10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000 2024 (Updated Expert Advice)

What Is The Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000?

Are you passionate about photography…

but hesitant about breaking the bank on lenses? 

Look no further! 

In the world of Nikon mirrorless cameras, quality lenses don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. 

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000. These lenses offer exceptional performance, stunning image quality, and versatility—all at an affordable price point.

Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, these lenses will elevate your photography game without emptying your wallet. 

Let’s dive in and explore the perfect lens companions for your Nikon mirrorless camera, all under $1000!

List Of Top 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000

1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S
2. Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S
3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8
5. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S
6. Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S
7. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm VR
8. Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S
9. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR
10. Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S

After a deep and thorough research along with expert recommendations, I have shortlisted and curated a list of top 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000.

1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 24mm Wide angle to 120mm Telephoto
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 24-120mm

Pros

1. Versatile focal range
2. Constant aperture
3. High-quality construction
4. Designed for Z series

Cons

1. Relatively expensive
2. Not ideal for low light
3. Slightly heavy
4. Limited aperture range

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a premium constant aperture all-in-one zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras.

With its wide angle to telephoto focal range, this lens offers versatility for various photography needs, making it one of the best choices for Nikon mirrorless users seeking high-quality results under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Lens

2. Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 20mm
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 20mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Large aperture (f/1.8)
3. Wide angle perspective
4. Ideal for low light

Cons

1. Limited zoom capabilities
2. Higher price point
3. May exhibit some distortion
4. Requires careful handling

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S is a premium wide-angle prime lens crafted for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its large aperture of f/1.8, this lens excels in low-light conditions, making it a top choice for photographers seeking stunning image quality and versatility.

Though it lacks zoom capabilities, its wide angle perspective and exceptional build quality make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s toolkit, especially those looking for high-quality lenses under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Lens

3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 24-70 millimeters
• Lens Type: Zoom
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 70mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Constant aperture (f/4)
3. Versatile mid-range zoom
4. Designed for Z series

Cons

1. Moderate aperture for low light
2. Slightly bulky
3. Higher price point
4. Limited telephoto reach

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a premium mid-range zoom lens tailored for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras.

Offering a versatile focal range and constant aperture of f/4, this lens provides photographers with exceptional image quality and flexibility in various shooting scenarios. 

While it may not excel in low-light conditions compared to lenses with wider apertures, its solid construction and compatibility with the Nikon Z series make it a compelling option for photographers seeking reliable performance under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Lens  

4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide angle 28mm to 75mm telephoto
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 28-75 mm

Pros

1. Large aperture (f/2.8)
2. Versatile mid-range zoom
3. Ideal for low light
4. High-quality construction

Cons

1. Slightly bulky
2. Higher price point
3. Limited focal range
4. May exhibit some distortion

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 is a high-performance mid-range zoom lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its large aperture of f/2.8, this lens excels in low-light conditions, offering photographers versatility and exceptional image quality. 

While it may be slightly bulky and come at a higher price point, its solid construction and wide aperture make it a valuable investment for photographers seeking top-notch performance under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens 

5. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide-Angle Prime Lens
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 24mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Large aperture (f/1.8)
3. Wide angle perspective
4. Ideal for low light photography

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Higher price point
3. May exhibit some distortion
4. Requires careful handling

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S is a premium wide aperture prime lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its large f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and offers photographers a wide angle perspective, making it perfect for landscape, street, and architectural photography. 

While it comes at a higher price point and lacks zoom capabilities, its exceptional build quality and image performance make it a top choice for photographers seeking outstanding results under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S Lens  

6. Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Standard/Normal Prime Lens
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 35mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Large aperture (f/1.8)
3. Versatile wide-angle perspective
4. Ideal for low light photography

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Higher price point
3. May exhibit some distortion
4. Requires careful handling

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a premium wide aperture prime lens crafted for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its large f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and offers photographers a versatile wide-angle perspective, making it suitable for various photography genres including portraits, street, and landscape photography. 

