NEW CAMERA

The Nikon Z5 II camera was announced in April 2025. It features the same sensor as the Nikon Zf and Z6 II cameras, paired with Nikon’s fastest speed 7 image processor. The AI autofocusing of the Nikon Z5 II camera is much improved over its predecessor. Now, it features 9 different types of subject detection algorithms, including bird’s-eye autofocus.

We have carefully selected the best available lenses for the Nikon Z5 Mark II camera. These lenses will help you in various photography genres, including wedding, sports, wildlife, portrait, and landscape photography. You can use any of the lenses recommended below in the article.

Nikon Z mount lenses

Let’s first understand the Z mount lenses. The new Nikon Z mount has a shorter flange distance compared to the DSLR F mount, so the lenses that you are using in the mirrorless camera feature superior optical performance, and the shorter flange distance allows them to have a compact design and better light transmission, resulting in sharper images.

You can also use the Nikon FTZ or the FTZ Mark II adapter to use Nikon DSLR lenses, which are compatible with the adapter.

Nikon Z5 II also features a sensor-shift image stabilisation system up to 7.5 stops that also helps you to enhance image sharpness by allowing you to use slow shutter speeds in an uncontrolled light environment.

Nikon Z6 Best Lenses for Nikon Z5 II: Top Picks for Every Photographer in 2025

1. Best Lenses for Wedding Photography | Best Standard kit Zoom Lens

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 

The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens is a versatile zoom lens, a perfect lens for wedding photography, travel, landscape or street photography. It’s a perfect lens for everyday use if you want to have a standard kit zoom lens with constant f/2.8 aperture. The biggest advantage of having an f/2.8 lens over f/4 is the cinematic depth of field. If you don’t need it, if you want everything in focus, of course you can raise your aperture to f/4, f/5.6 or f/8. But with an f/4 lens, you can never set your aperture to f/2.8. That’s the facility we get from the Tamron f/2.8 lens.

• Key Features: 72mm filter thread, 500g weight, 0.3m minimum focus distance, weather-sealed.

• Pros: Super-sharp images, lightweight, retractable design.

• Cons: f/4 aperture less ideal for low light compared to f/2.8 lenses.

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Alternative: Nikon Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR – Photographers who love to have more reach, approximately 8x optical zoom range to cover from wide angle to telephoto range, then this lens is highly suitable for them. Yes, you will miss the cinematic depth but you will have more zoom range in your hand. The lens also features Vibration Reduction, which is an important feature for a longer focal length lens.

• Key Features: 77mm filter thread, 570g weight, 4.5-stop VR.

• Pros: Extensive zoom range, compact for a superzoom.

• Cons: Variable aperture, less sharp at longer focal lengths.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

2. Best Lens for Landscape Photography

Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S

The Nikon 14-30mm lens is a top choice among landscape photographers, and its usage is not only limited to them — even architecture photographers, interior designers prefer this lens a lot. It covers a very wide range due to its ultra-wide focal range and a very compact design. The lens exhibits very minimal distortion and excellent sharpness throughout the range.

• Key Features: 82mm filter thread, 485g weight, 0.28m minimum focus distance.

• Pros: Ultra-wide angle, high image quality, filter compatibility.

• Cons: Pricey, no focus distance scale.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

Alternative Third-Party Wide-Angle Lens

Viltrox 20mm f/2.8 lens is one of the best budget ultra-wide-angle full-frame lenses available for Nikon Z mount from a third-party lens maker, although it may not deliver the optical precision that Nikon S-line lenses deliver to you. Get it from B&H Store

3. Best Lenses for Portrait Photography

Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S is the sharpest portrait lens available for the Nikon Z mount. It delivers superb images with excellent background blur — or you can say very creamy bokeh — ideal for headshots and full-body portraits. Reviews also report its excellent out-of-focus capability and reliability.

• Key Features: 67mm filter thread, 470g weight, 0.8m minimum focus distance.

• Pros: Outstanding sharpness, beautiful bokeh, weather-sealed.

• Cons: Depth of field not as tight as f/1.4 lenses.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

Alternative: Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens
For budget-conscious photographers, the Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 is the best third-party option. As per the reports we have, it does deliver decent sharpness and background blur at just half the price of the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens. Although the autofocus consistency as well as the solid build quality may not resemble with the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens, but rest assured you will not be disappointed with its performance.

• Key Features: 72mm filter thread, 484g weight.

• Pros: Affordable, good optical performance.

• Cons: Less reliable autofocus, limited weather sealing.

• Latest Deals & Price: Amazon.com | B&H Store

4. Best Lenses for Wildlife and Sports Photography

Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

The Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is an excellent, versatile, and SUPER FAST telephoto zoom lens that is a perfect option for the Nikon Z5 II camera. The lens is fast and perfect for Sports photographers for track + continuous capture. The VR system of the lens is also very effective, and you can do handheld shooting with this lens. Finally, this lens is also compatible with the teleconverters, and you can use it if you need more zoom or reach.

• Key Features: 77mm filter thread, 1355g weight, 0.75m minimum focus distance.

• Pros: Fast AF, Excellent sharpness, versatile range, VR stabilization.

