Why we chose these Nikon DSLR lenses
No matter what brand you buy, chances are you’ll be holding your lens (or glass) longer than the camera body you’re using. It is wise to invest in high-quality glass that will last a long time. Although the lenses we have chosen are quite expensive, they will pay off handsomely for years to come.
Nikon has a reputation for being popular among wildlife photographers. However, they have more than telephoto lenses to offer. Weatherproofing, rugged construction and brilliant optics complement each of these professional lens offerings. Some, like the 70-200mm f/2.8, are popular even with Canon and Sony photographers.
Nikon has put decades of development into its flagship lens. Professionals rely on Nikon lenses all the time for their noise reduction (VR), autofocus and build quality. While there are many other high-performance options to choose from, Nikon will make a slot on this list. Read on to discover some of the best lenses Nikon has for sale. Chances are you’ll find something to add to your wish list.
Best Nikon DSLR Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED
Nikon 24mm in green and blue
Value
- ✓ The wide area captures city scenes, interiors or landscape paintings
- ✓ Very sharp picture
- ✓ Compatible with full-frame cameras and crop sensors
- ✓ Fastest aperture of f/1.4
Cons
- ✗ Still expensive if you buy new
- ✗ Not as versatile as a 35mm or 50mm lens
Dubbed “the world’s best wide-angle lens” for a reason, the Nikon 24mm f/1.4 lens is sharp right down to the edges, and opens wide at f/1.4. A smaller barrel also means less adjustment time.
Designed for Nikon’s full frame FX mount, this lens also works with Nikon’s crop sensor cameras to provide up to a 35mm equivalent focal length. If you’re currently shooting a Nikon crop sensor and are considering upgrading to a full DSLR, this could be a wise investment.
This camera is ideal for painters and architects who often need visual inspection. But wedding photographers and photographers who are looking for more creative aspects or want to get the best in any situation will also appreciate this lens.
It’s big and comes with a hefty price tag, but the image quality is worth it. This camera has been around for so long that you can find good quality and used options in good condition.
Best Nikon DSLR Wide Angle Lens
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED
A premium wide-angle lens from Nikon, perfect for indoor and outdoor photography.
Nikon DSLR’s best wide-angle lens: NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon 14-24mm with yellow background
Pros
- ✓ Great space for this area
- ✓ Excellent optical quality
- ✓ Weatherproofing
Cons
- ✗ No vibration reduction
Nikon’s NIKKOR 14-24mm f / 2.8G combines quality glass with a large aperture and wide angle of view, which is ideal for astrophotography, indoor, outdoor, large-scale shots and natural portraits. Even at f/2.8, this lens is sharp across the frame and exhibits minimal barrel distortion, even at the 14mm wide angle. One reviewer was so impressed with the image quality of this wide angle zoom that he wrote, “God has no eyes. There are two of those things. That pretty much says it all. This lens doesn’t have built-in vibration reduction, but the large aperture lets in enough light that handheld shooting isn’t a problem. Also, if you use it to shoot interior or architecture, chances are you will have it with a tripod anyway.
Best Ultra Wide Angle Nikon DSLR Lens
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Nikon ultra-wide is a high-speed zoom that combines a fast aperture with an amazingly wide angle of view.
Pros
- ✓ f/2.8 constant
- ✓ Long-term focus on everything
- ✓ Design improvements over previous models
Cons
- ✗ Dear
- ✗ Will not work on older Nikon DSLR bodies
Nikon’s modern NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is considered by all manufacturers to be one of the best lenses in this zoom range. A great work horse all around, this space is perfect for games, activities and portraits.
Built-in vibration reduction and a lightweight construction mean you can hand-hold this lens without sacrificing image quality. The new fluorite element and electronic diaphragm improve image quality and focus.
This camera offers the best zoom you can get on a Nikon DSLR. However, there is a catch: the electronic diaphragm means that this lens will not work on Nikon cameras manufactured before 2007.
Best Nikon DSLR for Street Photography:
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
Nikon 35mm in orange circle
Value
- ✓ Relatively compact
- ✓ Maximum space
- ✓ High quality construction
- ✓ Undisputed field of vision
Cons
- ✗ High cost
The 35mm focal length is recognized as one of the best for street photographers, and Nikon’s 35mm f/1.4G is considered one of the best 35mm lenses. good in the market.
Quick focus on a full Nikon DSLR body, sharp images and the widest aperture make this a compact and compact lens to take on the road. Aperture f / 1.4 allows shooting in low light, which is important for changing street conditions. A 35mm viewfinder can capture a wide range of environments, making for beautiful street scenes or cinematic portraits when used. Although it is older, this space is still very expensive. If you don’t have the money for that 35mm, the Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4 is a good alternative at about half the price.
The best Nikon DSLR lenses for street photography
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
One of Nikon’s best, this 35mm lens delivers stunning images on the road or anywhere in between.
Best Nikon DSLR: AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
Nikon 85mm in gray
Pros
- ✓ Large space for drawing
- ✓ Wide f/1.4 aperture
- ✓ Professional grade glass and construction
Cons
- ✗ Dear
- ✗ No virtual reality
Although portraits can be shot at different sizes, the combination of compression and bokeh (blur background) you get from the 85mm wide lens means it’s preferred by many photographers. The NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G excels as a portrait lens thanks to the soft bokeh effect it creates while keeping the subject in focus, even at f/1.4.
There’s no VR here, but the wide aperture means control shouldn’t be a problem. There aren’t many bells and whistles in this space, just beautiful glass.
Best Nikon DSLR Macro Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED
Nikon 105mm in pink and yellow background
Pros
- ✓ Large opening for this long point
- ✓ Images are very sharp, even at wide apertures
- ✓ Great for fun graphics
Cons
- ✗ Dear
- ✗ No virtual reality
An update to the f/2.8 macro of the same focal length, the NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E has a wider f/1.4 aperture and is sharper than the popular f/2.8 model. With great roundness and compression, it’s an amazing lens for great close-ups and fun portraits.
There’s no VR here, although you won’t miss it in the big screen. This focal length is a little special, because it is not like any, say, 50mm or 35mm. However, it works well in the area it is designed for. If you have the money, especially if you are a professional photographer, this can add a lot to your pocket.
