Best Pick

Nikon Nikkor Z 20085

90.4 Budget Score
50-250mm 6.3 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

The NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR offers a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop optical stabilization and an assignable control ring, all in a 51g body. Often sold refurbished, it becomes one of the most affordable stabilized telephotos for the Z mount, and the featherweight build with a customizable ring enhances handling. This lens is ideal for Nikon Z DX users who need a portable, budget-friendly option for travel, street, and everyday telephoto shooting.

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Price CA$499
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Also available open box & refurbished:
Nikon Nikkor Z 20085 lens

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR

79.9 Budget Score
12-28mm f/3.5 Nikon Z IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

As the widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z cameras, this 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom combines a 205g lightweight build, internal zooming, and 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction. Its STM autofocus and 11-speed power zoom operate silently for smooth video, while the 0.21x magnification captures close-up details. It’s ideal for vloggers and street shooters wanting a stabilized ultrawide zoom for travel and content creation.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR lens
Price CA$462

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

79 Budget Score
55-300mm f/4.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its compact design, thanks to a High Refractive Index element, delivers a 5.5x telephoto range up to 300mm with VR II stabilization providing 4 stops of shake reduction. The certified refurbished status offers a budget-friendly entry point with the same optical quality, including two ED glass elements and a Silent Wave Motor for quiet autofocus. Best for Nikon DX DSLR owners seeking a lightweight, affordable lens for outdoor sports, wildlife, and travel photography where handheld shooting demands stabilization.

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Nikon High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto

47.1 Budget Score
420-1600mm f/8.3 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its 420-1600mm zoom range with constant f/8.3 aperture and built-in stabilization provides extreme telephoto reach for Nikon F-mount DSLRs, but it demands full manual focus—there is no autofocus. Weighing just 989g, it’s unusually light for a super-telephoto lens and mounts directly to most Nikon DX and FX bodies from the D3000 to D850 series. This lens suits budget-focused wildlife or sports shooters who need 1600mm of distance and are comfortable controlling focus manually.

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