Photography Life

PL provides various digital photography news, reviews, articles, tips, tutorials and guides to photographers of all levels

  • Lens Reviews
  • Camera Reviews
  • Tutorials
  • Compare Cameras
  • Forum
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • About
  • Search
Home → News → Cameras and Lenses

New Nikon Lens Sales – The Best & Worst Deals

By Spencer Cox 9 Comments
Published On April 21, 2023

Nikon is currently running a sale on many of the Z-series lenses, including some of the newest and most popular glass in their lineup. In this article, I’ll go through all the deals and share whether I think each one is worth your time or not.

For convenience, I’m rounding up the prices below to the nearest $10. Also note that some of these lenses come with a free UV filter – be sure to click the “With Filter Kit” button if you see it.

  • 14-24mm f/2.8 S (Was $2500, now $2300): This lens got a $200 discount, although the other two lenses in Nikon’s professional, S-line series of f/2.8 zooms (the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8) both got $300 discounts. In that context, it’s not a great deal, but the 14-24mm lens itself is fantastic – arguably Nikon’s best wide-angle lens ever.
  • 14-30mm f/4 S (Was $1350, now $1150): A higher-than-expected discount on a very good lens. I bought the 14-30mm years ago at full price and still use it as my main wide-angle for the Z system.
  • 17-28mm f/2.8 (Was $1200, now $1000): I had hoped for a $300 discount rather than a $200 discount on this Tamron-designed 17-28mm f/2.8, but it’s such a new lens that $200 off isn’t bad (and the lens itself is surprisingly good). For context, the original Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 for Sony E Mount is $900 when not on sale, and currently $800.
  • 20mm f/1.8 S (Was $1050, now $950): When I said that the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 was “arguably” Nikon’s best wide-angle lens, this is the lens it’s arguing with. The 20mm f/1.8 is a killer lens. A $100 discount is on the modest side, though.
  • 24mm f/1.8 S (Was $1000, now $900): I think this lens is harder to justify considering that Nikon has about 1000 options in the 24mm range, but optically, it is still the best 24mm they have. As with the 20mm lens, I would have liked to see a slightly higher discount here.
  • 24-70mm f/2.8 S (Was $2400, now $2100): Nikon’s flagship midrange zoom – a staple of professional kits everywhere. With $300 off, now’s the time to get it.
  • 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR (Was $900, now $800): This is a solid deal on an unusually good superzoom, although note that the same lens is selling for a $200 discount if you bundle it with a Nikon Z camera (more on that in a moment).
  • 28mm f/2.8 (Was $300, now $280): Well, $20 is $20 – better than nothing. But this is not a noteworthy discount, even though I like the lens itself just fine.
  • 28-75mm f/2.8 (Was $1200, now $900): A great $300 sale on Nikon’s budget midrange f/2.8 zoom. Although it’s based on a cheaper Tamron design, the image quality is still good, and it’s a useful set of focal lengths.
  • 35mm f/1.8 S (Was $850, now $700): I like this deal, especially considering that Nikon’s other f/1.8 primes are only $100 off during this sale. Great lens with impeccable sharpness.
  • 40mm f/2 (Was $300, now $280): The same basic $20 sale as the 28mm f/2.8. Nothing to write home about.
  • 50mm f/1.2 S (Was $2100, now $1900): A $200 sale feels about right for this lens, which is one of the highest quality 50mm primes on the market.
  • 50mm f/1.8 S (Was $630, now $530): Considering that the 50mm f/1.8 S was already the least expensive f/1.8 prime in the Z lineup, a $100 sale isn’t bad.
  • 50mm f/2.8 Macro (Was $650, now $600): I think this lens is overpriced at the normal MSRP of $650, and a small $50 sale doesn’t do much to change my opinion.
  • 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (Was $2700, now $2400): As with the 24-70mm f/2.8, this lens is a professional staple. It’s also the sharpest zoom that we’ve ever tested in the lab. At $300 off, now is a great time to get it.
  • 85mm f/1.8 S (Was $800, now $700): A $100-off discount is hardly shocking, but this is an excellent lens, and $700 is a reasonable price for it.
  • 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S (Was $2700, now $2500): I wish Nikon had gone with a $300 discount on this lens, akin to the discount on the 70-200mm f/2.8 S. But it’s such an excellent and in-demand lens that I’m not really complaining.
  • 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro (Was $1050, now $950): This is one of my favorite Nikon lenses ever, although the sale itself isn’t anything unusual. I had hoped for $150 off, but I’ll take $100.
  • 400mm f/4.5 VR S (Was $3250, now $3000): I’m surprised that Nikon put this lens on sale at all, let alone for a $250 discount. This is one of the best Nikon Z lenses so far, and it only recently started appearing in stock at most retailers. If the 400mm f/4.5 was on your list, I’d snap up this deal.

