Best Nikon Z Pancake lenses

Here I am again! I’m back to writing about Nikon Z-mount lenses. You can check out all the Nikon (and third-party) lenses that exist for this mount at the following link.

I’ve already started telling you about the best Nikon Z wide-angle lenses, or even the best standards for this mount, and now I’m detailing the best pancake lenses for Nikon Z.

You’ll find a complete list of Z-mount pancake lenses for both full-frame and APS-C cameras in this article. These pancake lenses are compact and easy to carry with you, yet they still deliver high quality images. That means they’re perfect for traveling light.

Here’re the best 5 Nikon Z pancake lens for Full frame cameras :

• Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8
• Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 (and SE)
• Nikon Z 40mm f/2 (and SE)
• 7Artisans 35mm f/5.6 Pancake Z
• TTArtisan 50mm f/2 Z
• 7Artisans 18mm f/5.6

The table below summarises the main features of these lenses.

Introduced in February 2023, the Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 is a standard pancake lens for the Z full-frame mirrorless system. It’s an extremely compact and lightweight f/2.8 lens, weighing just 125g (plus 14g for the hood). The Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 is positioned between the Z 24mm f/1.8 S, which is larger and costs twice as much, and the Z 28mm f/2.8, which is half the price and smaller. Measuring 70×23.5mm, it’s easy to take with you. It balances beautifully on Nikon Z bodies.

There is no filter thread on the lens itself, but the supplied HB-111 lens hood does have a 52 mm thread. Although there is no AF/MF switch, the Nikon Z 26mm f/2.8 has an internal focusing (autofocus) design. This means that the front element does not rotate during focusing. It is weather sealed to protect the elements from dripping water (moisture) and dust. Other construction specifications include 8 elements in 6 groups, with three of the elements being aspherical to help minimize aberrations and distortion. The minimum focusing distance is 0.18m. This allows for close-ups. There is no optical image stabilization and the aperture range is f/2.8 to f/16.

In terms of image quality, the Z 26mm outperforms its 28mm and 40mm siblings. It offers the widest angle of view, perfect for capturing sweeping landscapes and compelling street scenes. Sharpness is excellent throughout the frame. Even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. The center of the frame is exceptionally sharp. The corners are still quite good for an ultra wide lens. There is also good control over chromatic aberration and other optical flaws. The lens does show some spherical aberration with high-contrast subjects. However, this is minimized by stopping down the aperture.

The Z 26mm f/2.8 is an impressively compact prime lens that never gets in the way of shooting on location. It is a great lens for everyday use thanks to its combination of small size, lightweight and good optical performance.

Released in June 2021, the Nikon Z 28mm f/2.8 and 28mm f/2.8 SE are slim, lightweight primes that sit between the Z 24mm f/1.8 and Z 35mm f/1.8 of the Nikkor S line. They’re Nikon’s smallest and lightest pancake lenses. Weighing in at 157g, they offer a classic wide-angle view. The slow f/2.8 was chosen to compromise on compact size.

The 28mm lens has a 52mm filter thread. There is a full-time manual focus override in case the autofocus fails or is not wanted. The build quality is excellent, but not quite as good as the 26 mm, thanks to the use of a plastic lens mount. The barrels are metal with a weather seal around the mount and have a minimum focus distance of 0.2m. The lens has a 9-blade circular aperture, with apertures ranging from f/2.8 to f/16. The updated 28mm SE version adds an aperture ring with de-click stops. An additional customisable control ring is also available for video shooters. Neither lens features optical image stabilization. Both rely on the camera’s sensor-shift IBIS for image blur correction.

Regarding image quality, we can see excellent center-to-edge sharpness even at f/2.8 thanks to ultra-low dispersion and resolution across the entire aperture range, with optimum results at f/5.6. There is good control of chromatic and other optical aberrations. Performance improves slightly when stopped down. But it is impressive wide open. Bokeh is also pleasing. Vignetting is well controlled but there is some barrel distortion.
The 28mm f/2.8 offers a classic field of view. It hits the sweet spot between wide and narrow.

Compared to the 26mm, it sacrifices a bit of angle for improved sharpness in the corners. The close-up range is slightly better. The SE (Special Edition) version comes with a silver ring and subtle cosmetic changes, but optically remains identical.

The Nikon Z 40mm f/2 and Special Edition (available September 2021) are versatile pancake lenses for everyday photography. They are positioned between the Z 50mm f/1.8 and the Z 35mm f/1.8 of the Nikkor S line. It’s cheaper than both, but shoots natural-looking close-ups and portraits like the 50mm. It also offers wide angles for street and indoor shooting like the 35mm. It also has an edge in low-light shooting and shallow depth-of-field effects thanks to its fast maximum aperture of f/2.