Though it comes at a higher price point and lacks zoom capabilities, its exceptional build quality and superior image performance make it a top contender for photographers looking to elevate their work under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens  

7. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm VR Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 24-200 millimeters
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 24-200mm

Pros

1. Versatile focal range
2. Image stabilization (VR)
3. Compact design
4. All-in-one zoom convenience

Cons

1. Variable aperture
2. Moderate aperture for low light
3. Possible compromise on image quality
4. Limited maximum aperture

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm VR is a compact all-in-one telephoto zoom lens with image stabilization, tailored for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Offering a versatile focal range and image stabilization, this lens provides photographers with convenience and flexibility in various shooting scenarios. 

While its variable aperture and moderate maximum aperture may not excel in low-light conditions, its compact design and all-in-one zoom convenience make it a compelling option for photographers seeking versatility under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-200mm VR Lens

8. Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Medium-Telephoto Prime Lens
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 85 mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Large aperture (f/1.8)
3. Ideal for portrait photography
4. Excellent background blur (bokeh)

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Higher price point
3. May exhibit some chromatic aberration
4. Requires careful handling

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S is a premium large aperture portrait prime lens designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras.

With its large f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in producing stunning portraits with beautiful background blur (bokeh) while maintaining exceptional image quality. 

While it comes at a higher price point and lacks zoom capabilities, its solid construction and specialized design make it a top choice for portrait photographers looking to achieve professional results under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Lens

9. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide Angle 18mm to 140mm Telephoto
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 18-140mm DX

Pros

1. Versatile focal range
2. Compact design
3. Image stabilization (VR)
4. Ideal for APS-C/DX format cameras

Cons

1. Variable aperture
2. Moderate aperture for low light
3. Possible compromise on image quality
4. Limited maximum aperture

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR is a compact all-in-one zoom lens tailored for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Offering a versatile focal range and image stabilization, this lens provides photographers with convenience and flexibility in various shooting scenarios.

While its variable aperture and moderate maximum aperture may not excel in low-light conditions, its compact design and compatibility with APS-C/DX format cameras make it a valuable option for photographers seeking versatility under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR Lens

10. Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Standard/Normal Prime Lens
• Lens Type: Standard
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 50mm

Pros

1. Premium build quality
2. Large aperture (f/1.8)
3. Versatile standard perspective
4. Ideal for low light photography

Cons

1. Fixed focal length
2. Higher price point
3. May exhibit some distortion
4. Requires careful handling

Short Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a premium large aperture prime lens, commonly known as the “nifty fifty,” designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its large f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and offers photographers a versatile standard perspective, suitable for various photography genres including portraits, street, and everyday shooting.

Despite its fixed focal length and higher price point, its exceptional build quality and superior image performance make it a top choice for photographers seeking outstanding results under $1000.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Lens Lens

Conclusion

These 10 best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $1000 offer a wide range of options to photographers seeking quality and affordability.

 From versatile zoom lenses to premium prime lenses, each one provides exceptional performance and value for money. Whether you’re a professional or an enthusiast, these lenses promise to elevate your photography experience without breaking the bank.

 With features like large apertures, versatile focal lengths, and solid build quality, they represent the pinnacle of Nikon’s mirrorless lens offerings within a budget-friendly range. 

Embrace creativity without compromise with these top-notch lenses designed to meet the demands of today’s photographers.

Related:

• Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $2000
• Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1500

FAQs

1. What makes these lenses the “best” under $1000?

These lenses have been selected based on their combination of superior performance, build quality, versatility, and affordability within the specified budget.

2. Are these lenses compatible with all Nikon mirrorless cameras?

Yes, these lenses are specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless compatibility and optimal performance.

3. Can these lenses handle low-light conditions effectively?

Yes, many of these lenses feature large apertures, such as f/1.8 or f/2.8, making them ideal for low-light photography and producing stunning results in challenging lighting situations.

4. Are there zoom lenses available in this selection?

Yes, this selection includes both prime and zoom lenses, offering photographers a variety of options to suit their specific shooting preferences and needs.

5. How is the image quality of these lenses under $1000?

Despite their affordable price point, these lenses boast premium optics and superior image quality, ensuring sharpness, clarity, and color accuracy in every shot.

6. Are these lenses suitable for professional photographers?

Absolutely. Many professional photographers rely on these lenses for their exceptional performance, reliability, and ability to deliver professional-grade results without the high cost typically associated with premium lenses.