Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses to Buy in 2026
If you're new to Nikon mirrorless, the sheer number of Z-mount lenses can feel overwhelming. The best starting point for most beginners is a versatile standard zoom like the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S — it covers portraits, landscapes, and everyday shooting in one compact package. For those who want a single lightweight prime to learn the fundamentals of composition and light, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is an outstanding choice. If you're weighing up whether a prime is right for you, our guide on what a prime lens is and which to buy covers everything you need to know. Both lenses are forgiving to use, optically excellent, and pair well with entry-level Nikon Z bodies. As your skills grow, you can expand into wide angle or telephoto options covered in the sections below.
Mirrorless cameras are becoming every photographer's choice — they're fast, have precise autofocus technology and great video features, all with the extra benefit of real-time image preview in the viewfinder and interchangeable lenses. This allows photographers to swap one lens for another depending on what they want to achieve.
As the mirrorless camera trend grows, more options for mirrorless cameras and lenses are becoming available. The Nikon Z-mount range continues to expand to cover everything photographers and videographers are looking for, no matter their style.
If you're not sure which lens is the best match for you, we're here to help. Explore our guide to the best Nikon mirrorless lenses and find the right optic for every photography style.
Table of contents
- Wide angle lenses
- Macro lenses
- Telephoto lenses
- Prime lenses
- Standard zoom lenses
Wide angle lenses
Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible
- Versatile wide zoom range
- f/2.8 constant maximum aperture
- Compact and lightweight build
- Customisable control ring and OLED panel
Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8
- Perfect for landscapes, street scenes, and POV vlogs
- Versatile wide-angle zoom range
- f/2.8 constant maximum aperture — frame wide and expansive views in all lighting conditions
- STM AF system — fast and quiet
- Compact and lightweight build — great for travel
Macro lenses
Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible
- VR stabilisation — handheld macro images are possible
- f/2.8 maximum aperture — creates pleasing background blur
- 1:1 magnification
- Advanced lens coatings
- Long focal length — gets you up close with your subjects For tips on making the most of a macro lens, read our beginner's guide to macro photography.
Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible — first compact prime lens for the Nikon Z-mount system
- 50mm focal length — ideal for portraiture and general purpose shooting
- 16cm closest focus — good for close-up shots
- f/2.8 maximum aperture — sharp, detailed images with good bokeh
- Weather-sealing
- STM focusing system
- Compact and lightweight build
Telephoto lenses
Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible
- High portability for a telephoto zoom lens
- VR stabilisation — blur-free handheld images
- Parfocal support
- Premium optical design
- Customisable control ring
Nikon Z 100-400mm VR S
- Perfect for sports and wildlife photographers If you're exploring telephoto options beyond the Nikon Z system, our roundup of the best telephoto lenses across every camera system is a great place to compare.
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible
- VR stabilisation — sharp, blur-free handheld shots at various magnifications
- Nano Crystal, Fluorine and Arneo coatings
- Focus limiter switch
- Premium optical design — ED and Super ED elements
- Programmable control ring
Prime lenses
Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
- Incredibly compact and lightweight
- Bright f/1.8 aperture — shoot in low light and enjoy very shallow depth of field
- Aspherical lens element — sharp and detailed images
- Silent Wave Motor — fast, quiet operation
- Classic "normal" field of view
Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
- For the Nikon Z-mount
- f/1.8 maximum aperture — perfect for dimly-lit situations and background blur
- Speedy stepping AF motor — fast, silent and incredibly accurate
- Rugged, weather-sealed design
- Nanocrystal and super integrated coatings — reduced flare, ghosting and internal reflections
- Programmable control ring — adjust manual focus, aperture, or exposure compensation
Standard zoom lenses
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S
- Nikon Z mirrorless compatible
- Premium optical quality
- Rugged build quality
- f/4 constant aperture — consistent depth of field control throughout the zoom range
- VR stabilisation
Nikon Z DX 18-140mm VR
- Nikon DX-format Z mirrorless compatible
- Versatile focal range
- VR stabilisation — use the full zoom range with confidence
- STM AF motor — fast and quiet
- Customisable control ring
Find the right Nikon mirrorless lens at Ted's
Whether you're just starting out with mirrorless photography or looking to expand your kit, choosing the right lens will take your photography to the next level. Browse our full range of Nikon lenses and cameras online Not sure which Nikon Z body to pair your new lens with? Our Nikon Z Mirrorless Camera Roundup compares every current model to help you choose., or visit your local Ted's store for expert advice.
Best Nikon Z Lenses for Video
Nikon Z lenses are well suited to videographers, thanks to quiet STM and stepping AF motors that won't bleed into your audio. For video, look for lenses with fast, silent autofocus and smooth focus breathing control. The Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is a standout for vlogging and wide cinematic shots, while the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S handles versatile run-and-gun coverage. If you're shooting subjects at a distance — wildlife documentaries or sports — the Nikon Z 100-400mm VR S delivers sharp, stabilised footage. For close-up product or food video, the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S offers precise 1:1 magnification with optical stabilisation to keep handheld shots smooth.