Nikon once again updated its Z lens roadmap, adding a few brand new lenses to its mirrorless Z System. Specifically, as announced in mid-September 2022, there is now a 35mm S-line lens, 135mm S-line lens, and 70-180mm non-S lens on the roadmap. Let’s take a look at these lenses – along with all the upcoming lenses for Nikon’s mirrorless system – today.
Table of Contents
The Updated Nikon Z Lens Roadmap
The following is the latest version of the Nikon Z lens roadmap, announced on September 20, 2022. It’s completely current at the moment and has some very exciting unreleased lenses, which Nikon says covers “to 2023.”
What Nikon added to the roadmap most recently is:
- A 35mm S-line lens
- A 135mm S-line lens
- A 70-180mm non-S zoom
- Details that the 12-28mm lens has a “PZ” designation (most likely standing for “power zoom” but an outside chance of “Piezo motor” or something else)
The other unannounced lenses – all of which have been on the roadmap for a while now – are:
- A 600mm S-line prime lens
- An 85mm S-line prime lens
- A 200-600mm non-S zoom lens
- A 26mm compact prime lens
- A 24mm compact DX compact prime lens
The roadmap has changed a lot over the years. For example, the image below is how it looked in late 2019, with tons of lenses missing, and a few details that have changed (like the 24-105mm that actually ended up being a 24-120mm). Notably, only the 200-600mm still hasn’t been announced since then.
Old 2019 version:
As you can see, Nikon has added tons of lenses since then, especially on the telephoto side of things. While the official specifications of the unannounced lenses remain unknown, it’s likely that the 35mm and 85mm will be f/1.2 lenses. The 600mm is probably going to be an f/4 lens, based on past releases from Nikon (and a leak where Nikon accidentally mentioned a Z 600mm f/4). I’d be surprised if the 135mm is anything other than f/1.8 or possibly f/2. As for the other lenses – the 26mm, 70-180mm, 200-600mm, DX 12-28mm, and DX 24mm – your guess is as good as mine. It depends on how high-end Nikon wants to make these lenses.
In total, every Nikon Z lens we know about is as follows. Lenses that have not yet been formally announced are marked in bold:
- 12-28mm DX
- 14-24mm f/2.8 S
- 14-30mm f/4 S
- 17-28mm f/2.8 (Tamron optical design)
- 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR
- 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR
- 20mm f/1.8 S
- 24mm f/1.8 S
- 24mm compact DX
- 26mm compact (non-S lineup)
- 35mm S
- 24-50mm f/4-6.3
- 24-70mm f/2.8 S
- 24-70mm f/4 S
- 24-120mm f/4 S
- 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
- 28-75mm f/2.8 (Tamron optical design)
- 28mm f/2.8 SE
- 28mm f/2.8
- 35mm f/1.8 S
- 40mm f/2
- 50mm f/2.8 macro lens
- 50mm f/1.2 S
- 50mm f/1.8 S
- 50-250mm f/4.5-5.6 DX VR
- 58mm f/0.95 S
- 70-180mm non-S
- 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- 85mm S (likely f/1.2)
- 85mm f/1.8 S
- 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 S
- 105mm f/2.8 VR S macro lens
- 135mm S
- 200-600mm (non-S lineup)
- 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
- 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- 600mm S (likely f/4)
- 800mm f/6.3 VR S PF
- 1.4x Teleconverter
- 2.0x Teleconverter
Since we don’t officially know the maximum aperture values of some of these lenses, take my predictions for what they’re worth. Hopefully, Nikon will release more information on the other lenses soon.
When Are These Lenses Coming Out?
The new roadmap doesn’t list any date projections for when the unannounced Z lenses will go on sale. However, it should be noted that the unannounced lenses which have been on the roadmap the longest are the 85mm S, 200-600mm, and 600mm S. It’s possible that those three lenses will ship before the others.
At the same time, it is hard to predict what specific lenses will be announced in 2022 versus 2023 for a number of reasons. First, Nikon has released some surprises that were not previously on the roadmap (1.4x and 2x teleconverters, as well as the Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3, 17-28mm f/2.8, and 28-75mm f/2.8 zooms). And second, given the supply chain issues that many companies are still having, it might push new releases further into the future.
This graphic is also worth keeping in mind:
This image is from September 2022, but before Nikon added the most recent batch of three new lenses on September 20. (It seems Nikon hasn’t published an updated version since then, but let me know if you find a newer image anywhere, and I’ll post it.)
