Because some photographers prefer F-mount lenses on Z-series cameras, I’ve included two from the abovementioned category.

You will need an adapter to use F-mount lenses on a Z mirrorless camera. I recommend sporting Mount Adapter FTZ, allowing you to use more than 300 F-mount lenses on Z-series bodies.

As a passionate photographer, I’ve dedicated significant time to testing various lenses, with a particular focus on the Z50. Through hands-on experience and meticulous evaluation, I’ve gathered valuable insights that will help you make the most of this impressive camera.

Now, let’s dive into the results:

Should you buy the Nikon Z50 camera in 2024?

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
• Focal Length Range: 70-200mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 140cm
• Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.4 x 7.8 in

A telephoto lens is an essential part of every photographer’s kit, a well-known fact. The Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 is the best telephoto lens for your Nikon Z50. You are wondering why? Read below!

As you probably already know, long focal lengths are great for creating landscape and wildlife photos. That makes this focal length (70-200mm) ideal for your needs.

On this lens, Sigma applied OS (Optical Stabilization). This image stabilization technology is critical, primarily when working in windy and similar conditions. OS has three modes: Dynamic View Mode, Standard Mode, and Moderate View Mode.

Thanks to HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor), focusing is quiet and relatively fast. AF performance is reliable, but it is better in the long end.

This lens contains a combination of plastic and metal, just like every other lens. It is well-built, and the black finish adds to the beauty of the design.

Ghosting and flare are very well controlled. This is because of the Super Multi-Layer lens coating. Also, the bokeh is very pleasant, thanks to the rounded nine-blade diaphragm.

In conclusion, the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is an excellent choice. The image quality is very high, and the lens is easy to use.

#2 Best Runner-Up: Discover the Top Prime Lens for Nikon Z50

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length Range: 85mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8m
• Weight: 1.04 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.89 x 2.95 x 2.95 inches

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S comes with nine-blade diaphragms for a soft rounded look, two ED glass elements, and a Nano Crystal coating.

The best lens for Nikon Z50 in the prime category also sports a customizable control ring for more freedom. Regarding image quality, Nikkor Z 85mm creates superior pictures with apparent crystal sharpness even at the f/1.8.

I took the lens to try shooting under clouds and rain droplets. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of chromatic aberrations, even under bad lighting. The lens is an excellent choice for Z50 if your aim is portrait photography since it is much sharper than counterpart lenses.

Furthermore:

The price is acceptable, and in terms of cost, the lens gives more than the price tag says. It is also lightweight and compact, and with the customizable control ring, you can enjoy a lot of autonomy.

The only flaw I’ve found is the inability to get perfect images compared to faster lenses. However, considering the price range, it is more than an acceptable bargain.

• Lens Type: Wide Angle, Standard
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length Range: 24-50mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.35 m
• Weight: 0.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 2.01 x 2.89 x 2.89 inches

Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens is an ultra-compact standard zooming lens. It sports a great focal length and a quiet focusing system. One of the selling points of the lens is its retractable design, making it the best lens for the Nikon Z50 in terms of compactness.

Moreover:

From the hardware point of view, the lens has three aspherical elements with two low-dispersion elements. They work to provide sharpness and clarity while eliminating aberrations. I used the lens to take photos of interiors and external walls, and it is safe to say the lens works without a flaw for architectural photography.

In addition, Nikkor Z 24-50mm features a customizable control ring for increased autonomy. The color rendering is beautiful, one of the best I have ever seen with “Z” series lenses, and I am yet to notice distortion or aberration.

Design-wise, it is essential to point out the lens is compact and handy, with sleek lines and beautiful aesthetics.

• Lens Type: Zoom
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length Range: 24-70mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.2m
• Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.1 x 3.1 inches

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 is a versatile wide-angle to the medium telephoto lens that sports 5-Axis Dual detect optical VR and a new customizable control ring.

The lens comes with the constant f/4 aperture, which is not the fastest on the market, but the lens is nevertheless relatively quick. The silent focusing of the lens makes it a suitable candidate for video shooting, making it the best lens for Nikon Z50 if you are considering videography.

The Nikkor Z 24-70mm is incredibly precise, creating mesmerizingly sharp images across the frame. Its performance is excellent even in low-light situations, although it can’t compete with faster lenses.

On the other hand:

It is incredibly versatile, and I got stunning images at 70mm. In terms of design, it is bulky but sturdy.

It feels good in the hands and weights it, but it is not unbearable, even for longer sessions. It is lighter than an f/2.8 version and makes an excellent lens.

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Canon EF
• Focal Length Range: 105mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 31.2cm
• Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 3.1 x 5.0 inches

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 is one of the best macro lenses and is the right choice for the Nikon Z50 camera. Finding a good lens for your close-ups is not easy, but this lens offers a lot.

