Nikon Z-mount (stylised as ) is an interchangeable lens mount developed by Nikon for its mirrorless digital cameras.
When it was announced on August 23, 2018, Nikon released: the first two cameras (the Z7 and Z6), both of which were full-frame the first three lenses (the 24-70mm S, 35mm S, and 50mm S) a lens adapter (the FTZ) to accept F-mount lenses
With the introduction of the Z-mount, Nikon discontinued its previous mirrorless mount, the Nikon 1 series.
Z-mount characteristics Throat diameter The 55 mm throat diameter of the Nikon Z-mount makes it the largest full-frame lens mount. It is much larger than the older Nikon F-mount (44 mm) and than the Sony mirrorless E-mount (46.1 mm), but only slightly larger than the 54 mm of both the Canon EF and RF mounts. It is also slightly larger than the 51.6 mm diameter full-frame mirrorless Leica L-Mount.
Flange distance The Z-mount has a very short flange distance of 16 mm, which is shorter than all previously mentioned lens mounts. The shorter flange distance allowed Nikon (and others) to build smaller and simpler lenses.
This flange distance, along with the large throat diameter, allows for numerous lenses of nearly all other current and previous mounts to be used with an appropriate lens mount adapter on a Z-mount camera (see Autofocus/electronic adapters for a list of mounts and adapters).
Lens contacts The number of electrical contacts between the camera body and lens was increased from eight (on the F-mount) to eleven (on the Z-mount). These communicate lens information to the camera and provide power and instructions to the lens from the camera. There are no mechanical levers or plungers for communicating information.
Mount type and tabs As on most interchangeable lens mount camera systems, the Z-mount uses a bayonet mount for attaching the lens to the camera. Nikon increased the number of tabs from three (on the F-mount) to four. This provides slightly more security on the mounted lens.
Lens formats: FX and DX
For its two sensor sizes, FX (Full-frame) and DX (APS-C), Nikon develops two varieties of lens. The two versions both use the Z-mount, and are mechanically and electronically identical. When mounted on the same camera type (i.e., an FX lens on an FX camera or a DX lens on a DX camera), a lens performs according to its nominal characteristics. When a DX lens is mounted on an FX camera, it causes the camera to use a crop mode from the center of the sensor, corresponding to the DX coverage of the lens. When an FX lens is mounted on a DX camera, it provides a 1.5x crop field of view, as is typical with an APS-C camera.
Lens mounting Z-mount lenses lock (i.e., attach to the camera) by aligning the white dots on the camera body and lens and turning the lens counter-clockwise (when looking at the front of lens). To unlock, the camera's Lens Release button is pressed and the lens is rotated clockwise.
Z-mount cameras Introduction of the cameras In late 2018, Nikon released the first two cameras (alongside three lenses and the FTZ adapter) that use this mount, the full-frame Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6, both using the then topoftheline Expeed6 image processor. In late 2019 Nikon announced their first Z-mount camera with an APS-C sensor, the Nikon Z50, also using the Expeed6. In July 2020 the entry-level full-frame Z5 was introduced. In October 2020, Nikon announced the Nikon Z6II and Nikon Z7II, which succeed the Z6 and Z7, respectively. Both used dual Expeed6 image processors. The APS-C lineup was expanded in July 2021, with the introduction of the retro-styled Nikon Zfc.
In October 2021, Nikon unveiled the Nikon Z9, which effectively succeeded the brand's flagship D6 DSLR. It was the first to use the Expeed7 processor. The APS-C lineup was further expanded with the Nikon Z30, announced at the end of June 2022. 2023 brought the introduction of the Z8 and Zf, the second and third cameras to use the Expeed 7. The Nikon Z6III was announced in June 2024. In November 2024, Nikon announced the Z50II as a major upgrade of the Z50; it became the first APS-C camera to use the Expeed7 processor introduced with the Z9.クリエイティブ志向を強めたニコンDXミラーレス (En: Nikon's DX mirrorless camera "Z50II" has a stronger focus on creativity)「Z50II」 In April 2025, Nikon announced the Z5II as a major upgrade for its lowest class full-frame line of cameras. In September 2025, Nikon announced the first camera of its "Z Cinema" line, the ZR, co-designed with RED. The ZR is the first Nikon camera that internally offers the 12-bit R3D NE raw video codec (Redcode Raw with TicoRAW). In September 2026, Nikon announced the full-frame Z5IIC, stating that it has “user-friendly features for first-time mirrorless camera users.”
