Skip to main content

Nikon Z series expands with budget-friendly 24-200mm and a high-end 20mm prime

Nikon is continuing to push forward with the Z series, adding two new lenses to the rapidly growing lineup of mirrorless optics. On Tuesday, February 11, Nikon unveiled the Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S lenses. Both are full-frame lenses but can be used with the crop-sensor Z 50 with a crop factor applied to the focal length.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Z 24-200mm is one of the more budget-friendly options in the now thirteen lens Z family, packing 8.3x zoom in a $900 lens. The f/4-6.3 aperture is part of that price point, offering a bit less light for a bit less cash. The aperture is the narrowest full-frame lens so far in the Z family that also includes optics like the f/.95 Noct.

Recommended Videos

Despite the price — and the Z 6 and Z 7 already having built-in stabilization — the lens builds in five stops of vibration reduction. That can be used together with the Z 6 and Z 7’s in-body system, or to add stabilization to the crop-sensor Z 50.

The lens is built with two aspherical elements, two ED elements, and one aspherical ED element, along with Nikon’s relatively new ARNEO coating for fighting flare. Nikon says that design helps fight distortion, color bleeding, and flare. Those components are wrapped up in a lens body totaling around 20 ounces. The lens is also sealed against dust and splashes.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S sits on the opposite end of the Z lens family, as a pro-level prime. Nikon claims excellent detail, sharpness, and depth of field — but if the 20mm is anything like other Z primes that we’ve tested, that’s probably a more than fair statement.

Built with three ED elements and Nano Crystal coating, the lens uses nine aperture blades for rounded bokeh and Nano Crystal Coating to fight flare. For video, Nikon says the lens offers silent autofocus and smooth controls while eliminating focus breathing.

The S in the name means that the lens is built for pro-quality images on the inside while using weather-sealing on the exterior. The control ring is also customizable.

The Nikon Z line already has a 24mm and 35mm, but the new lens is the widest prime lens in the series so far, with one 14-30mm zoom lens and a 160-50mm DX lens reaching wider. Nikon says the lens is ideal for tasks like astrophotography, landscapes, interiors, and environmental portraits.

The Nikon Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S lens will be available next month, listing at about $1,050. The Nikon Nikkor Z 24-200mm f/4-5.6 won’t be available until April but will list for around $900.

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
An ace photographer is about to leave the ISS. Here are his best shots
The moon and Earth as seen from the ISS.

NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick is preparing to return to Earth after spending seven months living and working aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

After arriving at the orbital outpost, Dominick -- who is on his first mission to space -- quickly earned a reputation for being an ace photographer. He's been using the facility’s plethora of high-end cameras and lenses to capture amazing shots from his unique vantage point some 250 miles above Earth. Sharing his content on social media, the American astronaut has always been happy to reveal how he captured the imagery and offer extra insight for folks interested to know more.

Read more
Filter-free and fun, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera is on sale Right Now for Prime Day
fujifilm instax mini 11 camera prime big deal days

It's 2024, and you’re considering a point-and-shoot camera. Zero judgment here. I miss the good ol’ days of flipping through actual photo albums instead of doom-scrolling on Instagram. You can get back to those days by snagging a (in the ice white color), and it’s the perfect time because it’s on sale. Get it for 24% off during Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days, but hurry while inventory is going strong.
There’s something magical about having a physical photo right in your hand seconds after snapping the shot, and it adds a fun, retro vibe to moments you want to capture and keep. Plus, having an actual picture to hold and display can be so much more satisfying than just another digital file on your phone. I picked one up two years ago for my eight-year-old daughter, and it’s been an instant hit in our household. And now, at its $59 sale price, I'm definitely going to be stocking up on a few to gift ahead of the holiday season.

How the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 works
The delightful throwback comes with a FUJINON 60mm lens and an automatic exposure feature that adjusts the shutter speed for the best shot, even in low light. While the picture quality won’t be as crisp as what your smartphone can capture, it’ll still produce a quality image worthy of slapping on a refrigerator.
If selfies are your thing, this camera has a dedicated Selfie Mode (with a mirror). We set up a DIY photo booth for my daughter's birthday party with sticker frames so each kid could go home with a photo souvenir, and it was a total hit.
You can opt to make it a set with a range of accessories to buy separately, like a carrying case, a handy strap, those sticker borders I mentioned, and photo albums to hold the memories.

Read more
The Canon EOS R100 mirrorless is ideal for beginners — $170 off today
Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera with lens attached

If you don't want to spend the money on a high-end DSLR camera, mirrorless cameras are an excellent alternative. But they, too, can be expensive, at least normally. Right now, thanks to a bevy of Prime Big Deal Days discounts, the best camera deals, in general, and super great Prime Day camera deals there are a ton of offers available. So, it's a great time to shop if you've been on the fence. However, we wanted to call out a great deal for novice photographers on the Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera. Normally $600, it's just $429 right now as part of the event, saving you over $170. The bundle includes the RF-S18-45mm lens. Again, a great starting point for casual or novice photographers.

 
Why shop this Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera deal for Prime Big Deal Days?

Read more