Best Nikon Z Lenses for Sports Photography

Top 5 highest-rated Nikon Z lenses optimized for Sports Photography.

Based on Camera Index Scores

5 Top Lenses

#1Overall WinnerCommunity Favorite

0.0

Z 400 mm f/2.8 TC VR S

Focal Length

400mm

Aperture

f/2.8

Weight

2950g

Full FrameISAF

Pro

• Autofocus
• Image Stabilization

Contra

• Heavy

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#2Community Favorite

0.0

Z 85 mm f/1.2 S

Focal Length

85mm

Aperture

f/1.2

Weight

1160g

Full FrameAF

Pro

• Lightweight
• Very fast aperture
• Autofocus

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0.0

Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S

Focal Length

600mm

Aperture

f/4

Weight

3260g

Full FrameISAF

Pro

• Autofocus
• Image Stabilization

Contra

• Heavy
• Slow aperture

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#3Community Favorite

0.0

Z 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Focal Length

100-400mm

Aperture

f/4.5

Weight

1435g

Full FrameISAF

Pro

• Lightweight
• Autofocus
• Image Stabilization

Contra

• Slow aperture

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0.0

Z 800 mm f/6.3 VR S

Focal Length

800mm

Aperture

f/6.3

Weight

2385g

Full FrameISAF

Pro

• Autofocus
• Image Stabilization

Contra

• Slow aperture

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	#1 Overall WinnerCommunity Favorite Z 400 mm f/2.8 TC VR S	#2 Community Favorite Z 85 mm f/1.2 S	#3 Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S	#3 Community Favorite Z 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S	#5 Z 800 mm f/6.3 VR S
Camera Index Score	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.8 Specifications 9.2 Build Quality 9.0	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.8 Specifications 9.3 Build Quality 8.5	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.6 Specifications 9.0 Build Quality 8.5	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.8 Specifications 8.5 Build Quality 8.7	0.0 Overall Sentiment 9.7 Specifications 8.7 Build Quality 8.5
Advantages	✓Autofocus ✓Image Stabilization	✓Lightweight ✓Very fast aperture ✓Autofocus	✓Autofocus ✓Image Stabilization	✓Lightweight ✓Autofocus ✓Image Stabilization	✓Autofocus ✓Image Stabilization
Limitations	−Heavy	-	−Heavy −Slow aperture	−Slow aperture	−Slow aperture
Optical Specifications
Focal Length	400mm	85mm	600mm	100-400mm	800mm
Aperture	f/2.8	f/1.2	f/4	f/4.5	f/6.3
Aperture Blades	9	11	9	9	9
Features
Autofocus	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weather Sealed	No	No	No	No	No
Close-up Performance
Min. Focus Distance	2.5 m	0.85 m	4.3 m	0.75 m	5 m
Max. Magnification	0.17×	0.11×	0.2×	0.38×	0.16×
Physical Specifications
Weight	2950 g	1160 g	3260 g	1435 g	2385 g
Length	156 mm	102.5 mm	165 mm	222 mm	140 mm
Diameter	380 mm	141.5 mm	432 mm	98 mm	385 mm
Filter Thread	46 mm	82 mm	46 mm	77 mm	46 mm
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Detailed Review: Best Nikon Z Lenses for Sports Photography

These 5 Nikon Z lenses represent the best options for Sports Photography, with an average Camera Index score of 9.1/10. Each has been carefully selected based on optical performance, build quality, and user feedback.

1. Nikon Nikkor Z 400 mm f/2.8 TC VR S

Camera Index Score: 9.3/10

Leading our selection with exceptional build quality and exceptional specifications, this well-balanced 400mm prime with f/2.8 aperture and just 2950 g excels at all-day versatility and portability.

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2. Nikon Nikkor Z 85 mm f/1.2 S

Camera Index Score: 9.2/10

At balanced 1160 g, this lens at position 2 with excellent build quality and exceptional specifications delivers exceptional f/1.2 aperture with precise autofocus. The 85mm focal length flatters portraits with natural perspective and beautiful background blur.

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3. Nikon Nikkor Z 600 mm f/4 TC VR S

Camera Index Score: 9.0/10

At balanced 3260 g, this lens at position 3 with excellent build quality and exceptional specifications delivers solid f/4 aperture, paired with fast autofocus and effective stabilization.

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3. Nikon Nikkor Z 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S

Camera Index Score: 8.9/10

At position 3 with excellent build quality and excellent specifications: This 100-400mm zoom combines flexible focal range with 1435 g.

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5. Nikon Nikkor Z 800 mm f/6.3 VR S

Camera Index Score: 8.9/10

At position 5 with excellent build quality and excellent specifications, this well-balanced 800mm prime with f/6.3 aperture and just 2385 g excels at all-day versatility and portability.

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