Alongside the sales above, Nikon also has a few other lenses on sale if you buy them alongside a Nikon Z camera body. Some of these discounts are pretty good, although none are crazy enough that I’d buy a new camera just to get the deal, if you weren’t already planning to do so.

  • 24-50mm f/4-6.3 (Was $400, now $300): This is a good discount on a pretty uninteresting Nikon Z lens. Admittedly, it makes a great ultra-portable option for hikes and travel, but almost any other Nikon Z lens will beat it in image quality, features, maximum aperture, and so on.
  • 24-70mm f/4 S (Was $1000, now $600): Technically this is the biggest discount of Nikon’s Spring sales, at $400 off. That said, this lens is almost always selling for a steep discount when bundled with a camera, since it’s been Nikon’s full-frame kit lens since day one of the Z system. You can find these lenses used for extremely cheap prices, but it’s still a great lens, and $600 is a reasonable price.
  • 24-120mm f/4 S (Was $1100, now $900): Nikon has a lot of midrange zooms, but I think this one is the best balance of price, versatility, and image quality. The $200-off sale is a great deal, although I wish that Nikon had also offered a $100-off sale for photographers who don’t need a Nikon Z camera.
  • 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR (Was $900, now $700): As I said earlier in the article, this lens is much better than expected for a superzoom. It’s very tempting at $200 off, if you were already planning to buy a Nikon Z camera.

Sale links for the four discounts above: Nikon Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, and Z9. Note, in order to apply these sales, you need to click the button on B&H that says “Build Bundle” and then click the “Mirrorless Lenses” tab. Otherwise, some of the discounts – especially for the 24-120mm f/4 S – will be hidden.

Finally, Nikon has a sale on the Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR when you bundle it with a Nikon Z DX camera. The price was $640, now $440 – a serious discount for a great kit lens. However, this sale is not shown on the Adorama or B&H websites and needs to be bought through Nikon directly. Sale links: Nikon Z30, Zfc, and Z50. Scroll through the “Bundle and Save” widget to see the lenses that are on sale with these cameras.

Looking for even more exclusive content?

On Photography Life, you already get world-class articles with no advertising every day for free. As a Member, you'll get even more:

Silver ($5/mo)
  • Exclusive articles
  • Monthly Q&A chat
  • Early lens test results
  • "Creative Landscape Photography" eBook
Gold ($12/mo)
  • All that, PLUS:
  • Online workshops
  • Monthly photo critiques
  • Vote on our next lens reviews
 
Click Here to Join Today
 

Related Articles

  • Nikon Lens Rebates
    New Nikon Lens Rebates
  • Screenshot 2019-02-04 13.28.45
    Nikon Lens-Only Discounts on 13 Lenses
  • Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
    How to Remove Dust From Nikon 24-70mm Lens
  • Nikon Z Lens Trinity
    Current Nikon Lens Discounts, Rebates, and Sales
  • Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S
    Nikon Camera and Lens Rebates
  • Nikon Lens Bokeh Performance
Disclosures, Terms and Conditions and Support Options
Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Deal of the day, Nikon Lens, Nikon Z, Sale