Even though the graphic above is missing the 35mm, 135mm, and 70-180mm, I find it useful for determining the rough sizes and shapes of some of the unreleased lenses. For example, by the size of the unannounced S-line 600mm lens, we can infer that Nikon is going to give it a large maximum aperture and isn’t as worried about the size or weight of that lens. Meanwhile, it gives us an insight to the unreleased 26mm full-frame lens: It’s a tiny pancake lens, even smaller than Nikon’s 28mm f/2.8 and 40mm f/2.
Analyzing the Future Lenses
At this point, there are nine lenses left on the roadmap, including some very interesting-looking lenses. One that’s sure to be popular is the 200-600mm lens (not S-line), which may be a relatively inexpensive option for photographers who need a long lens. At the same time, the mystery 600mm S-line lens looks like it will be a high-end option and a pretty massive optic, probably with the near-perfect performance we’ve come to expect from Nikon’s exotic supertelephotos. Both of these lenses could be great choices for sports and wildlife photographers, especially coupled with the Nikon Z9.
It’s also nice to see that Nikon is continuing their line of compact prime lenses with the unannounced 24mm DX and 26mm FX lenses. Compact lenses pair very well with the lightweight Z cameras, and I’d love to see a comprehensive set of them some day. Since the silhouette of the 26mm lens in Nikon’s diagram is tiny, I predict that it’s somewhere from an f/4 to an f/5.6. It should add a true pancake lens to the Z system, great for hikers and travel photographers.
Meanwhile, the 35mm and 85mm primes (both presumably f/1.2) will be a highly sought-after combination for wedding photographers and others who work in low-light conditions. The mystery 135mm lens will fall under a similar bucket, too, likely at f/1.8.
Overall, this is a fairly complete lineup, although the one question mark is the 70-180mm. This could be the lightweight telephoto zoom that I have been hoping to see from Nikon for ages, or it could be one of Nikon’s rebranded Tamron lenses (not necessarily a bad thing). Tamron has a 70-180mm f/2.8 that gets good reviews and is very light for an f/2.8 telephoto zoom, but is still somewhat heavy at 810 grams. Would you prefer this 70-180mm to be a variable aperture zoom, an f/2.8 rebranded Tamron, or perhaps an f/4 constant aperture lens? I was rooting for an f/4 lens, but that seems pretty unlikely, because then it would have been an “S” lens. We’ll have to wait and see if Nikon goes the lightweight telephoto route or the rebranded Tamron route instead.
Third Party Lenses
At the moment, there are a ton of third-party lenses for the Nikon Z system, but almost all of them are manual-focus only. While there’s nothing wrong with manual focus lenses, they don’t have as wide of an appeal as autofocus lenses.
Some of the key third-party autofocus lenses available for the Nikon Z system are as follows:
- Viltrox 13mm f/1.4 (DX only)
- Viltrox 23mm f/1.4 (DX only)
- Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 (DX only)
- Viltrox 56mm f/1.4 (DX only)
- Viltrox 24mm f/1.8
- Viltrox 35mm f/1.8
- Viltrox 50mm f/1.8
- Viltrox 85mm f/1.8
- TTArtisan 32mm f/2.8
- Yongnuo 50mm f/1.8
- Yongnuo 85mm f/1.8
- Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 (not yet shipping)
Of the bunch, probably the most exciting is the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3, which is Tamron’s first official lens for Nikon Z cameras, and looks like a good lightweight telephoto option for Z users. However, it was only announced on August 30 of 2022, and Tamron says it won’t ship for another month or two.
The Viltrox DX-only prime lenses also look interesting to me if you have a Nikon Z30, Z50, or Zfc, since there is no native Nikon Z equivalent yet. Most of the other third-party lenses have Nikon Z equivalents already, although if you’re trying to save money, any of the lenses above could be a viable choice.
Nikon Z Lenses Announced So Far
The list below keeps track of all the Nikon Z-mount lenses that have been announced so far, in order from least to most recent:
2018
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S (our review)
2019
- Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S
- Nikon Z 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR (our review)
- Nikon Z 50-250mm f/4.5-5.6 DX VR (our review)
2020
- Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S (our review)
- Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S (our review)
- Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR (our review)
- Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 (our review)
- Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
- Nikon Z 1.4x Teleconverter
- Nikon Z 2x Teleconverter
2021
- Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 Macro Lens
- Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S Macro Lens
- Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8
- Nikon Z 40mm f/2
- Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 SE (same optics as 28mm f/2.8)
- Nikon Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 DX VR
- Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
- Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
- Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8
2022
- Nikon Z 400mm f/2.8 VR S
- Nikon Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
- Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
- Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8
If you want to find out more about the Nikon Z lenses, see Nikon Z Mirrorless Lenses page at Nikon USA.