Sigma’s Optical Stabilization technology provides stabilization while shooting images. This could be very important for macro photos.

This lens incorporates a Dual Focus (DF), a system that makes the lens easy to hold during autofocusing. At the same time, the HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) is here to provide quiet and fast autofocus.

Also, the 100mm focal length gives you enough working space to avoid getting too close to your subject, which is, for sure, something you prefer.

There are more great things about this lens: distortion and chromatic aberration are low, vignetting is common as well, the bokeh is attractive, and sharpness and contrast are incredible.

All in all, this lens is undoubtedly excellent, and you should give it a try for your macro photos. Also, the price is more than acceptable for this level of quality.

Maximizing Your Nikon Z50’s Potential: Practical Tips for Lens Selection

Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, understanding how to select the right lenses for your Nikon Z50 can enhance your photography experience. Here’s how to make informed decisions and get the most out of your camera:

• Understand the Sensor Crop Factor: The Nikon Z50 has an APS-C sensor with a 1.5x crop factor. This means that the effective focal length of any lens you attach will be 1.5 times longer than the labeled focal length. Keep this in mind when considering the field of view you desire.

• Assess Your Photographic Needs: Before purchasing a lens, think about the types of photography you enjoy. For landscapes, a wide-angle lens is ideal. For portraits, consider a prime lens with a wider aperture. Wildlife and sports photography typically require a telephoto lens with a faster autofocus system.

• Consider the Aperture: Lenses with a larger maximum aperture (smaller f-number) are better in low light and can create a shallow depth of field, which is great for portraits. However, they can be more expensive and heavier.

• Don’t Overlook Weight and Size: One of the Z50’s strengths is its compact design. Choose lenses that complement this portability, especially if you plan to shoot while traveling or hiking.

• Research Lens Stabilization: While the Z50 does not have in-body stabilization, many lenses come with their own optical stabilization. This is particularly useful for shooting in low light or at longer focal lengths without a tripod.

• Factor in Future Upgrades: If you plan to upgrade to a full-frame Nikon Z camera in the future, investing in FX lenses could be wise, as they are compatible with both DX and FX sensors.

• Try Before You Buy: If possible, test lenses at a store or rent them. This hands-on experience can be invaluable in determining if a lens meets your expectations in terms of usability and image quality.

• Check Compatibility with Adapters: When considering F-mount lenses with the FTZ adapter, ensure that the lens is fully compatible and that autofocus and other electronic features work as expected.

• Read Reviews and Watch Tutorials: Educating yourself through reviews and tutorials can provide practical insights into how a lens performs in real-world scenarios.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can make informed decisions that will help you build a versatile and effective lens kit for your Nikon Z50, ultimately improving your photography and allowing you to fully realize your creative vision.

Lens Selection for Nikon Z50: Answers to Your Burning Questions

What lenses can I use with my Nikon Z50?

The Nikon Z50 is compatible with the Nikon Z mount lenses, which include both DX and FX lenses. This includes a wide range of lenses such as the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR, and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S among others. Additionally, with the Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter, you can also use F-mount DSLR lenses on your Nikon Z50.

What is the pancake lens for Nikon Z50?

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Nikon doesn’t offer a specific pancake lens for the Z50. However, the most compact and lightest lens available for the Z50 is the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, which, while not as thin as a traditional “pancake” lens, is nonetheless quite small and portable.

Can I use full frame lens on Z50?

Yes, you can use full-frame (FX) lenses on the Nikon Z50, which is a DX format camera. The camera will automatically switch to a crop mode, using only the center portion of the lens’s image circle. This can give you a 1.5x crop factor, effectively extending the telephoto reach of your lens.

Do I need an adapter to use F-mount lenses on the Nikon Z50?

Yes, an adapter is required to use F-mount lenses on the Z50. The Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter allows for compatibility between the Z50 and F-mount DSLR lenses.

What are some of the best lenses for the Nikon Z50?

Some top picks for the Z50 include the NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR for general use, the NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR for zoom, and the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S for a full-frame option.

Best lenses for Nikon Z50 – Wrapping Up

So, have you found the right lens yet? We are sure it is one of the Nikon Z50 lenses above, but it is up to you to decide which one.

Of course, every lens has its pros and cons; the perfect lens doesn’t exist. That is why you have to prioritize and make a final decision. Some features are more important to you than others, so let your needs guide you.

There are many similar tutorials on our blog, such as the Z6 lenses guide and the Nikon Z7 lenses guide.

In the end, we hope you liked our article about the best lenses for Nikon Z50. These pieces of advice will be instrumental in your pursuit.

Enjoy your brand-new lenses for Nikon Z50!

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More Nikon Z Series guides:

• Nikon Z7 lenses
• Nikon Z6 lenses
• Nikon Z5 lenses
• Nikon Z50 lenses