Nikon Z Mount Lens List – Official & Third-Party

In this guide, I’ve rounded up the available Nikon Z lenses, from primes to zooms, photo to cinema, and full-frame to APS-C. Updated regularly with in-depth reviews, specs, and tips to help you choose. Explore all the lenses, official and third-party, that are available today.

Nikon Z Mount Official Lenses – A Complete List

The Nikon Z lenses have made many significant improvements over the older DSLR glass. The closer flange distance allows for freedom with optical design, and cameras featuring IBIS can use 5-axis stabilization with the official Z lenses.

While F-mount lenses are still great (though all are now discontinued), cameras with IBIS will revert to 3-axis stabilization when using older F lenses via an adapter.

Nikon Z-Mount Prime & Zoom Lenses

The Nikon Z lenses have different focus features and speeds. For instance, the 85mm has a dual focus system for better close focus, while the 26mm f2.8 has an all-element focus system.

The S-line prime lenses aim to reduce changes in the field of view (focus breathing) during focusing. They also have silent apertures and focus systems for video recording. The aperture smoothly adapts to exposure changes during video shooting. The 85 f1.8 and f1.2 still have some focus breathing, but most of it is well controlled. The S-line lenses typically use ED elements to reduce chromatic aberrations and feature the Nano Crystal Coating for improved clarity, contrast and sharpness.

The S-line zoom lenses are versatile for video and still shooting, just like their prime lenses. Nikon is designing the entire system with video as a priority, incorporating technology that delivers the best performance for both video and stills.

The Z lenses do not have a manual focus clutch; instead, they use electronic focus systems. They also have weather sealing to protect them from dust and moisture.

Nikon Z Lenses I’ve Reviewed With Some Thoughts

Nikon Z 26mm f2.8: Optically, this is the best compact ultra-wide I’ve ever used. It uses All F technology, meaning all the elements can move during focus, so you get much better focus at all distances than the 28mm f2.8. The only downside to this lens compared to the 28mm is that it’s a little slower at focusing. Nikon should have given this lens the Nano Crystal Coatings and just called it an S lens; otherwise, it’s so good in quality.

Nikon Z 28mm f2.8: This lens uses a simpler design than the 26mm, and it feels very classic with how it renders. It’s a pretty typical 28mm lens that’s very sharp. The quiet and smooth focus makes this lens better for videography than the 26mm lens. This lens has a more classic rendering style with a busier, swirlier bokeh, compared to the 26mm, which feels more modern.

Nikon Z 40mm f2: Overall, this is a solid compact lens. It’s not going to wow you with clarity and sharpness because it lacks some of the S lenses’ features, like the Nan Crystal coatings, but for a casual lens, it does everything you need. Plus, it has excellent color tonality thanks to its simple optical design.

Nikon Z 35mm f1.4: I’m currently reviewing this lens and really like it for a more classic rendering. It’s a simpler classical design, only using two aspherical elements, but it has some modern touches, like incorporating Nikon’s multi-focus system. Unlike the 35mm f1.8, it also uses the IF internal focus system. This lens’s main weakness is noticeable chromatic aberrations, likely due to the lack of ED elements. You also don’t get as much contrast and clarity due to the lack of Nano Crystal Coatings, and it’s not as sharp as the 35mm f1.8.

Nikon Z 35mm f1.8 S: This lens doesn’t get enough credit for how magical it renders. It produces a more modern look with three aspherical elements and two ED elements. This results in a very flat field curvature, causing the focus to fall off and the depth to look almost three-dimensional. It’s truly a unique look for a 35mm. The only potential issue with this lens is that you sometimes see chromatic fringing in high-contrast background bokeh.

See the Nikon Z 35mm f/1.4 vs. Nikon Z 35mm f/2.8 S Comparison.

Nikon Z 50mm f1.4: Similar to Nikon’s other non-S lenses, the lens design is a bit more classic and simple, using only a single aspherical element. It gives you more of that DSLR look we’re used to from our lenses back in the day. There are quite a few downgrades to this lens compared to the 50mm f1.8 S lens, like the lack of nanocrystal coatings, the less consistent MTF chart, which means the mid-frame and edges won’t be as sharp as the center, and overall, it’s not as sharp and punchy as the S lens. But you get a faster aperture, and I also feel like the color tonality (micro-contrast) is better on this lens than the S lens. I prefer it for portrait work because I think the skin tones are generally nicer with these simpler optical designs.

Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S: This is one of those holy-grail lenses. It’s the best do-it-all 50mm lens ever made, in my opinion. It’s essentially perfect, although some photographers might want a faster lens for portrait work or a smaller lens for street and travel photography. Contrast, sharpness, clarity and bokeh are all amazing with this lens. It has a slightly more modern rendering; some might call it clinical, but you can still do a lot with the shallow depth of field from the f/1.8 aperture. To me, the tonal rendering is better on the 50mm f/1.4, so I prefer that lens for portrait photography.

Nikon Z 85mm f1.8 S: This lens is a must-have for portrait photography. Its interesting design uses 2 ED elements but no aspherical elements. The sharpness is fantastic, and the color and tonality are also great. It has better color and overall performance than the 50mm f1.8, and excellent clarity and pop from the Nano Crystal Coatings. It also uses the Multi-Focus Method. The only downside is that it’s one of the few S lenses with noticeable focus breathing. This lens and the 50mm f1.4 would be my go-to lenses for portrait work.

When I mention color and tonal rendering, I’m referring to what is often called micro-contrast. You’ll notice that some of the higher-element Nikon lenses that use multiple aspherical and ED elements often produce milkier or waxier tones compared to some of the lower-element primes. Pay attention to this if you prioritize portraits where color tonality is important, or landscapes where sharpness is a priority.

Nikon Z Mount Third-Party Lens List

Moving into third-party lenses for the Nikon Z mount, we are now seeing some with autofocus and official protocols. Specifically, check out Tamron and Viltrox for third-party Nikon Z lenses.

When comparing official Z lenses to third-party lenses, the most significant difference lies in the optical and mechanical technologies. I’ve yet to see a third-party brand, aside from maybe Zeiss and Sigma, that can produce coatings as good as Nikon’s. There’s a clear difference even among Nikon lenses, such as the S lenses with the Nano Crystal Coatings and those without. The Nano Crystal Coatings make a noticeable difference in sharpness, contrast and clarity.

While lenses like Viltrox and Sigma are starting to adopt more advanced weather-sealing designs, Nikon still shows a bit more pedigree in lens mechanics, with multi-focus systems, all-focus systems, and technologies like silent apertures. We’ve yet to see third-party companies match Nikon’s performance, but some brands are showing impressive results, especially when compared to the Non-S lenses.

American Lenses

Lensbaby Lenses For Nikon

These unconventional lenses prioritize artistic expression over clinical sharpness, offering manual control over focus effects like tilting for dramatic perspective shifts, twisting for swirling bokeh patterns and adjusting the aperture for variable softness.

Canadian Lenses

Simmod Lenses

Simmod Lenses provides specialized cinema tools that perfectly complement the Nikon Z-Mount’s expansive diameter and short flange distance, empowering Z-series filmmakers to integrate professional cinema glass and beloved vintage optics.

The key offerings for Nikon Z-Mount users include:

Vintage Nikon F-Mount Conversion: Leveraging Nikon’s history, Simmod provides the SIMMOUNT LPL Conversion Mount for classic Nikon F-Mount and Zeiss ZF/ZF.2 lenses. This allows filmmakers to permanently convert their legacy Nikon lenses to the universal LPL standard, which can then be used on their Nikon Z body via the LPL-to-Z adapter, giving vintage glass a rock-solid, professional LPL connection.

Native Z-Mount Cine Lenses (Apsara Lumière): Simmod’s own line of character-rich, full-frame cinema prime lenses, the Apsara Lumière series (e.g., T1.4 Super Speeds), are designed and offered with a native Nikon Z-Mount option. This provides Z-series filmmakers with a plug-and-play cine lens set built for professional use, featuring a proprietary illuminated focus marking system.

Professional LPL Adapters: They manufacture the ARRI LPL-to-Nikon Z-Mount Cine Pro Adapter. This high-precision, shimmable adapter allows Nikon Z camera bodies (such as the Z9, Z8, or Z6/Z7 series) to mount industry-standard LPL-mount cinema lenses with confidence, a crucial component for high-end production integration.