A standard 52mm filter is used with the 40mm lens. There’s no AF/MF switch, but you can use the manual focus ring to override if the autofocus isn’t ideal. The plastic lens mount is a disappointment compared to the 26mm, but both have a sturdy metal body with gaskets and seals to resist dust and moisture. The stepping motor autofocus system provides smooth, quiet focusing for stills and video. The minimum focusing distance is 0.29m. The Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings help to reduce flare while increasing contrast and clarity.

The optical design is simple: 6 elements in 4 groups, including 2 aspherical elements. For a mid-range lens, the 40mm offers sharpness across the frame even at maximum aperture, with rich detail from edge to edge. Sharpness in the center is excellent even wide open at f/2. It improves only slightly when stopped down. There is a little vignetting, but the distortion is very well controlled. Thanks to the rounded 9-blade aperture, the bokeh quality is also quite good.

Overall, for a standard lens on the Z cameras, Nikon’s 40mm f/2 pancake prime offers an ideal balance of size, speed and optical quality. Compared to the wider Nikon Z pancake lenses, it offers the widest aperture (f/2). This allows for an even shallower depth of field and superior low-light performance.

7Artisans 35mm f/5.6 Pancake Z works well with all full-frame Z-mount mirrorless cameras. In comparison, it would be at the very end of the Nikkor Z lens range.

The lens has a 52mm filter thread and no AF to MF switch. The build quality feels solid for the price, but not quite as robust as Nikon’s weather sealed options. With an all-metal construction that keeps the weight under 155g, it’s incredibly small at just 66mm x 26mm. With a long-throw focusing ring and hard stops, this is a manual-focus lens. Minimum focusing distance is 0.3m and aperture range is f/5.6-16. There is no image stabilization.

When it comes to image quality, the sharpness of this pancake is best around f/8, with softer results wide open at f/5.6. Sharpness in the center is decent, but the edges and corners lag behind. There are also problems with vignetting and fringing. Still, with its 35mm perspective, it can produce pleasing images when stopped down. For those on a budget, a unique manual lens.

Le 7Artisans 35mm sacrifie l’autofocus pour une ouverture plus restreinte, nécessitant des vitesses d’obturation plus lentes et davantage de lumière. Cependant, il reste un objectif compact et abordable pour le photographe du quotidien.

The TTArtisan 50mm f/2 Z offers Nikon Z shooters a compact prime lens option at an affordable price, weighing in at just over 200g and measuring 60 x 35mm. In terms of image quality, it ranks just below the 7Artisans 35mm f/5.6 Pancake Z.

The 35mm lens uses a 43 mm filter with manual focus. Without breaking the bank, it offers a classic standard perspective in a metal body. Although the lens is not weather sealed, the build quality is reliable for the price.

Optically, the 50mm f/2 is a bit soft wide open at f/2, but sharpens up when stopped down. It peaks at around f/5.6-f/8. Distortion is also very low. This is a respectable performance for the price. However, more expensive branded 50mm primes offer better resolution.

With a small form factor and a wallet-friendly price, the TTArtisan 50mm f/2 offers a handy walkaround focal length. For full-frame Nikon Z shooters on a tight budget, this is a decent starter prime.

Recently released, the 7Artisans 18mm f/5.6 has established itself as an ultra-wide-angle lens for Nikon Z-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras. Although its low-light performance is limited, its fixed aperture of f/5.6 offers good depth of field. Thanks to its small size and light weight, this is a very compact lens that’s easy to carry with you.

The lens is made up of 7 elements divided into 5 groups, including two low dispersion glass elements and one high refractive element, which helps control chromatic aberrations and improve image sharpness. With a minimum focusing distance of 30 cm, this lens is fully manual. One of its strong points is its 98.7° angle of view, which guarantees a wide perspective. This makes it perfect for landscape, architecture and even street photography for wide shots.

Finally, the 7Artisans 18mm f/5.6 is a very compact lens, so you can take it with you wherever you go. In fact, its pancake format makes it an excellent choice for travel and street photography, as I mentioned earlier. If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to bulky ultra-wide-angle lenses, this is the lens for you!

The table below summarises the main characteristics of the Nikon Z pancake lenses mentioned above:

These are the best pancake lenses currently available for APS-C Nikon Z cameras:

• Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7
• TTArtisan 25mm f/2 Z
• TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 Z
• Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Z
• 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 Mark II Z

The table below summarises the main features of these lenses.

Due in mid-2023, the Nikon Z DX 24mm f/1.7 is the fastest pancake lens for Nikon’s Z-mount APS-C mirrorless cameras. When stopped down, it delivers even sharper, higher quality images.

