Nikon Z 17-28mm F/2.8

Yes, Nikon has done it again. That is, they have continued to serve up well-priced lenses with exemplary performance. This has been true of even the least expensive of the Z series lenses, where the construction may have been plastic but that has not stopped the performance from being fantastic. This 17-28mm lens may not be in the S line of superior optics, but it manages to be a superior optic anyway.

The range of 17-28mm is a very practical one, offering a great travel lens that covers a wide range of possible subjects. If travelling, coupled with the excellent high ISO capability of the Nikon Z bodies, the f/2.8 aperture will enable use far into the night. As we become more and more used to widescreen, wide images, then it is quite possible that 17-28mm might even suit some photographers as a standard zoom.

To summarise, the Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a fantastic, versatile lens at a very reasonable price, and it well deserves the accolade of Editor's Choice.

Nikon Z 24-70mm F/4 S

For general shooting and maximum versatility, a zoom lens will win every time against a prime. Looking for ultimate quality is something else, but with zooms as good as the Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S even the very best primes are given a run for their money. The major casualty of a zoom is of course the reduced maximum aperture, and f/2.8 versions do tend to be very heavy and bulky. The f/4 zoom has a lot going for it, and with high ISO values offering such low noise in the latest cameras, we need have no fears even in the dullest of light.

The real advantage of the zoom lens is the close focus, and many lenses are now approaching macro distances. At 0.3x magnification, this lens tackles a whole range of close-up subjects with ease. The biggest competitor is probably the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4S, which extends the range but ups the price, whilst offering more of the same Nikkor Z quality.

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4S zoom lens is definitely 'Highly Recommended'.

Nikon Nikkor Z 28-75mm F/2.8

Nikon delivers the goods with the Nikkor Z 28-75mm f/2.8 which is an overall terrific lens that ticks all of the right boxes. To name but a few pros, you get an excellent price, outstanding sharpness, lovely bokeh, close focusing, weather resistance and a very useful set of focal lengths. Handling is a doddle as there is little to do when using, say, Aperture Priority where you set the aperture and let the camera focus and set the shutter speed. The VR is dealt with by the camera body, so is independent of the lens itself, which does lead to simpler lens construction and no doubt helps slightly with costs. In summary, a superb standard zoom for the Z series cameras.

Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6 S

This is a pricey lens, but a brilliant one that delivers the goods and operates utterly slickly in every respect offering superb performance. The range is also really useful, reaching the magic 400mm in a compact optic that offers weather sealing and very close focusing. Overall, this lens is just about the perfect balance between range and usability and can cover a huge repertoire of subject matter. 

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-120mm F/4 S

This is an amazingly sharp lens, with lots of other fine qualities as well. It is the first lens to exceed our usual graph limits in terms of sharpness, an achievement in itself. With low flare and virtually no CA or distortion, the technical results are amongst the best. In terms of handling, it is pretty much faultless.

In summary, a very fine lens indeed and one that must be at the top of the list for a general-purpose travel companion.

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR is a complex lens in terms of construction and also in terms of performance. However, there's no doubt that as a general-purpose travel zoom it could be just so useful that any disadvantages become far outweighed. It is compact, light, well-made, weather-resistant and an excellent performer. The very restricted maximum apertures available may be compensated for by the excellent VR performance, although that is only fine for stationary subject matter. Wildlife, for example, will still need higher shutter speeds, so high ISOs might have to be employed.

Overall, thanks to the price, if we have the need for a travel zoom of maximum versatility then for Nikon Z users we may well have a "no-brainer" here.

Nikon Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

The Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens does not disappoint, expanding Nikon's line-up for splendid lenses that show Nikon are right at the top of its game. The lens offers amazing performance, with outstanding sharpness, and lovely handling. The cost may put some off but if you need the performance and can afford the price the choices are clear. Overall, it's a versatile ultra-wide zoom with outstanding performance and handling.

Nikon Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

The quality is there, so much quality, and basically, this is a truly outstanding zoom lens. The focal length range is highly desirable, giving so much scope and versatility in subject matter from portraits to landscapes to sport and much more. Sometimes lenses with such high sharpness can be a bit ragged in terms of bokeh, but here even the bokeh is as smooth as butter. The cost may be high, but falls within expectation and what we get in return for our cash is a lens that is outstanding in every respect.

Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S

The Nikon Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S is another gem, without doubt, a superb performer that handles really well. There are some interesting design features, such as the compulsory in-camera distortion correction, but there is no denying the usefulness of the end result. The 14mm wide-angle is an added bonus, bringing just a slightly wider view as well as a reasonable near-standard 30mm. All in a totally rectilinear lens. Another very impressive optic for the Nikon Z system.

Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Pro

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens will definitely not disappoint The quality of the images is gorgeous and the technical measurements bear this out as well. OK, the price is high but on the other hand what price quality? For each of us, this point will be different, but the cost is not totally out of the ballpark and the qualities of the lens are very, very tempting.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S gives an outstanding performance and is still one of the best standard zoom lenses available.

