also have access to a quiet stepping motor and an internal focusing system. The minimum focus distance reads 28 cm. The lens also has the option to reduce the focus of breathing and its effects.
Nikkor Z 24-70 F2.8 S
The lens comes with a standard zoom performance. This has been considered as the faster cousin of the Nikkor Z 24-70 mm F 4S. The lens is supposed to be the best option for use with the professional and dedicated professional enthusiasts. It can be the right choice for those looking for a restricted depth of filed.
The lens construction is made of 17 elements in 15 groups. This includes two ED low dispersion elements and four aspherical elements. The focusing is internal, and this will be helpful enough in assuring that lens does not change the length when it is targeting. You also have access to a weather sealing and also offers you access to a small LED screen.
How do Nikkor Z Lenses differ from the Nikkor Z Lenses?
There are a few unique features that make the Z lenses an excellent option for your photography requirements. Some of the subtle options that the glasses offer you can be summed up as
- The Z lenses come with a stepping motor. This will help you focus through the electrical means and thus provide access to silent autofocus.
- The Z lenses have an 11 point contact functionality as compared to the 8 point contact observed on the traditional glasses. This will translate into an improved shooting experience.
- Using and managing the buttons and aperture controls would be better and smoother on the Z lenses.
Any more Nikkor Z Lenses?
Well, Nikon has a streamlined roadmap planned for the Nikkor Z lenses. The scheduled launch of the lenses is spread over three years. Initially, Nikon has already started with the launch of three lenses so far.
Here is the roadmap for the Nikkor Z lenses going forward –
Lenses Lined for 2019
- Nikkor Z 58 mm f/0.95 S Noct (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 20 mm f/1.8 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 85 mm f/1.8 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 24 – 70 mm f/2.8 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 70 – 200 mm f/2.8 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 14 – 30 mm f/4 S (Check on Amazon)
Lenses Planned for 2020
- Nikkor Z 50 mm f/1.2 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 24 mm f/1.8 S (Check on Amazon)
- Nikkor Z 14- 24 mm f/2.8 S (Check on Amazon)
There are further plans that run through to 2021, but Nikon has not yet revealed them as yet.
The Concluding Thoughts
That was the list of the currently available Nikkor Z Prime lenses so far. However, if you find the number of lenses presently available is not enough, you may opt for the Nikon FTZ adapter that lets you use any of your existing lenses with the F mount with your new Z series cameras.
We will keep updating the post as and when we find new launches for the Nikkor Z lenses. Meanwhile, you may keep referring to the roadmap cited above and share with us whenever you notice any of the new lenses are launched.