Nikon Z DX 18-140mm VR Lens Review: A One-Lens Travel Solution

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens promises to be a versatile option for your APS-C Nikon Z camera. Its wide focal range makes it appealing if you want a single lens that can cover both wide angle landscapes and tighter telephoto shots without breaking the bank.

Coming to you from Adrian Alford Photography, this detailed video takes the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens into real-world conditions to see how it performs. Alford puts the lens through both still photography and video tests, paying close attention to how effective the built-in vibration reduction is. Since Nikon’s APS-C Z bodies don’t have in-body stabilization, the VR in this lens is a major feature. You’ll see side-by-side clips with stabilization off and on, which makes clear how useful it is, particularly at the longer end of 140mm. This alone could make the lens worth considering if you shoot handheld video or work in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

What stands out in the video is the practicality of the lens for travel and general use. With a 27mm to 210mm equivalent focal range, you have the flexibility to shoot sweeping views one moment and zoom in tight on details the next. Alford also points out the weight (just 315 g) which means you can carry it all day without fatigue. The test shots include close-up work, showing off its ability to focus at 20 cm, which opens up options for near-macro style images. One drawback he highlights is that the lens doesn’t come with a hood when bundled in a kit, meaning you’ll need to purchase one separately if you want to reduce flare in bright conditions.

Key Specs

• Focal Length: 18 to 140mm (35mm Equivalent: 27 to 210mm)

• Aperture: Maximum f/3.5 to 6.3, Minimum f/22 to 40

• Lens Mount: Nikon Z

• Format Coverage: APS-C

• Minimum Focus Distance: 7.9" / 20 cm

• Magnification: 0.33x (1:3 macro reproduction)

• Optical Design: 17 Elements in 13 Groups

• Aperture Blades: 7, Rounded

• Focus Type: Autofocus

• Image Stabilization: Yes

• Filter Size: 62 mm

• Dimensions: 2.9 x 3.5" / 73 x 90 mm

• Weight: 11.1 oz / 315 g

The lens was tested in challenging shooting environments, including strong winds from an approaching cyclone on the Sunshine Coast. This added some drama to the footage but also gave a sense of how the lens handles in real conditions, not just a controlled studio setup. Watching how the VR steadies footage at maximum zoom makes it clear why this feature matters. You’ll also see the lens’ ability to produce pleasing background blur in close-up flower shots, even with its modest aperture range. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alford.