Nikon Z Cameras
All the lenses above are Nikon Z mirrorless only, meaning they will not fit on any Nikon DSLR regardless of the adapter you use. At the moment, these are the only cameras which work with Nikon Z lenses:
- Nikon Z30
- Nikon Z50 (our review)
- Nikon Zfc
- Nikon Z5 (our review)
- Nikon Z6 (our review)
- Nikon Z6 II (our review)
- Nikon Z7 (our review)
- Nikon Z7 II (our review)
- Nikon Z9 (our review)
Of these cameras, the Nikon Z30, Z50, and Zfc have a DX sensor (AKA 1.5x crop sensor), while the others have a larger FX camera sensor. However, all of Nikon’s Z lenses fit on all of these cameras, DX or not. If you use one of Nikon’s DX lenses on an FX camera, your photos will be automatically cropped to fit the DX area. See more at Nikon DX vs FX.
As a Z7 user, I want lightweight equipment; so I’m still waiting for Nikon to beat CANON RF 70-200MM F4L, 700g.
Based on about half of the 200 comments to this article, it seems you’re not the only one waiting for a lens like that!
Nikon’s Z 18-140 lens was announced on 2021/10/13. Why is it still listed as “to bo announced” lens in the updated version of its Z Lens Roadmap.
I think you’re accidentally looking at the image in the article that shows the 2019 roadmap. I kept it in the article for context about Nikon’s changes, but it’s definitely not current!
I am sorry. It is my fault to make such a mistake.
No problem!
I imagine there are a lot of people wishing that they’d finally release that 200-600mm instead of announcing more lenses.. Anyway, glad to see there’s finally some options in the 70-200(if 180..)/300 range coming.. (shame not an S though..)
It’s the lens that’s been on the roadmap the longest so far without a release. Surprising because I think it will be a very popular lens – maybe they ran into production issues somehow.
I would like to see a Z 70-200 f4 S lens. While my F mount version is a great lens it does struggle sometimes focusing on a Z body. The camera claims that focus is acquired (green box) while it is not the case. Absolutely no issues on the D850 with this lens though. I wonder if Nikon could make this lens lighter and slightly more compact than the F mount version too.
The Viltrox 13 mm is also a lens that intrigues me. If it wasn’t for the somewhat higher price tag, I would have bought it already. I understand why Viltrox priced it as such because there is no native alternative. But the Z50, which I absolutely adore, is not my main camera system.
The 70-200mm f/4 was always my favorite DSLR lens. I would have been front in line to buy one for my Z7, but so it goes.
The Viltrox 13mm is an interesting lens and one I’d definitely like to test. It fills a pretty important spot that Nikon doesn’t seem to want to fill.
i also have issues with my 70-200 f4 on the z bodies, its the only lens that really doesn t work with image quality issues, so obviouslythe 70-180 is of interest. It is a tamron lens but if it has a nikon name on it, it will add £500 !!
I don’t have any image quality issues with the F 70-200 f4 lens. Only focusing is sometimes an issue (not always). The IQ of this lens is stellar. I’m afraid that the Tamron version will not be as good IQ wise and it is only 180 mm at the long end. A no go for me I’m afraid.
Regarding the 70-180mm, another possibility is that it’ll be a 70-180 macro. Nikon had one in AF-D form many years ago.
Now that would be something special. However, it doesn’t show up in the “micro lenses” part of the roadmap, and a macro lens at the level of that AF-D lens would probably be S-line. Unfortunately it’s probably not going to be macro. But if this is Nikon’s way of leaking a few details before the big reveal, I’d be all for it.
I think you’re right. I hadn’t noticed that it’s not an S-line lens.
Nikon seem to be subbing out non S lens. They are identical to Tamron lenses, so i suspect that the 70-180 will be identical to the Tamron SOny mount lens with the nikon name on as in the 28-70 and the newly announced 17-28
I’d probably be in the market for that 12-28mm DX as I use the Z50 as my hiking camera.
