![Nikon Z-mount detail](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Nikon_Z-mount_detail.jpg)
Nikon Z-mount (stylised as
) is an interchangeable
lens mount
A lens mount is an interface – mechanical and often also electrical – between a photographic camera body and a lens. It is a feature of camera systems where the body allows interchangeable lenses, most usually the rangefinder camera, singl ...
developed by
Nikon
(, ; ), also known just as Nikon, is a Japanese multinational corporation headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, specializing in optics and imaging products. The companies held by Nikon form the Nikon Group.
Nikon's products include cameras, camera ...
for its
mirrorless digital cameras. In late 2018, Nikon released two cameras that use this mount, the
full-frame Nikon Z 7
The Nikon Z 7 is a 45.7 megapixel full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera produced by Nikon. The camera was officially announced on August 23, 2018, for release in September 2018. It was the first camera to use Nikon's new Z-mount sys ...
and
Nikon Z 6
The Nikon Z 6 is a full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera produced by Nikon. The camera was officially announced on August 23, 2018, to be released in November. Nikon began shipping the Z 6 to retailers on November 16, 2018. This was t ...
. In late 2019 Nikon announced their first Z-mount camera with an
APS-C
Advanced Photo System type-C (APS-C) is an image sensor format approximately equivalent in size to the Advanced Photo System film negative in its C ("Classic") format, of 25.1×16.7 mm, an aspect ratio of 3:2 and Ø 31.15 mm field d ...
sensor, the
Nikon Z 50
The Z 50 is an APS-C mirrorless camera (1.5x APS crop) announced by Nikon on October 10, 2019. It is Nikon's first Z-mount crop sensor camera body. With its introduction, Nikon also announced two crop-sensor Z-mount lenses. It is the third Z-m ...
. In July 2020 the entry level full-frame
Z 5 was introduced. In October 2020, Nikon announced the
Nikon Z 6II
The Nikon Z 6II is a high-end full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) produced by Nikon and is the successor to the Nikon Z 6. The camera was officially announced on October 14, 2020 alongside the Nikon Z 7II, and became availabl ...
and
Nikon Z 7II
The Nikon Z 7II is a high-end full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera (MILC) produced by Nikon, and is the successor to the Nikon Z 7. The camera was officially announced on October 14, 2020, alongside the Nikon Z 6II, and became availabl ...
, which succeed the Z 6 and Z 7, respectively. The APS-C lineup was expanded in July 2021, with the introduction of the retro styled
Nikon Z fc
The Nikon Z fc, announced on 29 June 2021 and scheduled for release in July 2021, is a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera with the Nikon Z-mount with a MSRP of $960.
It is based on the DX-format Nikon Z 50 and has a classic design with diago ...
, and in October 2021, Nikon unveiled the
Nikon Z 9
The Nikon Z 9 is a full-frame mirrorless camera produced by Nikon. The camera was announced on October 28, 2021.
The Z 9 has the same 45.7 MP resolution as the Z 7 and Z 7II cameras, but uses a much faster stacked CMOS sensor which improves a ...
, which effectively succeeds the brand's flagship
D6 DSLR
A digital single-lens reflex camera (digital SLR or DSLR) is a digital camera that combines the optics and the mechanisms of a single-lens reflex camera with a digital imaging sensor.
The reflex design scheme is the primary difference between ...
. The APS-C lineup was further expanded with the
Nikon Z 30, announced at the end of June 2022.
Nikon
SLR cameras SLR may refer to:
Science and technology
* Satellite laser ranging
* Scalable Linear Recording tape drive backup
* Sea level rise
* Self-loading rifle or semi-automatic rifle
** The UK L1A1 SLR rifle
* Semi-linear resolution, a search algorithm ...
, both
film
A film also called a movie, motion picture, moving picture, picture, photoplay or (slang) flick is a work of visual art that simulates experiences and otherwise communicates ideas, stories, perceptions, feelings, beauty, or atmosphere ...
and
digital
Digital usually refers to something using discrete digits, often binary digits.
