In today’s article we’ll be discussing some of the absolute best mirrorless lenses currently available on the market. It’s really quite astonishing to see just how far lens and camera technology has come and it seems that every major lens manufacturer offers exceptional, top-of-the-line glass these days.

It’s crystal clear that mirrorless is the future and because of this, companies have significantly broadened their offerings when it comes to mirrorless lenses. And these lenses are taking the lead when it comes to design, build quality, performance, and especially optics. This new generation of mirrorless lenses is impressive to say the least.

In previous articles, we discussed the absolute best mirrorless lenses currently available from Canon and Sony. In today’s article, we’re going to do the exact same thing but this time we’re looking at the third brand included in the big three, and a true juggernaut in the industry: Nikon.

Of course, this list is subjective, and all these lenses are just our personal selections here at Backcountry Journeys. Other photographers and industry experts might have varying opinions, and those opinions are just as valid. I’ve also divided this list into different sections based on focal lengths with each section containing a zoom and prime selection. With that being said, let’s get right into it and take a closer look at the absolute best high-performance mirrorless lenses currently available from Nikon.

Best Wide-Angle Lenses

We’ll start out with the “big picture” quite literally and dive into the best wide-angle lenses that Nikon is producing for their Z-series cameras. Whether you’re capturing stunning landscape images or shooting wide-open photos of the night sky, Nikon has a great selection of high-quality lenses to choose from. Here are our favorites.

Wide-Angle Zoom: NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S

Specs:

• Price: $2,500 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• Stepping Motor AF System

• Programmable Control Ring

• Information OLED Panel and L.Fn Button

This is an absolutely amazing ultra-wide lens from Nikon. With a constant and bright maximum aperture of f/2.8 and incredibly advanced and razor-sharp optics, you’ll be able to capture stunning wide-angle shots with the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S lens. Whether you’re shooting in extreme low-light situations, want to use this lens handheld, or want to take advantage of a very shallow depth of field, this lens will get the job done. With a superb optical design featuring four ED elements and three aspherical elements, you’ll be able to capture crystal-clear images without any distortions or chromatic aberrations. This thing also features top-of-the-line autofocus capabilities with a smooth, fast, accurate, and silent stepping motor and the combination of the OLED information panel as well as the L.Fn button allows you to change and check exposure settings directly in the lens. Overall, this thing is a beast!

Another honorable mention in this category is the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S Lens. This lens covers a slightly larger range in focal length and is still part of the S-line but due to the maximum aperture of f/4, it falls just short of the 14-24mm f/2.8 in my opinion.

Wide-Angle Prime: NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S

Specs:

• Price: $1,050 USD

• Full-Frame | f/1.8 to f/16

• Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System

• Programmable Control Ring

• Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm

When it comes to impressive wide-angle prime lenses currently offered by Nikon, this one has to take the cake. As a member of the impressive S-line of lenses, this prime 20mm f/1.8 is quite impressive. With a compact and sleek design, an ultra-wide field of view, a very fast and bright maximum aperture of f/1.8, and a great combination of ED and aspherical elements this lens will capture incredible photos keeping everything in frame sharp and clear.

Best Standard Lenses

Now, let’s zoom in a bit and take a look at the best standard lenses currently available for the Nikon Z-series. Whether you’re looking for a versatile lens to shoot a wide range of subjects in many different circumstances or perhaps a more focused prime lens for portraits or any other specific style, there’s no shortage of great standard lenses from Nikon. These are our favorites!

Standard Zoom: NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S 

Specs:

• Price: $2,400 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 tof/22

• Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System

• Programmable Control Ring

• Information OLED Panel and L.Fn Button

This is a great standard zoom lens that Nikon mirrorless users far and wide absolutely love! With a versatile range in focal length and a constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 you’ll be able to isolate a wide range of subjects from their backgrounds and shooting handheld or in low-light situations is a breeze. This lens features an advanced optical design that houses a pair of extra-low dispersion elements as well as four aspherical elements which greatly reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations as well as improve clarity and sharpness throughout the focal range of the lens. On top of that, there are ARNEO, Nano Crystal, and integrated coatings that will reduce flares and ghosting. And with a great AF system, an OLED information panel, and an assignable L.Fn button you’ll be able to quickly focus on subjects and change your exposure settings with ease. This is an exceptional standard zoom lens and, if you have the budget, will be a great addition to your arsenal.