• Cons: Heavy, expensive.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

Another option for Wildlife Photographers: Nikon 180-600mm lens – The Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR lens’s sharpness is phenomenal and delivers tack-sharp images across the full frame at all focal lengths. As I have said if budget allows this is the best lens you can buy for your Nikon Z5 II camera. The lens pairs beautifully with the Z TC-1.4x without any issues and boasts a speedy and dependable autofocus. The Lens handles color aberrations, coma, focus-breathing, and distortions with aplomb. Plus, it’s got effective optical image stabilization and produces a creamy bokeh. Weighing in at a relatively high 2kg and packed with features, this lens offers great value for its price. If you’re looking for a lens that delivers on performance, the Nikon Z 180-600mm f5.6-6.3 VR lens comes highly recommended!   Get a Nikon 180-600mm Lens from Amazon.com | B&H Store

5. Best Lenses for Macro Photography

Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8

The Nikon Z MC 50mm f/2.8 is a compact macro lens that delivers true 1:1 magnification, or you can say real-life-size images. The lens is a budget lens and delivers the maximum sharpness possible. Although the only drawback is that you don’t have a large working distance, meaning you have to be a bit close to the subject.

• Key Features: 46mm filter thread, 260g weight, 0.16m minimum focus distance.

• Pros: Sharp images, 1:1 magnification, affordable.

• Cons: Short working distance, no VR.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

Alternative: Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S lens
If looking for a longer working distance and budget is not an issue to you, then the best lens for macro photography is the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S. Due to its very effective VR as well as Nikon Z5 II’s 7.5 stops of sensor IBIS, you can do handheld macro photography shots, although it’s always recommended to do macro photography with a tripod if possible.

• Key Features: 62mm filter thread, 630g weight, VR stabilization.

• Pros: Longer reach, stabilized optics, excellent sharpness.

• Cons: Expensive, heavier.

• Latest Deals & Price: B&H Store | amazon.com | Adorama

Third-Party Lens Options

Many third-party lens makers like Viltrox, Sigma, and Tamron are making autofocus lenses for the Z mount. We have selected some of the best and our favorites, and these are below:

• Viltrox AF 85mm f/1.8: Affordable portrait lens with good sharpness but less consistent autofocus.

• Tamron 35-150mm f/2.8-4: Versatile zoom for events and travel, offering a unique focal range.

• Sigma 24mm f/1.4 Art: Wide-angle prime with excellent image quality, though less common in Z-mount.

FAQ: Nikon Z5 II Lens Questions

What are the best lenses for the Nikon Z5 II in 2025?

The best lenses for the Nikon Z5 II include the ultra-popular and most used Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 lens. This particular lens is one of the most favorite lenses for wedding and event photographers. This one is the best alternative to the standard kit lens you generally get with your camera. Guaranteed! The next best lens is the Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S for landscape photography and ultra-wide coverage. And finally, for portraits, as we have mentioned in our article also the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S. For wildlife, the Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is recommended, but the best again is the Nikon 180-600mm for bird photography lovers. And before we complete this answer, the Nikon MC 50mm f/2.8 Micro is the best suitable lens to start macro photography.

Can I use F-mount lenses on the Nikon Z5 II?

Yes, you can use your F-mount lenses with the new Nikon Z5 II camera while using the FTZ or the FTZ II adapter. The autofocus and auto exposure will work perfectly with the Nikon AF-S and Nikon AF-I lenses. But the older manual focus lenses or those lenses that are based on screw-drive motor tech will not work with the Z5 II.

What is the difference between the Z mount and F mount lenses?

Z mount lenses are designed for the mirrorless camera, having a shorter flange distance, resulting in better light preservation resulting in higher resolving capability. At the very same time, the optics have also been improved in the new Z mount lenses. F-mount lenses were typically made for DSLRs having a broader flange distance, and if you want to use those lenses on your mirrorless camera, you have to use an FTZ or FTZ II adapter.

Are there budget-friendly lenses for the Nikon Z5 II?
We have many budget lenses that start from Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, which comes at a very reasonable price range and features f/2.8 constant aperture. We have lenses like 20mm f/1.8 — a full-frame lens for Nikon. We have lenses like the 85mm f/1.8. Several third-party lenses are cost-effective and made for Z mount.

What is the best lens for landscape photography with the Nikon Z5 II?

The Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4 S is the best and the ideal lens for landscape photography. It provides an ultra-wide zoom range and captures very crisp and sharp images with minimal distortion.

What is the best standard kit zoom lens for the Nikon Z5 II camera?

The best standard kit zoom lens for the Nikon Z5 II camera is the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 lens. The lens offers a very compact design and features constant f/2.8 aperture so it’s an excellent low-light performer and works very well with the Nikon Z5 II’s 7.5 stops of IBIS to deliver crisp and clear images with excellent cinematic depth.

Best portrait photography lens for the Nikon Z5 II camera?

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S lens is the best and it delivers exceptionally sharp images with very smooth creamy background blur and very reliable and fast autofocusing mechanism. This lens is a perfect choice for professional portrait photography with the Nikon Z5 II camera, and if you are on a budget, then of course Viltrox 85mm f/1.8 lens is the budget alternative to it.

Do the Sigma, Tamron, or Viltrox third-party lenses work with the Nikon Z5 II camera?

Yes, the third-party lenses from Viltrox, Sigma, and Tamron are fully compatible with the Nikon Z series camera and offer fast autofocus and exceptional image quality. Since Nikon has shared their autofocus algorithm with these third-party lens makers, rest assured, even in the near future, you won’t have any AF issues related to third-party lenses.

Lets us know if you have any questions

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Update Log: This Guide was created on 19 April 2025 by thenewcamera.com team of editors. Follow us on our social pages  FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM to get live  Camera News +