Best Lenses for Nikon Zf
The Nikon Zf is one of Nikon’s latest mirrorless camera systems, offering impressive image quality and video capabilities in a compact form factor. As with any camera system, the lenses you choose to pair with it are critical for maximizing its potential. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best lenses currently available for the Nikon Zf system.
We’ll cover a range of lens types and focal lengths, from wide-angle and standard zooms great for landscapes and everyday shooting, to telephoto zooms ideal for sports, wildlife, and portraits. Prime lenses with ultra-wide apertures will also be discussed for their ability to achieve beautiful background blur and low-light performance. Finally, we’ll talk about a couple of compact, relatively affordable “nifty fifty” options that are easy to carry around and versatile for many shooting scenarios.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to build your initial Zf lens kit or a more advanced shooter wanting to take your Zf system further, this roundup will help you identify the top lenses to consider adding to your collection. Let’s dive in and explore the best glass currently available for the powerful Nikon Zf mirrorless system.
Standard Prime | Wide-angle Prime | Telephoto Prime | Standard Zoom | Wide-angle Zoom | Telephoto Zoom | All-in-One Zoom
Best Prime Lenses for Nikon Zf:
Best Standard Prime Lens for Nikon Zf:
Nikon Zf shooters have excellent prime lens options to consider for standard focal lengths suitable for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a top choice for its ultra-wide f/1.2 aperture that delivers stunning bokeh and low-light performance. For a more budget-friendly fast prime, the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S balances price, performance and portability well.
At 40mm, the compact, lightweight NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 provides a versatile slightly wider prime lens ideal for landscapes and walkaround shooting. For close-up macro work, the NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro enables incredible magnification for small subjects. On the exotic end, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct allows incredible low-light potential with its insanely bright f/0.95 aperture. Any of these impressive primes will allow Zf shooters to get the most out of their system for diverse photographic needs.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens | 1,090g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens | 415g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 Lens | 170g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens | 260g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens | 2,000g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Best Wide-angle Prime Lens for Nikon Zf:
For Nikon Zf shooters seeking top-quality wide-angle prime lenses, there are several excellent options to suit different budgets and needs. The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a versatile fast prime that excels at street photography and low-light scenes with its bright f/1.8 maximum aperture. For wider perspectives, the NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S delivers stunning image quality in a fast f/1.8 prime lens well-suited for landscapes, architecture and astrophotography.
If an even wider view is needed, the ultra wide NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S captures incredibly dramatic, expansive scenes perfect for real estate or astrophotography. More affordable choices like the compact NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 and NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 balance price and performance in small packages. Any of these impressive wide-angle primes will enable photographers to capture expansive perspectives and maximize the potential of the Zf system.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens | 370g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Lens | 450g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Lens | 505g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Lens | 125g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 Lens | 155g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Best Telephoto Prime Lens for Nikon Zf:
Nikon’s Zf offers photographers an enviable range of pro-caliber telephoto primes to choose from. For those seeking the ultimate balance of speed, reach and optical performance, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S is arguably the best telephoto prime available. Weighing 2,950g, it combines a lightning-fast f/2.8 aperture with super telephoto reach. The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal length to 560mm when needed. Image quality and sharpness are outstanding, even wide open at f/2.8. With robust weather sealing, fast autofocus, and highly effective vibration reduction, it excels for sports, wildlife and demanding photography. For more budget-friendly reach, the 800mm f/6.3 is remarkably light at just 2,385g. The 135mm f/1.8 is a classic short telephoto portrait lens, while the 105mm f/2.8 macro excels at extreme close-ups. Overall, the 400mm f/2.8 offers the best combination of speed, image quality, focusing performance and versatility for Z-mount shooters. It’s built to withstand daily professional use and delivers images that do justice to the Zf’s exceptional sensor.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens | 995g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens | 630g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens | 1,160g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens | 1,245g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens | 470g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens | 2,385g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Lens | 2,950g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Lens | 3,260g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Best Zoom Lenses for Nikon Zf:
Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Nikon Zf:
For versatile zoom lenses suitable for everything from landscapes to portraits, Nikon Zf shooters have some excellent standard zoom options. The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a top choice for its constant wide f/2.8 aperture, superb optics and robust construction. For a lighter and more affordable alternative, the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 delivers nearly the same performance in a smaller package.
The NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S provides a broader 5x range for great all-around shooting. If maximum lightness is the priority, the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is remarkably compact and portable. For those needing an affordable starter zoom, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S balances performance and price. Any of these capable standard zooms will serve Zf shooters well for everyday needs from landscapes to portraits and walkaround shooting.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Lens | 805g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens | 565g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens | 630g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens | 500g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens | 195g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Best Wide-angle Zoom Lens for Nikon Zf:
Nikon Zf shooters have access to some of the sharpest ultra wide-angle zoom options perfect for landscapes, architecture, interiors and more. The NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is an exceptional choice, providing a useful ultra wide 14-24mm range with a bright f/2.8 constant aperture. Its robust build and gorgeous optics make it ideal for professional use. For a more compact and lighter weight option, the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S still delivers excellent edge-to-edge image quality in a portable form factor.
Occupying the middle ground, the NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 balances wide perspectives and low-light potential in a relatively affordable fast zoom. Any of these three ultra wide zooms will allow Zf shooters to capture expansive scenes with sharpness across the entire zoom range. They are perfect options for landscape, architectural, astrophotography, and real estate needs.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S Lens | 650g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens | 485g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
| NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 Lens | 450g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Best Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon Zf:
Nikon Zf users have access to pro-level telephoto zooms that excel at sports, wildlife, and distant subject photography. The NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S is a top choice with its wide constant f/2.8 aperture, lightning fast autofocus and 5 stops of vibration reduction. For extended reach, the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S provides a versatile 100-400mm range in a relatively lightweight package.
The NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR delivers an impressive 600mm telephoto reach while still being portable enough for handheld shooting. Occupying a middle ground, the NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 balances zoom range, weight and aperture in a uniquely compact telezoom. Any of these telephoto zooms will enable wildlife, sports, and distance shooting with pro-level optics and performance worthy of the Zf system.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens | 1,360g | Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama |
| NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Lens | 1,435g | Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama |
| NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens | 1,950g | Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama |
| NIKKOR Z 70-180mm f/2.8 Lens | 1,435g | Amazon/B&H Photo Video/Adorama |
Best All-in-one Zoom Lens for Nikon Zf:
A one-lens solution for working in a wide variety of shooting situations, the NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR from Nikon is an all-in-one 8.3x zoom covering wide-angle to telephoto focal lengths. An advanced optical design, which uses a series of aspherical and ED elements, pairs with both ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coatings to produce sharp and clear image quality with high contrast and accurate color rendering to benefit working in various lighting conditions.
| Lens | Weight | Check Price Now |
| NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR Lens | 570g | B&H Photo Video/Adorama/Amazon |
Conclusion:
With Nikon’s Zf mirrorless system, photographers have access to an ever-expanding range of impressive lenses to match the camera’s exceptional imaging capabilities. From wide-angles to telephotos, primes to zooms, Nikon has created a diverse lens lineup that provides options for all types of shooting scenarios.
As we’ve seen in this guide, landscape and architectural shooters can take advantage of sharp ultra-wide zooms like the 14-30mm f/4 and 14-24mm f/2.8 for expansive scenes. For tighter portraits and everyday use, excellent standard zooms like the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 24-120mm f/4 offer versatility. Telephoto options like the 70-200mm f/2.8 and 100-400mm cover distant subjects smoothly.
On the prime side, the Zf has fast options from 20mm to 800mm for stunning bokeh and low-light potential. Compact, affordable primes like the 40mm f/2 and 50mm f/1.8 balance performance and price. With these impressive selections, Zf shooters can build a lens kit tailored to their needs. As Nikon continues expanding the Zf system, photographers will have even more creative tools at their disposal to realize their vision.