10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500 2024 (Updated Expert Advice)

What Is The Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500?

Are you passionate about photography…

…but working within a budget?

 Look no further! 

Today, I’m thrilled to present the ultimate guide to enhancing your Nikon mirrorless camera experience without breaking the bank.

Dive into our carefully curated list of the 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500. 

Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or a seasoned pro, these lenses offer exceptional quality, versatility, and performance without compromising your wallet.

Let’s explore how these lenses can elevate your photography game without emptying your pockets.

List Of Top 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500

1. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S
2. Nikon Z DX 18-140mm VR
3. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
4. Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8
5. Nikon Z 24-50mm
6. Nikon Z DX 50-250mm VR
7. Nikon Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR
8. Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition)
9. Nikon Z DX 16-50mm VR (Black)
10. Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7

After extensive hours of research and understanding the customer needs, I have shortlisted the top 10 Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $500.

1. 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: 85mm

Pros

1. Premium Build Quality
2. Wide Aperture for Stunning Bokeh
3. Exceptional Sharpness
4. Fast and Accurate Autofocus

Cons

1. Relatively Expensive
2. May Be Heavy for Some
3. Limited to Nikon Z Cameras
4. Slight Chromatic Aberration

Description

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

With its medium-telephoto focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in capturing stunning portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds, making it an excellent choice for portrait photographers. 

Its exceptional build quality, sharpness, and fast autofocus further enhance its appeal, making it a top contender among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500. 

However, its relatively higher price and compatibility limited to Nikon Z cameras might be considerations for some photographers.

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

2. 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 All-in-One Lens
2. Compact and Lightweight Design
3. Vibration Reduction (VR) for Steady Shots
4. Covers Wide Angle to Telephoto Range

Cons

1. Variable Aperture
2. Some Distortion at Extremes
3. Not as Fast as Prime Lenses
4. Limited Low-Light Performance

Description

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

Covering a wide angle to telephoto range, this lens offers convenience and flexibility for various shooting situations, making it a go-to choice for travel, landscapes, portraits, and more. 

Its compact and lightweight design makes portability without compromising on performance. With built-in Vibration Reduction (VR), it helps maintain sharpness and steadiness in handheld shots. 

While it excels in versatility and convenience, its variable aperture and some distortion at extreme focal lengths might be considerations for certain photographers. 

Nonetheless, for those seeking an all-in-one solution within a budget, this lens stands as a compelling option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

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

3. 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. Wide Aperture for Stunning Bokeh
3. Compact and Lightweight
4. Crisp and Sharp Images

Cons

1. Fixed Focal Length
2. Slight Chromatic Aberration
3. May Be Pricey for Some
4. Limited to Nikon Z Cameras

Description

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

With its standard focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, this lens is renowned for its exceptional image quality, making it ideal for portraits, street photography, and everyday shooting.

Additionally, while it delivers crisp and sharp images, slight chromatic aberration may be noticeable in certain conditions. 

Despite these considerations, for photographers seeking top-notch image quality and the classic “nifty fifty” experience, this lens remains a standout choice among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

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

4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide Angle Pancake 26mm
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 26mm

Pros

1. Ultra-Compact Pancake Design
2. Wide Aperture for Low-Light Performance
3. Lightweight and Portable
4. Excellent Image Quality

Cons

1. Fixed Focal Length
2. Limited Zoom Capability
3. Slight Distortion at Extreme Angles
4. May Lack Versatility for Some Shooters

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 is a pancake prime lens designed specifically for Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Boasting an ultra-compact and lightweight design, this lens offers unparalleled portability without compromising on image quality.

Its wide f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent performance even in low-light conditions, making it a versatile choice for various shooting scenarios such as landscapes, street photography, and everyday snapshots.

 While its fixed focal length may limit zoom capability, its compactness and wide-angle perspective make it perfect for capturing immersive scenes. 

Despite this, for those prioritizing portability and exceptional image quality in a budget-friendly package, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 stands as a compelling option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 26mm f/2.8 Lens 

5. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide Angle 24mm to Standard 50mm
• Lens Type: Wide Angle, Standard
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 50mm

Pros

1. Compact and Lightweight Design
2. Versatile Mid-Range Zoom
3. Smooth Autofocus Performance
4. Decent Image Quality

Cons

1. Variable Aperture
2. Not Ideal for Low-Light Conditions
3. Some Distortion at Extreme Focal Lengths
4. Limited Telephoto Reach

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm is a compact mid-range zoom lens tailored for Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Offering a versatile focal length range from wide-angle to standard, this lens provides flexibility for a variety of shooting scenarios, including landscapes, portraits, and everyday photography. 

Its compact and lightweight design makes it an excellent travel companion without compromising on performance. With smooth autofocus performance, capturing crisp and clear images is a breeze.

Despite these considerations, for those seeking a versatile mid-range zoom lens within a budget, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm proves to be a reliable option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm Lens 

6. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm VR Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 50-250 millimeters
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 6

Pros

1. Compact All-in-One Design
2. Image Stabilization (VR)
3. Versatile Telephoto Zoom Range
4. Suitable for APS-C/DX Format Cameras

Cons

1. Variable Aperture
2. Potential for Softness at Extremes
3. Limited Low-Light Performance
4. May Be Heavy for Some s

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm VR is a compact all-in-one telephoto zoom lens specifically designed for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With a versatile focal length range from standard to long telephoto, this lens offers flexibility for capturing a wide range of subjects, including wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes.

Its compact design makes it highly portable, while built-in image stabilization (VR) helps maintain sharpness in handheld shots. 

However, its variable aperture and potential softness at extreme focal lengths might be considerations for some photographers. 

Additionally, while suitable for daytime shooting, its performance in low-light conditions may be limited.