The 24mm lens accepts a 46mm filter. It has a rugged metal construction with weather and dust sealing. Autofocus is fast and quiet thanks to a stepping motor system, with smooth control for video. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.18m and an aperture range of f/1.7 to f/11, but there is no optical stabilization.

In terms of image quality, the 24mm f/1.7 uses 9 elements in 8 groups, including 2 aspherical and 3 ED elements to control aberrations. Sharpness is excellent even at f/1.7, with excellent detail throughout the frame. Wide open vignetting is well controlled and distortion is kept to a minimum. The wide aperture of f/1.7 also produces pleasing blur.

By APS-C standards, its optics and build quality are truly professional. For landscapes, street photography and portraits in available light, this is an ideal walkaround lens. The 24mm focal length also makes it a great vlogging or video lens when used with Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras.

Designed for Nikon’s APS-C Z-mount mirrorless cameras, the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 lens offers a fast maximum aperture in a compact, lightweight design. It is positioned between the 7Artisans 35mm f/5.6 Pancake Z and the Nikon DX 24mm, but with a shallower depth of field and a wider angle of view.

It has an aluminum body and a weight of 175g. It will accept a 43mm filter, but lacks the Nikon Z refinements such as autofocus. It is not weatherproof or optically stabilized. But its small size makes it ideal for traveling. The minimum focal distance is 0.25m for great close-ups.

In terms of image quality, the 25mm f/2 shows some softness wide open at f/2, but this improves when stopped down, with decent sharpness at f/5.6. The bokeh remains smooth and even. At the wider end, vignetting is also visible. It also has a strong low-light capability and the potential for blurred backgrounds.

For beginners who want to experiment with a prime lens perspective for DX cameras without spending a lot, the TTArtisan 25mm f/2 Z offers compactness and affordability.

The TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 Z is the lightest pancake lens for DX format Nikon Z cameras at a price comparable to the 25mm. It has no weather sealing, but does have autofocus.

With an aluminum alloy body, it’s compact but still has 6 elements in five groups and a 39 mm filter thread. Along with a manual override, the lens uses a stepping motor for fast, quiet focusing. The minimum focus distance is 0.35m and the aperture ranges from f/2.8 to f/16.

The image sharpness is good in the center, even at f/2.8, but tends to soften towards the edges. The corners are sharpest when stopped down. Chromatic aberrations are minimal, but vignetting is noticeable.

The 27mm delivers good image quality and performance. Within its limits, it is a practical choice for occasional use.

Weighing in at just 130g, the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie Z is a tiny prime with a dramatic perspective equivalent to 14mm on FX body cameras.

The lens has a built-in 37mm filter, and the manual focus is smooth and precise. The build quality is compact yet solid. The minimum focusing distance is 0.1m and the aperture ranges from f/4 to f/22.

Images are a little soft at the edges, but sharpness in the center is decent. Vignetting is important at f/4, but improves stopping down. From f/5.6-8, sharpness is decent throughout the frame. Distortion is also well controlled despite the extreme angle of view. Chromatic aberrations and distortion are present.

Although not without its optical flaws, the Laowa 10mm f/4 Cookie is an affordable option for experimenting with ultra-wide-angle photography on a budget.

The 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 Mark II Z offers a pancake-style option for APS-C Nikon Z cameras, comparable in price to the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 Z and TTArtisan 25mm f/2 Z.

It’s an upgrade from the Mark I, with better build quality and coatings for better contrast and flare control. It does not support filters, stabilization or autofocus. There is no weather sealing, but the all-metal body feels solid and weighs only 58g. The minimum focusing distance is 30 cm with a fixed f/6.3 aperture.

In terms of image quality, the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 Mark II Z delivers soft sharpness at the fixed aperture of f/6.3. Center detail is decent, but corners and edges lag behind.

For Nikon DX-format shooters looking for an inexpensive, tiny wide-angle prime that fits in a pocket, the 7Artisans 18mm f/6.3 Mark II offers simplicity in a slim form factor that is well suited to casual walkaround shooting.

The following table summarises all the main characteristics of the lenses presented above:

This short article on the best pancake lenses for the Nikon Z mount, for both full-frame and APS-C Nikon cameras, has come to an end.

You should be able to find what you’re looking for in this list in any case. Check out our article on the best Nikon Z telephoto lenses if you’re interested in other lenses!

See you soon for another article!

Written by Sylvain PONS

I've been passionate about photography since 2010, learning as I went along. Today, I dedicate myself to guiding others in their choice of camera gear and sharing a variety of tips to improve their photography skills.

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