Two other impressive standard zoom lenses in the Nikon Z-series that are worth mentioning are the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens which has an increased range in focal length and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens. Both of these standard zooms are incredible by themselves and truly hold their own but due to the slight decrease in maximum aperture of f/4 they fall just shy of the 24-70mm f/2.8.

Standard Prime: NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 Noct Lens

Specs:

• Price: $8,000 USD

• Full-Frame | f/0.95 to f/16

• Manual Focus Design

• Programmable Control Ring

• Information OLED Panel and L.Fn Button

• 11-Blade Diaphragm

This Lens is truly one of a kind and stands out from all the rest without a doubt. Of course, the first thing you’ll notice is the incredibly fast and bright maximum aperture of f/0.95 which give you superb control over depth of field allowing you to shoot insanely shallow and providing exceptional low-light performance. This lens features a manual focus design allowing for fine-tuned control when shooting both video and capturing stills. With an incredibly advanced and crystal clear optical design featuring a large-diameter ground aspherical element as well as ARNEO, Nano Crystal, and fluorine coatings you’ll be able to capture everything in stunning sharpness with a maximum reduction of aberrations, distortions, flares, and ghosting. On top of that, this lens has an assignable L.Fn button and OLED panel making it easy to change and check your setting directly on the lens. Bottom line the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 is an absolute machine and will excel whether you’re shooting portraits or astrophotography.

Of course, this lens is truly in a class of its own, but Nikon produces several other very impressive standard prime lenses as well. Their NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S Lens is also an exceptional piece of glass that will likely exceed the needs of most photographers. And if you still want great optics but don’t want to break the bank then Nikon offers a 24mm S Lens, a 35mm S Lens, and a 50mm S Lens all with maximum apertures of f/1.8 which is still plenty fast. Nikon really has some great standard prime lenses available for mirrorless users. 

Best Telephoto Lenses

Sometimes a standard or wide-angle isn’t quite enough and you need a bit more zoom to get the image you’re after. Enter the telephoto lens. When it comes to mirrorless telephoto lenses there are some really great options from Nikon. Here are our favorites.

Telephoto Zoom: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Lens

Specs:

• Price: $2,700 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• Multi-Focus Stepping Motor AF System

• Programmable Control Ring

• Information OLED Panel and L.Fn Button

I’ll start out by saying that this was a tough decision to make, as Nikon makes another very impressive telephoto zoom lens that I’ll touch on later. Regardless, this is an exceptional lens from Nikon that is incredibly versatile and is very popular with wildlife, sports, event, and portrait photographers. If you want to focus on and isolate subjects but don’t need a massive lens with super high focal lengths then this might be just what you’re looking for. With a fast and bright constant aperture of f/2.8 throughout all focal lengths this lens will work great handheld, in low light conditions, and will allow you to beautifully isolate subjects from their environments. This lens features a series of ED, fluorite, and SR elements that will greatly help reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations. The lens also includes ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coats and a Super Integrated Coating that will reduce flares and ghosting. In addition, the multi-focus system that utilizes two stepping motors works great and allows you to quickly and accurately focus on subjects. Over all this is yet another exceptional lens from Nikon.

Let’s discuss the extremely close runner-up as well. When deciding on the “best” telephoto zoom lens I kept going back and forth between the 70-200mm f/2.8 and the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S Lens. The 100-400mm is arguably just as impressive and many photographers absolutely love this lens, especially considering the wider range in focal length. Yes, the maximum aperture range is a bit lower at f/4.5-5.6 but for the respective focal lengths, this is still great. The only reason I chose the 70-200mm as the winner is that those focal lengths are arguably more universal and when used with a 1.4x or 2x teleconverter you essentially have a lens that is very comparable with the 100-40mm. This lens has also received a higher number of really positive reviews and ratings based on my research.

Telephoto Prime: NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S 

Specs:

• Price: $14,000 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/22

• Built-in 1.4x Teleconverter

• Silky Swift VCM Autofocus System

• Customizable Fn and Memory Set Buttons

• Vibration Reduction Images Stabilization

When it comes to telephoto prime lenses Nikon has some of the best in the game and this 400mm f/2.8 with a built-in 1.4x teleconverter just might be the cream of the crop. This is a powerful and versatile prime lens that’s ideal for wildlife and sports photography. Of course, the built-in teleconverter gives you incredible flexibility allowing the lens to instantly transform into a 560mm f/4 providing even more reach. On top of that, this lens features S-line optics including two ED elements and one super ED element as well as two lightweight fluorite elements and an SR refractive element that all work together to greatly reduce chromatic aberrations, color fringing, and comatic aberrations. And with a magnet-driven lightning-fast, responsive, and smooth autofocus system you won’t miss a beat. Overall this is an incredibly powerful telephoto lens from Nikon.

