Picking the right Nikon Z lens isn’t just about specs. It’s about how you shoot, what you carry, and how much you want to spend. The Z system gives you an almost overwhelming set of choices, but there’s a logic to it once you break it down by range, weight, and purpose.
Coming to you from Leigh from Leigh and Raymond Photography, this thorough video cuts through the confusion of Nikon’s growing lens lineup. Leigh walks through both DX (APS-C) and FX (full frame) options, comparing the classics with new releases. The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S was the first Z-series kit lens and still holds up as a compact, sharp mid-range zoom. It covers wide angle to portrait length at a constant f/4 and folds down small when not in use. But the newer Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S might be the better pick. For about $100 more, it stretches your reach without adding much weight. Unless compactness is critical, the longer zoom is simply more flexible.
For DX shooters, things shift. The standard Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 is tiny, light, and surprisingly good. It gives an equivalent 24-75mm range, which suits everyday shooting. Nikon recently added the Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8, and while Leigh hasn’t tested it yet, the faster constant aperture makes it one to watch. For anyone planning to upgrade to full frame later, the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S pulls double duty. On FX, it’s an ultra wide zoom. On DX, it becomes a 21–45mm equivalent, meaning it's still wide enough for landscapes and interiors, but also usable for everyday shooting.
Leigh also discusses the premium mid-range options: the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S and its successor, the Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S II. Both deliver top-tier optics, weather-sealing, and constant f/2.8 performance across the zoom range. The S II version doesn’t extend when zooming, improving dust and moisture resistance, and the filter size drops to 77 mm, a practical change for most kits. These lenses are heavy and pricey, but they’re the workhorses for anyone serious about image quality.
There’s a nod to the more affordable zooms like the Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 and Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3. Leigh points out that lenses with broader zoom ranges tend to lose a bit of sharpness, but they remain good all-rounders for travel and casual use. What matters is matching the lens to how you actually shoot, not chasing perfection on paper. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Leigh.
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