The best lenses for the Nikon Z50 & Z50 II in 2025: explore your camera's full potential

Nikon Z50
(Image credit: Digital Camera World)

I think that when choosing the best lenses for the Nikon Z50 or Nikon Z50 II you have to take a few things into account. One is that this mirrorless camera uses an APS-C sensor, so while you can fit full-frame Nikon lenses to this camera, there is a 1.5x ‘crop factor’ that means they have a narrower angle of view.

The Nikon Z50 is one of the best Nikon cameras for beginners and enthusiasts, but its smaller sensor does need to be taken into account. For some lens types, like telephoto or macro lenses, this crop factor doesn’t matter and can even be an advantage. But for standard zoom lenses or wide-angle lenses, you need lenses designed specifically for the smaller sensor size to get the angle of view you need. In the Nikon range, these have ‘DX’ in the lens name. Other makers specify whether their lenses are full frame or APS-C format. We have a separate guide to the best Nikon Z lenses, but not all of them will be suitable for the Z50.

The Nikon Z50 was launched in October 2019. Since then, others have followed, like the retro-styled Nikon Z fc and the compact and affordable Nikon Z30 vlogging camera.

The range of DX-format lenses has been slow to develop, though. There’s a choice of standard zooms, a very good telephoto zoom, and a selection of reasonably priced prime lenses which will also work on full-frame cameras. I feel that perhaps Nikon sees the Z50 as a stepping stone for new users to eventually move on up to a full-frame model like the Nikon Z5, Nikon Z6 II, or Nikon Z7 II.

One final point is that most people will have chosen the Nikon Z50 for its affordable price tag, so I'll be sticking to lenses that reflect that!

Rod Lawton
Rod Lawton

Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews Editor. He has used practically every interchangeable-lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium-format cameras, so he has the expertise to select the best Nikon lenses for you.

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Best lenses for the Nikon Z50

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Best everyday lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Digital Camera World / Louise Carey)
The perfect standard zoom for the Nikon Z50 – it's light, compact and affordable

Specifications

Mount: Z DX
Effective focal length: 24-75mm
Stabilizer: 4.5-stop
Min focus distance: 0.25-0.3m
Max magnification: 0.2x
Filter thread: 46mm
Dimensions (WxL): 70x32mm
Weight: 135g

Reasons to buy

+
4.5-stop optical VR
+
Multi-function control ring

Reasons to avoid

-
‘Slow’ f/6.3 aperture at 50mm
-
Feels a bit plasticky

If you've already got a Nikon Z50, the chances are this kit lens came with it. If not, it's well worth getting as a standard zoom, even though you pay more if you buy the camera and lens separately. There is always the longer-range Nikon Z 18-140mm standard zoom to consider too, but this is a much larger lens, and more expensive too.

The Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR arguably qualifies as a pancake lens: it’s just 32mm long when retracted. It has a plastic mounting plate rather than a metal one, but it still feels solid enough to cope with daily shooting, which its focal length range is ideal for. Its level of detail and contrast remain strong even when you shoot wide-open.

As well as the regular black edition, there’s a silver version of the lens to match the Nikon Z fc’s retro styling.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR review

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Features

★★★★★

There’s a lot packed into this lens, including stepping motor-based autofocus and 4.5-stop optical VR.

Design

★★★★★

The retractable design enables an unfeasibly compact packing size, similar to that of a pancake lens.

Performance

★★★★★

Sharpness and clarity are very good and there’s minimal color fringing, but the lens relies typically heavily on automatic in-camera correction for distortion.

Value

★★★★★

It’s great value in its own right, even better if you get it as a kit lens with one of Nikon’s Z DX format cameras.

