So, you’re stoked about the upcoming release of the Nikon Z f, right? With its blend of nostalgic design and next-gen tech, it’s truly a sight (and shot) to behold. But what about lenses? A camera is only as good as the lens you pair with it. And with the Nikon Z f, you’ll want the crème de la crème of lenses to match its impressive pedigree.
In this review, we’ll dive into the best lenses for the Nikon Z f, giving you the run-down on which ones truly rise to the occasion. Whether you’re a street photographer, a portrait enthusiast, or a landscape lover, stick around – we’ve got the perfect lens for you. Also, ensure you know how the aperture works in photography.
Best Nikon Z f Lenses at a Glance:
- Best Overall Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- Best Budget Lens: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
- Best Telephoto Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- Best Lanscape Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- Best Macro Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
- Best Portrait Lens: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Nikon Z f Review
Introducing the Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera, a masterpiece that seamlessly blends vintage design with cutting-edge technology.
Crafted with meticulous precision from aluminum, this camera exudes an aura of elegance and sophistication. Its intuitive controls are a true work of art, featuring knurled dials and a marbled texture that adds a touch of timeless beauty. The mechanical shutter allows you to immerse yourself in the captivating experience of capturing each moment.
With a powerful 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and the revolutionary EXPEED 7 Image processor, the Nikon Zf delivers unrivaled image quality.
Unleash your creativity with high readout speeds, exceptional low-light performance, and lightning-fast autofocus speeds. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking landscapes or fleeting moments, this camera ensures every shot is a masterpiece.
Navigate your way through any shooting scenario effortlessly with the fully articulating electronic viewfinder and 3.2″ vari-angle LCD screen. No angle is too challenging with this camera, allowing you to explore your creativity from any perspective.
Dual memory card slots offer flexible storage options, while the robust magnesium alloy chassis guarantees dust and weather resistance, making it the perfect companion for any adventure.
But that’s not all, the Nikon Zf is a powerhouse for videography. Unleash your cinematic genius with UHD 4K recording capabilities that offer a plethora of options, including shutter priority mode and support for 10-bit H.265 SDR/HLG/N-log formats. With up to 125 minutes of recording time on internal memory cards, you’ll never miss a moment.
Say goodbye to blurry images with the advanced autofocus featuring Deep Learning technology. This intelligent system automatically detects subjects, from people to cats, birds, and even vehicles, ensuring quick and accurate focus tracking.
And with in-body 5-axis Vibration Reduction, shaky hands become a thing of the past, allowing you to capture crystal-clear, tack-sharp images every time.
For photographers who demand the perfect balance between innovation and nostalgia, the Nikon Zf Mirrorless Camera is a true marvel. Elevate your photography to new heights with its blend of iconic design and creative inspiration.
The Nikon Zf is not just a camera; it’s a work of art that empowers you to capture the world with unparalleled precision and vision.
Best Lenses for Nikon Z f
1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
If you’re looking for a versatile lens that can handle almost any photographic situation, look no further than the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S. This lens is the best all-around lens for your Nikon Z f mirrorless camera, and it’s not hard to see why.
From the moment you pick it up, you’ll be impressed with this lens’s build quality, optical performance, and versatility.
Superb Optical Quality
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is designed to deliver superior optical quality with its two ED and four aspherical elements. These elements effectively reduce and control chromatic and spherical aberrations, producing sharper images.
The ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings also eliminate ghosting and flare issues, ensuring that your photos have excellent color accuracy and clarity.
Fast and Silent Autofocus
The lens is equipped with a multi-focus stepping motor AF system that provides fast and precise autofocus, even in dimly lit environments. You’ll love that the motor’s noise is almost negligible, and the focusing is quick and smooth.
This makes capturing moving subjects, such as athletes or wildlife, much easier, even in challenging lighting conditions.
Control Ring and OLED Panel
One of the most exciting features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is its programmable control ring. This ring allows you to easily adjust various camera settings, such as ISO, aperture, or exposure compensation, depending on your custom settings.
