Comparison and Technical Specifications of Nikon NIKKOR Z Lenses (FX & DX)
After searching for a simple comparison of Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses, I decided to build this complete list covering focal length, maximum aperture, minimum focus distance, weight and length for each model. My goal was to compare weight and bulk when switching to the Z mount. Last update November 2025: Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 zoom and DX MC 35mm f/1.7.
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 Z 14-30mm f/4 S: field test, review and photos
- Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S: Field Review, Versatility and Optical Quality
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S: reportage, street and architecture
- Field Test - Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens Review
- Nikon Z 50mm vs 24-70mm: which lens should you choose?
- 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.
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)
| Focal length | Max aperture | Min focus | Filter thread | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z 20mm S | f/1.8 | 0,20 m | 77mm | 108,5mm | 505 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24mm S | f/1.8 | 0,25 m | 72mm | 96,5mm | 450 g |
| NIKKOR Z 26mm | f/2.8 | 0,20 m | 52mm* | 23,5mm | 125 g |
| NIKKOR Z 28mm | f/2.8 | 0,19 m | 52mm | 43mm | 160 g |
| NIKKOR Z 28mm SE | f/2.8 | 0,19 m | 52mm | 43mm | 160 g |
| NIKKOR Z 35mm S | f/1.2 | 0,30 m | 82mm | 150mm | 1060 g |
| NIKKOR Z 35mm | f/1.4 | 0,27 m | 62mm | 86,5mm | 415 g |
| NIKKOR Z 35mm S | f/1.8 | 0,25 m | 62mm | 86mm | 370 g |
| NIKKOR Z 40mm | f/2 | 0,29 m | 52mm | 45,5mm | 170 g |
| NIKKOR Z 40mm SE | f/2 | 0,29 m | 52mm | 45,5mm | 170 g |
| NIKKOR Z 50mm S | f/1.2 | 0,45 m | 82mm | 150mm | 1090 g |
| NIKKOR Z 50mm | f/1.4 | 0,37 m | 62mm | 86,5mm | 420 g |
| NIKKOR Z 50mm S | f/1.8 | 0,40 m | 62mm | 86,5mm | 415 g |
| NIKKOR Z 58mm Noct S | f/0.95 | 0,50 m | 82mm | 153mm | 2000 g |
| NIKKOR Z 85mm S | f/1.2 | 0,85 m | 82mm | 142mm | 1160 g |
| NIKKOR Z 85mm S | f/1.8 | 0,80 m | 67mm | 99mm | 470 g |
| NIKKOR Z 135mm Plena S | f/1.8 | 0,82 m | 82mm | 140,5mm | 995 g |
| NIKKOR Z 400mm TC VR S | f/2.8 | 2,5 m | Clip-in | 380mm | 2950 g |
| NIKKOR Z 400mm VR S | f/4.5 | 2,5 m | 95mm | 234,5mm | 1245 g |
| NIKKOR Z 600mm VR S | f/4 | 4,3 m | Clip-in | 437mm | 3260 g |
| NIKKOR Z 600mm VR S PF | f/6.3 | 4,0 m | 95mm | 278mm | 1470 g |
| NIKKOR Z 800mm VR S | f/6.3 | 5,0 m | Clip-in | 385mm | 2385 g |
* The 26mm f/2.8 accepts 52mm filters via its slim dedicated hood.
