Finding the best Nikon lenses for travel photography is the best way to prepare yourself for your next adventure. Our guide highlights the nine best Nikon lenses for mirrorless and DSLR cameras, ensuring you capture every moment perfectly. We’ve carefully selected lenses that offer both quality and convenience for travelers.
Our top picks include the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S for its lightweight design and sharp images, and the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G for its compact size and low-light performance. But if these are not the lenses you’re looking for, we have seven more incredible Z-mount and F-mount Nikon lenses for travel.
What Is the Best Nikon Z Lens for Travel Photography?
When selection best Nikon Z lens for travel photography, you need to consider weight, versatility, and optical performance. These Z-mount lenses offer a balance of portability, range, and image quality, making them ideal for capturing diverse travel scenes, from bustling streets to serene landscapes.
- Exceptional sharpness, even at wide apertures
- Fast, accurate autofocus system
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Pleasing bokeh for portrait work
- Versatile for street and everyday photography
- Compact, lightweight design for easy travel
- Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
- Quick, silent autofocus perfect for video recording
- Customizable control ring for intuitive adjustments
- Effective in-body stabilization compatibility
- Constant f/4 aperture for consistent exposure control
- Professional-grade build, weather-sealed for durability
- Exceptional sharpness across zoom range
- Dual stepping motors for fast, silent autofocus
- Versatile 5x zoom for landscape to portrait photography
- Broad 18-140mm zoom range for versatility
- Vibration Reduction for sharp, stable shots
- Lightweight, travel-friendly design
- Fast, precise autofocus mechanism
- Great for both wide landscapes and detailed portraits
Our Favorite Nikon Z Lenses for Travel Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon Z lenses. From prime lenses that excel in low light to versatile zooms perfect for capturing everything on your travels, there’s a Nikon travel lens here for every globe-trotting photographer.
1. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
415 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is the perfect prime lens for travel photography. Prime lenses might not be as versatile as zooms, but the 50mm focal length gives you plenty of shooting options. You can shoot anything from landscapes to portraits.
Its optical construction includes two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements and two aspherical elements, reducing chromatic aberrations and ensuring edge-to-edge sharpness. This makes it great for capturing detailed landscapes and vibrant street scenes.
Its f/1.8 aperture is excellent for low light conditions, giving you seriously good exposure control. It allows you to use faster shutter speeds to avoid motion blur. And it allows you to create a beautiful bokeh effect that isolate subjects in busy environments.
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S does not have built-in image stabilization, relying on the camera’s in-body stabilization. This works well in most scenarios, but in extremely low light, photographers might need to increase ISO or use their travel tripod.
A durable build that includes weather sealing adds to the lens’s travel credentials, proving that the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is the best Nikon lens for travel photography.
2. Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
195 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a compact zoom lens that’s great for travel photography. It covers a wide to standard focal range, making it useful for a variety of shots, including landscapes and portraits. Its light build means it won’t weigh you down on long days of exploring.
However, its variable aperture of f/4 to f/6.3 might not be the best in low light. This lens doesn’t have its own image stabilization. But when used with Nikon Z cameras with in-body stabilization, it still produces sharp images in most situations.
It’s surprisingly sharp for a lens in this price range. Imperfections like chromatic aberrations are kept to a minimum thanks to three aspherical and two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements.
With a minimum focusing distance of 0.35 meters, it allows for detailed close-ups, adding to its versatility. The autofocus is quick and quiet, which is perfect for capturing fleeting moments without drawing attention.
The Nikon Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 is a great option for travelers looking for a light, versatile lens. It’s a popular choice with vloggers, too. It’s a good choice if you also want to capture some travel footage.
3. Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
630 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-120 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a versatile zoom lens perfect for travel photography. Its wide focal range allows photographers to capture everything. You can shoot landscapes, portraits, and close-ups with this one lens. This flexibility is key in vibrant travel locations.
The constant f/4 aperture provides a good balance of light intake and depth of field control. It isn’t the fastest of maximum apertures. But it is constant throughout the zoom range, meaning you don’t lose any stops as you zoom in.
