Nikon NIKKOR Z Lens Comparison (FX & DX) - Weight, Length, Min Focus

Having spent a long time looking for a simple comparison of Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses, I put together these tables listing focal lengths, apertures, minimum focus distance, weight and length for each model. My goal was to compare weight and overall size when switching to the Z mount. The page is updated whenever a new lens is announced.

Why compare Nikon Z lenses

The Nikon Z system now covers a wide range of needs, from lightweight reportage to expert telephoto work. Having consistent data (minimum focus distance, filter diameter, length, weight) makes it easier to balance image quality, ergonomics and mobility. Whether you favour a fast 35mm, a versatile 24-70 or a wildlife-oriented 180-600, this guide gives you an overview to balance your camera bag, plan for bulk and optimise your purchase choices.

Choosing your Z lenses for your style of photography

Beyond technical specifications, the most relevant way to build a Nikon Z kit is to start from your practice. Here are a few reference points based on my real-world use:

• Architecture and urban spaces: ultra wide angles and fast standard zooms, often combined with specialised lenses (tilt-shift) to control perspective. This is the approach I use for my work as an architectural photographer in Paris.
• Landscape and travel: light 24-70mm or 24-120mm zooms, sometimes complemented by a 14-30mm for wide vistas, are ideal when walking all day with one or two bodies. You’ll find examples in my travels and architecture series.
• Portraits and everyday scenes: fast primes (35, 50, 85mm) allow you to play with depth of field, bokeh and framing to isolate a subject or keep context in the image.
• Sports and wildlife: tele-zooms and super-telephoto lenses, possibly combined with teleconverters, are essential to reach distant subjects while keeping the kit reasonably hand-holdable.

The tables below then provide a factual overview of each lens so you can refine these choices depending on your weight constraints, budget and the kind of subjects you photograph.

Field tests and reviews of Nikon Z lenses

Over time I have published several field tests of NIKKOR Z lenses. Rather than lab measurements, I focus on real-world use: handling, autofocus behaviour, colour rendering and consistency with an architectural, landscape or travel-oriented workflow.

• Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 50mm f/2.8: sharpness, bokeh and creative uses
• Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S: reportage, street and architecture
• Nikon Z 50mm vs 24-70mm: which lens should you choose?
• Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S: Field Review, Versatility and Optical Quality
• Why the 70-200mm f/2.8 remains one of the most versatile lenses

This comparison page acts as a hub: you can quickly check specifications here, then jump to an in-depth review to see sample images and concrete shooting situations.

Using F-mount lenses on Nikon Z bodies

If you already own a set of F-mount lenses, it often makes sense to keep using them on Nikon Z bodies, at least during a transition period. I dedicated a specific article to lens compatibility and field of view when adapting F-mount optics on Nikon Z cameras.

• Nikon F lenses on Z mirrorless: compatibility, angle of view and image quality

Together with the FTZ tables below, this will help you decide whether you should progressively switch to native NIKKOR Z lenses, or keep some F-mount favourites in your bag.

Prime lenses (full frame)

* The 26mm f/2.8 accepts 52mm filters via its slim dedicated hood.

Macro lenses (full frame)

Zooms (full frame)

Teleconverters (FX)

FTZ mount adapters for F lenses

To use your F-mount lenses on a Nikon Z body, or to estimate the extra size and weight of an F lens plus adapter versus a native Z lens.

Lenses for DX sensors

If you use a DX-format camera such as the Nikon Zfc, Z50, Z50 II or Z30, here are the lenses designed for this format.
To find the field-of-view equivalent between a DX focal length and a full-frame (FX/24x36) focal length, multiply by 1.5.
Example: a 16-50mm DX frames like a 24-75mm on FX.

NIKKOR Z DX prime lenses

NIKKOR Z DX zoom lenses