Macro lenses (full frame)
| Focal length | Max aperture | Min focus | Filter thread | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z MC 50mm | f/2.8 | 0,16 m | 46mm | 66mm | 260 g |
| NIKKOR Z MC 105mm VR S | f/2.8 | 0,29 m | 62mm | 140mm | 630 g |
Zooms (full frame)
| Focal length | Max aperture | Min focus | Filter thread | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z 14-24mm S | f/2.8 | 0,28 m | 112mm | 124,5mm | 650 g |
| NIKKOR Z 14-30mm S | f/4 | 0,28 m | 82mm | 85mm | 485 g |
| NIKKOR Z 17-28mm | f/2.8 | 0,19-0,26 m | 67mm | 101mm | 450 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-50mm | f/4-6.3 | 0,35 m | 52mm | 51mm | 195 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-70mm S | f/2.8 | 0,38 m | 82mm | 126mm | 805 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-70mm S II | f/2.8 | 0,24-0,33 m | 77mm | 142mm | 675 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-70mm S | f/4 | 0,30 m | 72mm | 88mm | 500 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-120mm S | f/4 S | 0,35 m | 77mm | 118mm | 630 g |
| NIKKOR Z 24-200mm VR | f/4-6.3 | 0,50 m | 67mm | 114mm | 570 g |
| NIKKOR Z 28-75mm | f/2.8 | 0,19-0,39 m | 67mm | 120,5mm | 565 g |
| NIKKOR Z 28-400mm VR | f/4-8 | 0,20 m (at 28mm) | 77mm | 141,5mm | 725 g |
| NIKKOR Z 70-180mm | f/2.8 | 0,27-0,85 m | 67mm | 151mm | 795 g |
| NIKKOR Z 70-200mm VR S | f/2.8 | 0,50 m | 77mm | 220mm | 1360 g |
| NIKKOR Z 100-400mm VR S | f/4.5-5.6 | 0,75-0,98 m | 77mm | 222mm | 1435 g |
| NIKKOR Z 180-600mm VR | f/5.6-6.3 | 1,3 m | 95mm | 315,5mm | 2140 g |
Teleconverters (FX)
| Product | Magnification | General compatibility | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z TC-1.4x | 1.4× | Compatible S-Line telephotos | 220 g |
| NIKKOR Z TC-2.0x | 2.0× | Compatible S-Line telephotos | 270 g |
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.
| Product | Weight | Added length | Tripod foot | Autofocus compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTZ | 135g | 30mm | Yes, integrated collar | AF-S and AF-P (with internal motor). AF-D and AF without motor are manual focus only. | VR on F lenses supported. Basic sealing. Adds 30mm to flange distance. |
| FTZ II | 125g | 30mm | No | Same as FTZ: AF-S and AF-P. AF-D and AF without motor are manual focus only. | Slimmer profile for better handling and gimbal use. |
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
| Focal length | Max aperture | Min focus | Filter thread | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z DX 24mm | f/1.7 | 0,18 m | 46mm | 40mm | 135 g |
| NIKKOR Z DX MC 35mm | f/1.7 | 0,12 m | 46mm | 74mm | 220 g |
NIKKOR Z DX zoom lenses
| Focal length | Max aperture | Min focus | Filter thread | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR | f/3.5-5.6 | 0,19 m | 67mm | 63,5mm | 205 g |
| NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR | f/2.8 | 0,15-0,25 m | 67mm | 88mm | 330 g |
| NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR | f/3.5-6.3 | 0,20-0,30 m | 46mm | 32mm | 135 g |
| NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR | f/3.5-6.3 | 0,20 m (at 18mm) | 62mm | 90mm | 315 g |
| NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm VR | f/4.5-6.3 | 0,50-1,00 m | 62mm | 110mm | 405 g |
FAQ: Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses
Is this list of Nikon Z lenses up to date?
Yes. This page was updated in November 2025 after the release of the NIKKOR Z DX 16–50mm f/2.8 and DX MC 35mm f/1.7. I update it regularly when Nikon announces new Z mount lenses.
Does this page cover both full frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) lenses?
Yes, the list includes all official Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses for full frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) sensors. Sections are clearly separated so you can quickly identify the lenses that match your camera.
Are third-party lenses (Tamron, Sigma, Viltrox, etc.) included?
No. This page is dedicated to Nikon NIKKOR Z lenses only. Third-party Z mount lenses may be covered in a separate article with a focus on compatibility and value for money.
How should I use this comparison table to choose my Z lenses?
The table brings together focal length, aperture, minimum focus distance, weight and length. It helps you quickly compare how much space a lens will take in your bag, how versatile it is in the field, and whether a new lens really adds something compared to what you already own, especially if you are gradually migrating from F mount to Z mount.
Does this page replace detailed NIKKOR Z lens reviews?
No. This list is a technical reference. For several lenses, I also provide hands-on field reviews with real-world images, such as the NIKKOR Z 14–30mm f/4 S, the 24–120mm f/4 S or the 35mm f/1.8 S, to show how they behave in real shooting conditions.
Can I keep using my F mount lenses with an FTZ adapter on Nikon Z cameras?
Yes, and this is a very common transition path. The sections dedicated to the FTZ adapters and to F mount lenses on Nikon Z bodies help you estimate weight, extra length and autofocus compatibility. I describe this approach in detail in the article Nikon F lenses on Z mirrorless cameras: compatibility, angle of view and image quality.
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