About Spencer Cox

I'm Spencer Cox, a landscape photographer based in Colorado. I started writing for Photography Life a decade ago, and now I run the website in collaboration with Nasim. I've used nearly every digital camera system under the sun, but for my personal work, I love the slow-paced nature of large format film. You can see more at my personal website and my not-exactly-active Instagram page.

guest

guest

9 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Mark
Mark
May 7, 2023 9:29 am

Spencer, I’m trying to decide between 14-30 and 17-28. In your review of the Nikon 14-30, you mention how Lightroom corrects for distortion, so that the final 14mm field of view is reduced. Does that mean the effective minimum focal length when using Lightroom with 14-30 is not 14mm, but more like 15 or 16mm? That would negate some of the benefit of the 14-30 versus 17-28, if one is interested in less than 17mm…. sorry if this is double posted

0
Reply
polizonte
polizonte
April 23, 2023 4:13 pm

I like my D810’s but for travel (at my age) they are getting heavy. These bargains are tempting….

0
Reply
Ivan
Ivan
Reply to  polizonte
April 27, 2023 4:31 pm

The 24-200 with any doubt, fantastic zoom for all circunstances.

0
Reply
Pat
Pat
Reply to  Ivan
May 7, 2023 5:47 am

The z 24-200 is not an S lens, so and it shows….soft in the corners and at the edges. It’s a great holiday lens.

0
Reply
Ron
Ron
April 23, 2023 1:12 pm

Which would be a better selection for the first Nikon, Z6 II with 24-120mm f4 s or 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR? I intend to get a 35mm prime to complement later.

0
Reply
Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox
Author
Reply to  Ron
April 23, 2023 3:10 pm

The 24-120mm f/4 is the stronger lens of the two. That said, the 24-200mm isn’t bad. If you like those longer focal lengths, I wouldn’t hesitate to get it. I have written a review of both lenses that you may want to consider:

photographylife.com/revie…20mm-f-4-s

photographylife.com/revie…-f4-6-3-vr

0
Reply
Barbara Puceta
Barbara Puceta
April 23, 2023 11:19 am

Thanks for great guidance! Question: can the zoom that goes to 200 or zoom 100-400 be paired with teleconverter? Will they “ really” work well together? Thanks

0
Reply
Spencer Cox
Spencer Cox
Author
Reply to  Barbara Puceta
April 23, 2023 3:07 pm

Yes, both lenses can be paired with the 1.4x or 2.0x Z teleconverters. That said, in my experience the 100-400mm doesn’t pair with the 2x TC very well, and the maximum aperture at that point will only be f/11. The 70-200mm f/2.8 pairs pretty well with both TCs.

0
Reply
Bill Kattner
Bill Kattner
Reply to  Spencer Cox
August 6, 2023 1:35 pm

So, 100-400mm, or 70-200mm w 1.4 and/or 2.0 TC.

0
Reply

Learn

  • Beginner Photography
  • Landscape Photography
  • Wildlife Photography
  • Portraiture
  • Post-Processing
  • Advanced Tutorials
Photography Life on Patreon

Reviews

  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews
  • Best Cameras and Lenses

Photography Tutorials

Photography Basics
Landscape Photography
Wildlife Photography
Macro Photography
Composition & Creativity
Black & White Photography
Night Sky Photography
Portrait Photography
Street Photography
Photography Videos

Unique Gift Ideas

Best Gifts for Photographers

Subscribe via Email

If you like our content, you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive weekly email updates using the link below:

Subscribe to our newsletter

Site Menu

  • About Us
  • Beginner Photography
  • Lens Database
  • Lens Index
  • Photo Spots
  • Search
  • Forum

Reviews

  • Reviews Archive
  • Camera Reviews
  • Lens Reviews
  • Other Gear Reviews

More

  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Workshops
  • Support Us
  • Submit Content

Copyright © 2025 · Photography Life

You are going to send email to

Move Comment