- New larger Z mount for revolutionary optical performance
- Nikon-designed 45.7MP backside Illuminated image sensor with no optical low pass filter (OLPF)
- 493-Point on-sensor phase detect AF system and up to 9 fps; Total pixels: 46.89 million
What is the best video lens for Nikon Z7?
DSLR and mirrorless camera have replaced most of the consumer video camera market. The Nikon Z7 is part of these cameras that are perfect for video makers, if equipped with the right lens. Which lens to buy for your video projects can be a challenging decision if you want to get the best from Nikon Z7. We prepared for you some tips on the best lenses to get depending on the kind of shots you want to achieve.
What to look for in a video lens ?
Even if some lenses are branded for a specific use in video, you can actually use pretty much any lens for your shootings, even some old school prime lenses. The rules of video making are only there to be transgressed. But generally, videographers may want to have fast and quiet autofocus, as it will take out the need for an expensive follow-focus on moving subjects. Having the brightest lens possible is a big plus for this sweet shallow focus. Finally, stabilized lenses, despite being more expensive, will always be better for a versatile use. As for the rest, follow our guidelines below!
The best video lens for a cinema look
When we talk about cinematic looks, we mostly refer to this classic cinema feel, with little to no distortion. Don’t look further, you need a prime 50 mm lens. This focal length gives results close to the human vision, and are widely used in the industry. Some are pretty affordable, but the stabilized ones will be a tad more expensive. If you have a consequent budget, we recommend you to have a look at anamorphic lenses, which will give you these beautiful lens flares and add to the overall feel.
The best video lens for run and gun
Run and gun is popular for vlogging, skateboard videos, or documentaries. For this setup, you need to be able to just grab your camera and start shooting. A wide angle lens is perfect for this use. 25 mm to 35 mm is good for a versatile use, but you can also go below and go for a fisheye look for these extreme distorted close-ups.
The best video lens for landscapes
Landscapes and cityscape shots are perfect to set your characters in their environment. As for pictures, you may want to invest in either a telephoto lens, or a zoom lens. 70 mm to 90 mm is usually a good range of focal length, but you may want to go beyond if you try to shoot remote locations.
The best all-rounder video lens
If you are on a budget, or want to get as much room as possible for your shots without changing lenses, zoom lenses are a solid bet. A 35-70 mm is perfect to get close-ups as well as scenery shots. Be aware that most affordable zoom lenses are not very bright, so you may need to work around their limitations or have to break your piggy bank.
Note: the product links in this article lead to Amazon.com
Must-have video lenses for filming with the Nikon Z7:
NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S
Weight: 500g
Filter size: 72 mm
The 24-70 mm f/4 S lens is the one that comes in kit form with Nikon’s full frame hybrids cameras. It can also be purchased alone. Stamped S, this lens is guaranteed quality by Nikon.
This lens is part of the fairly classic ranges, with a constant aperture of only f/4 but which allows a regular exposure, regardless of the zoom setting. This provides uniform illumination over the entire focal length range. 14 lenses in 11 groups are used for the optics, which is a technical issue. These lenses include an aspherical ED glass lens, an ED glass lens, three aspherical lenses, a fluorine-treated lens to remove fingerprints, moisture or dust, and finally lenses treated with nanocrystal to limit parasitic images, to prevent moisture from infiltrating, the zoom lens has many seals spread over critical areas. No water or dust can get in.
In short, it’s an ideal tool to make videos with the Nikon Z7, which offers good performance, is compact and tropicalized.
- Versatile 24-70mm wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom for Z Mirrorless cameras
- New optical Formula that Achieves extreme sharpness across the entire frame with virtually no distortion
- Constant f/4 max aperture for consistent exposure at any focal length
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☛ OTHER OPTION
- NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/2.8 S A twice as expensive and 300 g heavier alternative (805 g), more suitable for professionals.
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NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S
Weight: 370 g
Filter size: 62 mm
The NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S was one of the first lenses released for the new Nikon hybrid cameras. Exceeding the previous fixed focal length lenses in terms of image quality, it offers an excellent depth of field. 35 mm is made for those who want to start reporting, street photography or landscape photography. Its framing captures all the details of a subject placed in a given environment.
This 35 mm lens for Nikon hybrids has a minimum aperture at f/16 and a maximum aperture at f/8. It consists of 11 lenses divided into 9 groups, including two ED glass lenses, three aspherical lenses and some nanocrystal treated lenses. This composition allows this Z 35mm f/1.8 S to reduce chromatic aberrations.
Like Sony’s lenses, this 35 mm lens does not have stabilization. With a length of 86 mm and a weight of 370 g, this lens goes well with a Nikon Z7 for an easy grip.
- Versatile 24-70mm wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom for Z Mirrorless cameras
- New optical Formula that Achieves extreme sharpness across the entire frame with virtually no distortion
- Constant f/4 max aperture for consistent exposure at any focal length
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NIKKOR Z 14-30 mm f/4 S
Weight: 485 g
Filter size: 82 mm
If you need an ultra-wide-angle zoom for vlogging or landscape videos, don’t look any further.
The 14-30 mm f/4 S zoom resembles the Z 24-70 mm f/4 S. They are equipped with the same multifunction ring, have about the same weight and of course are made for Nikon Z-mounts. 14 lenses are included in this wide angle lens. 4 of these lenses are made of ED glass, 4 are aspherical and nanocrystal treated and one lens, the front one is treated with fluoride to limit fingerprints and other dirt. All of these 14 lenses are grouped into 12 groups. As for the diaphragm, it is equipped with 7 blades.
The NIKKOR Z 14-30 mm f/4 S wide-angle lens is designed for those who take landscapes or street videos. It’s also ideal for interior and architectural filmmaking. In short, for all those who need a wide shot.
- NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S is perfect for adding depth and drama to stills and video as the ideal partner for compact Z series cameras
- Compact 14-30mm zoom range with a fixed f/4 aperture and outstanding image quality
- Retractable lens mechanism collapses the lens down to a mere 3.5 inches for safe and minimal packing
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Useful accessories for video
Here is a small selection of extra tools you’ll need with your your Nikon Z7 to make your video shooting easier and improve the quality of your projects:
Conclusion
If you are wondering what is the best video lens for the Nikon Z7, you should think in advance about the types of videos you plan to shoot mainly: sporting events, weddings, vlogging… Think about the focal lengths you’ll need for that.
You can also go on Youtube, type in the name of the lens you want and you should find plenty of test footage made with your Nikon Z7 and the specific lens you want. This will give you an idea of what equipment you will need to get.
Also, if you plan to do a lot of travel videos or travel vlogs, take into account the total weight with the camera body and the lens. If the whole thing is too heavy or bulky and lacks discretion, you won’t want to bother with it and would rather just shoot videos with your smartphone. You may also not want to risk damaging an extremely expensive lens.
And finally, perhaps the most decisive point about choosing the perfect video lens for your Nikon Z7 will be if you want to have professional quality videos.
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☛ USEFUL LINKS
- Nikon Z7 reviews round-up: should you buy it?
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