Nikon launched its full-frame mirrorless camera system in 2018, and with the arrival of the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 came a new lens system using the new Nikon Z mount. This mount was not directly compatible with the Nikon F mount, which had been used in different variations on Nikon's SLRs and DSLRs since 1959, meaning that Nikon had to design a whole new line of lenses.
However, with the most recent lens roadmap, unveiled in November 2022, Nikon is now promising that it will have no fewer than 40 Z-mount Nikon lenses by 2023, as well as a pair of teleconverters.
Since the Z-mount was first launched, Nikon has continued to introduce exciting pieces of glass. The arrival of the Nikon Z50 meant that Nikon then added a line of DX Z-mount lenses for APS-C lovers – which will also be ideal for the more recent retro-look Nikon Z fc, and the videocentric Nikon Z30.
• Read more: Nikon Z50 vs D7500 | Nikon Z30 vs Nikon Z50 vs Nikon Z fc
The good news for Nikon fans, as they wait for more of these optics to be released, is that they can use all current Nikon DSLR lenses on the new cameras – and they can do so without focus or exposure restrictions, using the specially designed Nikon FTZ and FTZ II adaptors, often sold with the latest-generation Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II cameras.
The new Nikon Z mount has a diameter of 55mm, making it 17% bigger than the F-mount, and with that comes the promise of faster lenses than we have seen before – for example, the super-fast Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. The flange distance (the distance between the back of the lens and the sensor) is now just 16mm, as there is no mirror to build into the light path.
• Nikon Z6 II vs Z7 II - which should you buy?
• Nikon Z5 vs Z6 - what are the differences
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Building a whole new lens system entirely from scratch takes time, so new zooms and primes using the Z mount have been gradually introduced by Nikon. The company is keen to get users on board with the new system, so it has published an official Nikon Z lens roadmap (above) that gives a view of what lenses it will be introducing and when.
Here is a rundown of the already-available lenses on the Nikon Z lens roadmap, as well as those that are on the horizon – and we'll keep this page updated as Nikon announces new optics…
Current Nikon Z prime lenses
The 24mm f/1.8 was the most recent Z-mount prime lens launched by Nikon, and its fourth f/1.8 prime.
Launched in March 2023, this is the first pancake lens for the Z-mount system. The wide-angle prime is aimed at both FX full-frame Nikon Z cameras and also DX APS-C sensor models.
Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8
The original version of this lens had a silver finish to match the retro-designed Nikon Z fc. This version is designed to match the color of full-frame Z series cameras, providing an affordable and portable wide-angle prime.
This was the first prime to be launched for the Z system of lenses, offering the classic 35mm focal length typically favored by street photographers, documentary photographers and photojournalists.
A small, but affordable prime that offers a portable standard lens not only for full-frame Z shooters, but also eminently suitable for the DX-sensored Z50, Z30 and Z fc (where it offers an effective focal length of 60mm). A special edition retro-styled SE version of the lens has also been recently announced.
Nikon's 50mm options for Z mount cameras have up to now been a selection of one: the Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S (below). Now Nikon has introduced this ultra-fast f/1.2 option which is markedly bigger and heavier than its f/1.8 sibling, but promises supreme image quality from its complex optical path and premium element coatings.
This classic standard lens prime is reminiscent of the lenses that many people got as their kit lens when they bought an SLR back in the Sixties and Seventies. Again it's notable that Canon doesn't offer a cheap "nifty fifty" for the RF mount, only a premium f/1.2 version that costs thousands of dollars.
Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct S
Probably the most anticipated lens on the Nikon Z lens roadmap, this monster prime lens has a phenomenal f/0.95 maximum aperture and was designed to showcase what the Z mount is capable of. This lens weighs 2kg and costs a whopping $8,000!
This short telephoto has the ideal wide aperture and focal length for people shots. Its classic 85mm length makes it a key lens in the arsenal of portrait, social and wedding photographers.
Launched in 2023, this is the first-ever Nikon 85mm f/1.2 - taking advantage of the wider Z-mount. The super-fast maximum aperture makes this a highly-desirable lens for wedding and portrait photographers.
This is the fifth f/1.8 prime in the Z-mount range, though it's perhaps puzzlingly close to the existing 24mm lens. Get a wide angle view on stunning vistas with this perfect landscape photography lens.
Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8 SE
Technically this is actually an FX full-frame lens, however thanks to its classic-styling it was launched to being a perfect match for use with the retro-designed Nikon Z fc.
Nikkor Z DX 24mm f/1.7
Compact and lightweight, with an effective 36mm focal length, this is a welcome D prime lens for documentary and street photography, thanks to its wide f/1.7 maximum aperture.
Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
One of the latest releases in the range, this gives a 400mm telephoto lens at a price that is much more affordable than the 400mm f/2.8.
Nikon Nikkor Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
A must-have lens for professional sports photographers, the 400mm f/2.8 has the limited depth of field to ensure that backgrounds are blurred - and there is a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, so you can turn this into a 560mm f/4 at a flick of a switch.
Nikon Nikkor Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S
A must-have lens for professional wildlife photographers, the 600mm f/4 is fast enough for lowlight, and for isolating subjects from a background - and there is a built-in 1.4x teleconverter, so you can turn this into an 840mm f/5.6 by pushing one simple switch. This lens is so expensive, that most pros will simply hire one when they need it.
Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
The biggest, and most expensive, lens in the Nikon Z lens goes a long way to show Nikon's ambition to build a full, professional lenses for its mirrorless cameras. A fresnel lens makes this cheaper and lighter than 800mm long-toms of the past - and its built-in image stabilization means it is a pleasure to use in the field.
