Today I come with an update of the list with “best Nikon lenses”, yes, we are talking about amateur lenses, so in this list we are interested in including the best Nikon lenses in terms of value for money and features designed for the amateur or advanced photographer. And that you can cover the different types of use that you could have as a photographer.
And it is that, putting together the ideal team of lenses that will accompany you throughout your adventure as a photographer can be confusing. Nikon, for example, offers more than 200 alternatives in its own range of lenses called Nikkor, so you can transform the photos you have in your mind into reality. Each of these objectives will serve you for a specific type of photography. If we add to that all the brands that manufacture compatible lenses for Nikon, the offer becomes truly overwhelming.
If you do a search on the web or if you do a little research directly on the manufacturer’s page, you will realize how difficult it is for the amateur photographer to assemble his ideal lens equipment.
So I hope you find this list useful!
- AF-S DX-Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
- AF-S VR-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
- AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- AF-P DX-Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
- AF Fisheye Nikkor D 10.5mm f/2.8 lens
- Samyang 85mm f1.4 IF MC
- Tamron 70-300mm, f/4-5.6, Macro, AF
- Tokina 11-16mm AT-X Pro DX II f/2.8
- Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM Art
What is the focal length of a lens?
Before seeing them one by one, I consider it essential that you have this concept clear when choosing an objective. If you already have it clear, you can skip this section, otherwise, pay attention.
The focal length of a lens, measured in mm, comes to be, in a simple way so that you can easily understand it, the part of the scene that it covers. The smaller the number in mm, the larger the angle and the more of the scene it will cover. They are short focal lengths.
The higher the mm number, the more zoom and less part of the scene. The easiest thing is to see it in the following graph, surely you understand it better.
To learn more about the focal length of your lens, do not miss this detailed article.
What is a fixed focal?
This is another question that may arise throughout the article that you must resolve before continuing if you do not know what it is.
A fixed focal length is one with which you cannot zoom, that is, it has a fixed focal length. For example, if it’s a 50mm, you only have a 50mm focal length.
However, there are other lenses that cover different focal lengths, which are the ones with which you can zoom more or less. For example, the typical of the kit, the 18-55mm, which means that you can use it between 18mm and 55mm.
And if you wonder which is better, “a fixed one or a zoom one?” It is best that you read this article.
What do all these letters and numbers on Nikon lenses mean?
We’ve already revealed what the “mm” stand for, but the thing about the letters on the lenses can be very dizzy if you don’t know what they mean. In addition, you can break your head wondering why two identical lenses have such a huge price difference, “Is it because of the buyer?”, you think No, it is because of this little letter (or another) that it seems so insignificant and it is not.
So let’s see some of the letters that you will find on these Nikon lenses so that you know what they refer to, something essential when deciding which Nikon lenses to buy.
What does AF mean in Nikon lenses?
In Nikon AF it is related to the focus motor, as in any other lens, however, let’s see the specifications in Nikon lenses.
- AF: it doesn’t have a built-in autofocus motor and you have to use the one on the camera body, if it has one.
- AF-I: It has an internal motor.
- AF-S: It has an internal motor (Silent Wave Motor (SWM)) integrated that is also faster, more precise and quieter.
- AF-P: It’s the latest state-of-the-art focus motor to change lens focus quickly and quietly. It is ideal for both static photography and video.
What does ED mean on Nikon lenses?
And if you wonder what does ed meanis that the optics are developed to correct chromatic aberrations.
What is the VR of Nikon lenses?
When you see the acronym VR on a Nikon lens it means that it has a vibration reduction function. It is especially useful and important in long focal length lenses (telephoto lenses) where vibrations are more evident.
By using this feature, you can use slower shutter speeds than you could without it.
What does the letter G stand for on Nikon lenses?
The letter G in Nikon lenses means that they have an electronic diaphragm control, that is, the diaphragm opening is done from the camera.
What does IF mean on Nikon lenses?
IF refers to internal focus and this system, among other advantages, offers a faster focus system and ensures that no external element moves.
Now yes, let’s go with what was promised, the best Nikon lenses for your SLR camera.
The best Nikon lenses for the amateur and advanced photographer
1. AF-S DX-Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
If you are looking for a lens to take social photos or to take some excellent portraits, the Nikkor 35 mm 1.8 G is surely your best option. Why? Because for about 200 euros You will have in your hands a comfortable, lightweight, extremely sharp, bright lens that focuses very fast and of very solid construction. What more could you ask for?
