Choosing the right lens for your camera can be difficult, especially for beginners. It doesn’t matter which brand of DSLR you have, you should pick one that fulfills your needs. However, in case you are a novice and has just started shooting, you should use ‘First-Party Lenses’. For example, a beginner level photographer who has a Nikon DSLR should go for the ‘Best Nikon Camera Lens’.
It makes sense to use lenses from the same brand to get the best quality images. Here are a few reasons why buying first-party lenses is the best idea despite the many competitive third-party products. These are the Advantages of Using Nikon Lens for Nikon DSLR that can come in handy. Especially when you are on a tight budget.
Using Nikon Lens for Nikon DSLR
First of all, professional photographers tend to prefer them. Why? It’s because there is no question about the build and optical quality of first-party lenses.You don’t have to guess as Nikon designs lenses with keeping its own cameras in mind. Hence, there is less reasoning and deduction for professionals when it comes to compatibility.
Secondly, most of the Nikon lenses work for all DSLRs. However, you must bear in mind that they may yield different results.
For example, a photographer gets the exact resolution that he would expect while using FX-format (full-frame) lenses on cameras with smaller DX-format (APS-C) sensors.
On the contrary, DX-format lenses on FX-format cameras would give slightly smaller resolution images. The “crop factor” of the lenses is the reason behind this.
Best Nikon Camera Lens for Your Niche
There is an extensive collection of Nikon lenses in the market available to every Nikon DSLR model. Whichever type of photography niche you are in, you’re sure to find a couple of lenses that you can turn to. However, you must know what you are looking for as a professional.
Selecting the Best Nikon Camera Lens isn’t as easy as it seems. Contrary to popular belief, buying a lens is a time taking process. You have to decide as per your niche, skills, knowledge about lenses and required Nikon Lens Range.
There are at least five different decisions that you have to make.
- Special Purpose that needs to be fulfilled
- The maximum aperture you need
- The focal length you need
- Image Stabilization
- Build quality
How to Read a Nikon Lens?
Before we start reviewing which is the Best Nikon Camera Lens, let’s understand what a Nikon Lens name represents. All the specifications are usually mentioned in the name of a lane. Therefore, it is important to understand what all the letters mean in a name.
Here is an example of a lens name:
The above lens is the Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR. Let’s see what all these letters and numbers mean.
AF-S: Auto-Focus with built-in Silent Wave Motor. Such lenses can even work on cameras without built-in motors.
DX: Designed for a crop sensor (APS-C) camera sensor
16-80mm: The focal range
f/2.8-4: The maximum aperture
ED: Extra-low Dispersion of the light as it enters the lens. This leads to better image quality.
VR: Vibration Reduction. This allows the use of slower shutter speeds while shooting handheld.
Here are some other common Nikon lens abbreviations:
FX: designed for a full frame (35mm equivalent) camera sensor
N: Nanon Crystal Coating (commonly displayed as a gold badge in a lens’ side)
IF: Internal Focusing (allows the lens to focus quicker)
G: Without an aperture ring
FL: Fluorite Lens elements (improving image quality)
II: A second generation lens
Now let’s look at the ‘Best Nikon DSLR Lenses’ that are available in the market and their features in detail.
List of the Best Nikon Camera Lenses
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, there is a great Nikon lens for you. Nikon Lens Range is vast and you can buy one as per your needs and niche. In fact, there are so many Nikon DSLR Lenses available that it can be rather overwhelming to pick one. You may start wondering which Nikon lens you should choose.
We have compiled a comprehensive list of the “Best Nikon Lenses” for you. In this article, we’ve kept the focus on the Best Nikon Camera Lenses for all-round usage. There is something for every Nikon DSLR camera owner as all of these lenses excel in numerous ways.
1. Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
We decided to start our lens choice with the widest field of view. Nikon 10-20mm is the best new wide-angle zoom lens that the Nikon brand is offering right now. This is the wide-angle lens that many Nikon users have been waiting for.
However, it is the built-in optical stabilization what makes this lens stand out. This feature comes in handy when you have to shoot in marginal light. That’s the reason it is the best lens for vlogging.
Autofocusing is smooth and quiet since it is an AF-P lens. The major demerit of Nikon 10-20mm is that it won’t work for more than 5 years older Nikon DSLRs models.
Key Features
- Focal Range of 10-20mm
- Minimum Focus Distance of 22cm
- Aperture Range of f/4.5 – f/29
- VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology
- 14 Elements in 11 Groups
- 72mm Filter Thread
- Pulse Motor AF System
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 230 grams
2. Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
This “35mm Nikon Prime Lens” is the best match for a full-frame Nikon DSLR camera. If you are a portrait photographer, you’re sure to make the most use of it. When attached to an FX-format DSLR, it can prove to be a very handy piece of glass.
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G offers a cropped field of view equivalent to 50mm. Thus, you can get a distortion-free field of view that resembles how we see the world with our own eyes. What’s more interesting is that this super sharp DX-format lens is considerably lightweight.
Nikon 35mm is a large-aperture portrait lens that allows you to brighten low-light scenes regardless of your camera’s sensor size. Hence, you can produce beautifully blurred backgrounds for creative effect. There is no reason not to have it in your camera bag after considering its affordable price tag and benefits.