Best wide-angle lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
The first wide-angle zoom for Z DX is great for video

Specifications

Mount: Z DX
Effective focal length: 18-42mm
Stabilizer: 4.5-stop
Min focus distance: 0.19m
Max magnification: 0.21x
Filter thread: 67mm
Dimensions (WxL): 72x63.5mm
Weight: 205g

Reasons to buy

+
4.5-stop optical VR
+
Multi-function control ring

Reasons to avoid

-
‘Slow’ f/6.3 aperture at 50mm
-
Feels a bit plasticky

This is a really versatile lens. Its wide angle of view and motorized zoom are offered with video creators in mind – think vlogging and YouTube. But it’s a very capable stills lens as well, ideal for landscapes and interiors. Its light weight means you won’t resent taking it on location either. As if that wasn’t enough, the price tag is pretty competitive as well.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR review

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Features

★★★★★

Optical VR always comes in handy on Z DX lenses and this one also has a video-friendly power zoom.

Design

★★★★☆

Like other Nikon Z DX lenses, it has a plastic rather than metal mounting plate but the overall design is very good.

Performance

★★★★★

Expansive viewing angles are backed up by excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, throughout the whole zoom range.

Value

★★★★★

A little gem for both stills and video capture, the lens is terrific value for money.

Best standard prime lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Nikon)
Your best bet for bokeh and background blur with the Z50

Specifications

Mount: Z
Effective focal length: 60mm
Stabilizer: No
Min focus distance: 0.29m
Max magnification: 0.17x
Filter thread: 52mm
Dimensions (WxL): 70x46mm
Weight: 170g

Reasons to buy

+
Fast f/2 aperture
+
Sharp and silent

Reasons to avoid

-
No optical image stabilization
-
No auto/manual focus mode switch

This prime (non-zoom) lens is designed for full-frame Nikon Z cameras (you can tell because of the missing ‘DX’ in its name), but also works well on the Z50 because of its small size and reasonable price. On the Z50, this lens has an equivalent focal length of 60mm, which equates to a slightly 'long' but still perfectly practical standard lens, or perhaps a ‘short’ portrait lens.

The f/2 maximum aperture makes it the fastest lens in our round-up, and also the best choice for any Z50 users who like background blur, either in stills or video. Optically, it brings very decent sharpness and pleasing bokeh. The autofocus system is both fast and quiet.

Read more: Nikon Z 40mm f/2 review

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Features

★★★★☆

There’s not really any room for any fancy features, as this lens is unfeasibly compact and lightweight.

Design

★★★★☆

The design aims for simplicity, right down to its plastic mounting plate and lack of a hood.

Performance

★★★★☆

This little lens punches above its diminutive weight in terms of image quality and all-round performance.

Value

★★★★★

The standard version is terrific value for money but the retro-styled SE (Special Edition) is more pricey.

Best travel lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Future)
A useful longer-range zoom for the Nikon Z50, but far from cheap

Specifications

Mount: Z DX
Effective focal length: 27-210mm
Stabilizer: 5-stop
Min focus distance: 0.2-0.4m
Max magnification: 0.33x
Filter thread: 62mm
Dimensions (WxL): 73x90mm
Weight: 315g

Reasons to buy

+
Very useful zoom range
+
5-stop optical stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic build, no weather seals
-
No AF/MF or VR switches

When you take the Z50 image sensor’s crop factor into account, this zoom has a focal length range equivalent to 27-210mm, which is highly versatile while also covering the classic telephoto range of 70-200mm. It’s a good choice for when you need to travel with just one lens, and is light enough that you won’t mind carrying it around. The customizable control ring and nice bonus.

It delivers good levels of sharpness, only dropping off slightly at the long end, and also benefits from 5-stop optical stablization to compensate for camera shake.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR review

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Features

★★★★★

Powerful 5x zoom range is top of the features list, backed up by fast autofocus and 5-stop optical stabilization.

Design

★★★★☆

There’s an additional, customizable control ring but no switches for A/M focus nor VR on/off, and the mounting plate is plastic.

Performance

★★★★☆

Image quality and all-round performance are impressive but sharpness drops off a bit at the long end of the zoom range.

Value

★★★★☆

Good value rather than entirely great, the lens costs about the same as a pair of Z DX 16-50mm and Z DX 50-250mm zooms.

