Best Lenses under $500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR 12-28mm

89.1 Travel Score
12-28mmf/3.5Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

As the widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z cameras, this 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom combines a 205g lightweight build, internal zooming, and 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction. Its STM autofocus and 11-speed power zoom operate silently for smooth video, while the 0.21x magnification captures close-up details. It’s ideal for vloggers and street shooters wanting a stabilized ultrawide zoom for travel and content creation.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

80.8 Travel Score
50-250mmf/16Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens provides a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop Vibration Reduction, delivering sharp telephoto shots even in dim light. At just 404g and a high-value price point, it maintains portability while adding near-silent stepping motor AF and suppressed focus breathing for polished video. Best for budget-minded DX Z-mount shooters needing a versatile zoom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially hybrid creators capturing both stills and video.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

95.5 Travel Score
18-140mm22-40Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A lightweight 315g all-in-one zoom with a 7.8x range (27-210mm equivalent), 5-stop VR, and weather sealing makes this a practical walkaround lens for Nikon Z DX cameras. It earns high scores in landscape (91.6) and budget categories, pairing versatile reach with solid dust/moisture resistance for outdoor use. Best for travel photographers or casual shooters wanting a single lens for landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects without swapping glass.

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Price $677
Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens

Best Lenses under $1,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AFSVR24-120G 24-120mm

60.5 Travel Score
24-120mmf/4Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Constant f/4 aperture, a multi-focus stepping motor, and a five-element ED/aspherical optical design with ARNEO and Nano Crystal coatings deliver sharp, fast-focusing images throughout the 24-120mm range. Weighing just 576g with full weather-sealing, fluorine coating, and a programmable control ring, it provides premium, lightweight handling ideal for all-day use. It’s best for travel and event photographers seeking a single Z-mount lens with consistent exposure and robust build, though its macro performance is notably weak.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

66.9 Travel Score
180-600mmf/5.6Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Internal zooming maintains constant balance across the 180-600mm range, aided by 5.5-stop VR and STM autofocus for steady handheld shooting. The zoom ring reaches 600mm in just a 70° turn and close-focuses to 4.27 feet (0.25x magnification), while compatibility with Z teleconverters extends reach to 1200mm. This lens suits wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, weather-sealed super-telephoto for quick framing and long-range tracking without a tripod.

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No Lenses found in this category. See our top picks under $2,500