Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

By Chris Gampat
07/02/2023
The Phoblographer

"The Nikon Z8 is best described as an ergonomic wonder of a camera for anyone that used a DSLR. It essentially feels just like a DSLR but is much smaller and designed for Z-mount lenses instead. Photographers will really enjoy it when shooting events, photographing wildlife, doing portraiture, and so much more. It’s only going to get better with firmware updates too. Lucky for you, we’ve also reviewed the most Nikon Z mount lenses of any publication still standing. So we’re here to help you choose the best lens for the Nikon Z8 that you need. Dive in below with us for our findings:

Here’s some insight into how to use this guide to find the best lens for the Nikon z8:

The Phoblographer’s various product round-up features are done in-house. Our philosophy is simple: you wouldn’t get a Wagyu beef steak review from a lifelong vegetarian. And you wouldn’t get photography advice from someone who doesn’t touch the product. We only recommend gear we’ve fully reviewed in these roundups.
If you’re wondering why your favorite product didn’t make the cut, there’s a chance it’s on another list. If we haven’t reviewed it, we won’t recommend it. This method keeps our lists packed with industry-leading knowledge. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Nikon Z Mount (which we’re focusing on here) has many lenses available. And so, we’re choosing the best lens for the Nikon z8. Luckily, we’ve reviewed the vast majority of lenses for Nikon Z Mount. You can find them in this guide here. To further clarify this statement, we’re not talking about lenses that can and should be adapted to the camera.
So what makes a lens the best lens for the Nikon z8? Well, Nikon lenses tend to not have a lot of character or anything that makes many of them unique — aside from a few focal lengths. The color rendered can surely be pretty, though. We’re also only selecting full-frame lenses. Further, because the Nikon z8 is a camera meant to do serious work, we’re focusing on weather-resistant lenses. Versatility is also a big thing here.
Nikon’s autofocus isn’t what Canon and Sony are capable of doing.
NIKON Z 24-120MM F4 S
You’re probably wondering why we chose this lens. Well, there are several reasons. First off, the Z mount variant of this lens is far better than the F mount version. This lens is weather resistant and is unique in that it’s a 24-120mm instead of the standard 24-105mm. It gives you significantly more reach that you don’t appreciate until you need it. That reach furthers when you go into the DX crop mode with the Nikon z8. The image quality and autofocus are also satisfactory for what the lens is designed to do. Sure, some folks may want an f2.8 zoom instead. But honestly, Nikon could do faster zoom lenses. They just haven’t yet. F2.8 lenses often aren’t enough for really dark situations — especially those where you’re photographing POCs that have a lot of melanin in low light.
PROS
Nano Crystal and ARNEO lens coatings
Super silent S-line lens
Macro focusing capabilities as close as 1.15 ft at 120mm
Weather sealed lens barrel and rubber gasket over the lens mount
Customizable L-Fn button
Dedicated manual focus ring in addition to the control ring
Only $100 more than the Z 24-70mm f4 S that doesn’t have most of the above capabilities
77mm filter thread means I can use a lot of my existing circular filters from F-mount pro lenses
Rugged construction. Mine fell from 4 feet high and smashed to the ground. Apart from a broken UV filter, a few missed AF shots on the day, and some scuffing, it continues to work perfectly.
CONS
No Vibration Reduction in the lens. I’m guessing this was left out to keep the costs down. Nikon Z full-frame bodies have in-body stabilization already.
You’ll miss the satisfying zoom ring lock if you’re upgrading from the Z 24-70 f4 lens.
Not the most satisfying bokeh at 120mm

3 Other Great Options Some Might Think Is The Best Lens For The Z8
NIKON Z 85MM F1.2 S
PROS
It’s super sharp.
11-blade aperture and f1.2 create beautiful soft backgrounds.
RAW colors are actually a really great starting point with the ProStandard profile.
While technically sharp, a bit of character is possible with vignetting, flare, and bokeh.
The wide aperture is a big help in low light, and the focus isn’t terrible here.
It’s weather-sealed.
CONS
It’s heavy.
The autofocus had difficulty keeping up with action on the Z7 II (but performed better on the Z9).
Colors on JPEG Standard weren’t as pleasing in flat light, wire service photographers won’t really like this. Nor will their editors.
It’s significantly more expensive than the f1.8 lens.

NIKON Z 70-200MM F2.8 S
PROS
Spectacular bokeh and color
Excellent sharpness
Weather-sealed
Plenty of controls
Much closer focusing than other 70-200mm lenses
Stabilized
CONS
Autofocus missed about 20 percent of the time for sports.
Hood lock is annoying but does loosen up with use.

NIKON Z 50MM F1.2 S
PROS
Excellent balance between sharp and sterile
Beautiful bokeh
Accurate colors
Weather-sealed
Digital lens info display
CONS
Long and heavy
Autofocus is slower than the competition.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

The only reason a Canon fanboy who hates Nikon would post this article is because he feels it is a negative review with respect to AF.

User ID

You actually read it ??!?!?!!??

I saw that it was another of his loooong cut-and-paste spam postings, and so I just whizzed past it (landing acoarst on your reply).

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

I suspected that I knew why he posted the thing so I quickly scanned and sure enough the last sentence for each lens was a comment that the AF might have been slower than others.

Archie isn't likely to post anything about the Z8 or Z9 that might be flattering.

Grahame Loc: Fiji

I always laugh when I read comments like this "Autofocus missed about 20 percent of the time for sports".

No reference to what sports, what lighting conditions, what AF modes, photographers experience e.t.c......................

But there will always be those who are gullible enough to consider others may take such comments seriously.

User ID

Vast majority of reviewers are not really seasoned photographers. What they see as shortcomings is simply the fact that some cameras are a bit better than some others at compensating for their personal shortcomings as users. To any seasoned photographer, all cameras are so close to equal that differences are meaningless.

User ID

"Archie" (ROTFLMFAO) is just a typical visitor from the attic, so why bother ?
But thanks anywho for the laff.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

Unfortunately I am all too familiar with his antics there. I never should have ventured there. Perhaps I stay for the entertainment value, or perhaps I am a masochist.

User ID

I simply check out a users archives when they seem to display an attitude problem. I may discover their regular participation in The Attic, but I will never bother with reading the posts there.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I am not familiar with the Z8. A week or so ago I had one in my hands and it is a beautiful camera. It was fitted with the 28-300 VR lens and to me it was a pretty heavy combination. I use Olympus M43 cameras which are small and light, I do not believe I will be comfortable using the Z8 and I know nothing about Z lenses but they are bigger and heavier than the lenses I use from Olympus and Panasonic.

Now your question of which is the best lens for the Z8 and it has to be the one you are using when shooting. The lens and camera are important but most important is the photographer.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have the 16-50 and the 50-200, and they are keeping me satisfied - so far. Of course, I can use the adaptor for my F-mount lenses.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

jcboy3

No such thing as "standard" 24-105, unless of course one is a Canonite.

The best lens for the Z8 will be the new 180-600.

pego101

Nikon 24-70 2.8