Best Nikon Wide-Angle Lenses: Top Picks for Beginners to Pros

If you’re diving into landscape photography, architecture, or simply want to add a new perspective to your Nikon mirrorless camera kit, a high-quality wide-angle lens is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Nikon wide-angle lenses available today—from budget-friendly picks for beginners to professional-grade options for seasoned shooters.

Whether you’re shooting with a Nikon Z5, Z6, Z7, Zfc, or Z9, there’s a perfect wide-angle lens to match your needs. Let’s take a closer look at the top performers in Nikon’s expanding Z-mount ecosystem.

What Is a Wide-Angle Lens and Why Should You Use One?

Wide-angle lenses typically have a focal length of 35mm or less (full-frame equivalent). They allow you to capture expansive scenes, dramatic perspectives, and more of your subject in tight spaces.

Ideal uses:

• Landscape and nature photography

• Architecture and interior shots

• Street and documentary work

• Environmental portraits

The best Nikon wide-angle lenses offer not only a broader field of view but also edge-to-edge sharpness, minimal distortion, and excellent low-light performance.

1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S – Best Overall for Professionals

Key Features:

• Focal length: 14-24mm

• Constant f/2.8 aperture

• Weather-sealed, rugged build

• Ultra-wide perspective with minimal distortion

• Excellent sharpness and chromatic aberration control

Who It’s For:

Professional photographers and serious enthusiasts looking for the highest performance wide-angle zoom. This lens is perfect for landscapes, astrophotography, and architecture where detail and clarity are critical.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S price $2,079.95 – View on Amazon

2. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S – Best Prime Wide-Angle Lens

Key Features:

• Bright f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting

• Compact and lightweight

• Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings to reduce ghosting and flare

• Edge-to-edge sharpness

Who It’s For:

Great for photographers who want a fast prime lens with wide-angle coverage—ideal for street, travel, and environmental portraits. Its lightweight design also makes it great for handheld video and gimbal work.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S price $996.95 — View on Amazon

3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 – Best Value Wide-Angle Zoom

Key Features:

• Constant f/2.8 aperture

• Lightweight and travel-friendly

• Smooth, silent autofocus

• Great price-to-performance ratio

Who It’s For:

This is the best Nikon wide-angle lens for content creators and hobbyists who want flexibility without breaking the bank. The 17-28mm zoom range covers everything from vlogging to landscapes.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 17-28mm f/2.8 price $1,196.95 — View on Amazon

4. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR – Best for Nikon Z APS-C Cameras

Key Features:

• Designed for DX-format (APS-C) cameras like Z30, Z50, Zfc

• Power zoom (PZ) feature for smooth video transitions

• Optical vibration reduction (VR) for handheld shooting

• Affordable and lightweight

Who It’s For:

Perfect for beginner vloggers and photographers using Nikon Z mirrorless APS-C cameras. It’s compact, easy to use, and versatile for video and stills.

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR price $359.95 — View on Amazon

5. Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S – Best for Night Photography and Astro

Key Features:

• Fast f/1.8 aperture with a 20mm ultra-wide perspective

• Excellent low-light performance

• Minimal coma and distortion

• Weather-sealed for field work

Who It’s For:

A top choice for nightscape and astrophotographers, as well as those shooting in dark conditions or interiors. It’s also well-suited for creative wide-angle portraiture.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S price $1,046.95 — View on Amazon

6. Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D for Nikon Z – Best Manual Focus Wide-Angle

Key Features:

• Ultra-wide 15mm focal length

• Fast f/2 aperture

• “Zero-D” distortion control

• Manual focus for precision shooting

Who It’s For:

Advanced users who want total control over focus and exposure. This lens is ideal for astrophotographers, architecture photographers, and those who prefer a fully manual shooting experience.

Laowa 15mm f/2 Zero-D for Nikon Z price $849.00 — View on Amazon

7. Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 – Best Budget Wide-Angle Prime

Key Features:

• Compact and lightweight pancake-style lens

• Affordable price

• Fast and quiet autofocus

• Solid image quality

Who It’s For:

Beginners and travel photographers who want a simple, affordable, and sharp wide-angle prime. It’s also a great everyday carry lens for casual shooting on Nikon Z bodies.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8 price $226.95 — View on Amazon

Choosing the Right Wide-Angle Lens for You

When choosing the best wide-angle Nikon lenses, consider the following:

Sensor Compatibility:

• Full-frame (FX): Lenses like the 14-24mm f/2.8 S and 20mm f/1.8 S

• APS-C (DX): Lenses like the 12-28mm PZ VR are optimized for smaller sensors

Aperture:

• Fast apertures (f/1.8–f/2.8) offer better low-light performance and depth of field control.

Use Case:

• Landscape/astro: Go for 14-24mm or 20mm f/1.8

• Vlogging/street: Try the 17-28mm or 24mm f/1.8

• Budget/beginner: 28mm f/2.8 or 12-28mm PZ

Final Thoughts: Which One is the Best Nikon Wide-Angle Lens?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here are quick picks based on your level:

• Beginner: Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 or DX 12-28mm PZ VR – Check its current price on Amazon.

• Intermediate: Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8 – Check its current price on Amazon

• Professional: Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S or Z 20mm f/1.8 S – Check its current price on Amazon

Each lens featured here delivers excellent optical performance in its category, making it a strong investment in your Nikon mirrorless camera system. Whether you’re capturing sweeping vistas or tight interiors, there’s a Nikon wide-angle lens that will elevate your creative vision.

Nikon Wide-Angle Lenses: Prices & Amazon Links

Note: Prices are as of May 23, 2025, and are subject to change.