Choosing the right Nikon lenses for videography is key to capturing high-quality, dynamic footage. With a variety of options available, it’s important to find lenses that offer both versatility and exceptional performance in various lighting conditions.
Our top choice is the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, with its wide aperture and broad focal range making it a highly versatile video lens.
If that isn’t the lens for you, we have eight more fantastic Nikon lenses for videography. Z-mount lenses make up the majority of the list, but we also have some F-mount lenses at the end.
What Is the Best Nikon Lens for Videography?
Selecting the best Nikon lens for videography hinges on finding a balance between low-light performance, versatility, and image quality.
Our curated list prioritizes lenses that excel in these areas, ensuring crisp, dynamic footage across various environments. From wide-angle zooms to fast primes, each lens is chosen for its ability to capture stunning visuals, whether you’re shooting commercials, documentaries, or movies.
- Ultra-wide to wide zoom versatility
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for low light
- Lightweight, weather-sealed design
- Quick, quiet autofocus ideal for video
- Sharp images with minimal distortion
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.2 aperture
- Ideal for portrait and street photography
- Professional-grade build and weather sealing
- Precise autofocus with quiet operation
- Superior optical quality with minimal aberrations
- Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
- Constant f/2.8 aperture enhances low-light shooting
- Professional build quality with weather sealing
- Exceptional sharpness and optical performance
- Fast, accurate autofocus system for dynamic subjects
- Unmatched f/1.2 aperture for stunning bokeh
- Perfect for professional portrait and fashion photography
- Superior optical design ensures edge-to-edge sharpness
- Robust build with comprehensive weather sealing
- Fast, precise autofocus ideal for dynamic shooting scenarios
- Astounding f/0.95 aperture for unparalleled low light performance
- Exquisite bokeh for dreamlike background separation
- Precision manual focus for ultimate creative control
- Exceptional optical clarity and sharpness across the frame
- Robust build with a premium, professional feel
- Bright f/1.4 aperture for exceptional low-light shots
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability
- Sharp, clear images with minimal aberration
- Fast, smooth autofocus perfect for dynamic scenes
- Affordable, high-quality option for Nikon Z users
- Versatile 24-70mm zoom range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent low-light performance
- Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) for sharp handheld shots
- Robust weather-sealed construction for reliability in harsh conditions
- Exceptional optical quality with minimal distortion and aberrations
- Exceptional f/1.4 aperture for superior low-light capability
- Ultra-wide angle perfect for landscapes and architecture
- Superior optical design ensures edge-to-edge sharpness
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for outdoor reliability
- Minimal distortion, ideal for professional-grade imagery
- Wide-angle versatility for landscapes and architecture
- Constant f/4 aperture across the entire zoom range
- Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) for sharp handheld images
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for challenging environments
- Excellent optical quality with minimal distortion
Our Favorite Nikon Lenses for Videography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon lenses for videography. From wide-angle zooms to pristine primes, there’s a Nikon lens for every type of videography. These are all the best Nikon video lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
1. Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
650 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
14-24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S is a beautiful wide-angle zoom lens for videographers seeking versatility and quality. The wide-angle field of view is perfect for sweeping vistas and cinematic landscape shots. And the zoom gives you extra flexibility with composition.
Its wide f/2.8 aperture is perfect for low-light conditions, allowing for crisp video without the need for excessive ISO. As a constant aperture, you also get consistent exposure throughout the zoom range.
However, the lack of built-in image stabilization means you might have to rely on the camera’s in-built image stabilization. This means you might want to use a camera gimbal for tracking shots.
Weighing 1.4 lbs (650 g), it’s relatively lightweight. That makes it easy to shoot from and doesn’t add too much heft to your camera backpack.
Its autofocus is quick and copes well with moving subjects. It’s also pretty much silent, so microphones won’t pick it up when you’re recording live audio.
Compared to the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S, the 14-24mm f/2.8 S offers a wider field of view, crucial for capturing more of the scene in a single shot. While the 50mm f/1.2 creates beautiful bokeh and is lighter, the 14-24mm’s versatility in focal length and consistent aperture across the zoom range makes it a more practical choice for dynamic videography environments.
With a beautiful wide field of view, sharp optics, and a fast aperture, you can see why the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S tops our list as the best Nikon lens for videography.
2. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1090 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is the best standard prime lens for videography. With sharp optics and a super-fast aperture, it has to be on top of a videographer’s shopping list.
The fixed 50mm focal length is versatile, offering plenty of shot variety despite not having a zoom function. You can shoot wider scenes, portrait-style close-ups, and everything in between.
Its f/1.2 aperture gives you exceptional light intake, allowing you to keep the ISO low for better quality. This also allows for a shallow depth of field, making it easy to focus on the subject while blurring the background beautifully.
It’s on the heavier side for a prime lens, weighing about 2.2 lb (1 kg). This might be a drawback for handheld shooting over long periods. However, its autofocus is both quick and quiet, which is a major plus when recording video and audio together.
Compared to zoom lenses, this prime lens doesn’t offer the same flexibility in framing. Yet, its optical quality and ability to maintain a wide aperture across all shots make it a powerful tool for videographers.
Its low light and bokeh performance is unmatched, making the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S a top choice for those looking to elevate their videography work.
3. Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
805 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is a superb zoom lens that videographers will love. The standard-angle zoom range gives you excellent versatility, allowing for wide, scenic shots and tighter close-ups.
This lens is particularly useful for those who need to quickly adapt to changing scenes without swapping lenses, making it a practical choice for event and documentary-style videography. But the creative feature also allow you to flex your cinematic muscles.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance at all focal lengths. With fantastic depth of field control, it’s also easy to create a beautiful background bokeh.
It’s relatively light considering the capabilities and quality. The lens barrel is dust and splash-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor filming. A fluorine coating also protects the outer glass elements against dust, dirt, and oil.
The autofocus is fast and silent, a major plus for capturing live action without interruption.
An 82mm filter thread allows you to use circular filters for more practical effects. A custom function button and custom control ring give you more hands-on control, allowing you to adjust settings without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.
For videographers looking for a single-lens solution, the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S has to be a strong contender. It’s a pro-level lens that’ll take your footage to new heights.
4. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1160 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is the best telephoto prime lens for videography with a Nikon mirrorless camera. Its fixed 85mm focal length gives you lovely magnification, perfect for a portrait-style composition or detailed close-ups.
With exceptional glass quality, the lens offers beautiful edge-to-edge sharpness.
Its super-wide f/1.2 aperture allows you to work with a razor-slim depth of field, creating a rich, creamy bokeh for cinematic profile shots of characters.
An aperture like that also gives you fantastic low-light performance, compensating for the lack of optical stabilization.
A custom control ring gives you a more personalized user experience, as does the L-Fn function button.
Although it isn’t the most versatile option on the list, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a stunning lens for those looking for pure quality.
5. Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
2000 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
58 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is a low-light specialist and the perfect videography lens if you’re filming at night.
The first thing we have to mention is the impressive f/0.95 maximum aperture. That’s unprecedented light intake, allowing you to capture perfectly exposed shots in low light.
Giving you an ultra-slim depth of field, the lens produces luscious and rich bokeh. General picture quality is also exceptional, which is partly due to the ground aspherical elements.
The 58mm focal length is slightly tighter than your standard 50mm lens, but you still get plenty of shot options. It works really well with portrait-style compositions but still allows for more broad scenes.
The lack of autofocus might put some videographers off. You won’t be able to lock onto fast-moving subjects and track them as they move within the scene. But the manual focus is smooth and allows for precision focusing.
It’s also a heavy lens at 4.4 lb ( 2 kg). And as there’s no optical stabilization built in, you might want to use a video tripod when using this lens.
Despite these negatives, the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is a sensational piece of equipment for videographers. It’s the best Nikon lens for capturing professional video footage in low light.
6. Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1070 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-70 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a versatile zoom lens with sharp optics and a fast aperture. It’s the best videography lens for Nikon DSLR cameras.
This zoom lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to short telephoto. This makes it ideal for a variety of video projects, from expansive landscape shots to intimate interviews.
Its constant f/2.8 aperture not only excels in low-light conditions but also offers a shallow depth of field. It gives you complete creative control at any focal length.
Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) is a massive bonus for videographers. Giving you extra stops of exposure compensation, it helps you achieve shake-free footage when shooting from hand.
The autofocus is swift and silent, ensuring that subjects remain sharp without any distracting noises.
While its size and weight might be a consideration for those using gimbals, its optical performance and flexibility make it a valuable tool for professional videographers and filmmakers. It’s also weather-sealed, so it’s a great option when filming on location.
For those who prioritize image quality and versatility, the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is the best option for DSLR users.
7. Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
620 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED is a great prime option for videographers with a DSLR camera. Its wide-angle focal length helps you capture wider shots in confined spaces and can be used for sweeping outdoor vistas.
Fantastic optical quality is assured thanks to the aspherical and ED elements. It even copes well with harsh artificial lighting, which can be a problem with certain types of video recording.
The wide f/1.4 aperture is perfect for low-light shooting, allowing you create moody atmospheres when filming. It also gives you excellent depth of field control.
A simple yet highly effective lens for high-level videography, the Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED is the perfect prime for DSLR filmmakers.
8. Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
680 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16-35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
For DSLR users looking for a wide-angle zoom, the Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is the best for videographers.
Its wide-angle field of view is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and architectural details. You can shoot in more confined spaces or outside or broad scenic shots.
Its f/4 aperture isn’t the widest but still provides enough light for daytime recording. But if you are low on light, the VR system gives you extra support. This also helps you shoot from hand without the need for a gimbal or stabilizer.
Although it might not offer the shallowest depth of field for background blur, its edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal distortion make it a good option for videographers who prioritize image quality.
Weighing around 1.5 lbs (680 g), it’s relatively lightweight and easy to handle. You can shoot for long periods without experiencing any fatigue in your arms.
The Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is a top-quality wide-angle zoom lens. It has everything pro-level videographers need to make movies.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Lenses for Videography
The best Nikon lenses for videography provide plenty of options for aspiring filmmakers. Whether you’re a movie-maker, documentarian, or commercial videographer, there’s a Nikon lens that will take your work to a new level.
Our top choice is the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S, standing out for its wide aperture and broad focal range that make it ideal for capturing high-quality video in diverse conditions. It stands out for its versatility and performance. But as we’ve seen, there’s a Nikon lens for all types of videography and filmmaking.