Key Features
- Fixed Focal Length of 35mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 30cm
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 52mm Filter Thread
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/22
- SWM (Silent Wave Motor) AF System
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups
- Weighs 198 grams
3. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
A “nifty fifty” lens is always useful no matter what type of photographer you are. That’s why Nikon 50mm is very popular and is one of the best ‘Nikon Fast Prime Lenses’.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G has all the qualities which are key attributes of ideal portrait lenses. This lens is well-loved for its small, lightweight body and normal field of view. Plus, it offers an incredibly narrow depth of field (giving stunning bokeh), very sharp results, and has an affordable price tag.
Key Features
- Fixed Focal Length of 50mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 45cm
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 58mm Filter Thread
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/16
- SWM (Silent Wave Motor) AF System
- 7 Elements in 6 Groups
- Weighs 185 grams
4. Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
This is the newest and the best Nikon DX-format standard zoom lens. Nikon 16-80mm is a great “walkaround” lens that offers a breathtakingly large field of view. It is the most appealing choice for many photographers among popular wide-angle lenses with zoom extensions.
Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR has electromagnetic diaphragm control. Along with a maximum aperture of f/2.8, it boasts a generous zoom range. Its ring-type ultrasonic AF system provides more precise aperture control. In addition to that, it offers fast and nearly silent subject autofocusing.
Key Features
- Focal Range of 16-80mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 35cm
- VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology
- 17 Elements in 13 Groups
- Aperture Range of f/2.8 – f/32
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 72mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 480 grams
5. Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR ($2146.95)
Thanks to its versatile telephoto reach, Nikon 70-200mm is the go-to telephoto lens for many professionals. It has a retainable aperture of f/5.6. Sport VR mode, electronic aperture control as well as auto and manual priority AF control are its well-loved features.
As a high-end Nikon lens, this is an ideal choice for serious shooters. It has everything that you would expect from a dream lens. This is the newest and best budget Nikon telephoto zoom lens. In fact, Nikon 70-300mm is the reinvented version of the trustworthy 70-300mm VR lens. With a considerably lower price, it offers a much longer reach than previous premium Nikon lenses.Key Features
6. Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR
Nikon 70-300mm has an electromagnetic diaphragm control for more consistent apertures. Also, there is a new generation vibration reduction (VR) technology for effective image stabilization that gives up to 4.5 stops. The Sports VR mode provides an easy tracking of moving objects.
Key Features
- Focal Range of 70-300mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 120cm
- VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology
- 18 Elements in 14 Groups
- Aperture Range of f/4.5 – f/40
- 67mm Filter Thread
- Pulse Motor AF System
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 680 grams
7. Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
This is arguably the finest travel lens among the “Best Nikon Camera Lenses”. Nikon 28-300mm provides a wide range of focal lengths and offers wide-angle views for landscapes. Its superzoom views allow photographers to get in on the action for sports photography. In addition to that, you can also achieve background compression for your portraits.
The Nikon AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR rids the need to carry any other lens. So if you’re a travel or event photographer, Nikon 28-300mm is the “Best Nikon Camera Lens” for you.
It is perfect for aspiring shooters who don’t mind the distortion effect and expected vignetting at the end of the zoom range. This surprisingly compact super telephoto lens can deliver you great results. It is the Best Nikon Lens for travelers who don’t have the time to change lenses.
Key Features
- Wide Angle to Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 28-300mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 50cm
- 2nd Generation VR (Vibration Reduction) Technology
- 19 Elements in 14 Groups
- Aperture Range of f/3.5 – f/22
- 77mm Filter Thread
- SWM (Silent Wave Motor) AF System
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- Weighs 800 grams
8. Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Nikon 200-500mm is an FX-format lens that provides an extreme telephoto reach. Compared to the pro-level 70-200mm, it offers even greater focal lengths at a more affordable price. Its crop factor allows a photographer to reach up to 750mm when it is used on DX-format camera bodies.
Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is one of the most exciting new Nikon FX lenses. Even at the farthest end of the zoom range, it offers an effective vibration reduction (VR) with its fixed aperture of f/5.6. This is the “Best Nikon Camera Lens” for wildlife, sports, and even astrophotography.
Key Features
- Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Focal Range of 200-500mm
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 220cm
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- 95mm Filter Thread
- Maximum Aperture Range of f/5.6 – f/32
- SWM (Silent Wave Motor) AF System
- 19 Elements in 12 Groups
- Weighs 2300 grams
Our Choice
In case you need a much longer reach, the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm is the Premium Nikon Lens for you. It offers super fast and silent autofocusing as well as a new generation vibration reduction (VR) technology for superb image stabilization. You can pick any of these Nikon lenses as per your photography niche and shooting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A) The NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is a classic portrait lens. Its sharpness is hard to beat at f/1.4. The truth is, there is no such thing as a perfect lens as the light, scenario, location, and conditions all play a huge role.
A) A prime lens has a fixed focal length and is not a zoom. Prime lenses have only one focal length. Examples of Nikon prime lenses are AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II and AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G.
A) For wedding photography, a wide-angle lens is necessary to capture subjects in tighter environments. There are various great wide-angle lenses however, we’ve found the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G to be the ideal choice.
A) As a Nikon shooter, you must know which lens is best for your niche. In our opinion, Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G – FX is best for shooting anything and everything.
A) The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G can be said as the best Nikon landscape lens. Also, Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II are some other sharp lenses by Nikon.
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