The Information OLED panel and L.Fn button are other fantastic features that allow you to check your lens settings at a glance and assign your most used functions to a customizable button on the lens.
Weather-Sealed Design
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is tough enough to withstand any weather condition with its weather-sealed design and fluorine coating. The lens is operable at -10°C, so it can accompany you on your adventures wherever you go.
This feature will come in handy when you’re shooting out in the wild or in challenging weather conditions such as rain or snow, and you don’t want to compromise on the quality of your shots.
Versatility
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a versatile lens that can deliver stunning results across several photography genres. Whether you’re shooting portraits, astrophotography, landscape, or travel photography, this lens will help you capture stunning imagery.
The lens’s bokeh quality is spectacular, which makes portraits look amazing with creamy out-of-focus backgrounds, while its wide-angle focal range makes it perfect for landscape shoots.
If you’re a photography enthusiast looking to create stunning images, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has everything you need in a lens to take your photography to the next level. It’s truly the ultimate lens for the Nikon Z f mirrorless camera.
2. Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
When looking for an all-in-one, budget-friendly lens that can satisfy all your needs, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is an excellent option. Especially for Nikon Z f mirrorless camera users, this lens can take your photography game to the next level.
Aperture Range: f/4.5 to f/22
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD has an aperture range of f/4.5 to f/22, making it a versatile lens for various photography genres. This feature allows you to capture stunning photos in low light situations, portrait photography, landscape photography, and even sports photography.
This lens’s aperture range is exceptional and provides photographers with creative freedom when adjusting settings and achieving the perfect shot.
Low Dispersion Front Element
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD has a low dispersion front element that helps minimize chromatic aberrations. This feature allows photographers to capture images with higher contrast and more remarkable color accuracy.
The low-dispersion front element is a game-changer for photographers who wish to create stunning photos with precision and clarity.
BBAR Broad-Brand Anti-Reflection Coating
One of the most notable features of the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is its BBAR Broad-Brand Anti-Reflection Coating. This coating helps reduce ghosting and flares, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
As a photographer, you want to capture images with minimal distractions, and with this lens, the anti-reflection coatings help achieve that.
RXD Stepping AF Motor
The RXD Stepping AF Motor is a fast and precise autofocus drive that keeps the lens quiet during operation. This makes it perfect for wildlife photography, sports photography, and shooting in crowded areas where silence is necessary. With this lens, you won’t have to compromise on focus accuracy or noise levels.
Moisture-Resistant Construction
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD has a moisture-resistant construction that helps keep dust and moisture away from the lens’s interior.
This feature makes the lens durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to replace it soon. You can use this lens in any weather without worrying about damage or maintenance.
Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD has a rounded 7-blade diaphragm, creating a natural-looking bokeh effect in your photographs. This feature is essential for portrait photography and shallow depth of field photography.
The rounded diaphragm creates an aesthetically pleasing background blur, giving your photos that professional look.
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is a great all-in-one, budget-friendly lens for Nikon Z f mirrorless camera users.
3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
This lens is perfect for capturing high-quality images of moving subjects at long distances, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, events, and wedding photography.
We’ll dive deep into the critical features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens and why it is considered the best telephoto lens for the Nikon Z f mirrorless camera.
ED, SR, and Fluorite Elements
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens features Extra-low Dispersion(ED), Super Extra-Low Dispersion (SR), and Fluorite elements. These elements significantly reduce chromatic aberrations, allowing you to capture images with exceptional clarity and contrast.
ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings
This lens features ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings, which reduce ghosting and reflections, resulting in superior image quality.
The coatings also help to minimize flare, ensuring that you capture images with beautiful natural colors and details, even in broad daylight.
Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System
One of the significant advantages of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is its Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF system. The system provides fast and accurate autofocus, enabling you to capture images quickly and efficiently.
