Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20084-WB

79.9 Landscape Score
16-50mm f/3.5 Nikon Z IS
Why we recommend this

Weighing just 130g, it's the smallest DX interchangeable lens with a 16-50mm range (24-75mm equivalent) and built-in 4.5-stop VR stabilization. An assignable control ring adds versatility, and its strong scores for budget (88/100) and street (85.6/100) photography reflect solid value. Best for Nikon Z mount shooters seeking a compact, affordable walkaround zoom for daily use and street scenes.

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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

75.1 Landscape 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

66.3 Landscape 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 Telephoto

31.9 Landscape Score
420-800mm 16 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Offering a massive 420-800mm focal range with image stabilization in a portable 717g lens, this manual-focus telephoto stands out for reach, but its fixed f/8.3–16 aperture and lack of autofocus demand full manual control. The sturdy metal build and upgraded F-mount compatibility eliminate the need for a T adapter, making it an affordable super-telephoto entry for Nikon DSLR hobbyists. Best suited to amateur wildlife and moon photographers comfortable with manual exposure and focus, it falls short for professional or travel uses that require speed and brighter optics.

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