It’s relatively light considering the zoom range. And it’s an easy fit for any travel camera backpack. Its build is sturdy, with weather sealing that protects it in different weather conditions. This durability is essential for travel photographers who often face unpredictable weather.
The lens impresses with sharp images and minimal distortion. The crisp picture quality is due to its high-quality glass and coatings that reduce flare and chromatic aberrations.
The autofocus is quick and reliable. And the barrel has a custom control ring, giving you more hands-on control. You can use it to control ISO, aperture, or many other settings.
The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a great choice for travel photographers looking for a single-lens solution. Its combination of range, image quality, and build makes it a valuable companion for capturing any journey.
4. Nikon DX Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
315 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
18-140 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon DX Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is the best travel lens for Nikon APS-C mirrorless cameras. Its broad focal range covers most shooting scenarios, so you don’t have to travel with multiple lenses. This makes it a practical choice for photographers looking to travel light.
The lens delivers good sharpness and controls aberrations well, thanks to its ED glass elements. And while it may not offer the low-light capabilities of other lenses, its VR system compensates by allowing for slower shutter speeds without a loss in image quality.
Weighing just 312g, it’s notably lightweight and compact. Despite its plastic construction, it includes weather-sealing features, offering some protection against the elements. This combination of portability and durability is key for travel photography, where conditions can vary.
The Nikon DX Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is a good option for those seeking a single, versatile lens for travel. It offers a balance between performance, convenience, and portability. And it’s an affordable option for your Nikon APS-C mirrorless camera.
What is the Best Nikon F Lens for Travel Photography?
In this section, we dive into the best Nikon F lenses for travel photography. Selected for their balance of portability, image quality, and versatility, these lenses cater to a variety of shooting conditions.
From prime lenses offering exceptional low-light performance to zoom lenses that cover a broad focal range, each has been chosen to enhance your travel photography experience without the bulk. We’ve made it easy to find a travel lens for your Nikon DSLR camera.
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.8 aperture
- Ideal for portraits with natural perspective
- Compact and lightweight for travel convenience
- Fast, accurate autofocus for sharp images
- Produces beautiful bokeh for professional-looking photos
- Wide f/1.8 aperture enhances low-light shooting
- Versatile for street and environmental portraits
- Lightweight design, perfect for on-the-go photography
- Superior sharpness and color accuracy
- Quick, silent autofocus for discreet shooting scenarios
- Versatile zoom range for diverse photography needs
- Vibration Reduction for sharp images in low light
- Quick, silent autofocus for capturing fleeting moments
- Durable build with dust and moisture resistance
- Excellent sharpness and color correction across zoom range
- Constant f/4 aperture across entire zoom range
- 5x zoom versatility for wide to telephoto
- Effective Vibration Reduction for stable handheld shots
- Robust build with weather-sealing for durability
- Excellent optical performance with minimal aberrations
- Wide focal range for versatile shooting options
- Built-in Vibration Reduction for steady shots
- Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
- Fast and silent autofocus mechanism
- Excellent value for a broad zoom lens
Our Favorite Nikon F Lenses for Travel Photography
Now we take closer look at our favorite Nikon Z lenses. Whether you’re capturing bustling city streets or serene landscapes, there’s a Nikon F lens for you. With a section of primes and zooms, we have all the best options for your Nikon DSLR.
1. Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
185 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is the best place to start with travel lenses if you have a Nikon DSLR. Its 50mm focal length offers a natural perspective, ideal for capturing everything from street scenes to portraits.
However, its fixed focal length limits versatility compared to zoom lenses like the Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR, which can cover wide angles to short telephoto shots without changing lenses.
With an aperture of f/1.8, this lens excels in low light, allowing photographers to shoot in a variety of lighting conditions without increasing ISO too much. This wide aperture also helps achieve a shallow depth of field, isolating subjects from the background beautifully.
It does lack built-in image stabilization. And most Nikon DSLRs don’t have sensor-shift stabilization either. But stabilization isn’t necessary with a standard focal length and such a fast max aperture.
