The Best Nikon Lenses for Underwater Photography

When it comes to underwater photography, choosing the right lens is key to capturing stunning images.. For Nikon users, Z-series cameras offer incredible performance, but knowing which lenses to pair with them for underwater shooting can be a bit tricky.

In this guide, we'll explore the best Nikon lenses for underwater photography. Including both legacy F-mount lenses and the newer Z-mount lenses. Whether you're upgrading your gear or just starting out, these options will help you make the most of your Nikon mirrorless system underwater.

1. Legacy F-Mount Lenses for Z8: Carrying Over from DSLR

One of the key advantages of the Nikon Z cameras is the ability to use older F-mount lenses from your DSLR days. This is particularly helpful for those transitioning to mirrorless, as many photographers already own high-quality DSLR lenses.

However, not all F-mount lenses are fully compatible with the Z-series cameras. To ensure proper functionality with autofocus, your F-mount lenses must be AFS (Autofocus-Silent Wave Motor) lenses. The AFD (Autofocus-D) lenses, commonly found in older fisheye and macro lenses, won't provide autofocus support on the Nikon Z.

Best Legacy F-Mount Lenses for Underwater Photography:

• Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye Zoom: The standout choice for fisheye photography, this lens is sharp, compact, and highly versatile. The newer version of this lens is AFS-compatible, so it works seamlessly with the Nikon Z, making it the go-to fisheye for underwater photographers.
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AFS VR Micro: For macro photography, this lens is an excellent choice. It delivers sharp, detailed images with the added benefit of vibration reduction (VR). The 60mm and 105mm AFS macro lenses are also great carryover options for shooting small subjects up close.
• Nikon 60mm f/2.8 AFS Micro: Another fantastic option for macro photography, the 60mm lens is a lightweight and versatile choice for getting close to marine life. It's perfect for capturing intricate details while still providing a comfortable working distance.

For these F-mount lenses, you’ll need the FTZ (F-Mount to Z-Mount) adapter, which allows you to mount your DSLR lenses onto the Z-series camera bodies. Fortunately, Nikon has priced the FTZ adapter reasonably, making it an affordable accessory for users transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless.

2. Z-Mount Lenses for Underwater Photography

For those starting fresh with a Nikon Z cameras, Nikon’s Z-mount lenses offer exceptional optical quality. The Z-mount’s wider diameter and shorter flange distance allow for faster focusing and sharper images, especially underwater.

Best Z-Mount Lenses for Underwater Photography:

• Nikon 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Z Lens: This compact and versatile lens is perfect for underwater photographers who want a small, travel-friendly lens that pairs well with wet optics like the WWL-C (Wet Wide Lens). It’s great for a variety of underwater scenes, from wide-angle to macro, thanks to its flexibility. This lens is ideal for traveling divers who want to keep their kit light without compromising on image quality.
• Nikon 14-30mm f/4 Z Lens: For those who need a wide-angle lens for dramatic underwater scenes, this is an excellent choice. Pair it with the WACP-2 (Wet Angle Conversion Port) for an ultra-wide 140° view. This lens can also be used in a more compact setup behind a dome port to shoot wide-angle images with a rectilinear look. It’s incredibly versatile and works well in different underwater environments.
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8 Z Macro Lens: If you want a dedicated macro lens, the Z 105mm is an outstanding choice. It’s incredibly fast and sharp, ideal for capturing small marine creatures with remarkable detail. The autofocus performance is excellent underwater, and it's one of the most reliable macro lenses available for the Z-mount system.

3. Wet Optics and Adapters: Unlocking More Creative Options

Wet optics can significantly expand your lens capabilities underwater. For example, lenses like the WWL-C or WWL-1B and FCP-1 (Fisheye Conversion Port) provide options for turning your existing lenses into ultra-wide or fisheye systems without the need for large, bulky lenses.

For instance, the 24-50mm Z Lens pairs beautifully with the WWL-C or WWL-1B, allowing you to shoot wide-angle photos without needing to carry a large dome port. Similarly, the 14-30mm Z Lens can be used with the FCP-1 to create a circular fisheye effect, adding even more creative possibilities to your underwater photography.

4. Conclusion: Best Nikon Lenses for Underwater Photography

Choosing the best lenses for underwater photography with the Nikon Z cameras depends on your specific needs, from fisheye shots to wide-angle or macro photography. The great news is that Nikon offers a range of lenses, both legacy and native Z-mount, that work excellently underwater with the right accessories.

If you’re transitioning from a DSLR setup, carrying over your favorite F-mount lenses with the FTZ adapter is a cost-effective way to get started. On the other hand, if you’re starting fresh with the Z8, investing in a few key Z-mount lenses such as the 24-50mm or 105mm will provide you with all the tools needed for incredible underwater shots.

With the right lenses and accessories, Z-series cameras can help you capture stunning underwater imagery with remarkable clarity and detail.