Looking for the best Nikon telephoto lenses for your mirrorless camera? Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, sports shooter, portrait artist, or travel photographer, a high-quality telephoto lens is essential to elevate your photography. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top Nikon lenses for Z-mount mirrorless cameras—perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned professionals.
In the rapidly evolving world of photography, having the right gear can be the difference between a good shot and a great one. Telephoto lenses allow photographers to bring faraway subjects up close while maintaining sharpness, detail, and creative composition. Whether you’re photographing birds in flight, athletes mid-stride, or candid scenes from afar, a reliable telephoto lens offers the reach and clarity needed to tell compelling visual stories. Nikon’s mirrorless Z-mount ecosystem has made significant strides, offering a versatile lineup of lenses that deliver professional-grade performance across focal lengths and price points.
Why Telephoto Lenses Matter for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras
One of the main advantages of telephoto lenses is the ability to bring distant subjects closer with incredible clarity. This is especially important when shooting subjects you can’t get close to, like wildlife, sports, or candid portraits. Nikon’s Z-mount lineup offers a growing range of telephoto options that provide sharp optics, fast autofocus, and compatibility with full-frame (FX) and APS-C (DX) mirrorless cameras. In addition, third-party manufacturers like Tamron now offer excellent value alternatives.
Whether you shoot with a Nikon Z5, Z6 II, Z7 II, Z8, or Z9, these lenses offer the sharpness, reach, and performance you need. We’ve included a variety of options across price points to suit every type of photographer. Affiliate links below lead directly to Amazon search results, helping you compare prices and check availability instantly.
Best Nikon Telephoto Lenses at a Glance
| Lens | Focal Length | Aperture | Approx. Price | Amazon Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 | 70-180mm | f/2.8 | $1,249 | Check on Amazon |
| Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S | 100-400mm | f/4.5–5.6 | $2,696 | Check on Amazon |
| Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S | 400mm | f/4.5 | $3,249 | Check on Amazon |
| Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR | 50-250mm | f/4.5–6.3 | $349 | Check on Amazon |
| Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD | 70-300mm | f/4.5–6.3 | $699 | Check on Amazon |
1. Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8
Who It’s For: Enthusiast photographers who want pro-level sharpness and speed without the weight of traditional 70-200mm lenses. Key Features:- Fast constant f/2.8 aperture
- Compact and lightweight for a fast zoom
- Fast, quiet autofocus
- Compatible with Nikon Z teleconverters
2. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Who It’s For: Advanced enthusiasts and professionals who need high reach and image quality for wildlife or sports. Key Features:- Premium S-line optical quality
- Dual STM motors for fast, silent autofocus
- Effective image stabilization (up to 5 stops)
- Weather-sealed and teleconverter compatible
3. Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
Who It’s For: Professional wildlife and action photographers needing lightweight reach with prime-level sharpness. Key Features:- Extremely lightweight for a 400mm prime
- Bright f/4.5 aperture
- Superb stabilization up to 5.5 stops
- Exceptional image quality and bokeh
4. Nikon Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
Who It’s For: Beginners using Nikon Z50, Zfc, or Z30 who want a long zoom without a large investment. Key Features:- Lightweight and collapsible design
- Great image stabilization
- Surprisingly sharp throughout the range
- Affordable price for telephoto reach
5. Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
Who It’s For: Hobbyists looking for a budget-friendly, full-frame telephoto lens for Nikon Z cameras. Key Features:- Affordable 300mm reach
- Lightweight and travel-friendly
- Quiet RXD autofocus motor
- Great option for beginners upgrading from kit lenses
How to Choose the Right Nikon Telephoto Lens
When deciding which telephoto lens to invest in, consider these key factors:
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Focal Length: 70–200mm is versatile; 300mm+ is ideal for birds and distant action.
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Aperture: A wider maximum aperture (like f/2.8) allows better performance in low light and shallower depth of field.
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Autofocus Performance: Important for fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.
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Size & Weight: Portability matters if you shoot handheld or travel often.
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VR (Vibration Reduction): Crucial for longer lenses where camera shake becomes an issue.
Final Thoughts: Which Nikon Telephoto Lens Should You Get?
Ultimately, the best Nikon telephoto lens depends on your needs and budget:
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If you’re just starting out with a DX camera like the Nikon Z30, the Z DX 50-250mm VR is your best value.
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For enthusiasts seeking versatility and speed, the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 is excellent.
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Wildlife and sports professionals will find top-tier performance in the Z 100-400mm VR S or Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S.
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Budget-conscious full-frame users can turn to the Tamron 70-300mm, which offers reach at an unbeatable price.
Each of these lenses offers outstanding performance in its category. Nikon has crafted a mirrorless ecosystem that caters to everyone—from entry-level creators to full-time professionals.