Nikon Z 600mm F/4 TC

It is a sobering thought that the cost of a lens could be more than the value of the car it is being carried in, and that is the way it was. But despite that cost, which will price many of us out of ownership, for those who need it and who earn a living from its use, then the two lenses in one that the teleconverter provides will be an amazing advantage. Then, years down the line, the price will have been long forgotten.

Getting past cost though, the lens is without any doubt absolutely superb and its performance is exemplary. Despite being bulky and heavy, even that burden is quite a bit less than it could be, especially considering the relatively fast and bright f/4 aperture.

As with so many very expensive lenses, we know the quality is there and if we need it/want it and can afford it, then the value for money is already there.

Nikon Nikkor Z 26mm F/2.8

There's no doubt it is a great lens, performing superbly well in most respects. Sharp, distortion-free and without colour fringing, the only drawback would seem to be flare in extreme lighting, some vignetting and perhaps a price that is a tad higher than we might wish. Is the extra 2mm of wide-angle worth the extra cost compared to the excellent Nikkor Z 28mm f/2.8? Given that 2mm extra wide-angle coverage is way more significant than for a telephoto lens, then it might make the difference if that is the photographer's forte, and a lens does last a very long time, so maybe it could be worth the higher price. This sort of equation is very different for different users, with all their different requirements.

Weighing up all these factors, if this fits your photographic style and requirements, then the lens well deserves the accolade of Highly Recommended.  

Nikon Z 35mm F/1.8S

The Nikon Z 35mm F/1.8S is a  straightforward prime lens, the focal length being the favoured “wide standard lens” of generations of photojournalists and street photographers and indeed anyone who prefers a slightly wider view of the world than the 50mm offers. Indeed, at one time the 35mm was considered a wide angle lens, when amateur photographers used 35mm, 50mm and 135mm lenses as a complete set, but now considered only marginally wide angle as we become increasingly used to the look of the ultra-wide. Widescreen TV may have a lot to do with this change of perception. 

Overall, this is an outstanding 35mm lens for full-frame Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.

Nikon Z 50mm F/1.8S

From the moment this lens is picked up and the camera lifted to the eye, it is apparent that we are seeing the world with a special degree of clarity and precision. My first reaction was that this is a good lens, and this is confirmed by the technical results as well as the location shots that this is in fact a great lens. It does tend to make us more critical of our results, and this leads to more care being taken because when the image is absolutely right the result is truly superb. High standards encourage high standards.

Using a prime lens again is not that limiting, although yes, for general shooting where the unexpected can occur at any time, then quality zooms may have the edge in convenience. They make sure we can get the shot, whatever it might be, and they still produce excellent images. For more specific requirements, perhaps such as street photography or architecture then the prime is no disadvantage and may be an advantage for street as we do not hesitate to readjust a zoom to recompose. Capturing the moment without that slight delay could be the critical difference.

It is no surprise that this is an 'Editor's Choice'.

Nikkor Z 400mm F/4.5 VR S

There are always trade-offs between the various factors when choosing lenses. In this case, the decision might rest between the Nikkor Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S and the new Nikkor Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, relating cost, weight, versatility and of course lens speed. Taking the price out of the equation, the extra speed and lower weight of the new lens are powerful arguments in its favour. In use, the new lens proves to be a really well-designed and slick bit of kit and it delivers great results.

Nikon Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S

Whether shooting long-range sports, birds or animals then the extra reach of an 800mm lens can make all the difference. It is still important to be in the right place, as on its own no lens can be long enough, but being able to fill the frame with small birds from a reasonable distance is amazing. It comes at a cost of course, but those who are dedicated to long-range shooting will find here a great lens at a very reasonable price, relative to the hugely more expensive larger aperture options. The Synchro VR is incredibly efficient and this makes handheld shooting a viable option as well.

Overall, another fine Z series offering from Nikon. 

Nikon Nikkor Z 28mm F/2.8

This lens has yet again proved that it is possible to produce really high-quality results at a very affordable price. It is interesting to see what variation there is compared with the SE version, and indeed there is some, for example, sharpness is slightly better at the centre and just short of identical at the edges. CA is very low, vignetting somewhat higher and distortion about the same. Clearly, the mount does affect the results, but only very slightly. In terms of the sharpness perhaps this is batch variation, but it's not much and the difference is between excellent and excellent; there would be absolutely no visible advantage or otherwise in an image. This 28mm lens can hold its head high and is again a no-brainer for those thinking of adding it to their kit bag. 

Nikon Nikkor Z 40mm F/2

There is no doubt that the lens delivers an excellent to outstanding performance, and at a very keen price. Add to that the small, light form factor and we have perhaps an ideal travelling companion. The 40mm focal length is versatile on both FX and DX formats, albeit with a slightly different emphasis on composition in both cases.

The only slight faltering of performance is when we attempt to shoot flat subjects at close to the minimum focusing distance, and then we need to stop down to bring the edges and corners in crisply. This may well be due to field curvature and it does look much better on 3D subjects.

Overall though, a superb lens that continues to make the Nikon Z system look really impressive.