Technology and computing Hardware
*Digital electronics, electronic circuits which operate using digital signals
**Digital camera, which captures and stores digital i ...
, have used the
Nikon F-mount
The Nikon F-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its 35mm format single-lens reflex cameras. The F-mount was first introduced on the Nikon F camera in 1959, and features a three-lug bayonet mount with a 44mm thro ...
with its 44 mm diameter since 1959. The Z-mount has a 55 mm diameter. The FTZ
lens adapter
In photography and videography, a lens adapter is a device that enables the use of camera and lens combinations from otherwise incompatible systems. The most simple lens adapter designs, passive lens adapters provide a secure physical connectio ...
allows many F-mount lenses to be used on Z-mount cameras. The FTZ allows AF-S, AF-P and AF-I lenses to autofocus on Z-mount cameras. The older screw-drive AF and AF-D lenses will not autofocus with the FTZ adapter, but they do retain metering and
Exif
Exchangeable image file format (officially Exif, according to JEIDA/JEITA/CIPA specifications) is a standard that specifies formats for images, sound, and ancillary tags used by digital cameras (including smartphones), scanners and other system ...
data. Z-mount cameras support metering as well as
in-body image stabilization
Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques that reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera or other imaging device during exposure.
Generally, it compensates for pan and tilt (angular movement, equivalent to yaw and pit ...
(IBIS) with manual focus lenses.
The 55 mm throat diameter of the Nikon Z-mount makes it the largest full-frame lens mount. It is much larger than the F-mount, the
Sony E-mount
The E-mount is a lens mount designed by Sony for their NEX ("New E-mount eXperience") and ILCE series of camcorders and mirrorless cameras. The E-mount supplements Sony's α mount, allowing the company to develop more compact imaging devices whi ...
used by Sony mirrorless cameras but only slightly larger than the 54 mm of both the
Canon EF
The EF lens mount is the standard lens mount on the Canon EOS family of SLR film and digital cameras. EF stands for "Electro-Focus": automatic focusing on EF lenses is handled by a dedicated electric motor built into the lens. Mechanically, it i ...
and
Canon RF
The Canon RF lens mount is an interchangeable-lens mount developed by Canon for its full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, and featured first by the EOS R, followed by the EOS RP. The RF mount was announced in September 2018. In ...
mounts. It is also slightly larger than the 51.6 mm diameter full-frame mirrorless
Leica L-Mount
The Leica L-Mount is a bayonet mount developed by Leica Camera AG for interchangeable-lens autofocus digital cameras.
The L-Mount has an inner diameter of 51.6 mm and a flange depth of 20.0 mm.
The L-mount exists in two versions, an APS-C version ...
. The Z-mount has also a very short
flange distance of 16 mm, which is shorter than all mentioned lens mounts.
The introduction of the Z-mount also saw the re-introduction of the
Noct brand, used to describe the 58 mm S Noct lens with an ultra-fast maximum aperture.
Nikon published a roadmap outlining which lenses are forthcoming when the Z-mount system was initially announced. The roadmap has been updated multiple times. As of November 2022 the current version of the roadmap indicates eight lenses to be released until 2023.
Z-mount cameras
* The supported video frame rates are: 24/25/30 fps when up to 30 fps are supported, while cameras supporting up to 60 fps also support 50 fps recording. Cameras supporting up to 120 fps also support 100 fps recording. Cameras supporting 100/120 fps recording can also record in
x4/x5 slow motion directly (targeting 24/25/30 fps video frame rates), which means playback of the resulting video file is already in slow motion, without the need for editing.
* Apart from the Z 9, all cameras have a 30-minute length limitation for internal recording. External recording time is only limited by battery life.
* External 10-bit recording can optionally use N-Log, a profile for recording video. The Z 6II and Z 7II also support external recording of 10-bit
hybrid log gamma (HLG) video.
* For the Z 6/7 series, the extra-cost 12-bit upgrade enables external recording of 12-bit
ProRes RAW
Apple ProRes is a high quality, "visually lossless" lossy video compression format developed by Apple Inc. for use in post-production that supports video resolution up to 8K. It is the successor of the Apple Intermediate Codec and was introduc ...
. The resulting footage has greater dynamic range than 8- or 10-bit footage. However, the camera uses pixel skipping (which is necessary since ProRes RAW directly stores non-debayered sensor data) resulting in a somewhat softer image with more noise and more frequent appearance of
moiré pattern
In mathematics, physics, and art, moiré patterns ( , , ) or moiré fringes are large-scale interference patterns that can be produced when an opaque ruled pattern with transparent gaps is overlaid on another similar pattern. For the moiré ...
s compared to the full-width downsampling 8- and 10-bit modes.
Z-mount lenses
![Nikon Z 24-70 f4 S 2](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Nikon_Z_24-70_f4_S_2.jpg)
Nikon uses these designations in their Z-mount lens names:
* S-Line — High-end lenses
* DX — Lens only covers the DX image circle. FX cameras will switch to DX crop mode.