German Lenses

Meyer Optik Gorlitz Z Lenses

Meyer Optik Görlitz lenses prioritize the classic charm over raw technical prowess, capturing subjects with a unique blend of character. Known for their distinctive bokeh swirls and smooth transitions, Meyer Optik lenses offer a nostalgic warmth and subtle vintage-inspired rendering.

From the legendary Biotar’s dreamy orbs to the Trioplan’s ethereal soap bubble effect, each lens boasts a distinct personality.

Zeiss Lenses

Zeiss’s presence in the Nikon Z mount ecosystem focuses on ultra-premium, manual-focus optics that prioritize the “Zeiss Look”—characterized by high micro-contrast and a three-dimensional rendering. Their flagship Otus ML series (like the 50mm and 85mm f/1.4) offers native Z-mount versions that deliver world-class optical performance for professional portrait and studio work.

Beyond native glass, Nikon Z shooters often use Zeiss Milvus and Classic (ZF.2) lenses via the FTZ adapter to maintain full electronic communication for EXIF data and aperture control, or they adapt the Sony-native Batis and Loxia lines using third-party autofocus adapters. For the Z system, Zeiss remains the “no-compromise” choice for photographers who value mechanical precision and a specific, cinematic aesthetic over the convenience of native autofocus zooms.

Japanese Lenses

Gizmon Z Lenses

Gizmon lenses offer entry-level and niche solutions for Nikon users. Their lineup primarily features prime lenses, including an f/1.6 pancake. Gizmon lenses prioritize affordability and portability. Compared to established brands, they may lack advanced features or high-end build quality.

Sigma Lenses for Nikon Z mount

Fairly new to the Nikon Z system, Sigma offers a growing ecosystem of prime and zoom lenses spanning versatile everyday options to specialized telephoto reaches. Known for their balance of performance and value, Sigma Z mount lenses often feature fast apertures, robust construction, and advanced optical elements.

Unlike many third-party brands, Sigma has a nice portfolio of patents and technologies that position its lenses against some of the higher-end brands with advanced coatings, Low-Dispersion glass and multi-focus group designs.

Sigma exclusive lens coatings include:

Super Multi-Layer Coating (SMC), which is similar to Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC).

Nano Porous Silica (NPC) Coating is a newer coating used on some Sports lenses (e.g., Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG DN OS Sports). It incorporates a porous silica layer to repel water, oil, and dust, improving durability and maintaining clarity in harsh conditions.

Sigma’s extensively low-dispersion glass types include:

ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion): A proprietary low-dispersion glass for enhanced clarity.

FLD (“F” Low Dispersion): Claimed to match fluorite glass performance, offering ultra-low dispersion and high light transmission and used in lenses like the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG DN OS Sports.

SLD (Special Low Dispersion): Reduces residual chromatic aberration (secondary spectrum). Found in many Sigma lenses, such as the 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art.

Tamron Z Mount Lenses

Tamron has an exclusive partnership with Nikon, under which it is allowed to release Z-mount lenses in accordance with Nikon’s protocols. Nikon even uses some Tamron designs for some of its lenses, which include all the profile corrections and firmware.

Although Tamron is just a third-party brand without its own camera system or designated mount, it has a strong portfolio of high-end lens technology and patents that are very similar to Nikon’s.

Tamron’s Coatings:

BBAR (Broad-Band Anti-Reflection) and BBAR-G2: BBAR is a multi-layer coating optimized for mirrorless lenses similar to Nikon’s (SIC).

eBAND (Extended Bandwidth & Angular-Dependency): eBAND uses a “nano-structured layer,” making it Tamron’s closest equivalent to a nano-coating.

Fluorine Coating: Matches Nikon’s Fluorine Coating for durability. Tamron’s Fluorine Coating repels water, oil, and dust, protecting the front element and making cleaning easier.

Tamron’s Low-Dispersion Glass:

LD (Low Dispersion): Reduces chromatic aberration (color fringing) to a level similar to Nikon’s ED glass.

XLD (Extra Low Dispersion): A higher-grade low-dispersion glass with properties similar to fluorite, like Nikon’s Super ED glass, XLD offers better chromatic correction than LD.

AD (Anomalous Dispersion): Controls specific wavelengths to fine-tune chromatic correction.

Looking at the focus motor setups, Tamron doesn’t have a multi-focus system like Nikon or Sigma. Still, they do use floating focus groups, in which multiple elements move together to achieve sharpness across varying distances.

