I tested all of the lenses on this list (and many more that didn’t make it), so whichever lens from this list you choose, you won’t go wrong.

 I consider many factors, such as unique features, performance, and price, to provide you with as much value as possible. Without further due, here are my results:

So if you are wondering, was is the best lens for Nikon Z6, the answer is Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8.

Now, before I continue with the rest of the article (which you do want to read), here is my conclusion about the camera itself.

Nikon Z6: Still a Top Contender in 2023?

The Nikon Z6, released in 2018, is an impressive full-frame mirrorless camera boasting a 24MP sensor, UHD 4K 30p recording, and up to 12 FPS burst shooting.

Today, an upgraded version of this camera is called the Nikon Z6 II. Still, Nikon Z6 provides impressive image quality and many useful features, and it is still considered by many to be an excellent investment.

Pairing it with the right lens is crucial to enhance its performance further.

In this guide:

I’ll cover the best prime, wide-angle, all-in-one, telephoto, and macro lenses for the Nikon Z6.

*Note: I’ve included F-mount lenses, which will require the Mount Adapter FTZ to use with the Z6.

Let‘s see which are the best lenses for Nikon Z6 camera in 2023, keep reading to find out

#1 Editor’s Choice: The Number One Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom Lens
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length Range: 14-24mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.28 meters
• Weight: 650 grams
• Dimensions: 9.0 x 12.5 centimeters (3.5 x 4.9 inches)

I’ve been using the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 lens extensively for landscape photography, which has never disappointed me.

The ultra-wide angle captures stunning images, and the constant f/2.8 aperture ensures sharpness across the frame. Its weatherproof design makes it a reliable companion during outdoor adventures.

While shooting with this Lens:

I captured extraordinary images of landscapes, night skies, and interiors. The night scene shooting is a pleasant experience thanks to the fast aperture, which enables the creation of stunning images.

The fast aperture helped me to create stunning night scenes effortlessly. The resolution of the lens is razor-sharp, and I am yet to notice distortion in the edges.

Its only downside is the weight, but the top-notch build quality justifies it. Also, The lens feels smooth in the hands, and its weatherproof design makes it perfect for photographers exploring the wilderness.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

#2 Best Runner Up: The All-Purpose Daily Lens for Your Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Standard Zoom Lens
• Mounting Type: Nikon F
• Focal Length Range: 24-120mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 meters
• Weight: 710 grams
• Dimensions: 10.39 x 8.41 centimeters (4.09 x 3.31 inches)

The Nikon 24-120mm f/4G lens has proven versatile and reliable for everyday photography. Its compact design, fast autofocus, and decent build quality make it suitable for various shooting scenarios.

During my tests;

I found it excellent for capturing group photos, as it frames subjects without any hassle.

The autofocus is quiet and entirely accurate. The focus rings are smooth and work well.

The design is on point and quite stylish for my taste. It is a great all-around lens for shooting even moving objects and situations when you don’t want to miss a thing.

Although slightly bulky, the lens provides pro-level color, contrast, and center sharpness.

However, sharpness fades towards the edges, and color fringing may occur.

Despite these minor issues, the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G is an excellent all-around choice for everyday photography and for those who want wide, sharp, and fast images.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon 24-120mm f/4G on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 All-in-one Lens: Versatile focal length range and built-in vibration reduction, offering an alternative to the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G lens.

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 All-in-one Lens: Wide focal length range and a constant f/4 aperture, providing excellent image quality and compatibility as an alternative to the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G lens.

#3 Budget-Friendly Delight: Unleashing Versatility with a Prime Lens for Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Prime Lens
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length: 50mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.4 meters (1.32 ft)
• Weight: 410 grams (0.91 pounds)
• Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.6 centimeters (3.4 x 3 inches)

As a photographer, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 lens has been my go-to for portrait photography. Its ultra-quiet stepping motor ensures silent focusing, which is vital when capturing intimate moments.

Its bokeh effect is nothing short of stunning, with creamy backgrounds and excellent subject separation.

While testing this lens:

I noticed that the images had vivid colors and impressive contrast.

Also, the autofocus proved itself to be responsive and fast. Pictures I have taken with the lens are of excellent quality, vivid colors, and excellent contrast.

The lens is slightly heavier than expected, mainly due to its hood, but its build quality is superb, and metal construction with smooth ring operation and weather-sealing make up for it.