Camera overview The following table contains the specifications for all Nikon Z-mount cameras, including models that have been discontinued. Red cinema cameras with Z-mounts are shown in the following section.
rowspan="2" rowspan="2" Years Sensor LCD rowspan="2" rowspan="2" Cardslots Continuousrelease fps Video recording MP1080pfps4Kfps6Kfps8Kfps10-bit12-bit rowspan="4" Z30 20.9 rowspan="4" 3.0" 1.04 M 6 SD 11 405 rowspan="4" rowspan="2" rowspan="4" colspan="2" rowspan="2" rowspan="4" Z50 3.2" 1.04 M rowspan="3" 450 Z50II 7 1130 (JPEG) 550 Zfc 6 11 445 rowspan="10" Z5 24.3 rowspan=12 3.2" 1.04 M rowspan=2 6 SD ×2 4.5 675 rowspan=8 Z5II 24.5 3.2" 2.10 M 7 SD ×2 1130 (JPEG) 700 Z5IIC SD 1130 (JPEG) 620 Zf rowspan=4 SD +microSD 14 710 Z6 6 CFX 12 675 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 Z6II 6×2CFX +SD 14 705 Z6III 24.5 7 20 (RAW)60 (JPEG)120 (11 MP) 760 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 ZR 4.0" 3.07 M CFX +microSD 630 Z7 45.7 3.2" 2.10 M rowspan="4" 6 CFX 9 675 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 Z7II 6×2 CFX +SD 10 705 rowspan="2" Z8 45.77 CFX +SD20 (RAW)30 (JPEG)60 (19 MP)120 (11 MP) 910 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 rowspan=2 Z9 CFX ×2 1340
Notes
Red cinema cameras
In 2024, Red Digital Cinema was acquired by Nikon. In 2025, the first two cinema cameras using the Z-mount, the V-RAPTOR [X] and the KOMODO-X, were released. On 9 September 2025, Red released the V‑RAPTOR XE, also offering a Z-mount version besides the RF-mount variant. Along with the ZR, they are all part of the Z Cinema line.
+RED Digital Cinema cameras using Z-mount Model Sensor SizeResolutionShutterRED V-RAPTOR [X] Z mount 8KGlobal shutterRED KOMODO-X Z mount Super 356KGlobal shutterRED V-RAPTOR XE Z mount VV/LF8KGlobal shutter
Camera gallery
Z-mount lenses
With the introduction of the Z-mount, Nikon began designing and releasing a new set of lens for that mount. It published a roadmap outlining forthcoming lenses when the Z-mount system was initially announced. The roadmap has been updated multiple times. As of February 2025, all lenses in the last version of the roadmap from September 2023 were released. Several lenses which were not indicated on the roadmap were released as well.
In 2018, Nikon announced the development of the Z-mount 58 mm S Noct lens, reintroducing the Noct brand, which was historically used by Nikon for lenses with ultra-fast maximum apertures. The lens was released in October 2019.
On October 30, 2024, Nikon announced that it was developing a video-centric, standard zoom lens with , the NIKKOR Z 28-135mm PZ. On February 13, 2025, the details of the lens were released, alongside the announcement of the first two RED Digital Cinema cinema cameras with Z-mounts, the V-Raptor [X] and Komodo-X.
On 12 September, 2025, Nikon teased and confirmed the development of a line of "Z Cinema" lenses, without disclosing specific lens series or model details. Half a year later, on 19 April, 2026, Nikon published a video teaser for the lens series. On 8 September, 2026, the company confirmed nine T1.9 cinema lenses covering a range of focal lengths, all part of the "Nikkor Z Cinema T1.9 VV" series. The lenses are featuring an image circle larger than full-frame, that can cover the V-Raptor [X] VV sensor (40.96 mm × 21.60 mm). At the time of the announcement, out of the nine lenses, the first and only lens model confirmed is the Nikkor Z Cinema 50mm T1.9 VV.