Tamron’s Autofocus Systems:

VXD: A linear motor that drives a single focus group with high speed and precision. We’ve yet to see Nikon use any linear motors in their lenses.

USD: An ultrasonic motor in older Tamron lenses (e.g., EF-mount adapted to Z via FTZ), providing quiet focus but slower than VXD.

HLD (High/Low torque-modulated Drive): Found in some APS-C lenses, it adjusts torque for smooth focusing but isn’t a multi-motor system.

PZD (Piezo Drive): A compact ultrasonic motor in smaller lenses.

Not all of these technologies are present in the Z-mount lenses, but it shows that Tamron is a competent company.

Tokina Lenses For Nikon

Tokina’s lens lineup remains limited today, offering a single super-telephoto option – the SZX 400mm f8 reflex mirror lens. This specialized lens caters to photographers seeking extreme reach on a budget, offering a compact, lightweight design compared to traditional telephoto lenses. Notably, the SZX 400mm utilizes a reflex mirror design for a unique optical path, balancing cost with decent image quality.

Voigtlander Lenses

Voigtländer lenses typically prioritize character and craftsmanship over optical perfection. Voigtländer Z-mount lenses often feature fast apertures, compact designs, and robust metal construction, evoking a nostalgic feel and tactile shooting experience.

Their lineup features diverse options, from wide-angle Apo-Lanthars to Nokton portraits and macro Apo-Ultrons, catering to specific needs and artistic visions. Their black-painted brass Vintage line has been very popular with film shooters.

Overall, Voigtländer lenses provide a niche yet compelling alternative within the Z mount system, perfect for enthusiasts and professionals who value heritage, manual control, and distinct artistic expression.

Do be careful with Voigtlander. I’ve reviewed several of their lenses, and they are a little hit-and-miss. They often prioritize small-sized lenses with faster apertures over corner-to-corner perfection. If you buy a tiny Voigtlander lens for convenience, its image quality is unlikely to be very impressive.

Yasuhara Lenses for Nikon

Yasuhara has made a small, lightweight manual-focus 35mm f/1.8 lens. They may release a few more in the future.

The new Anthy 35mm f1.8 Features 9 elements in 7 groups. So far, I’m seeing nice contrast and sharpness, though the vignetting is a weakness. This might be a great place to start if you want to build out their prime manual lens collection.

Korean Lenses

Samyang / Rokinon Lenses

Samyang shines through with two distinct offerings: the ultra-wide 14mm f/2.8 and the portrait-perfect 85mm f/1.4. Both lenses prioritize manual focus control and affordability, catering to enthusiasts and budget-conscious professionals.

I’ve used Samyang lenses for years, and they’ve significantly improved. Their lenses are good optically now, and their coatings are decent.

These lenses are worth exploring if you’re comfortable with manual focus and prioritize affordability and performance.

Russian Lenses

Lomography / Zenit Lenses

Currently, Lomography’s presence is limited to a single lens, enabling users to explore the unique character of Zenit lenses on their modern Z cameras.

Their vintage Soviet-era lenses, primarily from the Helios and Industar lines, offer a blend of affordability, distinctive renderings, and manual focus operation. Known for their crazy swirling bokeh, soft vignettes, and vintage-inspired color shifts, Zenit lenses appeal to photographers seeking creative experimentation and artistic expression.

Swiss Lenses

Irix Lenses

Irix lenses offer cine-inspired features and rugged construction. Their lineup leans heavily towards prime lenses with fast apertures, weather sealing, and internal focusing mechanisms, all designed for smooth, reliable operation during video shoots.

With clickless aperture rings and fully manual focus lenses, their precise and tactile rings cater to the deliberate, controlled movements preferred by cinematographers.

Irix lenses appeal to videographers and passionate filmmakers seeking high-quality optics, distinctive bokeh characteristics, and a professional shooting experience.

Chinese Lenses

7Artisans Lenses

7Artisans primarily offers manual-focus prime lenses for enthusiasts and casual photographers.

7Artisans prioritize affordability and portability, featuring lightweight designs and simple construction. Their lenses generally deliver decent optical performance, making them suitable for everyday shooting and creative experimentation. Their offerings currently focus on APS-C systems, but we’re starting to see more full-frame lenses from them.