Thanks to its aspherical element, the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration. Its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus is quick and accurate, capturing fleeting moments with ease. As the name suggests, it’s also silent in operation, helping you keep a low profile.
The optical quality and portability make the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G a top choice for travel photographers. It’s a must-have lens for any traveler with a Nikon camera.
2. Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
305 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED is another exceptional prime lens for travel photography. Its 35mm focal length gives you a wider field of view than the 50mm lens. This allows you to capture more in tight spaces. And it allows you to include more architectural features in your exterior images.
With an f/1.8 aperture, this lens works well in low light, allowing for crisp images with ISO settings. It also gives you excellent depth of field control, helping you produce a blurred background in portraits or close-ups.
This lens is quick to focus, catching fast moments with ease. It’s also sharp across the frame. The ED elements ensure high-quality images with no distortion or lens flare.
The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED is a brilliant prime that’s ideal for travelers looking for a wider viewing angle. It’s compact enough for any travel camera backpack. And the price is more than reasonable for a lens of this standard.
3. Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
485 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.5
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is a versatile zoom lens travel photographers will love. Its focal length covers wide landscapes to intimate portraits, making it a single-lens solution for many.
Thanks to its ED glass and aspherical elements, the lens offers good sharpness and controls chromatic aberration effectively. While it shows some distortion and vignetting at extreme settings, these flaws are barely visible and easily fixed in post-processing.
Its variable aperture is not the best in very low light. You are limited to a max aperture of f/4.5 at 85mm, which isn’t ideal. But the lens does have built-in stabilization. This gives you four stops of exposure compensation, allowing you to shoot with slower shutter speeds.
The lens is relatively light and compact, easing the burden during long days of exploration. You’ll have no problem stowing it in your camera backpack.
For those looking for a solid mix of versatility, image quality, and portability, the Nikon AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is a very useful choice for travel photography.
4. Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
710 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24-120 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR offers a broad zoom range, making it a versatile pick for travel photographers.
The lens includes elements that minimize aberrations and ensure clear and vibrant images. The inclusion of two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three aspherical elements helps maintain image quality across its zoom range. While some distortion and vignetting occur at extreme settings, these are manageable in post-processing.
A Nano Crystal Coating on the glass improves light transmission and reduces lens flare and ghosting.
Its constant f/4 aperture balances light intake and depth of field control across the entire zoom range. This feature, combined with the lens’s Vibration Reduction (VR), helps you capture sharp images in varied lighting conditions.
However, its weight might be a consideration for those who prefer lighter gear when traveling. The build quality is excellent, and weather-sealing makes it safe for outdoor use. Some will consider the extra weight worthwhile.
This lens is a good option for those seeking a single, adaptable lens for a range of subjects. The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR is a versatile lens that delivers stunning images.
5. Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
420 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
18-105 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is the best travel lens for Nikon APS-C DSLRs. It’s a versatile zoom lens that covers a wide range of focal lengths, making it ideal for travel photography. Its ability to go from wide-angle to telephoto without changing lenses is a big advantage when traveling.
The lens offers good sharpness in the center, with only the faintest softness at the edges when wide open. Thankfully, the lens has ED elements to keep major problems like chromatic aberration at bay. A Super Integrated Coating (SIC) also reduces glare for better image quality.
A variable maximum aperture is never ideal. And with only an f/5.6 at 105mm, it does present limitations. However, the built-in stabilization helps remedy this problem. It gives you an additional three stops of exposure compensation.
The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for long periods.
For those looking for an affordable, all-in-one lens for Nikon DX-format cameras, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a practical choice. It balances versatility, image quality, and convenience in one affordable package.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Lenses for Travel Photography
Choosing the best Nikon Lenses for Travel Photography is a sure-fire way to enhance your travel experience. The article provided a comprehensive guide on the best Nikon lenses, focusing on their portability, optical performance, and versatility.
It highlighted the importance of selecting lenses that offer a balance between weight and image quality, ensuring photographers can capture stunning images without being weighed down.
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G stand out for their exceptional clarity and lightweight design. The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S gives you sharp images and a durable build. And the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8G is perfect for its low-light performance and compact size.