Lens designations In their labeling of lenses, in addition to focal length and aperture, Nikon uses a new designation system (i.e., various tags) for their Z-mount lenses. The older F-mount Nikkor designations are no longer used, though they overlap in some areas (e.g., the VR and DX labels). Nikon also introduced the S (for S-Line) branding for especially high-performance ("superior") lenses, which is akin to Canon's L designation or Sony's G or GM branding.
+Nikkor Z lens designations Tag Meaning Description FX Lens without a DX tag is FX.DX cameras apply a 1.5x crop factor when using the lens. DX APS-C Lens only covers the DX image circle.FX cameras automatically switch to DX crop mode when using the lens. II 2nd Gen Second generation or version of that specific lens. MC Macro Macro lens with 1:1 magnification. Noct Nocturnal/Nocturne Very large aperture of PF Phase Fresnel Nikon branding for telephoto lenses using diffractive elements to minimize chromatic aberration. Replaces several lens elements with one PF element, reducing the size and weight of a lens. Plena — Lens with a fully circular bokeh effect across the entire image frame, along with excellent brightness and sharpness PZ Power zoom Motorized zoom function to be used with controls on lens, camera, remote or app. S S-Line High-end lens. Not associated with any particular function, but S-Line lenses often have additional controls or a multi-function display. SE Special Edition FX lens with exterior design matching the Nikon Zf and Zfc cameras, resembling a design from the classic Nikkor lenses released around the same time as the Nikon FM2 film SLR camera. SL Silver Edition DX lens with exterior silver design matching the Nikon Zf and Zfc cameras TC Teleconverter Switchable 1.4x teleconverter built into the lens. VR Vibration Reduction Lens uses a moving optical group to reduce the photographic effects of camera shake. VV VistaVision Lens that are part of the Nikkor Z Cinema line. The image circle is larger than full-frame, covering the V-Raptor [X] VV sensor.
Lens lines
The Nikkor Z line-up has several distinct lines of lenses, which are designed with similar handling and optical characteristics.
+Nikkor Z lens lines Line Lenses Description Holy Trinity Nikkor Z 14–24 mm S Nikkor Z 24–70 mm S II Nikkor Z 70–200 mm VR S II Professional S-Line zooms Economical Trinity Nikkor Z 17–28 mm Nikkor Z 28–75 mm Nikkor Z 70–180 mm These are adapted Tamron designs offering less wide-angle, less reach and no VR, but at a substantially lower cost. Due to this trade-off, they are not part of the S-line. Lightweight Trinity Nikkor Z 14–30 mm S Nikkor Z 24–70 mm S Nikkor Z 24–120 mm S A series of S-Line zoom lenses covering the ultra-wide to tele range. Compact Primes Nikkor Z DX 24 mm Nikkor Z 26 mm Nikkor Z 28 mm SE Nikkor Z 28 mm Nikkor Z 40 mm Nikkor Z 40 mm SE Emphasizing smaller size and portability Ultra-fast Primes Nikkor Z 35 mm S Nikkor Z 50 mm S Nikkor Z 85 mm S The line of ultra-fast primes feature almost identical size and weight and all have the same 82mm filter size. Fast Primes Nikkor Z 35 mm Nikkor Z 50 mm The line of fast primes are designed for hybrid (photo/video) shooters; these lenses have characteristic rendering instead of perfect aberration control as implemented in the S-line lenses. Superior Primes Nikkor Z 20 mm S Nikkor Z 24 mm S Nikkor Z 35 mm S Nikkor Z 50 mm S Nikkor Z 85 mm S Nikkor Z 135 mm S Plena The line of primes are known for superior image quality Premium Super-Telephoto Nikkor Z 400 mm TC VR S(integrated 1.4x teleconverter) Nikkor Z 400 mm VR S Nikkor Z 600 mm TC VR S(integrated 1.4x teleconverter) Nikkor Z 600 mm VR S PF Nikkor Z 800 mm VR S PF All of these lenses have the same control scheme and the same set of lens control buttons.