* MC —
Macro lens
Macro photography (or photomacrography or macrography, and sometimes macrophotography) is extreme close-up photography, usually of very small subjects and living organisms like insects, in which the size of the subject in the photograph is grea ...
es with 1:1 magnification.
* SE — Lenses with exterior design matching the Nikon Z fc camera.
* VR —
Vibration Reduction
Image stabilization (IS) is a family of techniques that reduce blurring associated with the motion of a camera or other imaging device during exposure.
Generally, it compensates for pan and tilt (angular movement, equivalent to yaw and pit ...
. Uses a moving optical group to reduce the photographic effects of camera shake.
* TC — Switchable teleconverter built into the lens.
Prime lenses
* Nikkor Z 20 mm 1.8 S
* Nikkor Z 24 mm 1.8 S
* Nikkor Z 28 mm 2.8 SE
* Nikkor Z 28 mm 2.8
* Nikkor Z 35 mm 1.8 S
* Nikkor Z 40 mm 2
* Nikkor Z 40 mm 2 SE
* Nikkor Z 50 mm 1.2 S
* Nikkor Z 50 mm 1.8 S
* Nikkor Z MC 50 mm 2.8 macro lens
* Nikkor Z 58 mm 0.95 S NOCT (manual focus)
* Nikkor Z 85 mm 1.8 S
* Nikkor Z MC 105 mm 2.8 VR S macro lens
* Nikkor Z 400 mm 2.8 TC VR S (integrated 1.4x teleconverter giving 560 mm 4)
* Nikkor Z 400 mm 4.5 VR S
* Nikkor Z 600 mm 4 TC VR S (integrated 1.4x teleconverter giving 840 mm 5.6)
* Nikkor Z 800 mm 6.3 VR S
Zoom lenses
* Nikkor Z 14-24 mm 2.8 S
* Nikkor Z 14-30 mm 4 S
* Nikkor Z 17-28 mm 2.8
* Nikkor Z 24-50 mm 4-6.3
* Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 2.8 S
* Nikkor Z 24-70 mm 4 S
* Nikkor Z 24-120 mm 4 S
* Nikkor Z 24-200 mm 4-6.3 VR
* Nikkor Z 28-75 mm 2.8
* Nikkor Z 70-200 mm 2.8 VR S
* Nikkor Z 100-400 mm 4.5-5.6 VR S
DX lenses
* Nikkor Z DX 16-50 mm 3.5-6.3 VR
* Nikkor Z DX 18-140 mm 3.5-6.3 VR
* Nikkor Z DX 50-250 mm 4.5-6.3 VR
Teleconverters
![Nikon Z-mount teleconverter 2](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6b/Nikon_Z-mount_teleconverter_2.0x.jpg)
* Nikon Z TC-1.4x
* Nikon Z TC-2.0x
The Nikon teleconverters are only compatible with select Nikon Z lenses. They cannot be used in conjunction with the FTZ adapter. Z-mount teleconverters cannot be mounted on top of each other.
The following lenses are compatible with the Nikon teleconverters:
* Nikkor Z 400 mm 2.8 TC VR S
* Nikkor Z 400 mm 4.5 VR S
* Nikkor Z 600 mm 4 TC VR S
* Nikkor Z 800 mm 6.3 VR S
* Nikkor Z 70-200 mm 2.8 VR S
* Nikkor Z 100-400 mm 4.5-5.6 VR S
Mount adapters
![Nikon FTZ Z-mount side](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2b/Nikon_FTZ_Z-mount_side.jpg)
* Nikon FTZ: The FTZ supports F-mount lenses on Z-mount cameras. Metering, IBIS and Exif metadata are supported with any F-mount lens, including manual lenses, while autofocus is only supported with AF-I, AF-S and AF-P lenses. Variable autofocus speed for video shooting is only supported with AF-P and select AF-S lenses. The FTZ adds 30.5 mm to the length of the attached lens, which is the difference in flange distance between the Nikon F-mount (46.5 mm) and the Z-mount (16 mm).
* Nikon FTZ II: Same performance as the FTZ, but without the integrated tripod foot for easier vertical shooting with the Z 9.
