A new version of the Nikon Z lens roadmap has been revealed, featuring several upcoming lenses for the mirrorless Z mount system that should excite Nikon shooters. By 2025, they have promised the lineup will extend to over 50 Z lenses, meaning another 16 or so lenses will be launched in the next couple of years.
Note: If you are unfamiliar with the names and terminology used by Nikon to describe their Nikkor Z lenses, I recommend you also read our previous article entitled Nikon and Nikkor Lens Terminology and Abbreviations. You can also check out a complete list of all Nikon Z lenses and their specifications here.
Latest Nikon Z Lens Roadmap
The most recent version of the Nikon Z lens roadmap appeared on June 21st after the launch of the Nikon Z 180-600mm lens and the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 lens. This new roadmap only has two unreleased lenses on it: the first is an S-Line 35mm, and the second is an S-Line 135mm lens. Piecing things together, we can be reasonably confident that these will be a Z 35mm f/1.2 and a Z 135mm f/1.8.
Unreleased Lenses on Nikon Roadmap
To summarize, these are the upcoming, as-yet-unreleased lenses on the roadmap:
- Nikkor Z 135mm f/1.8 S
- Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.2 S
Nikkor Z 12-28mm DX(now launched)Nikkor Z 24mm DX(now launched)Nikkor 26mm FX(now launched)Nikkor 85mm S FX(now launched)Nikkor 180-600mm VR FX (probably f/5.6-6.3)(now launched)Nikkor 600mm f/4 VR FX(now launched)
Nikon was slow at getting started with their mirrorless system, but with the launch of the Z8 and the Z9, and this impressive roadmap, I think it’s fair to say that those who stayed with Nikon will feel much better about this.
What’s Still Missing From The Z Lens Roadmap?
I’m surprised there isn’t a 300mm f/2.8 VR on the roadmap. Usually, 300mm prime lenses are announced in tandem with 400mm lenses, but now we’ve seen the launch of two different 400mm prime lenses, a 600mm and an 800mm prime. Sony has announced its 300mm f/2.8, where is Nikon’s?
Aside from that, I think Nikon has a great lineup of “regular” lenses. All that is missing are “specialist” lenses, such as fisheye lenses and tilt-shift lenses. With a promised expansion to over 50 lenses by 2025, I think it’s safe to assume that we will also get those lenses in the coming couple of years.
Previous Roadmaps
The Z lens roadmap has changed over the years. Some lenses have remained on the roadmap for several iterations, and some have had specifications modified. For example, the 24-105mm S lens finally arrived as a 24-120mm S, and the 200-600mm lens turned out to be a Nikkor 180-600mm lens.
May 2023
November 2022
September 2022
December 2021
October 2021
June 2021
October 2020
October 2019
