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To figure out which Nikon lenses are the best, you need to answer one easy question and one slightly harder question. First of all, what kind of Nikon do you have? Is it a mirrorless Nikon Z or a Nikon DSLR? They have two different lens mounts and two different sensor sizes, called full frame (FX) and APS-C (DX), which affects the lenses that can be used with them. What do you want to shoot? That’s the second question.
Nikon prime lenses and zoom lenses tend to be of high quality, but they are by no means “best buys. In recent years, independent lens manufacturers such as Sigma and Tamron have steadily raised the bar. These lenses offer the same great design, beautiful design, and superior performance as Nikon’s offerings. In addition, these lenses are usually offered at much lower purchase prices, making them cost-effective.
Here is the list of Best Nikon Camera Lens
Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
Easily one of the best Nikon Camera Lens available on the market, The Nikon Z 100-400 mm is currently the only Nikon Z-mount zoom lens with some range. Its wide range and 0.38x magnification (minimum focusing distance 75 cm) make this lens especially suitable for large wildlife and pseudo-macro insect shots.
The only downside of the Nikon 100-400 is that it is a bit short for shy or small creatures such as birds. Although in some cases the 400 mm is perfect for birds, it is rare, especially on a full frame camera.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF
This humble “nifty-fifty” is at the top of our list for good reason: the Nikon 50mm f / 1.8D is the first Nikon lens for an FX camera we ever purchased and as such it holds a special place in my heart. Not only does it cost very little, but it is also super light and compact. Those who have recently switched to a Nikon DSLR from a smaller compact camera are sometimes a bit concerned about the weight of their new camera.
For this reason, the lightweight Nikon 50 mm f/1.8D is the perfect complement. The image quality of this impressive Nikon lens is nothing short of incredible, especially considering its price. It is the sharpest lens we own, and its focusing speed is also the fastest. Still, it is one of the best Nikon Camera Lens that you can consider.
Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
Typically found on high-end cameras such as the Nikon D500, this is the best standard zoom lens in DX format. It is an excellent walkaround option with a flexible range and a wide maximum aperture that makes it suitable for many different subjects. It is also well built, with no less than four ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements, plus nanostructure coatings and fluorine coatings on the front and rear elements.
Focusing is fast and accurate with ultrasonic ring autofocus, while the VR (Vibration Reduction) stabilization system is very effective. Sharpness decreases slightly at the long end of the zoom range, while some barrel distortion can be seen at the short end of the lens, but otherwise it is an excellent option.
Nikon AF-S 24-85mm VR
The Nikon 24-85 / 3.5-4.5G VR is surprisingly better lens at a reasonable price. Performance is quite good in the DX image circle, but you need to stop at f5.6 or even f8 to get better performance in the corners of a 36MP full-frame D800.
Overall, this is a noteworthy compact zoom kit for those starting out in the FX world or who want to keep their options open for a future upgrade to an FX body. Overall, it is one of the best Nikon Camera Lens that you can buy.
Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
Nikon’s 24-70 mm f/4 Z retractable lens is obtnaible separately or as part of a kit for the Z 6 and Z 7 cameras. It is such an excellent lens that there is no need to consider an upgrade. It is such an excellent lens that there is no need to consider an upgrade. However, for those who need a faster f / 2.8 aperture for faster shutter speeds and shallower depth of field, this is the lens to choose.
Like the Z 70-200 mm f / 2.8, it features a proper quality optical path, this time including four aspherical and two ED elements, along with the same mix of ARNEO and Nano Crystal Coat. Other similarities include the customizable lens function button and the information display. One notable difference is that this lens lacks the optical VR of its telephoto partner, but the lower focal length range makes it superfluous, taking into account the in-body stabilization of the Z 6 and Z 7 cameras. Thus, this product is one of the best Nikon Camera Lens available right now.
Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED
We wanted something to go with my Nikon D750 for travel, but the more we used it, the more it became the most used lens we owned. We have shot many professional photo sessions with the Nikon 35mm f / 1.8G ED and cannot recommend it enough to Nikon FX DSLR owners who will listen! The entire range of Nikon f / 1.8G lenses (28, 50 and 85 mm) offers incredible value for money when considering image quality.
If you are looking to invest in affordable (or spare) wedding photography equipment, these amazing lenses are perfect. The 35 mm focal length is preferred by all types of photographers because of its versatility: wide enough to tell a story, but equally suitable for a portrait. In terms of popularity, it is on par with the 50 mm, but if you choose the 35 mm over the 50 mm, the former is much more versatile.
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/4G ED VR
It is a lens that makes a lot of sense with DX-format cameras. Try pairing a 70-200 mm f / 2.8 lens with a camera like the Nikon D7500 and you end up with something bulky and unbalanced. In contrast, the 70-200 mm f / 4 option weighs about half as much (and costs half as much) for much more comfortable shots.
It is still an FX-format lens, however, so it will be possible to use it on both body types, which is good news for potential upgrades. Image quality is outstanding, with excellent sharpness aided by very effective stabilization. So, if you want one of the best Nikon Camera Lens, we highly recommend this product.
Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
We must admit that this lens was our favorite “superzoom” and the lens for walking and travel photography for many years, until the arrival of Nikon’s Z-system cameras, accompanied by the Z 24-200 mm f /4-6.3 VR. Made for DX-format DSLRs, the 18-200 mm is more refined than the AF-S DX 18-300 mm f /3.5-6.3G ED VR and more manageable than the oversized AF-S DX 18-300 mm f /3.5-5.6 VR, while still offering a useful “effective” zoom range of 27-300 mm in full frame terms.
Nikon Z 24-70mm f4S
The Nikon Z 24-70mm f4S is a must-have choice for Z-series mirrorless owners: optically, it is as good as the popular 24-70mm f2.8E VR, with a one-stop advantage in image stabilization and almost no loCA. It also offers very useful performance for close-ups and maintains high contrast even in backlit situations.
Also, being about half the size and weight, it is much more portable and fits perfectly with the compact Z-series bodies for which it was designed. The new Z Nikkor focuses quickly and reliably and has the same tightness as the 24-70 mm f2.8E VR. The only drawback of the Z 24-70mm f4S is its relatively normal f4.0 focal ratio, but it is easily offset by its relatively low price-and did we mention its small size and weight? Still, it is one of the best Nikon Camera Lens that you can consider.
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E VR AF-P
If you want to get into wildlife photography on a budget, the Nikon 70-300 mm f / 4.5-5.6E VR AF-P is the lens for you. It is a great buy that will allow you to get 300 mm for just under $600. Its autofocus is quite good in daylight, and its versatile 70-300 mm zoom range is ideal for large animals and perching birds.
The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry when searching for wildlife in parks and natural areas. It is capable of producing relatively good bokeh, especially on the longer side, although sharpness performance drops off a bit up to 300 mm. Virtual reality is an advantage when holding the lens.
Final Words
Choosing the best Nikon Camera Lens to add to your camera equipment is not as daunting as it might seem. Once you’ve assessed the type of lens you need, Nikon offers enough variety to easily match your shooting needs to the options available, whether you’re capturing portraits, wildlife, or beautiful landscapes. At the same time, prices range from a couple of hundred dollars to many thousands, so you can find a lens that fits your budget.