Nikon Introduces the Nikkor Z Series Lens Roadmap

Following on the success of the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S announcement in late 2019 (available in spring 2020), Nikon has updated its Z lens roadmap to include 13 new lenses to be released in the next two years—for a total of 23 lenses in the collection. Although no specific dates have officially been released, we’re anticipating that in 2020 we could potentially see the following:

• 50mm f/1.2: A faster 50mm prime, ideal for low light conditions and shallow depth-of-field effects
• 20mm f/1.8: The fifth f/1.8 prime Z mount* (2/12/20)
• 14-24mm f/2.8: The final in a series of three f/2.8 pro zooms

The possibility exists that additional lenses could also be released in 2020, since the following are still on the roadmap, although no aperture specs have been revealed:

• 28mm compact prime
• 40mm compact prime
• 60mm Micro macro lens
• 105mm S Micro macro lens
• 18-140mm DX travel zoom
• 24-105mm S premium standard lens
• 24-200mm full-frame superzoom* (2/12/20)
• 100-400mm S premium telephoto zoom
• 200-600mm full-frame super-telephoto zoom

* Lenses have been announced 

Why all the hype and anticipation? Just what is so special about the Nikon Z lenses? Well, the Nikon Z mount features a 55mm diameter, making it 17% bigger than the old F mount that had been in use since 1959, and able to accommodate much faster lenses. The distance between the back of the lens and the sensor—or the “flange” distance—is now only 16mm, since there’s no mirror in the way. All of this technology combines with superior optical elements to create a line of lenses with exceptional low-light performance, greater resolution and less distortion from the center of the frame to the edges, and faster communication between lens and camera.

A variety of lenses were presented from small Nikon pancake lenses to large telephoto zooms. A few of these lenses caught our eye, one being the 100-400mm in the high-end S line. Right now, Nikon has the 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 for the F-mount, a popular lens for wildlife and sports photographers. This new lens will be a key addition to the Z-mount lineup and will likely compete with the Sony 100-400mm.

Another lens to note is the 200-600mm, the mirrorless companion to the highly sought after 200-500mm F-mount lens. This lens will also compete with Sony’s recent 200-600mm f/4.5-5.6 and we assume it will feature a similar aperture. Landscape photographers will also be happy about the Nikon wide-angle 14-24mm f/2.8 lens, the final lens in the f/2.8 S-Line trinity, along with the 24-70mm and the 70-200mm.

With this new road map, Nikon users will be able to plan ahead, eliminating the guessing game. To keep up-to-date on the latest Nikon news, follow along with our blog or follow us on Facebook.