Overall, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 is ideal for portrait photography, offering high-quality images and excellent build quality.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

#4 Zoom into Wildlife: Explore Top Telephoto Capabilities for Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Telephoto Zoom Lens
• Mounting Type: Nikon Z
• Focal Length Range: 70-200mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.4 meters (1.32 ft)
• Weight: 1.36 kilograms (3.00 lbs)
• Dimensions: 22 x 8.9 centimeters (8.66 x 3.5 inches)

The Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 lens has been my favorite telephoto lens for wildlife photography. The lens produces sharp, vivid images with incredible bokeh.

They all feel transparent and explicit, even better, without purple fringe. The creamy backgrounds I could get with the lens are also unbelievable.

Its customizable function buttons and control ring provide versatility, while the well-damped and responsive zooming and focus ring ensure precision.

The zooming ring and the focus ring are well-damped and responsive. The VR functions quite well for non-moving subjects, so that I could get sharp images at 200mm.

Although the lens feels good in the hand and produces spectacular shots without a tripod, I recommend using a tripod for more serious work, as the lens might feel heavy during extended use.

Despite needing a tripod for extended use, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 is the perfect companion for capturing stunning wildlife images.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens: Excellent sharpness and image stabilization, but autofocus could be slower than native Z lenses.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 Telephoto Lens: Offers quality at a lower price, but might not match the autofocus speed of Z lenses.

#5 Unlock the Microcosmos: Discover the Ultimate Macro Lens for Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Prime Lens
• Mounting Type: Nikon F
• Focal Length: 40mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.16 meters (0.53 feet)
• Weight: 235 grams (8.3 ounces)
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 6.9 centimeters (2.56 x 2.72 inches)

The Nikon 40mm f/2.8G lens is a budget-friendly macro lens that offers excellent value. I’ve enjoyed using this lens for macro photography, producing sharp images with vibrant colors.

The dust and waterproof sealing mount make it perfect for shooting insects and raindrops.

The silent motor does a great job with ultra-fast and quiet autofocus. Of course, you can switch to a manual easily, and it does an even better job.

The lens is very light. It would be even hard to notice it on camera.

Although it has a shorter working distance than other macro lenses, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G still delivers fantastic results. It’s compact size and lightweight design make it a convenient option for beginners.

Overall:

This lens is an excellent choice for macro enthusiasts looking for an affordable, high-quality option.

>> See the latest pricing for Nikon 40mm f/2.8G on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

Nikon Z 50mm f/2.8S Macro Lens: Comparable image quality and versatility to Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Lens, designed for Nikon Z series cameras.

Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8S Macro Lens: Longer focal length for increased working distance and detailed macro shots, while maintaining excellent image quality and compatibility with Nikon Z series cameras.

#6 Unleash the Artistic Power: The Best Third-Party Lens for Nikon Z6

• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Mounting Type: Canon EF
• Focal Length: 85mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.85 meters (34 inches)
• Weight: 1.13 kilograms (2.49 pounds)
• Dimensions: 8.6 x 8.6 centimeters (3.4 x 3.4 inches)

After extensively testing various third-party lenses, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 lens is an exceptional choice for Nikon Z6 users.

This high-quality prime lens delivers incredible image quality, making it perfect for portrait photography.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens produces exceptionally sharp images with stunning color rendition and contrast.

Its wide f/1.4 aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and excellent low-light performance, allowing photographers to create professional portraits quickly.

The build quality of this lens is outstanding, featuring a solid metal construction that feels reassuringly durable.

The focus ring is smooth and responsive, the autofocus is quick, and the lens hood that comes with it does an excellent job of preventing lens flare and protecting the front element.

The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens performed flawlessly during my testing, with fast and precise autofocus even in challenging lighting conditions.

The lens captured excellent detail and produced images with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion.

Remember that you may need the Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter to use this lens with your Nikon Z6this lens, despite the additional cost of the overall value and performance of this Lens, make it a top choice for Nikon Z6 users looking for a high-quality third-party lens.

>> See the latest pricing for Sigma 85mm f/1.4 on Amazon <<

Alternatives:

 Sigma 35mm f/1.4: A prime lens offering outstanding sharpness, image quality, and a wide f/1.4 aperture, perfect for portraits, street, and event photography.

Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8: A telephoto zoom lens with a constant f/2.8 aperture and impressive image quality, suitable for sports, wildlife, and portraiture photography.

Choosing the Perfect Lens for Your Nikon Z6: Factors to Consider

When selecting a lens for your Nikon Z6 camera, it’s essential to consider the following aspects to ensure you get the best performance and results from your Nikon Z6 camera.

Nikon Z6 Lens Options for Impressive Low-Light Performance

The maximum aperture of a lens indicates how wide it can open to allow light to enter the sensor.