Its effective focal length is 50mm (35mm x 1.5 which is the crop factor of the DX format), so it could be said that it is the effective “Prince of lenses”, ideal for taking social photos, in events, some incredible Pictures with the background completely out of focus, landscapes and even macro photography, since despite being a fixed focal length, it is extremely versatile.
This objective will be a great ally to defeat your worst enemy: darkness.
Photographs taken with the AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8 G
2. AF-S VR Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
East telephoto It is another of the objectives that should not be missing in your photographic backpack. The 70-300mm VR Nikon is the best option you will have at your fingertips if you want to “get closer” to the subjects. And it is not only because of its price that is around 600 eurosbut because of its size, its weight, the speed of the focus and, above all, its quality that is really surprising.
This lens will be ideal for you to photograph sports and nature, although its performance is really very good in almost any situation, especially when taking portraits. Of course, as long as the lighting conditions are adequate, since its drawback is that it is not really very bright.
The Nikkor 70-300 VR is compatible with both DX and Full Frame sensor cameras, but if you plan to use it on a DX camera, its effective focal length will be 450mm (300 x 1.5), and if you plan to use it on a DX camera Full Frame format, this will be 300 mm. However, if you have a full frame camera, I would recommend getting a telephoto lens in a range commensurate with the quality of your camera.
Examples of photographs taken with an AF-S VR Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G
3. AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
When it comes to “macro” or close-up photography, this Nikon lens takes the cake. It is currently the best macro lens of the Japanese giant and one of the best on the market.
Despite not being as cheap as the other lenses presented here, its price difference is justified: its excellent construction, its brightness (f/2.8) and excellent quality will guarantee your investment. How much? Approximately 800 euros on Amazonthat although it may seem somewhat excessive, it is worth every penny.
This lens is ideal for use in both macro photography as well as for Pictures or as a short telephoto. It is extremely bright, which will ensure that you get not only correctly exposed photos but also very attractive blurs.
The Nikkor 105 f/2.8 VR is almost perfect except for one small detail: when using the internal focus motor, the image varies too much while focusing, which can be very annoying in macro mode. In any case, it is easily solved by approaching or moving away from the subject directly.
With this objective you will be able to discover a whole new world, the world of detail.
Examples of photographs taken with the AF-S VR Micro 105mm f/2.8 G IF-ED Nikkor lens
4. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
If you were to put together a “dream team” made up of only Nikon lenses, this incredible wide angle could not miss.
While you can use this lens for a variety of situations, thanks to its varifocal length, it’s ideally suited for use in shooting. landscape Photography, in interiors, in photographs of architecture or in any type of photography where you need a large portion of the scene to fit into your frame.
The Nikkor 10-20mm is a wide angle lens. great quality specially designed for medium format or DX cameras, with a fast, quiet and precise focus. It is ideal to immerse yourself in this type of photography, although if you want professional performance, it is better to look at other options (which obviously go up in price).
It is a very light (230g) and quite compact. The best thing is that it has a very attractive price, you can find it on Amazon for €349.00although keep in mind that it is not very bright.
We recommend you check the compatibility with your camera before buying it ;).
You can see some examples of photographs taken with this lens here. And I leave you with the video presentation of the brand.
5. AF Fisheye Nikkor D 10.5mm f/2.8 lens
If you are thinking of giving a radical change to your photographs, this fisheye lens cannot be missing.
Fisheye lenses are an “extreme wide angle” so fisheye and wide angle are not mutually exclusive. In fact, if your pocket allows it, you will do well to get both. This lens costs around 750 euros on Amazon. You will not lose money if you invest in this goal.
The uses that you can give to this objective are very varied: from landscape and urban photography until macro photography since its minimum focus distance is very small. With fisheye lenses, your imagination is the limit.
Some examples of photographs taken with the AF Fisheye Nikkor D 10.5mm f/2.8 Lens
Other compatible lenses for Nikon SLR cameras
Luckily for our pockets there are other lenses that are not of the Nikon brand but that you cannot lose sight of because they are great options to consider.
6. Samyang 85mm f1.4 IF MC
A fixed focal length lens, super…