Nonetheless, for photographers seeking a versatile telephoto zoom lens within a budget, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm VR presents a compelling option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm VR Lens

7. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Ultra Wide angle 12 to 28 millimeters
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 12-28 mm

Pros

1. Power Zoom Functionality
2. Image Stabilization (VR)
3. Ultra-Wide Angle Capability
4. Compact and Lightweight Design

Cons

1. Variable Aperture
2. Limited Zoom Range
3. May Have Some Distortion at Extremes
4. Not Ideal for Low-Light Conditions

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR is a wide-angle power zoom lens equipped with image stabilization, specifically tailored for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras.

With its ultra-wide-angle capability and power zoom functionality, this lens offers versatility for capturing expansive landscapes, architecture, and indoor spaces. Its compact and lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for travel and on-the-go shooting. 

Additionally, built-in image stabilization (VR) ensures sharp and steady images, particularly useful in handheld shooting situations. 

However, its variable aperture and limited zoom range may be drawbacks for some photographers. 

Nevertheless, for photographers seeking a wide-angle zoom lens with power zoom functionality within a budget, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR presents an appealing option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm PZ VR Lens 

8. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: Wide Angle 28 millimeters
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 28 mm

Pros

1. Retro-Stylish Design
2. Compact and Lightweight
3. Wide Aperture for Low-Light Performance
4. Excellent Image Quality

Cons

1. Fixed Focal Length
2. Limited Telephoto Reach
3. May Lack Versatility for Some Shooters
4. Slight Vignetting at Wide Apertures

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) is a retro-styled compact standard prime lens designed for Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Its classic design evokes nostalgia while maintaining modern performance standards. 

With a wide-angle 28mm focal length and a wide f/2.8 aperture, this lens excels in capturing immersive landscapes, street scenes, and environmental portraits with stunning clarity and detail.

Despite these considerations, for photographers seeking a retro-styled prime lens with exceptional image quality, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) stands as an enticing option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 (Special Edition) Lens

9. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR (Black) Lens

Specifications

• Brand: Nikon
• Focal Length Description: 16-50 millimeters
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Compatible Mountings: Nikon Z
• Camera Lens Description: 50 millimeters

Pros

1. Compact and Lightweight Design
2. Built-in Image Stabilization (VR)
3. Versatile Mid-Range Zoom
4. Suitable for APS-C/DX Format Cameras

Cons

1. Variable Aperture
2. Limited Telephoto Reach
3. Some Distortion at Extremes
4. Not Ideal for Low-Light Conditions

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR (Black) is a compact mid-range zoom lens with built-in image stabilization, designed for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras. 

Offering a versatile focal length range from wide-angle to standard, this lens is ideal for capturing a wide variety of subjects, from landscapes and architecture to portraits and everyday snapshots.

However, its variable aperture and limited telephoto reach may be drawbacks for some photographers seeking more flexibility in low-light conditions or long-distance shooting.

Nonetheless, for photographers looking for a versatile and budget-friendly zoom lens for their Nikon Z mirrorless camera, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR (Black) offers an attractive option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm VR (Black) Lens

10. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens

Specifications

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

Pros

1. Extra-Large Aperture (f/1.7)
2. Ultra-Wide Angle Perspective
3. Compact and Lightweight Design
4. Exceptional Low-Light Performance

Cons

1. Fixed Focal Length
2. Limited Telephoto Reach
3. Potential for Distortion at Extreme Angles
4. May Be Pricey for Some

Description

The Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is an extra-large aperture wide-angle prime lens specifically designed for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras. 

With its ultra-wide 24mm focal length and an impressive f/1.7 aperture, this lens excels in capturing expansive landscapes, architectural marvels, and immersive street scenes with remarkable clarity and detail, even in challenging lighting conditions.

However, its fixed focal length and limited telephoto reach may be restrictive for photographers seeking more versatility in focal lengths. 

Despite these considerations, for photographers prioritizing superb image quality and low-light performance in a wide-angle prime lens, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 proves to be an enticing option among the best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500.

Buy It Now: Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 24mm f/1.7 Lens 

Conclusion

These 10 best Nikon mirrorless lenses under $500 offer a diverse range of options for photographers on a budget. 

From versatile zoom lenses to premium prime lenses, each one provides exceptional quality and performance without breaking the bank.

 Whether you’re capturing portraits, landscapes, or everyday moments, these lenses ensure you can achieve stunning results without compromising on image quality.

 With a combination of affordability, versatility, and quality, these lenses prove that you don’t have to spend a fortune to elevate your photography game with Nikon mirrorless cameras.

Related:

• Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $2000
• Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1500
• Best Nikon Mirrorless Lenses Under $1000

FAQs

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

These lenses are specifically designed for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, ensuring seamless compatibility with the Nikon Z mount system.

2. Can I use these lenses for professional photography?

While these lenses offer exceptional quality and performance, they are suitable for a wide range of photography needs, including professional work such as portraits, landscapes, and street photography.

3. Are there any additional costs involved apart from the lens price?

The listed prices are for the lenses themselves, but additional accessories such as lens filters, lens hoods, and lens caps may be required depending on your shooting preferences.

4. Do these lenses come with a warranty?

Yes, these lenses typically come with a manufacturer’s warranty, offering coverage for defects in materials and workmanship for a specified period after purchase. Be sure to check the warranty terms for each lens.

5. Are there any compatibility issues with using these lenses on different Nikon Z camera models?

These lenses are designed to work seamlessly with all Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras. However, it’s always recommended to check compatibility with specific camera models to ensure optimal performance.

6. Can these lenses be used for video recording?

Yes, these lenses are suitable for video recording, offering smooth autofocus performance and high-quality optics for capturing sharp and detailed footage.