Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4

77.9 Street Score
35mm f/1.4 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture delivers excellent low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a 35mm prime lens. The lens is also notably lightweight at 414g and features a fast STM stepping motor for quiet autofocus. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators who need a sharp, fast prime for environmental shots on a Nikon Z-mount camera.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sirui Sniper 2

69.6 Street Score
16mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

This lens kit offers a versatile f/1.2 aperture across both a 16mm wide-angle and a 75mm portrait lens, providing exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The 13-blade diaphragm in each lens contributes to smooth, pleasing bokeh for both stills and video. It is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Nikon Z APS-C cameras who prioritize fast, creative optics over weather sealing and portability.

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Viltrox 27mm f/1.2

68.4 Street Score
27mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and 11-blade diaphragm deliver exceptional low-light performance and smooth bokeh for portraits. The STM stepping motor provides fast and quiet autofocus, making it suitable for both photo and video work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers on Nikon Z APS-C cameras who prioritize shallow depth of field and low-light capability over portability.

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Voigtländer Nokton 35mm f/1.2

65.8 Street Score
35mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and shallow depth of field in a remarkably compact 230g package. The lens features a smooth, mechanical aperture ring and a 12-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh, prioritizing tactile control and classic rendering over autofocus. It's best for photographers seeking a fast, manual-focus normal prime for portraits or street photography on Nikon Z APS-C bodies, valuing character and handling over automation.

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Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2

64.5 Street Score
28-75mm f/2.8 Nikon Z Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/2.8 aperture across the 28-75mm zoom range provides excellent low-light performance and background blur for a full-frame Nikon Z camera. The updated optical design and VXD linear motor deliver sharp images and quick, quiet autofocus, with a very close 7.1-inch minimum focusing distance for detailed shots. This lens is best for Nikon Z photographers needing a versatile, high-performance standard zoom for portraits, events, and creative close-up work.

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Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 VXD G2 lens
Price CA$1,112

Viltrox LAB AF 35mm f/1.2 Z

63 Street Score
35mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture offers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a full-frame lens. The quiet VCM focusing motor and an integrated LCD screen for settings are practical features for on-location work. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize a bright, fast aperture and manual control in a native Z-mount design.

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Viltrox LAB AF 35mm f/1.2 Z lens
Price CA$1,371

Nikon Meike 24mm F1.4 AF Ultra Wide Angle Large Aperture Auto Focus STM Full Frame

62.7 Street Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and STM motor provide a bright, fast, and quiet focusing experience ideal for low-light and video work. The optical design, featuring three ED and three aspherical elements, promises high sharpness and controlled aberrations for its class. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters prioritizing astrophotography or environmental portraits where a wide, bright prime is essential.

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Sirui Aurora 35mm f/1.4

61.7 Street Score
35mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 13-blade diaphragm deliver excellent background separation and smooth bokeh for portraits. The inclusion of an AFL button and AF/MF switch provides direct control for professional workflows. This lens is best for portrait photographers and content creators who prioritize a fast, wide-angle prime with manual control features on their Nikon Z camera.

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Meike 24mm f/1.4 AF

61.4 Street Score
24mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for a 24mm prime lens. The autofocus design offers a significant convenience advantage over many third-party manual-focus alternatives at this price point. This lens is best for Nikon Z shooters needing a fast, affordable wide-angle for environmental portraits or indoor event photography.

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Laowa Argus 28mm f/1.2 FF

61.2 Street Score
28mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture on a 28mm full-frame lens provides exceptional light gathering for a wide-angle prime, while its 544g weight makes it relatively portable. The manual focus design and 13-blade diaphragm prioritize precise control and smooth bokeh for creative work. This lens is best for photographers seeking a fast, characterful wide-angle for environmental portraits and controlled cinematic scenes.

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Laowa Zero-D 10mm f/2.8 FF Manual Focus

59.1 Street Score
10mm f/2.8 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its 10mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture provide an exceptionally wide field of view with minimal distortion, making it ideal for expansive landscapes and architectural interiors. The lens is notably lightweight at 408g and features three extra-low dispersion elements for improved color accuracy and reduced chromatic aberrations. This manual focus prime is best for photographers specializing in astrophotography or immersive real estate photography where precise framing is critical.

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Thypoch Simera 50mm f/1.4

56.6 Street Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 14-blade diaphragm enable excellent subject isolation and smooth bokeh for portraiture. The manual focus design and compact 309g build offer a tactile, direct shooting experience. This lens is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize creative control and shallow depth-of-field over autofocus convenience.

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Viltrox 85mm f/1.4 F1.4 Z STM Full Frame Portrait

55.4 Street Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 11-blade diaphragm produce a smooth, professional-quality bokeh ideal for isolating subjects. The lens is built with a robust internal focusing system and dual VCM motors for reliable, quiet autofocus performance. This is an excellent choice for portrait photographers and content creators on Sony E-mount systems who prioritize creamy background separation and consistent focus over weather sealing or lightweight travel.

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Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 VXD G2

49.4 Street Score
70-180mm f/2.8 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

This lens stands out with its constant f/2.8 aperture and a fast VXD linear AF motor, delivering reliable performance for its compact, 1270g design. Its Vibration Compensation system provides a key advantage for handheld shooting, a feature often missing in this class. It's best for photographers seeking a budget-friendly, portable telephoto zoom for portraits and general use, where its macro score is less critical.

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Tamron Di III VC 70-180mm f/2.8 VXD G2 lens
Price CA$1,399

Artra Lab Nocty-Nonikkor 50mm f/1.2

48.9 Street Score
50mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture delivers exceptional low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for a 50mm prime lens. The manual focus design and 11-blade diaphragm provide precise, tactile control for achieving a smooth bokeh effect. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers who prioritize manual operation and maximum light gathering over autofocus convenience.

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