Astra Lab Z Lenses

Astra Lab, a company founded in 2018 in Hong Kong, now has quite a collection of manual-focus Full Frame and APS-C lenses for the Nikon Z mount.

AstrHori Z Lenses

AstrHori lenses specialize in unique and unconventional offerings. Their current lineup features specialized designs, including a 28mm f/13 micro-probe lens for extreme close-up work, an 18mm f/8 wide-angle shift lens for creative architectural photography, and a macro lens with variable magnification.

Brightin Star Z Lenses

Brightin Star lenses offer budget-friendly prime options, primarily manual-focus models that cover standard focal lengths.

Funleader Z Lenses

Funleader carves out a quirky niche with manual-focus prime lenses. Prioritizing affordability and compact designs, their offerings cater to casual photographers and enthusiasts seeking playful experimentation.

While build quality and optics may not rival established brands, Funleader’s unique charm lies in its budget-friendly lenses.

Kase Lenses

Kase brings that same problem-solving approach to the Nikon Z mount, catering specifically to outdoor and landscape photographers who want to keep their kits light. Their standout hardware includes the 200mm f/5.6 Reflex lens, a tiny mirror lens that delivers telephoto reach and signature “donut bokeh” without the weight of traditional glass, and a newer 85mm f/1.4 AF portrait lens featuring their unique magnetic filter mount. For Z-series shooters, Kase is perhaps most famous for their Clip-In Filter system, which snaps directly into the camera body in front of the sensor—a perfect solution for adding ND or light pollution filters to wide-angle Z lenses (like the 14-24mm f/2.8 S) that are notoriously difficult to filter on the front

Kipon “Elegant” Lenses For Nikon Z Mount

Kipon stands out for its diverse range of lens mounts. German designers design some of their lenses and have very high-end build quality. Their lineup caters to enthusiasts and professionals, and they also offer adapters.

Kipon Iberit or Elegant lenses take a more classical approach to lens design, using fewer elements and simple optical formulas. Over the years, they have improved their manufacturing tolerances and glass and coatings for high-quality lenses. At this point, their lenses are probably of higher quality than Voigtlander’s, but they don’t have the contrast and pop of the Zeiss M lenses. So don’t ignore these if you’re a Leica shooter and want a high-quality lens with tamer contrast.

KamLan Lenses

Kamlan’s is another budget-friendly brand focused on manual-focus prime lenses.

There aren’t many of their lenses available for the Z mount, but hopefully we will see more in the future, as I really like their Kamlan 50mm f/1.1 Mark II lens. These lenses are getting harder to find now.

Meike Lenses For Nikon Z Mount

Meike is a third-party lens manufacturer that produces a range of manual-focus and autofocus lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Their lenses are generally budget-friendly and offer a good value for the price. However, like most third-party brands, they are not as well-built or optically sharp as some of the more expensive Nikon or other-brand lenses.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Meike is a good place to start. However, if you’re a serious photographer who needs the best possible image quality, you’ll want to consider lenses from Nikon or other high-end brands.

Mitakon Zhongyi Z Lenses

Mitakon Zhongyi, also known as ZY Optics, is a third-party lens manufacturer offering a range of manual focus prime lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Their lenses are recognized for their exceptionally fast apertures, often pushing boundaries with options like f/0.95 and f/1.0. This caters to low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field effects, but generally at the expense of autofocus and overall build quality compared to native Nikon offerings.

Mitakon’s Z-mount lineup currently features primes ranging from 20mm to 85mm, with the popular Speedmaster series as its flagship. These lenses incorporate high refractive index and ultra-low dispersion elements to combat chromatic aberrations and maintain sharpness, particularly at wider apertures. However, manual focus operation and potential quality control inconsistencies are aspects to consider.

Overall, Mitakon Zhongyi Z lenses provide a niche option for Nikon Z users seeking extreme aperture speeds and unique aesthetic qualities. However, their manual focus nature and potentially less robust build may not suit all photographers, particularly those accustomed to native Nikon lenses or prioritizing autofocus capabilities.

NiSi Lenses For Nikon

Currently, Nisi only offers one native Z-mount lens: the 15mm f/4 Sunstar ASPH. This ultra-wide prime lens is designed for landscape, seascape, architecture, and interior photography and is known for its unique 10-blade aperture, which produces distinct 10-point sun stars throughout the aperture range.