Whether you are photographing a moving subject or capturing a stationary one, you can rely on this lens to provide you with sharp and clear images.
Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
This lens also features an effective vibration reduction image stabilization system that allows you to shoot handheld with slow shutter speeds in low-light conditions.
The stabilization system ensures that the images remain sharp, even at slower speeds, providing you with an opportunity to capture stunning low-light images without the need for a tripod.
Programmable Control Ring, Information OLED Panel, and L.Fn Button
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens comes with a Programmable Control Ring that lets you adjust the aperture, exposure compensation, or ISO while shooting.
Additionally, the lens features an Information OLED Panel that provides you with pertinent details about the lens and camera settings. The L.Fn button on the lens also allows you to access various customizable functions, making it easier to adjust settings according to your preference.
Weather-Sealed Design
The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens features a weather-sealed design, which can withstand tough outdoor conditions when shooting. The lens has a fluorine coating that repels water, dust, and dirt, making it easy to clean, even in challenging environments.
Overall, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens is an exceptional lens that provides photographers with exceptional quality images and features that make it easier to shoot.
4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens
A wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the scene in one shot, bring out details, and add depth to your photographs. But with so many options in the market, it can take time to pick the perfect one. We’ll discuss why the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens is the best wide-angle lens for your Nikon Z f mirrorless camera.
Aperture Range: f/2.8 to f/22
The aperture range of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens is impressive. Its maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows you to capture stunning landscapes even in low-light conditions. Moreover, the f/22 minimum aperture is perfect for shooting in bright daylight.
This aperture range provides versatility and allows you to experiment with various settings for different lighting conditions.
Four ED and Three Aspherical Elements
The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens is constructed with four ED and three aspherical elements. These elements work together to minimize chromatic aberrations, reduce distortion, and offer superior image quality. With this lens, you can expect sharp, clear, and detailed photographs even at the edges of the frame.
ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens features ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings. These coatings reduce ghosting and flare and help produce images with enhanced contrast and color accuracy. With these coatings, you can capture sharp, saturated images even in challenging situations.
Stepping Motor AF System and Programmable Control Ring
The stepping motor AF system of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens ensures fast, accurate, and quiet auto-focusing. This feature is handy for photographers who shoot landscape or wildlife photography.
Additionally, the programmable control ring allows you to customize your settings and access them quickly and easily.
Weather-Sealed Design, Fluorine Coating
Last but not least, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens is designed for outdoor photography. It has a dust and moisture-resistant build that ensures durability and reliability. The fluorine coating on the front lens element makes it easy to clean and protect the lens from dirt, smudges, and water droplets.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens is undoubtedly one of the best wide-angle lenses in the market. With the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens, you can capture stunning landscapes of Patagonia and the Canadian Rockies, photograph the Milky Way with ease, and experiment with different techniques and settings to create unique images.
5. Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
This lens is ideal for photographers passionate about macro photography, offering a range of advanced features that will elevate your photography to the next level.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, you’ll appreciate the quality of the Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens.
Fast Macro Prime Lens
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens is a fast macro prime lens that delivers sharp, detailed images with beautiful bokeh. The lens has an aperture range of f/2.8 to f/32, which allows you to capture stunning images in low-light conditions.
Additionally, the lens has a nine-bladed diaphragm that produces smooth, rounded bokeh, ideal for isolating subjects from their backgrounds.
11.4″ Minimum Focus
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens has a minimum focus distance of 11.4 inches, making it ideal for capturing detailed close-up shots.
You can get up close and personal with your subjects without worrying about disturbing them. This lens will deliver stunning results if you’re shooting flowers, insects, food, or jewelry.
1:1 Magnification
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens offers 1:1 magnification, allowing you to capture life-sized images of your subjects.
This feature is ideal for macro photography, as it allows you to showcase the intricate details of your subject. With 1:1 magnification, you can capture details that aren’t visible to the naked eye, making your images even more impressive.