Nikon specifies lens compatibility as in the following table. F-mount teleconverters can be used on compatible lenses, but the Z-mount teleconverters may not be used in conjunction with the FTZ. For details on the lens types, refer to
Nikon F-mount
The Nikon F-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its 35mm format single-lens reflex cameras. The F-mount was first introduced on the Nikon F camera in 1959, and features a three-lug bayonet mount with a 44mm thro ...
.
Third-party lenses and adapters
Numerous manufacturers offer purely manual lenses and lens mount adapters for the Z-mount. These do not interface electronically to the camera and do not support autofocus or automatic control of the aperture. Some manufacturers offer lenses and adapters with full electronic functionality (autofocus, automatic aperture control, Exif metadata etc.). Third-party lenses and adapters often rely on
reverse engineering
Reverse engineering (also known as backwards engineering or back engineering) is a process or method through which one attempts to understand through deductive reasoning how a previously made device, process, system, or piece of software accompli ...
the electronic protocol of a lens mount and might not work properly on new cameras or firmware versions.
Autofocus lenses
* Tamron 70-300mm 4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (model A047)
* Viltrox AF 24/1.8 Z
* Viltrox AF 35/1.8 Z
* Viltrox AF 85/1.8 Z
* Viltrox AF 23/1.4 Z (DX)
* Viltrox AF 33/1.4 Z (DX)
* Viltrox AF 56/1.4 Z (DX)
* Yongnuo YN50mm F1.8Z DF DSM
* Yongnuo YN85mm F1.8Z DF DSM
Autofocus adapters
* For
Canon EF
The EF lens mount is the standard lens mount on the Canon EOS family of SLR film and digital cameras. EF stands for "Electro-Focus": automatic focusing on EF lenses is handled by a dedicated electric motor built into the lens. Mechanically, it i ...
lenses
** The Fringer EF-NZ adapter provides full electronic integration (autofocus, image stabilization, aperture control).
** The Techart TZC-01 also provides full electronic integration.
* For
Contax G
The Contax G camera line consists of two cameras, the G1 and G2, interchangeable-lens cameras sold by Kyocera under the Contax brand in competition with the Leica M7, Cosina Voigtländer Bessa-R, and Konica Hexar RF. The G1 was introduced in 19 ...
lenses
** The Techart TZG-01 adapts Contax G lenses with mechanical autofocus to Nikon Z.
* For
Leica M mount
The Leica M mount is a camera lens mount introduced in 1954 with the Leica M3, and a range of lenses. It has been used on all the Leica M-series cameras and certain accessories (e.g. Visoflex reflex viewing attachment) up to the current film L ...
lenses
** The Megadap MTZ11 contains a focusing helicoid with 6.5 mm of extension which is used for autofocus. This range is sufficient to cover the full focusing range of lenses up to around 50 mm focal length.
** The Techart TZM-01 is similar to the Megadap MTZ11 and enables autofocus with M-mount lenses.
** The Fotodiox LM-NKZ-PRN is another autofocus Leica M to Z adapter.
* For
Sony E-mount
The E-mount is a lens mount designed by Sony for their NEX ("New E-mount eXperience") and ILCE series of camcorders and mirrorless cameras. The E-mount supplements Sony's α mount, allowing the company to develop more compact imaging devices whi ...
lenses
** The Techart TZE-01/TZE-02 allows mounting Sony E-mount lenses on Z-mount cameras with full electronic integration. This adapter cannot be mounted on the Z 50 or the Z fc.
** The Megadap ETZ11 is similar to the Techart TZE-01/02 and adapts lenses with autofocus and image stabilization support. In contrast to the Techart adapter, the ETZ11 can be mounted on the Z 50 and Z fc.
See also
*
Nikkor
Nikkor is the brand of lenses produced by Nikon Corporation, including camera lenses for the Nikon F-mount.
Nikko parent company brand, from which the Nikkor brand evolved.
The ''Nikkor'' brand was introduced in 1932, a Westernised rendering of a ...
*
Nikon 1-mount
The Nikon 1-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its Nikon CX format mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras. The 1-mount was first introduced on the Nikon 1 series in 2011, and features a bayonet mount.
Compati ...
*
Nikon S-mount
The Nikon S-mount is a type of interchangeable lens mount used by a series of Nikon 35mm rangefinder cameras ( Nikon I, Nikon M, Nikon S, Nikon S2, Nikon SP, Nikon S3, Nikon S4). The lenses were sold under the name Nikkor.
The mount was a cop ...
References
External links
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nikon Z-mount
Nikon
Lens mounts
Z-mount
Full-frame mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras