What Lenses Should Nikon Make Subsequent, Once the Roadmap Ends?

It’s lastly taking place – the Nikon Z roadmap is simply two lenses away from completion. All that’s left now could be a pair of S-line primes: a 35mm and a 135mm. Though something may occur, it appears like Nikon gained’t launch one other replace. We’re basically at the finish of the roadmap. So… what’s subsequent?

I’ve been an enormous a fan of Nikon’s roadmap over the final a number of years, particularly their elevated transparency on upcoming lenses. It is going to undoubtedly be a bit unhappy once we formally attain the finish. However then there’s the gearhead aspect of me, which is wanting ahead to the return of shock lens bulletins and rampant hypothesis!

The reality is that Nikon has a reasonably full Z lens lineup at this level, so from Nikon’s perspective, the worth of a roadmap isn’t as excessive any longer. And from a Nikon photographer’s perspective, there’s now extra room to want for uncommon Z-series lenses, since most of the widespread wants are lined. That’s what I’ll be doing immediately – I’m staring into the crystal ball of future Nikon Z lenses to see what we’re prone to get subsequent (or what we’re unlikely to get, however I’d like to see anyway).

The Lacking F-Mount Equivalents

Despite the fact that the Nikon Z system has grown slightly rapidly, there are nonetheless quite a lot of F-mount lenses that by no means obtained a mirrorless equal. Listed below are a few of the most important F-mount lenses that stand out to me as a result of they lack a Z-mount counterpart.

• Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E Fisheye: Has the world forgotten about fisheye lenses? Not fully, nevertheless it positive appears that this look is out of fashion immediately. Or perhaps Nikon simply expects you to adapt the 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E when you want this distinctive perspective – it’s a superb performer, in any case. However I’d nonetheless prefer to see a local Nikon Z fisheye sooner or later, only for enjoyable.
• Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 G: Nikon ought to actually think about making a low-price ultrawide for the Z system, contemplating that their most cost-effective (full-frame) possibility at the second is $1000. Piggybacking off of the variable-aperture 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5 looks as if a believable strategy. If Nikon does make a mirrorless model of this lens, I hope they take inspiration from the Z 14-30mm f/4 (the non secular successor of the 16-35mm f/4G) and makes the lens a bit wider than its F-mount counterpart. One thing like a Z 16-35mm f/4-5.6 can be actually compelling at the proper worth.
• Nikon 19mm f/4E PC (or any Nikon tilt-shift lenses): I might like to see an autofocus tilt-shift lens sooner or later, as has been rumored for Canon for ages. I nonetheless midway doubt if it’s even attainable, though trendy optical design is so spectacular that I’ll absolutely be confirmed fallacious. Even when we’re caught with guide focus, nevertheless, it will nonetheless be good to get some trendy tilt-shifts for the Z system. The 19mm f/4E PC is optically glorious (and adapts very well already), so I might concentrate on the 24mm f/3.5 PC-E as the tilt-shift most in want of an replace.
• Nikon 24mm f/1.4G: This lens holds a particular place in my coronary heart as my wide-angle lens of selection for years. Nikon’s Z 24mm f/1.8 S isn’t a full alternative, because it lacks the attractive f/1.4 most aperture that made this lens such a gem in the first place. Since Nikon is not-so-subtly avoiding f/1.4 glass for the Z system, if we do see a mirrorless model, it will most likely be a Z 24mm f/1.2. I might like to see that in motion.
• Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G: Nikon already has an in depth line of midrange zooms for the Z system – let’s not give them any extra concepts! The 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G was a strong lens, however I don’t see a motive for Nikon to make a mirrorless equal, contemplating that the 24-70mm f/4 S already exists and fills mainly the identical function.
• Nikon 28mm f/1.8G and 28mm f/1.4E: It’s a bit stunning that Nikon doesn’t have a 28mm S-line prime for the Z system but. I personally don’t thoughts the omission, contemplating that the ultra-sharp Z 24mm f/1.8 can act like a 28mm with only a little bit of cropping. Even so, I count on that we’ll see a mirrorless model of those lenses sooner or later – most likely a Z 28mm f/1.8, however presumably a 28mm f/1.2.
• Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G: Nikon has confirmed with the Z system that they’ll make optically robust superzooms, with the Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR. Though that lens might be Nikon’s meant successor to the much-maligned 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G, there’s arguably nonetheless room for a Nikon Z superzoom that reaches 300mm.
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4G: I solely put this right here to inform individuals, don’t get your hopes up – the odds of a Nikon Z 50mm f/1.4 look actually low at this level. In spite of everything, Nikon has but to launch a single f/1.4 lens for the Z system, aiming as an alternative for f/1.2 or f/1.8. We have already got a ton of 50mm and near-50mm primes for the Z system anyway. I perceive that this lens was a lot liked for the F-mount, however there actually isn’t an awesome want for a Z model. Simply adapt it when you love the signature look!
• Nikon 58mm f/1.4G: This lens was a beautiful anomaly when it was launched for the F mount in the first place. Nikon went all-out to create a lens with the most stunning attainable bokeh, vignetting traits, and shade, even at the expense of sharpness – a lens that even satisfied Nasim Mansurov, of all individuals, that “lens rendering” is actual. It was an interesting, once-in-a-lifetime kind of lens that may most likely by no means have a real alternative, even when Nikon ever releases a Z 58mm f/1.2.
• Nikon 70-200mm f/4G: Sigh. Sooner or later. (Kill two birds with one stone by making it a macro or near-macro lens, like Sony did with their current 70-200mm f/4 II. Then it is also the successor to Nikon’s well-known 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6 Macro.)
• Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E: I had been ready for a Nikon Z different to this lens for some time, however now that Tamron has their 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3, it’s not as excessive on my record. The Tamron lens has strong optical high quality, however there’s nonetheless room for enchancment if Nikon ever decides to make a local Z variation. Add VR, enhance the picture high quality a bit, and watch – this lens can be a particularly in style selection for light-weight necessities, and for pictures on a funds.
• Nikon 105mm f/1.4E: From a picture high quality standpoint, this lens doesn’t want an replace in any respect. It’s one among the finest lenses we’ve ever examined, and it’s a well-liked option to adapt to the Z system already. Even so, I’d nonetheless prefer to see a 105mm f/1.8 or f/1.2 prime for Nikon Z; it’s an awesome focal size, and I’m positive Nikon may do it justice. Contemplating Nikon’s emphasis on mirrorless primes, we’ll most likely see one other 105mm prime (along with the present Z 105mm f/2.8 macro) finally. It will slide properly between the 85mm primes and the upcoming 135mm on the roadmap.
• Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E: I undoubtedly suppose that Nikon wants a high-end supertelephoto zoom for the Z system, and I wouldn’t be shocked if that is the one they select as inspiration. In spite of everything, the Z system continues to be lacking a local 300mm f/2.8 prime, so this might kill two birds in a single stone (as long as it’s not too heavy). Unique supertelephotos are an awesome moneymaker for Nikon, so I’m anticipating a lens like this earlier than too lengthy. Hopefully with a built-in teleconverter.
• Nikon 180-400mm f/4E TC: Another choice for Nikon’s high-end supertelephoto zoom can be a lens like this – one thing that reaches a minimum of 400mm and has a continuing aperture of f/4. Pair it with a built-in teleconverter like they did with the F-mount model, and it will be a lens to drool over. Though, I personally suppose {that a} 120-300mm f/2.8-type lens would have extra utility if they may solely launch one.
• Nikon 200mm f/2G: A bokeh machine, and a surprisingly versatile telephoto lens that pairs effectively with any teleconverter. I’d like to see a lens like this for the Z system. Rumors say that Canon is engaged on one, so perhaps Nikon will really feel the strain and do the identical.
• Nikon 200mm f/4 Macro: This lens isn’t very trendy, nevertheless it’s nonetheless one among the finest macro lenses ever made. A Nikon Z model can be improbable, and one among the prime lenses I’m hoping to see sooner or later. Virtually each macro photographer I do know (together with me) considers 105mm to be a bit too quick at 1:1 magnification, particularly with some bugs which are particularly skittish. The working distance of a 200mm lens can be superior by comparability.
• Nikon 300mm f/2.8G VR II: Like I simply talked about, it’s a shock that we haven’t seen a 300mm f/2.8 but for the Nikon Z system. My guess is that Nikon skips this particular design and makes a zoom lens as an alternative, like the 120-300mm f/2.8. However I wouldn’t complain to see a traditional, optically excellent 300mm f/2.8 with some bells and whistles for the Z system – perhaps a a lot lighter design or an built-in teleconverter.
• Nikon 300mm f/4 and 500mm f/5.6 PF? Personally, I think about the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 to be the non secular successor of each of those lenses. It’s nonetheless attainable that Nikon makes a 300mm or 500mm different, however I don’t suppose both one ought to be a direct precedence.
• Nikon 500mm f/4E: Not everybody wants Nikon’s Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S; I’m positive a 500mm f/4 different can be very talked-about, identical to the 500mm f/4E was for the F mount. That’s very true if Nikon goes for a lighter, inexpensive design alongside the traces of the Z 800mm f/6.3 PF. Proper now, there aren’t any 500mm Nikon Z primes; hopefully that adjustments some day.
• Just about something DX: Take your decide. Nikon Z DX customers are in determined want of a lens wider than 12mm (which is a really pedestrian 18mm equal). Nikon can be lacking a set of wide-aperture zooms; at a minimal, they’ll want an ultra-wide f/2.8 zoom and a standard f/2.8 zoom to be aggressive, and f/2 or f/1.8 can be higher. Additionally they want an excellent set of primes to compete with Fuji, and naturally, a greater DX camera to go along with all that – however that’s most likely a subject for one more article. For higher or worse, Nikon clearly sees FX lenses as the extra essential market proper now.

Attention-grabbing Lenses from Different Firms

Alongside the lenses above, I feel Nikon can take some inspiration from their rivals. Canon, Sony, and Sigma all have some glorious full-frame lenses with none Nikon equal (neither Nikon Z nor Nikon F) which I might like to see for the Z system. Now that the roadmap is nearly over, any lens like it is a particular risk!

• Sony 12-24mm f/2.8 (or any 10mm, 11mm, or 12mm lens): I’m personally not an enormous fan of the ultra-ultra-wide angle look. Something past 14mm is normally too wealthy for my blood. However as a panorama photographer, I’ve heard loads of requests for Nikon to make a minimum of a 12mm full-frame lens, and even an 11mm or 10mm. I don’t suppose that it issues whether or not it’s a primary or a zoom at that time, since individuals would solely be shopping for it for the widest attainable focal size!
• Sigma and Sony 14mm f/1.8: For astrophotography, a 14-24mm f/2.8 zoom is already glorious. However Sigma and Sony have taken issues a step additional with their 14mm f/1.8 lenses. For context, an aperture of f/1.8 permits greater than twice as a lot mild as f/2.8, so Milky Manner photographers can use considerably decrease ISOs with a lens like this. Personally, I really favor the picture high quality I get by way of picture averaging, so I wouldn’t be getting this lens regardless that I like Milky Manner pictures. However I’m positive it will be in style regardless.
• Canon RF 16mm f/2.8: I feel Canon has performed an unbelievable job with their RF 16mm f/2.8 – a $280 lens that makes wide-angle, wide-aperture pictures attainable on a funds. Simply the different day, my barber talked about her curiosity in doing Milky Manner pictures with out spending an excessive amount of, and my advice was this lens plus one among the cheaper Canon EOS R full-frame our bodies. As a long-time Nikon consumer, I hope that we see a Z-system equal in order that I can advocate Nikon as an alternative subsequent time!
• Sony 20-70mm f/4: An ordinary zoom that begins at (roughly) 20mm as an alternative of 24mm can be a pleasant addition to the Nikon Z system. Contemplating that Nikon has been on a midrange zoom binge just lately, it wouldn’t shock me if we see one thing like this finally. Possibly it might be the successor to the Z 24-70mm f/4 S as Nikon’s customary equipment lens sooner or later.
• Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 (or any f/1.8 or f/2 zoom): It’s a wild world the place a full-frame f/2 zoom is accessible, and naturally that is an costly and heavy optic. However for some low-light occasion pictures, it replaces the must “twin wield” two cameras (one with a 35mm prime and one with an 85mm prime, for instance). That would make for a useful addition to the Z system. Granted, Nikon doesn’t appear taken with making f/2 zooms – but when they alter their thoughts, the massive diameter of the Z mount makes it simpler than ever to launch a lens like this.
• Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8: Alongside the traces of the Canon lens above, this Tamron is like seeing what occurs when a lens designer throws darts at a wall. It’s laborious to say precisely who a 35-150mm f/2-2.8 lens is meant for – it appears like the reply is each everybody and nobody. Nonetheless, since Tamron is taking part in footsie with the Z system already, perhaps we’ll see a Nikon-brand model of this lens seem sooner or later. (Or, Tamron may merely add a Z mount and preserve their branding, which might be positive too.)
• Canon 65mm f/2.8 1-5x MP-E (or any ultra-macro lens): This well-known lens for Canon DSLRs is a much-loved selection for excessive macro pictures. I don’t suppose that the marketplace for any such lens is especially large, although – and you might all the time simply adapt the Canon 65mm f/2.8 MP-E to the Z system if you really want such magnifications, or use a local Z lens like the Laowa 25mm ultra-macro. Nonetheless, it will be attention-grabbing to see Nikon launch a macro lens with over-1:1 magnification – whether or not that’s a devoted ultra-macro lens, or only a regular macro lens that goes to 2:1.
• Canon 600mm f/11 and 800mm f/11: There are many challenges autofocusing a lens with a most aperture of f/11, however I can’t deny the attraction of a name-brand 800mm lens with autofocus that solely prices $1000. Possibly Nikon will take some inspiration from these two Canon RF lenses, or maybe launch one thing a bit higher-end (however not unique territory) like a 600mm f/8.

Different Lens Potentialities

Each lens that I’ve mentioned thus far is one thing that already exists for a minimum of one firm – that’s what makes them the more than likely lenses we’ll see subsequent for the Z system. However there’s no rule saying that Nikon has to observe conventions. Already, a handful of their lenses for the Z system have been distinctive designs with out an apparent equal from one other firm.

I feel it will be cool to see Nikon experiment with some extra off-the-wall lenses as soon as issues quiet down – for instance, extra lenses like the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95. I don’t suppose that explicit lens was a lot of a industrial success, nevertheless it confirmed what Nikon was able to, and it actually attracted some specialised photographers to the model. Possibly we’ll see a telephoto lens sooner or later with the identical driving philosophy, like a 500mm f/2.8 or a 400-800mm zoom.

In the event you consider any distinctive concepts lens concepts that you just wish to see in the Z system, I’d love to listen to in the feedback under. There’s actually room for Nikon to experiment with their mirrorless lenses now that the most important lineup is just about full.

I’m additionally curious – of all the lenses I listed thus far, which of them are you most taken with seeing? Personally, there are 5 lenses at the prime of my wishlist: a 14mm f/1.8, a 16mm f/2.8, a 20-70mm f/4, a 70-200mm f/4 (with good shut focus), and a 120-300mm f/2.8. I feel every a type of lenses would add one thing helpful to the Z system that doesn’t at the moment exist. Past that, I’d additionally like to see a set of pro-level DX lenses and a camera to pair with them. Though if my goals are getting that loopy, perhaps I ought to ask for a pointy, light-weight 14-400mm f/2.8 whereas I’m at it 🙂