Nano Crystal and ARNEO Coatings
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens features both Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings, which reduce ghosting and flare.
These coatings ensure that your images are sharp and free of unwanted reflections, even when shooting in bright light. The coatings also improve color accuracy, allowing you to capture images with more vibrant colors.
Dual-Motor Multi-Focus STM AF System
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens features a dual-motor multi-focus STM AF system, which ensures fast and accurate autofocus. The system works silently, so you won’t distract your subjects, making it perfect for wedding and event photography.
Additionally, the lens has a manual focus ring that allows you to fine-tune your focus, giving you even greater control over your images.
VR Image Stabilization
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens features VR image stabilization, compensating for camera shake and allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds.
This feature is handy when shooting handheld, as it lets you capture sharp images without a tripod.
Additionally, the lens has an OLED lens information panel that displays important information such as aperture, focus distance, and VR status.
Weather-Sealed Construction
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens has a weather-sealed construction, making it resistant to dust, moisture, and other elements.
This feature makes the lens durable and ideal for outdoor shooting, ensuring that you can capture stunning images in any weather conditions.
The Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens is the perfect macro lens for the Nikon Z f mirrorless camera. Its dual-motor, multi-focus STM AF system, VR image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction ensure perfect features for any indoor or outdoor shoot.
6. Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S
Do you want to take stunning portrait shots with your Nikon Z f mirrorless camera? Then, you need to have the best lens possible to achieve this goal. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is the top choice for portrait photographers who want to capture sharp, clear, and incredibly detailed shots.
Two ED and Two Aspherical Elements
One of the most remarkable features of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is its two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and two Aspherical Elements. These elements eliminate distortions and aberrations, producing sharper images with vibrant colors and true-to-life details.
Whether you want to capture portraits of people, animals, or landscapes, this lens provides crisp and accurate images every time.
Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coatings
Another impressive feature of the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is its Nano Crystal Coating and Super Integrated Coating, which reduces flare and ghosting and enhances contrast and color accuracy in your shots.
These coatings work together to deliver stunningly sharp, clear images, whether you’re taking portraits in bright sunlight or low light conditions. You can be confident that this lens will consistently deliver the best results possible.
Stepping Motor AF System
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens also boasts a highly advanced Stepping Motor AF System. This AF system provides incredibly fast and accurate focusing, so you can capture your shots without wasting any time.
And because this lens is specially designed for the Nikon Z f mirrorless camera, you can enjoy smooth and quiet autofocus with minimal noise, even when using video mode.
Weather-Sealed Construction
Lastly, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens comes with a weather-sealed construction. This means that it can withstand harsh weather conditions such as rain, snow, and dust, protecting your lens from damage and maintaining its performance under all circumstances.
With this weather-proofing, you can confidently take your lens with you on any photography adventure, whether outdoors or in a studio.
If you are a portrait photographer looking for the best lens for your Nikon Z f mirrorless camera, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens is the one you need. With its advanced features, exceptional performance, and weather-sealed construction, this lens delivers stunningly sharp and clear images every time.
Conclusion
The Nikon Z f mirrorless camera, with its fusion of vintage design and modern technology, is an absolute delight for photography enthusiasts. But what enhances its performance even further is a brilliant lens.
Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or street photography, there’s a lens out there that can help you capture your vision in stunning clarity. The lenses we’ve reviewed here are just a few of the best companions for your Nikon Z f.
Remember, the perfect lens can vary based on your shooting style and needs, so take the time to find your perfect match.
Liya Kravchenkin is an experienced portrait photographer. She has worked with clients worldwide and has even traveled to more than 50 countries. Liya loves photography because it allows her to capture a moment that can never be repeated. Liya also enjoys traveling, learning about new cultures, and seeing the world’s unique natural wonders. Her favorite travel memories are from swimming with dolphins in the Galapagos and eating cheesecake in New York City.