Represented by an ‘f’ followed by a number, a lower number implies a larger aperture and better low-light performance. For example, an f/1.4 lens will perform better in low light than an f/4.5 lens.

However:

Keep in mind that lenses with larger apertures tend to be more expensive.

Exploring Focal Lengths for Nikon Z6 Lens Versatility

The focal length of a lens determines its field of view and magnification. It also impacts the width of the scene your camera can capture.

Lenses can have fixed or adjustable focal lengths, with shorter lenses offering wider angles and longer lenses providing more excellent zoom capabilities.

Nikon Z6 Lens Types for Every Shooting Situation

Identifying the type of Lens you need for your photography can help narrow your options.

Consider whether you need a versatile lens for everyday use or something more specialized for specific situations, such as portrait photography or wide-angle shots for landscape photography.

Selecting Nikon Z6 Lenses with Superior Build Quality

Assess the build quality of a lens to ensure it feels sturdy and well-constructed.

Weather-sealing features, such as dust and moisture resistance, are valuable if you plan to shoot outdoors in varying conditions.

Size and Weight Considerations for Nikon Z6 Lenses

Since the Nikon Z6 is a lightweight and compact full-frame mirrorless camera, it’s essential to consider the size and weight of your Nikon Z6 lens.

Lighter lenses are more comfortable for extended periods and easier to pack and carry.

Exploring Image Stabilization for Nikon Z6 Lenses

The Nikon Z6 features 5-axis in-body image stabilization, which helps produce stable images and videos.

Although this doesn’t mean you should ignore Z6 lenses with stabilization features, having both in-body and lens stabilization can provide even smoother results, especially when shooting handheld.

Finding Affordable Nikon Z6 Lenses for Every Budget

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a lens for your Nikon Z6 camera.

Professional photographers may want to invest in high-quality lenses, while casual hobbyists or beginners opt for more affordable options.

Remember, the lens cost is in addition to the camera itself, so plan your investment accordingly.

Lens FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Nikon Z6 Lenses

Can I use F-mount lenses on Nikon Z6?

Yes, you can use F-mount lenses on the Nikon Z6. However, you’ll also need to use the Nikon FTZ adapter to make them compatible.

The adapter maintains autofocus and auto-exposure functionality for most F-mount lenses, but please note that some of the older lenses may not be fully supported.

What lenses can you use on the Nikon Z6?

The Nikon Z6 is compatible with all Nikon Z-mount lenses.

Additionally, with the Nikon FTZ adapter, you can use most Nikon F-mount lenses, including FX (full-frame) and DX (crop sensor) lenses.

Can I use my old lenses with Nikon Z6?

Yes, you can use your old Nikon F-mount lenses with the Nikon Z6 if you have the Nikon FTZ adapter.

However, some ancient lenses may need to be fully supported or have limited functionality.

Can I use a Nikon DX lens on a Nikon Z6?

Yes, you can use a Nikon DX lens on the Nikon Z6 with the help of the Nikon FTZ adapter.

When using a DX lens on the Z6, the camera automatically switches to DX crop mode, resulting in a smaller image resolution due to the cropped sensor area.

Can I use Tamron lenses on Nikon Z6?

Yes, you can use Tamron lenses designed for Nikon F-mount on the Z6, provided you have the Nikon FTZ adapter.

Tamron has also started releasing lenses for the Nikon Z-mount, which can be used directly on the Z6 without needing an adapter.

What is the best real estate lens for Nikon Z6?

The best real estate lens for the Nikon Z6 would be a wide-angle or ultra-wide-angle lens that allows you to capture expansive interior spaces and exterior shots.

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is a highly recommended option. If you prefer using F-mount lenses, the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G with the Nikon FTZ adapter is another excellent choice.

Wrapping Up the Nikon Z6 Lenses Buying Guide

In conclusion, the Nikon Z6 is an excellent camera with versatile features and outstanding performance.

You can unlock its full potential and enhance your photography experience by pairing it with the right Lens.

After carefully testing the lenses in this guide for the most critical factors, I chose them.

We all have different tastes, but most of this list’s Nikon Z6 camera lenses will work amazingly for you if you choose the right camera type.

If you liked this article, please read some of our other camera lens guides, such as the Nikon Z7 lens buying guide, or Find out the best lens for the Nikon Z50 lens.

For any additional questions, please comment below; I will do my best to answer your question within a day or two personally.

Hopefully, this Nikon Z6 lens buying guide helped you decide and choose the best Lens for your needs.

Please share this article with your friends who are into photography to support us. Happy shooting!

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