The best lenses for the Nikon Z5
The Nikon Z5 uses the Nikon Z mount, so every Nikon Z lens fits. Below are the 23 Nikon Z lenses in our index that cover its full-frame sensor natively — sorted by focal length, with max aperture and what each is best for. Specs are the manufacturers' own; we don't invent ratings.
Quick picks for the Nikon Z5
- Fastest prime: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S (f/1.2) — the brightest option for low light and background blur.
- The f/2.8 workhorse zooms: Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S · Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 · Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S.
- Most reach: Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR — for sports, wildlife and distant subjects.
The Nikon Z5 has a full-frame sensor, so the lenses below cover the full frame. 5 APS-C-only Nikon Z lenses also physically mount, but only in crop mode (you lose resolution) — so they're not in this list.
Every Nikon Z lens that fits the Nikon Z5
| Focal | Lens | Max aperture | Type | Coverage | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14-30mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S | f/4 | zoom | Full-frame | Wide-angleLandscapeTravel | Amazon → |
| 14-24mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S | f/2.8 | zoom | Full-frame | Wide-angleAstrophotographyLandscape | Amazon → |
| 17-28mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 | f/2.8 | zoom | Full-frame | Wide-angleTravelVlogging | Amazon → |
| 20mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | Wide-angleAstrophotographyLandscape | Amazon → |
| 24-70mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S | f/2.8 | zoom | Full-frame | Pro standard zoomEverydayWedding & event | Amazon → |
| 24-120mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S | f/4 | zoom | Full-frame | EverydayTravel | Amazon → |
| 24mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | Wide-angleAstrophotographyStreetLow-light | Amazon → |
| 24-70mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S | f/4 | zoom | Full-frame | EverydayTravelWedding & event | Amazon → |
| 28mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 | f/2.8 | prime | Full-frame | StreetEverydayTravelBudget | Amazon → |
| 28-75mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 | f/2.8 | zoom | Full-frame | EverydayWedding & eventPro standard zoom | Amazon → |
| 35mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | StreetEverydayLow-light | Amazon → |
| 35mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 | f/1.4 | prime | Full-frame | StreetEverydayLow-light | Amazon → |
| 40mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 | f/2 | prime | Full-frame | Standard primeBudgetEveryday | Amazon → |
| 50mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | Standard primeLow-light | Amazon → |
| 50mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S | f/1.2 | prime | Full-frame | PortraitLow-lightWedding & eventStandard prime | Amazon → |
| 50mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.4 | f/1.4 | prime | Full-frame | PortraitLow-lightStandard prime | Amazon → |
| 70-200mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S | f/2.8 | zoom | Full-frame | TelephotoSports & actionPortraitWedding & event | Amazon → |
| 85mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | PortraitLow-light | Amazon → |
| 85mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S | f/1.2 | prime | Full-frame | PortraitWedding & eventLow-light | Amazon → |
| 100-400mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S | f/4.5-5.6 | zoom | Full-frame | Sports & actionTelephotoLandscape | Amazon → |
| 105mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S | f/2.8 | prime | Full-frame | MacroPortrait | Amazon → |
| 135mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena | f/1.8 | prime | Full-frame | PortraitTelephotoLow-lightWedding & event | Amazon → |
| 180-600mm | Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR | f/5.6-6.3 | zoom | Full-frame | Sports & actionTelephoto | Amazon → |
Best Nikon Z5 lenses by use
Wide-angle (5) Landscape (4) Travel (5) Astrophotography (3) Everyday (8) Wedding & event (7) Street (4) Low-light (9) Standard prime (4) Portrait (7) Telephoto (4) Sports & action (3)
FAQ
What lenses fit the Nikon Z5?
Any Nikon Z mount lens fits the Nikon Z5 — it uses the Nikon Z mount. 23 Nikon Z lenses in our index cover its full-frame sensor natively, from 14-30mm to 180-600mm.
What is the best first lens for the Nikon Z5?
For a versatile single lens, a fast standard prime like the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S (f/1.2) or a 24-70-class zoom covers most shooting. For people and low light, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a strong pick.
Can I use APS-C lenses on the Nikon Z5?
Yes, but the Nikon Z5 switches to crop mode and uses only the center of the sensor (lower resolution). For full quality, use the full-frame Nikon Z lenses listed above.
See the full Nikon Z lens index · other Nikon bodies: Nikon Z9 · Nikon Z8 · Nikon Z7 II · Nikon Z6 III · Nikon Z6 II · Nikon Zf · all cameras