Best telephoto lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Future)
It's the best telephoto zoom for the Z50

Specifications

Mount: Z DX
Effective focal length: 75-210mm
Stabilizer: 5-stops
Min focus distance: 0.5-1.0m
Max magnification: 0.23x
Filter thread: 62mm
Dimensions (WxL): 74x110mm
Weight: 405g

Reasons to buy

+
5-stop optical VR
+
Small and lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Plastic build and mount
-
Lacks any weather seals

You can use Nikon's full-frame telephoto lenses on the Nikon Z50 and its smaller sensor's 'crop factor' will give them 1.5 times the magnification. But full-frame Nikon Z telephotos are big and expensive. This lens is a cheaper and more practical option for the Z50 – and, if you bought the Z50 as a twin-lens kit that includes this, you got yourself a real bargain.

This telephoto lens has an effective focal length range of 75-375mm in full-frame terms, taking it into super-telephoto territory. But it’s much smaller and lighter than you’d expect for a lens with that reach.

I found it enjoyable to use during testing: it balances nicely on the Z50, and its controls are lovely and smooth. You can choose from several functions for the control ring. 5-stop image stabilization helps to mitigate against the inevitable camera shake you’ll encounter at the long end.

Read more: Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR review

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Features

★★★★☆

Strong features include a 75-375mm ‘effective’ zoom range, fast autofocus and 5-stop optical stabilization.

Design

★★★★★

The retractable design makes for a small stowage size and the lens is refreshingly lightweight, although it has a plastic mounting plate.

Performance

★★★★☆

As advertised, autofocus is rapid and stabilization is very effective. Sharpness drops off a bit at the long end but is very good overall.

Value

★★★★★

As one of Nikon’s Z system (albeit DX format) lenses, it’s great value for money.

Best macro lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Future)
The smaller of Nikon's two new Z mount macro lenses is a handy focal length on the Z50

Specifications

Mount: Nikon Z
Elements/groups: 10/7
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Stepping motor
Stabilizer: No
Minimum focus distance: 0.16m
Maximum magnification: 1.0x
Filter thread: 46mm
Dimensions (WxL): 75x66mm
Weight: 260g

Reasons to buy

+
Impressive image quality
+
Very precise manual focusing

Reasons to avoid

-
Only 2-inch working distance at 1.0x magnification
-
No optical VR

There’s a lot to love about this compact and light lens. Its main function is as a macro lens, where it offers lifesize magnification – although you do have to get very close to your subject to get that. For general shooting, its effective focal length on the Z50 is 75mm, which is about the starting point for telephoto shooting, or an acceptable portrait lens.

Read more: Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 review

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Features

★★★★☆

There’s no VR but the lens does deliver full 1.0x macro magnification, complete with an autofocus range limiter.

Design

★★★★☆

The extending inner barrel has focus distance and magnification scales but reduces the working distance to just 2 inches at maximum magnification.

Performance

★★★★☆

Center-sharpness is excellent and remains so even at narrow apertures, often desirable for gaining a little depth of field in macro photography.

Value

★★★★☆

It’s pricey but is like two lenses in one, not just for macro but also as a standard lens for FX cameras and a portrait lens for DX cameras.

Best portrait lens for the Z50

(Image credit: Matthew Richards)
The perfect Z DX portrait lens at a bargain price.

Specifications

Mount: Nikon Z
Elements/groups: 10/9
Diaphragm blades: 9
Autofocus: Stepping motor
Stabilizer: No
Minimum focus distance: 0.6m
Maximum magnification: 0.1x
Filter thread: 52mm
Dimensions (WxL): 65x72mm
Weight: 320g

Reasons to buy

+
Classic effective focal length
+
Impressive build quality
+
Lovely image quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Aperture ring has no Auto lock
-
Not weather-sealed

I absolutely love this lens. Thanks to the DX crop factor, it has approximately an 85mm ‘effective’ focal length, coupled with a fast f/1.4 aperture rating. That’s a perfect combination for portraiture and what’s more, the Viltrox combines excellent sharpness with really smooth and creamy bokeh. It’s really nicely turned out as well, with a metal barrel and metal mounting plate, compared with all-plastic Nikon Z DX lenses. Even the lens hood is made from sturdy metal, yet the lens is surprisingly compact and lightweight, at just 320g. It also happens to be amazing value for money. Another bonus is that it features a de-clicked aperture control ring, ideal for shooting video. My only real problem is picking just one. Viltrox also offers AF 23mm f/1.4 and AF 33mm f/1.4 lenses in the same series, with equally classic approximate 35mm and 50mm effective focal lengths respectively. All three are equally budget-friendly and are pretty much identical in size, weight and handling characteristics.