Current Nikon Z macro lenses
The first 1:1 macro lens in the Nikon Z range is now on sale. This focal length will make this a popular choice with portrait photographers, as well as those taking ultra close-up images of insects and such.
A compact macro lens which can be used on full-frame cameras - and particularly useful for repro photography, or those wanting something lighter to carry around than the 105mm Macro. But the 50mm Macro's biggest appeal will be to those using the Z50 and Z fc cameras - where the effective focal length becomes 75mm.
Current Nikon Z zoom lenses
Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
The Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S completes Nikon's trinity of pro Z mount zoom optics. Its constant f/2.8 aperture perfectly complements the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S (both below), giving pros a complete selection of uncompromising S-line fast zooms with a focal range running from 24mm right through to 200mm.
The 14-30mm is a super-wide-angle zoom that's ideal for landscape, architectural and indoor photography. And, uncharacteristically for a lens of this type, it can be used with a front-mounted filter, making it even more versatile.
Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8
Announced in September 2022, this is one of the latest lenses in the line-up, and offers a more affordable and more portable alternative to other wide zooms in the Z range. At 450 g (15.9 oz), it is approximately 30% lighter than the Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, and is more compact than the Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S lens - and thanks to internal zooming is designed to be ideal for use on a gimbal.
The first professional zoom for the Z system is the highly anticipated 24-70mm f/2.8. This is one of the 'holy trinity' of f/2.8 constant aperture lenses that many need to have in their kit bag (the others being a 14-24mm and 70-200mm).
Small, light and supersharp - this lens is designed to give a great standard zoom at a sensible price, to make it an affordable alternative to the Z 24-70mm f/2.8S.
The first zoom lens released for the Nikon Z cameras, this is also the one most commonly sold in kits if you buy a Z6 or Z7 body. It's much slower than its f/2.8 sibling, but its compact size and optical performance make it a great alternative.
This zoom lens, announced alongside the Nikon Z5, is the smallest and lightest full frame mirrorless zoom lens yet – and it comes with an affordable price tag of $399 to match. The Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is available in kits with the new Nikon Z5, and is now avaialable on its own $399.95 / £439 / AU$799.95.
This is the first superzoom lens for the Nikon Z system – allowing you to tackle most subjects with just the one lens, making it ideal for traveling. It is a full-frame lens for use with the Z5, Z6 and Z7, but also features VR image stabilization making it a great partner for the Z50 too (where it will have an effective focal length of 36-300mm).
Originally promised for 2019, then promised for February 2020, the Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S is now finally on sale and is a must-have lens for any pro. This fast-aperture telephoto is a workhorse for weddings, news, and sports – and now it is available it will encourage more pros to switch to the Z6 and Z7. In our lab tests, it performed extraordinarily well, setting a new benchmark for lenses in this class.
Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
A superb supertelephoto zoom that offers a mirrorless option to rival Nikon's ageing 80-400mm DSLR lens. This image-stabilized 100-400mm will be a popular pick for wildlife and action photography.
Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S
The 24-120mm has been a classic do-it-all lenses for the F-mount DSLR system for years, and now Nikon has brought this 5x zoom range lens into mirrorless era - and from our test results has improved image quality across the frame at both ends of the focal length range.
Current Nikon Z DX lenses
With the arrival of the Nikon Z50, and the newer Nikon Z fc and Nikon Z30, which employ a smaller APS-C sensor, Nikon has deployed a line of DX lenses for its Z-mount system. This enables Nikon to produce smaller and lighter cameras with suitably compact lenses that take advantage of the Z mount's benefits.
Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
Obviously this kit lens is designed specifically for the Z50, but it's fair to say that it absolutely makes Nikon's compact new camera. Its collapsible pancake design fits an equivalent 24-75mm focal range literally in the palm of your hand.
Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
This superzoom gives you an all-in-one lens that is ideal for travel, or simply for those who don't want a bag full of lenses. The image-stabilized zoom offers an effective focal length range of 28-210mm, allowing you every angle of view from wide-angle to telephoto.
Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3
Likewise designed for the Nikon Z50's DX sensor, this discreet telephoto zoom lens gives an equivalent full-frame focal length of 75-375mm, and is often sold as part of a twin lens kit with the Z50.
Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR
This latest zoom for the DX Z mount is the ideal choice for those wanting an autofocus wide-angle zoom for their Z50, Z30 or Df. It offers an 18-42mm zoom range in full-frame terms. It also offers a power zoom facility and image stabilization, making a great lens for vlogging.
This is essentially a budget version of the Z 70-200m f/2.8 VR S - which is not only cheaper, but also lighter than its more professional brother. A great lens for portraits and events - but does lack image stabilization.
Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR
An affordable answer for those wanting a supertelephoto lens for shooting birds, wildlife, aircraft or field sports - a great option for those wanting to zoom in real close from a distance.
Future Nikon Z lenses
Other lenses on the Nikon Z lens roadmap that the manufacturer has confirmed for release in 2023 are as follows:
135mm f/1.8 S Plena portrait prime (on sale October, see news story)
35mm wide-angle prime
Read more:
The best Nikon Z lenses
Nikon camera rumors
Nikon Z7 review
Nikon Z6 review
Nikon Z6 II review
Nikon Z7 II review
Nikon Z50 review
Nikon Z30 review
Nikon Z5 review
Nikon Z8 review
Nikon Z9 review
Nikon Zf review