Two other noteworthy lenses in this category are the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens and the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S Lens. Perhaps the 85mm barely qualifies as a telephoto but both of these lenses are impressive in their own right and house S-line optics. And, of course, there is the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena Lens which really falls into a class of its own. If you’re looking for a telephoto prime to capture stunning portraits with some of the best bokeh out there, definitely take a look at this lens.

Best Super-Telephoto Lenses

If you want the absolute maximum zoom then you’ll need to go above and beyond a telephoto lens into the realm of super-telephoto. Luckily if you’re a Nikon user, you have some very high-quality options here as well. Let’s take a look at our favorites.

Super-Telephoto Zoom: NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR 

Specs:

• Price: $1,900 USD (200 more than original)

• Full-Frame | f/5.6-6.3 to f/32-36

• STM Autofocus Stepping Motor

• Customizable Function Buttons

• 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization

Perhaps it isn’t an S-line lens but nonetheless, this super-telephoto zoom will get the job done, maintains high-quality optics, and will perform quite well no matter what you throw at it. This is the first super-telephoto zoom lens released for Nikon mirrorless cameras and it’s been a huge success since it was first released earlier this year. In fact its been so successful and popular that Nikon has actually increased the price by $200. Nikon users had long anticipated a mirrorless lens of this classification, and it made quite a splash when it was released. To learn more about the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR be sure to check out this article. Bottom line this is an unprecedented and impressive lens from Nikon at a very approachable price (even with the recent increase). With great autofocus, image stabilization, and high-quality optics you won’t be disappointed with this wildly popular super-telephoto zoom lens from Nikon.

Super-Telephoto Prime: NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S

Specs:

• Price: $15,500 USD ($500 less than before)

• Full-Frame | f/4 to f/22

• Built-In 1.4x Teleconverter

• Silky Swift VCM Autofocus System

• Customizable Fn and Memory Set Buttons

• 5.5-Stop VR Image Stabilization

This thing is an absolute beast and for good reason it is the most expensive lens in the Nikon Mirrorless lineup. With all the high-performance tech in this lens, it might as well be a spaceship, and the price reflects that. If you want a versatile super-telephoto prime lens for shooting wildlife and sports and aren’t constrained by a budget, then this is the lens for you! With the built-in 1.4x teleconverter you can instantly switch from a 600mm f/4 to an 840mm f/5.6 and all of this is contained in a relatively compact and lightweight package making it easier to shoot handheld when necessary. With great 5.5-stop image stabilization, customizable buttons, a superb autofocus, and incredible optics this lens can do it all. To learn more about the NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S be sure to check out this article! Additionally, this lens is now $500 cheaper than it was upon release.

Perhaps it’s hard to beat or even compare to a lens such as this but another honorable mention in this category is the NIKKOR 800mm f/6.3 VR S Lens which is an exceptional lens by itself and with a focal length of 800mm you can easily get up close and personal with distant subjects.

Best Macro Lens: NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro

Specs:

• Price: $1,050 USD

• Full-Frame | f/2.8 to f/32

• 11.4” Minimum Focus

• 1:1 Magnification

• Dual-Motor Multi-Focus STM AF System

• VR Image Stabilization

• OLED Lens Information Panel

Nikon also has a great macro lens to offer for mirrorless users. With the MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens, you’ll be able to capture stunning detail of absolutely tiny subjects in a small and hidden world. Of course, you can shoot portraits or any other style of photography with this lens but it’s mainly designed to be used for macro photography. With a 1 to 1 magnification ratio and a minimum focusing distance of 11.4 inches, you’ll be able to capture the smallest objects and blow them up to larger-than-life-sized images. And with great autofocus, VR image stabilization, and exceptional optical design you’ll be able to capture images that are razor-sharp from edge to edge. If you’re a Nikon shooter and you want to take your macro game to the next level then this is the lens for you.

Conclusion

And there we have it. There are plenty of amazing lenses currently available for those using the Nikon mirrorless system but in our humble opinion, these stand out as the best of the best. Whether you’re shooting wide-open landscapes or need something that will magnify distant wildlife subjects, Nikon has a great lineup of superb glass that covers all the bases. If you’re in the market for a top-of-the-line mirrorless lens I sincerely hope this article has been helpful and informative and be sure to check out our articles cover the best mirrorless lenses from Canon and Sony!

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com