I wonder where they’re going with this lens in terms of a (presumably) power zoom. If that can be considered a useful feature, I’d think it makes more sense for a midrange kit lens. But the focal length should be perfect for hiking and travel like you’re describing, so I am interested to see more details.
Would the existing camera body be able to power that feature or do you think it would require some new camera for power zoom? There is no control for that on a Z50 anyway. If I can manually zoom it, I’ll be happy.
Your guess on implementation is as good as mine, but there’s just no way that Nikon will release the lens without compatibility with the Z30, Z50, and Zfc. I bet there will be a way to adjust zoom much like “power aperture” can already be adjusted on those cameras. Perhaps just spinning the control ring on the lens, even if it’s not mechanically coupled with anything.
I definitely want the 70-180 to be f/4, but given the location on the roadmap I suspect it is another f/2.8 and is the Tamron lens. Bummer. Still waiting….
That seems the most likely at this point.
I would be tempted by the 135mm/f1.8. There are (rare) cases in my portraiture work, where 85mm are too short. I then take the (still excellent) 70 – 200mm/f4 on FTZ, but would welcome a larger aperture.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 is also a famously popular choice for those situations – I think the 135mm (presumably f/1.8) will be a better alternative because of portability and maximum aperture, which would be about 1.3 stops brighter than f/2.8, and 2.3 stops brighter than f/4.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 is certainly ane alternative for many situations and offers a lot of flexibility compared to fixed focal length at a very high price (and weight). But the 85mm S-line is so good at f/1.8 already (the 50mm f/1.8 S-line also) that I expect a 135mm to be in the same league.
And here we are…still not even a mention of any lens to fill that obvious gap between 85mm and 400mm outside of the huge 100-400mm. And yet we’re getting another 26mm lens (huh?), another 85mm, and another 400mm?
I am really holding out hope for a 70-200 mm F4 similar to canons RF mount version or could we get a collapsible 70-200mm f2.8?
Looks like there’s one now! Although it’s a mystery what the maximum aperture will be. I was hoping for a constant f/4, but my guess is that the 70-180mm will be variable aperture based on the lack of an “S” designation.
Actually I suspect it will be a 2.8 constant aperture, confirming a growing partnership with Tamron. Just as the 28-75mm was essentially a re-badged Tamron design, and the just announced 17-28mm 2.8 seems to be similar to the Tamron equivalent for Sony mount, with its consistent 67mm filter thread.
However I too would prefer the extra reach of a 70-200mm f4
Yes, after seeing the Tamron 17-28mm announced, I think you’re right that the 70-180mm is most likely to be another rebadged lens. Not necessarily a bad thing in this case as the Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8 has a good reputation and is pretty tiny for f/2.8.
Its great to see Nikon and Tamron collaborating to widen the choice of Z mount glass. Earlier this month Tamron announced a 70-300mm Z mount lens for release on Sept 29. This is for me a long awaited lens as I find 70-200 to be a bit short.
I recently came upon this comparison between the 24-200 and the rf 70-200 f4. I found that to be very interesting! It only compares sharpness though, the light gathering capabilities still remain very different of course!
Sorry, forgot the link: www.dpreview.com/forum…t/65447467
I would be somewhat wary of comparing numbers between two camera sensors from different brands like that. Just because they are both 45 MP doesn’t mean their Imatest results will be 1:1. The Nikon is definitely an impressively good lens for a superzoom, hence why I bought it, but I’m not sure we can draw conclusions that it outperforms the Canon 70-200mm f/4 from that data.
Yes, someone in the thread mentioned that as well. Could you give some insight into how it is that way? I can’t image how you couldn’t compare the sharpness of two images.
I am debating to purchase the Nikon 300 F4 PF to replace my old BUT still excellent Nikkor 300 AF F4 ED (too heavy now) but the cost of $1500.00 plus is making me think. Would Nikon ever produce a 300 F4 lens native for their Z mirrorless cameras. I just purchased the newest Nikon 105 Z F2.8 Macro to replace the old Nikkor 105 F2.8 and I love the newest version. not a bad price also.
So I am waiting for Z version 300 F4…. will i be waiting in vane?
I’d be surprised if they prioritize a 300mm f/4 Z just because the PF lens for F-mount is already so good, and adapts well. It may happen some day, but most likely it’s not on Nikon’s shortlist.