Best Pick

Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF STM

98.5 Video/Cinema Score
55mm f/1.4 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and STM autofocus provide excellent low-light performance and smooth, quiet focusing for video. The lens offers a classic 55mm portrait focal length on APS-C cameras and features a direct USB-C port for firmware updates. This lens is best for videographers and street photographers using Nikon Z-mount APS-C bodies who need reliable autofocus and shallow depth of field.

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Great Alternatives

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

Viltrox AF 35mm f1.7 Z

85.8 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.7 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.7 aperture and STM autofocus motor provide excellent low-light capability and quiet, precise focusing. The compact 179g design and inclusion of specialized HR, ED, and Aspherical optical elements make it highly portable with strong image correction. This lens is best for photographers needing a lightweight, versatile prime for street photography, portraits, and everyday use.

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Yongnuo YN50MM F1.8

77.8 Video/Cinema Score
50mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and 7-blade circular aperture produce smooth bokeh and 14-point sunstars, while the compact 134g metal build and stepping motor offer quiet, responsive autofocus. The lens is a lightweight and affordable option for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, featuring a USB port for firmware updates. It is best for street photographers and videographers who need a fast, portable prime lens for low-light shooting and cinematic depth of field.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

74.7 Video/Cinema Score
28mm f/3.5 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its 18-42mm full-frame equivalent ultra-wide zoom range and built-in power zoom with 11-speed adjustment make it ideal for smooth video work. The compact 204g design and VR stabilization provide excellent handheld versatility for travel and run-and-gun shooting. This lens is best for content creators and vloggers on Nikon Z DX cameras who need a lightweight, versatile wide-angle with precise zoom control for video.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR lens
Price CA$462

Meike 85mm f1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Medium Telephoto

94.2 Video/Cinema Score
85mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an 85mm f/1.8 aperture paired with built-in stabilization, enabling sharp portraits with smooth background blur even in low light. The lens is remarkably lightweight at 201g and supports high-resolution 8K video capture with minimal distortion. This lens is best for portrait photographers and videographers who need a compact, stabilized telephoto prime for Nikon Z-mount cameras.

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Meike 85mm f1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Medium Telephoto lens
Price CA$357

Viltrox 15mm F1.7 Z-Mount

84.7 Video/Cinema Score
15mm f/1.7 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its bright f/1.7 aperture excels in low light and offers strong background separation, while its 12-element optical design with ED and aspherical elements ensures sharp, controlled images. The lens is notably compact and lightweight at 180g, making it a practical choice for extended handheld use. This lens is best for Nikon Z APS-C shooters who need a sharp, fast wide-angle for astrophotography or environmental portraits where portability is key.

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Viltrox 15mm F1.7 Z-Mount lens
Price CA$335

Viltrox Air 25mm F1.7 Z Pocket Dispo

72.7 Video/Cinema Score
25mm f/1.7 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

With a bright f/1.7 aperture and effective optical stabilization, this lens excels in low-light conditions and for handheld video work. Its lightweight, compact build and comfortable 38mm full-frame equivalent field of view make it highly portable for everyday use. This lens is best for content creators and vloggers using Nikon Z cameras who need a versatile, stabilized prime for run-and-gun filming and portrait photography.

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Nikon Meike 35mm F1.8 Pro Wide Angle Auto Focus STM Full Frame High Resolution

72.2 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.8 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 aperture and STM motor provide fast, quiet autofocus for both stills and video, supported by a robust optical design with three ED elements. The lens offers a versatile 35mm focal length, ideal for street photography and environmental portraits, with a Type-C port for convenient firmware updates. This lens is best for Nikon Z-mount shooters needing a capable, affordable prime for everyday photography and run-and-gun video work.

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TTArtisan AF 40mm f2 Sivler

69.3 Video/Cinema Score
40mm f/2 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is an ultra-portable 167g metal build and bright f/2 aperture, enabling sharp low-light shooting. The lens pairs this with a responsive STM autofocus motor and a tactile aperture ring for direct manual control. It's best for Nikon Z shooters who prioritize a lightweight, fast prime for street photography and casual video work.

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Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN

68.2 Video/Cinema Score
56mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its 56mm f/1.4 aperture on an APS-C sensor provides an 84mm full-frame equivalent focal length, ideal for creating sharp portraits with a pleasing background blur. The lens is exceptionally lightweight at 295g and features a stepping motor for quiet, responsive autofocus. This lens is best for Nikon Z APS-C shooters seeking a compact, fast prime for portrait and street photography where subject isolation is key.

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Sigma Contemporary 56mm f/1.4 DC DN lens
Price CA$550

7Artisans 35mm f1.2 Mark II APS-C Larger Aperture Prime

67.6 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/1.2 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture and 10-blade design produce a very soft, pleasing bokeh and regular light spots, housed in a compact, all-metal body. This manual focus lens offers a classic 52mm full-frame equivalent focal length, providing a natural perspective well-suited for everyday use. It is best for portrait and street photographers on Nikon Z-mount APS-C cameras who prioritize rendering character and build quality over autofocus speed.

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Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO

67.2 Video/Cinema Score
33mm f/0.95 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its exceptionally fast f/0.95 aperture and APO (Achromatic) design promise excellent sharpness and bokeh, aided by specialized ED and aspherical elements. The lens is a manual-focus specialist built for Nikon Z-mount APS-C cameras, offering a classic 50mm equivalent field of view. This lens is best for portrait photographers and filmmakers who prioritize ultimate control over depth of field and optical character over autofocus convenience.

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Laowa Argus 33mm f/0.95 CF APO lens
Price CA$548

TTArtisan APS-C 35mm F0.95 Large Aperture Manual Focus Mirrorless Cameras

66.6 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/0.95 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Its f/0.95 maximum aperture provides exceptional low-light capability and a uniquely shallow depth of field for creating atmospheric, dreamy bokeh. The lens is constructed from lightweight aviation aluminum, weighing just 247g, which contributes to its portable and elegant retro design. This manual prime is best for portrait photographers and videographers seeking a cinematic look with pronounced subject isolation and a vintage aesthetic.

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Mitakon Zhongyi Speedmaster 35mm f/0.95 Mark II

65.3 Video/Cinema Score
35mm f/0.95 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-fast f/0.95 aperture enables exceptional low-light performance and extremely shallow depth of field. The lens features a smooth, dampened manual focus ring and a compact 458g build for a premium tactile experience. It's best for Nikon Z APS-C shooters prioritizing manual control for portraits, street, and travel photography where distinctive bokeh is desired.

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Sirui Sniper 23mm f/1.2 Autofocus

65.1 Video/Cinema Score
23mm f/1.2 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.2 maximum aperture on an APS-C sensor provides an exceptionally fast 35mm full-frame equivalent for low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The lens incorporates autofocus with eye and object tracking, a feature set uncommon for third-party f/1.2 primes in this class. This lens is best for portrait and street photographers seeking a fast, wide-angle prime with modern autofocus capabilities on Nikon Z APS-C bodies.

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TTArtisan 17mm f/1.4

63.8 Video/Cinema Score
17mm f/1.4 Nikon Z
Why we recommend this

Its ultra-wide 17mm f/1.4 aperture excels in low-light street photography and creates a shallow depth of field for dramatic portraits. The compact 247g metal build and manual focus design offer a tactile, minimalist shooting experience. This lens is best for Nikon Z APS-C shooters prioritizing a fast, affordable prime for environmental portraits and urban street scenes.

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