Nisi primarily focuses on filter systems for existing lenses, offering a wide range of 100mm and 150mm filter holders compatible with various Nikon Z-mount lenses. While their native lens selection is currently limited, their filter ecosystem offers extensive creative control for Z-mount photographers.

Nisi also developed Cine lenses, but we’ve yet to see any of them come to the Nikon mount.

Opteka Lenses

Opteka offers a limited range of manual focus lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras, primarily catering to the super-telephoto and budget segments. Their lenses are known for their affordability but generally come with trade-offs regarding build quality, optical performance, and autofocus capabilities compared to native Nikon or other high-end brands.
Opteka Z lenses may suit hobbyists on a tight budget who prioritize extreme focal lengths. However, their manual focus, potentially lower build quality, and limited availability of wider prime lenses make them less appealing to professional or experienced users seeking autofocus functionality and top-tier optical performance.

Pergear Lenses For Nikon

Pergear is a rising name in the third-party lens market, offering a growing selection of manual focus prime lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. Their lenses aim to balance affordability and decent optical performance, appealing to budget-conscious photographers and enthusiasts.

Pergear Z-mount lenses offer a valuable entry point for Nikon Z users seeking affordable manual-focus options across various photographic genres. While they come with limitations inherent to third-party lenses, their budget-friendly pricing and decent performance make them a viable alternative for hobbyists and enthusiasts looking to expand their lens collection without breaking the bank.

Rock Star

Rockstar makes a lens cap for the Z Mount. You might be able to find it on eBay.

They also have a 35mm f1.8 that looks almost exactly like the Yasuhara Anthy 35mm f1.8. The Yansuhara Anthy35 is a very good lens that I’ve reviewed.

I’m not sure Rock Star is a real company, but it could be just someone rebadging OEM lenses.

SIRUI Z Lenses

Sirui, primarily known for tripods and other camera accessories, has entered the Nikon Z-mount lens market with a unique focus: anamorphic lenses. These specialized lenses capture a wider horizontal field of view, creating the distinctive stretched “cinematic” look often seen in movies.

Key characteristics of Sirui Z anamorphic lenses include:

Manual focus: Like most anamorphic lenses, Sirui’s offerings require manual focus operation.

Metal construction: Both lenses boast durable metal construction for a premium feel.

Cine-style markings: Focus and aperture markings are displayed in both T-stops and f-stops for convenient use in video workflows.

Characterful bokeh: The lenses are known for their pleasing oval-shaped bokeh, adding a distinctive touch to your footage.

Sirui Z anamorphic lenses cater to a niche audience of filmmakers and videographers seeking a unique cinematic aesthetic for their projects. While their manual focus operation might not suit all photographers, their affordability and distinctive optical qualities make them a compelling option for creative video creators on a budget.

TTArtisan Nikon Z Lenses

TTArtisan is a Chinese manufacturer offering a rapidly expanding range of manual focus lenses for Nikon Z-mount cameras. They cater to budget-conscious photographers and enthusiasts who prioritize affordability and vintage aesthetics over high-end features and autofocus.

Key characteristics of TTArtisan Z lenses include:

Manual focus: All lenses require manual focus operation, demanding precise control and potentially limiting them for fast-paced action photography.

Metal construction: While not as robust as some professional lenses, many models feature metal construction for a solid feel.

Vintage-inspired aesthetics: Often showcasing rounded shapes, knurled focus rings, and clickless apertures reminiscent of classic manual lenses.

Generally good optical performance: TTArtisan lenses often deliver decent sharpness and image quality, especially considering their budget-friendly pricing.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider:

Quality control inconsistencies: Some users report occasional QC issues, so thorough testing before purchase might be advisable.

Limited autofocus offerings: Currently, TTArtisan only offers autofocus functionality in one lens, the AF 27mm f/2.8 APS-C.

Overall, TTArtisan Z lenses provide a compelling option for Nikon Z users seeking affordable manual-focus lenses with a vintage flair. While they come with limitations inherent to third-party lenses, their budget-friendly pricing, range of focal lengths, and decent image quality make them a viable choice for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and photographers looking to experiment with manual-focus photography.

Thypoch Z Lenses

Thypoch is another Chinese company known for its high-quality precision lenses. They are slightly more popular among the Leica M community for their affordable wide-aperture lenses, but they have now released a few Z-Mount lenses. They also have several Cine lenses in the E-mount that you could adapt to the Nikon Z mount.