Nikon Nikkor Z 28mm F/2.8 SE

Whether the lens appeals because of its superb performance, its price or its retro styling and nostalgic appeal, it is a winner all around. There is really no qualification to that, and it would be an asset to any Nikon user.

28mm lenses are also quite thin on the ground, but as a wide standard lens, it fits very nicely with the equally retro Nikon Z fc or other crop sensor Z series bodies. Aesthetically, the Z fc shouts out as a logical companion.

As a wide-angle lens on the full-frame Z series cameras, the lens is equally at home and the performance is still at the highest level.

All around, it's hard to think how the lens could be better at any price level.

Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S

20mm is a true ultra-wide and capable of being a very rewarding creative tool. Coupled with the dramatically excellent performance, the Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S is without a doubt an 'Editor's Choice'.

The only bugbear is the price, but then again there is a cost attached to quality, and value for money is not just about price. In terms of what we get for our cash and how we can make the lens work for us, this is yet another absolutely superb offering.

In terms of pure performance, the Nikon Z lenses are right at the top of the tree, and time and again they have released superb optics. They also handle extremely well.

Nikon Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S

The Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S has plenty of performance and plenty of character to justify its price. The lens isn't quite as fast as the f/0.95 Noct but at a fraction of the price, you get a lens that's very similar in performance with just the widest apertures having the edge with the more expensive lens. However, all we are comparing are degrees of outstanding, so it is doubtful that the difference will be seen in images. If you don't need the f/0.95 aperture then a fair bit of cash can be saved by going for the f/1.2 version of the lens.

Of course, all 50mm lenses tend to be pretty good, so differences will be in terms of construction quality, longevity, and the absolute performance at the top grade of lens making. Photographers do buy the highest quality lenses at sometimes very high prices indeed, but they also have a need for the specific subtlety that they extract for their particular style; the character of the lens.

Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

What a dilemma. Discounting the price, this is an amazing lens that reaches the very highest level of quality. However, there are many lenses not that far behind, almost as fast, even at f/1.4 where the choice widens considerably. These are a fraction of the price of the Nikkor Z.

The advantages are clear, exemplary performance, high-quality construction, sublime handling of light sources and beautiful bokeh. These all add up to a very desirable product, sensibly specified and offering unique qualities. There will be photographers who snap this up and there will be photographers, like me perhaps, who stand wistfully watching but unable to afford the huge price tag.

Price aside, it's a remarkable lens offering impeccable performance. 

Nikon Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8S

Gorgeous results from a lens that is gorgeous to handle. Nikon really has cracked it with these Z series lenses. The quality is there and the price is still in the realm of being realistic. The handling is sublime. This is an outstanding 24mm lens for the Nikon Z system, ticking all of the boxes you need it to such as excellent sharpness, great handling, virtually zero CA and top-quality manufacturing. 

Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S

What a cracker of a lens the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.8 S has turned out to be. With outstanding performance, outstanding handling and its diminutive size and weight there is a lot to like, in fact, a lot to find that is highly desirable. It might be an inspired decision by Nikon to keep their lens to be smaller, lighter but to ensure the highest level of quality.

The Nikon Z 85m f/1.8 S is an outstanding 85mm lens in every respect.

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro

The Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 gives a superb performance, excellent handling and a light, compact form factor all sum up this excellent macro lens. There are no bad macro lenses, but this one pushes the envelope out a little further and excels.

It also has advantages over the usual 100mm lenses in that we do not have unreasonably long working distances for tabletop photography, and indeed for the copying of documents. In addition, the lens makes an excellent standard lens for full-frame cameras. On APS-C format it would make an excellent short telephoto for portraiture, having a "35mm equivalent" field of view of approximately 75mm.

In summary, the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is a very welcome addition to the Nikon Z series repertoire.

Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro

The 105mm focal length is versatile and covers a multitude of subjects and is well established as a firm favourite in macro lenses. It's a well-balanced lens offering outstanding performance, as well as smooth and effective handling. 

Overall, the Nikon Nikkor Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S is a truly outstanding, realistically priced macro lens for Z series cameras.

Nikon Nikkor Z DX 18-140mm F/3.5-6.3 VR

There is a lot to like about this high-performance, reasonably priced universally useful zoom lens. It has the technical performance, it has the handling and it has the VR and weather resistance. Most similar lenses only reach 135mm at the long end, so the extension to 140mm is also useful. It is also capable of focusing closer than many lenses and makes an ideal lens for small objects and details.

The 18-140mm is such a universally useful optic it just might stay on the camera most of the time. From night shoots in dimly lit woodland to portraits to events in wind and rain, it covers the lot and is another sparkling Nikon Z series lens that is just so good to use.

Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F/3.5-6.3 VR

We have here a compact, low-price, high-performance lens that really sets the bar very high for "plastic fantastic" standard zooms. It even gives many prime lenses a run for their money. Looking for a general-purpose lens for the Nikon Z DX-format cameras, this is the one that combines very high-performance levels with a very modest price tag. It is true that this is achieved partly by restricting the maximum aperture, it is not a fast, bright lens, but with the Z DX-format cameras delivering very high ISO values combined with low noise this may well be a reasonable trade-off.