Read more: Viltrox AF 56mm F1.4 Z review.

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Features

★★★★★

Optical features include an ED element and an HR element. There's also a USB port and a de-clicked aperture control ring.

Design

★★★★☆

The lens is virtually the same compact size and weight as its 23mm and 33mm siblings, but they lack weather-seals and the aperture ring has no locking switch.

Performance

★★★★★

The ‘effective’ 85mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture make this a terrific DX format portrait lens, with great sharpness and super-smooth bokeh.

Value

★★★★★

Fast primes normally cost big bucks but this one is amazingly inexpensive and unbeatable value.

Lab data and comparisons

The graphs below show the comparative performance of the lenses in this guide, based on our in-house lab tests. The prime lenses lead the way for sharpness in this group, although the zooms also do very well on the whole. Color fringing and distortion are well controlled on the whole, and automatic in-camera correction is available for these aberrations anyway, which often can’t be disabled.

Scores for sharpness and color fringing are averaged from data taken across the entire image frame, from the center to the edges and corners, throughout the aperture range. For zoom lenses, the scores are also averaged from data measured at all marked focal lengths, and the same applies to distortion. Bear in mind that these average values don't fully reflect specific areas of performance. For example, a zoom lens might have noticeable barrel and pincushion distortion at its shortest and longest focal lengths respectively, which tends to average out when looking at the data overall. For more detailed graphs of each lens's performance, which give the full picture, check out the graphs in our full standalone lens reviews.

How to choose the best lens for the Nikon Z50

Which lenses fit the Nikon Z50?

The Z50 uses the Nikon Z mount and is compatible with all lenses designed for that mount. Nikon’s own Z-mount lenses all have Z at the start of their model names.

You can can use any Z-mount lens on the Z50, although some Z-mount lenses are designed for use with APS-C format cameras such as the Z50, rather than full-frame cameras. Nikon lenses that fall into this category have DX as part of their model names. These lenses are typically smaller, lighter and cheaper than the equivalents designed for full-frame cameras.

If you buy a DX lens and later upgrade to a full-frame Nikon Z camera, the image you get through the DX lens will be cropped compared with a full-frame lens.

The Z50 is also able to use F-mount lenses, which are made for use with Nikon’s DSLR cameras. For this, you need an adaptor such as the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II. The idea is that owners of older DLSR cameras can buy a Z camera and still use their old lenses.

How do I know which lens to get for my Z50?

The reason there are so many types of lens in the first place is that different scenes demand different lens designs, particularly when it comes to focal length and aperture rating.

Usually, you will decide what you want to photograph, then get a lens with the focal length that suits the situation. For example, to shoot landscapes you will need a wide-angle lens, while for sports and wildlife you will need a telephoto.

You can watch this video that explains focal length: it helps you work out what kind of lenses you need for different genres of photography.

How we test lenses

The lens experts in our testing lab run a range of tests under controlled conditions, using the Imatest Master testing suite. Photos of test charts are taken across the range of apertures and zooms (where available), then analyzed for sharpness, distortion and chromatic aberrations.

We use Imatest SFR (spatial frequency response) charts and analysis software to plot lens resolution at the centre of the image frame, corners and mid-point distances, across the range of aperture settings and, with zoom lenses, at four different focal lengths.

There's more to it than just the technical side, though! Beyond the lab, our reviewers test lenses in real-world environments – and sometimes on professional shoots! We work with lenses both indoors and outdoors, in studio conditions and in natural light, with as many different subjects as is possible (or appropriate – there's no point testing a landscape lens' ability to shoot a portrait!).

We take into account everything from handling and ease of use to speed of autofocus and the overall quality of the images produced.

Find out more about how we test and review on Digital Camera World

Rod Lawton
Contributor

Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com