Use code ALIKGRIFFIN for an extra 5% off when ordering from their website: Thypoch

Venus Optics Nikon Z Lenses

The Venus Optic Laowa brand offers a wide range of lenses, with a focus on ultrawide, distortion-free options. They also have standard and telephoto lenses with macro capabilities, as well as some zoom lenses. They also have a unique line of Cine and Anamorphic Cine lenses.

Some of the lenses have different aperture options. The lower apertures create better sun stars, and the higher apertures produce smoother bokeh when stopped down.

Some of the Cine lenses let you choose the units for the markings and the colors for the flares.

Laowa lenses tend to have a more clinical, high-contrast look. This list includes APS-C and Super 35 mm lenses. To see more details, including the 35mm equivalent for APS-C cameras, click the + sign next to the lens name.

Viltrox Z Mount lenses

Viltrox Official Website: Viltrox.com. You can check the official Viltrox website for new products and current deals, and use code ALIKGRIFFIN for 5% off.

Viltrox, a well-established manufacturer of third-party lenses, offers a growing and diverse lineup. They aim to balance affordability and optical performance, appealing to budget-conscious photographers and enthusiasts.

Key characteristics of Viltrox Z lenses include:

Autofocus and manual focus options: Some lenses offer autofocus, while others are manual-only, catering to different user preferences and budgets.

Metal construction: Many models feature durable metal construction for a quality feel.

Some potential drawbacks to consider:

Build quality might not match that of native Nikon lenses: While generally good, it might be a step below that of high-end native options.

Autofocus performance might not be as fast or consistent as native Nikon lenses: Autofocus speed and accuracy may vary depending on the specific lens and camera body combination.

Overall, Viltrox Z lenses offer a budget-friendly alternative to Nikon’s native options, delivering decent performance and features for the price. They’re a viable choice for hobbyists, enthusiasts, and photographers seeking value without compromising quality.

I’ve reviewed the Viltrox 35mm AF lenses for the Nikon system, and they were overall good value for the price and offered a different rendering than the Nikon 35mm f1.8 S lens. While I consider many of the Nikon S lenses to have a slightly dreamier vibe, the Viltrox 35mm f1.8 was a bit crunchier and more classic.

Yongnuo Lenses For Nikon

Yongnuo Z lenses offer a budget-friendly entry point. While they come with limitations inherent to third-party lenses, their affordability and decent performance make them a viable option for hobbyists.

Nikon Z-Mount Adapters

So far, we only have the official Nikon F-to-Z mount adapter. It will autofocus AF/AE with E, G, and D Lenses.

D lenses will not have autofocus.

Third-Party to Nikon Adapters

When purchasing adapters, I’ve found Kipon to be the best in terms of quality, though they are slightly more expensive, except perhaps for Novoflex. It’s essential to get a higher-quality adapter when buying one for Leica M or M42 lenses, since those lenses are a bit more challenging to get on and off and can sometimes get stuck.

For Leica M lenses, you can get Helicoid adapters. Leica M lenses have a pretty far minimum focus distance. Having the Helicoid allows you to adjust the adapter length for closer focus.

I have the Techart Sony FE to Z adapter for AF adapters. It’s excellent for adapting AF lenses, and the autofocus works, but it’s neither very fast nor very reliable. It appears to use mostly contrast detection, so there is a lot of pulsing as it tries to fine-tune focus. If you set it to AF-S and use a center point, it’s fine. It’s like shooting with an old DSLR.

Note: The Techart FE-to-Z adapter does not fit the Nikon Z50 APS-C camera. There isn’t enough space for part of the adapter to recess into the camera, since the Z50 is slightly shallower near the mount.

Kipon Lens Adapters For Z-Mount

Kipon has finally secured a monopoly on camera adapters, producing adapters for nearly every lens available. Recently, they started making Helicoid adapters and Tilt adapters. They are also known for their Baveyes focal reducers, which feature full electronic controls and autofocus capabilities.

Nikon Z Mount Lenses Conclusions

Building the most complete guide to Nikon Z-mount lenses is a collaborative effort! I’m continuously expanding this list with in-depth reviews; your input is invaluable. If you discover a lens I haven’t covered or spot any mistakes, please share your knowledge and help me keep this resource up to date.