10 best lenses for Nikon cameras
Choosing a lens for your Nikon camera can seem like a real challenge - there is an incredible variety of lenses available for any purpose. To make your task easier, we have selected several of the best models in their class. These are legendary wide-angle lenses, portrait lenses, telephoto and macro lenses, standard fixes and even a spectacular fisheye lens. You may prefer a versatile optical system with a wide focal length range. Or you can clearly define the type of scenes and find the best option for wedding photography, portraits, reports, travel, etc.
TOP 10 best lenses for Nikon cameras
10 Nikon 10.5mm f / 2.8G ED DX Fisheye-Nikkor
This remarkable fisheye lens from Nikon's professional NPS equipment list is made especially for DX cameras. Otherwise, when mounted on a carcass with a full-format matrix, you will not get the desired barrel distortion. Among the minuses: this lens is the only "native" fisheye for Nikon DX cameras; it also lacks a built-in focusing motor.
Experimenters will really like the photo system: interior, landscape, advertising, grotesque portrait and even scientific photography will be transformed as a result of using a fisheye lens. Photographers agree that this optics perfectly keeps the sun in the frame, there are no glare and flare in the pictures. But with wide-angle coverage (180⁰ diagonal), it is difficult to get rid of light sources in a composition. An important advantage lies in the lightness of the device - the fisheye weighs only 300 g. Small size is a good property for panoramic aerial photography or when working in confined conditions.
9 Nikon 70-300mm f / 4.5-6.3G ED VR AF-P DX
The ideal model for exploring the creative direction of photography and filming with a versatile 70-300mm focal length range. The 4.3x zoom lens is designed for Nikon DX-format SLR cameras and works well with small bodies. The zoom is useful when working with dynamic scenes, for example, in a children's group or in the wild. The autofocus system is fast, smooth, quiet and precise - thanks to Nikon's new stepping motor.
Optical Vibration Reduction VR is available. The highly intelligent system minimizes shake and blur, so you can safely use slow shutter speeds at twilight and at night, even without a tripod. It is for such a thoughtful stabilization that commentators praise this model. The VR mechanism allows the photographer to move the lens freely, automatically correcting and compensating for accidental hand movements. A very useful quality for wedding photography.
8 Nikon 50mm f / 1.8D AF
Let's start with SIC technology, or Super Integrated Coating. To enhance optical performance, Nikon has invented an exclusive multi-layer coating to reduce ghosting and flare. This solved several problems at once: improved color rendition and color balance, minimized reflections at any wavelength. Applying layers to each element is a very precise and delicate process, which gives the manufacturer the full right to declare new quality standards in the industry.
This standard autofocus "fifty kopeck piece" should be in the kit of every self-respecting photographer, especially the masters of portrait art. Their opinion is that it is this fix that an amateur should switch to after removing the whale lens. In general, the professional community is anxious about 50mm prime-optics. In particular, the legendary father of the photo essay, Henri Cartier-Bresson, used this. Add this to your arsenal if you want to capture beautiful portraits and scenes with blurred backgrounds.
7 Nikon 35mm f / 1.8G AF-S DX
Introducing a fast prime lens specially for Nikon cameras with a DX format sensor. Its main feature is its large aperture - f / 1.8.This means that you can shoot even in low light, and the brightness of the image in the viewfinder is pleasantly surprising. Sharpness remains high at any aperture setting, and it closes down to f / 22. Silent autofocusing is provided by the silent wave drive SWM (Silent Wave Motor). Fixed lenses have a stable focal length, their optical performance is well suited for portrait photography, but in general they solve a wide range of tasks.
Particularly pay attention to the network on a balanced compact design and low weight (only 200 g). A convenient option is to switch from manual focus (M) to manual priority autofocus (M / A). A sign of a high-quality assembly of the lens is considered a "serious" metal mount. The focusing ring is rubberized, which has the best effect on the comfort of the grip.
6 Nikon 40mm f / 2.8G AF-S DX Micro
This lens is versatile in its range of applications and is well suited for the first experiments in macro photography. With the available optics, the photographer will "test the waters" in the new technique, understand his capabilities and needs. In addition to macro photography, the owner will experiment with portraits and city scenes, because the 38.8⁰ viewing angle is very good for different objects.
With this inexpensive macro lens, DX users will enjoy the absence of vignetting at the corners of the frame. But when installed on an FX camera, the darkening in the corners will be annoying. By itself, this effect is useful for focusing attention on the subject, but it is not entirely appropriate for shooting monochrome and background images. Also, commentators recommend buying a 52 mm protective filter, since the macro shooting process is "dusty". Most likely, you will have to crawl, bring the optics closer a few centimeters, rest against an object, and photograph liquid. Therefore, it is easier to prevent the problem than to change the glass.
5 Nikon 10-20mm f / 4.5-5.6G VR AF-P DX
If you are used to bulky wide-angle optics, this "baby" will pleasantly surprise you. The total weight of the plastic case with 14 optical elements and bayonet mount is only 230 g! We focus on the use of the new AF-P technology, which is responsible for the improved silent operation of the autofocus motor. In general, Nikon is actively working on improving the electric drives in the new generation lenses. The relative disadvantage of the innovation is that not every camera will reveal the potential of the device, but only released after 2013.
The owners' impressions are polar: some are annoyed by the pronounced distortion of the ultra-wide angle, when straight lines give curvature in the photo. However, this property is not a problem: lovers of strict geometry can easily correct distortions during post-processing, and in creative genres - street photography, shooting the night sky, portrait experiments - this effect is quite desirable, because it allows you to get an original and boring composition.
4 Nikon 28-300mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S
These Nikon optics are a traveller's dream. Why carry a backpack with a set of lenses with you when you can use one standard zoom as much as 10.7x in any situation, choosing a position from wide-angle to telescopic. If we decipher the name, the abbreviation ED means the presence of low-dispersion elements that save from chromatic aberrations (color distortion), and VR is a stabilizer, or rather, a second generation vibration reduction system. The sealed bayonet is protected from moisture and dust.
The pros say that the superzoom works best in conjunction with an FX camera. Of the optimal genres for this model, reviewers single out travel photography, panorama, interior, sporting events (with good lighting), underwater photography in an aqua box. Optics are also good for wedding photography. Weaknesses: pronounced distortion at the extreme focal length, noticeable weight. The last "drawback", however, is a natural price to pay for universality.
3 Nikon 24-70mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S
The legendary professional lens fits any Nikon digital camera.The built-in motor allows the device to perform high-quality autofocusing even in a set with a budget "carcass". The aperture of a zoom lens has a lightning-fast response, but sometimes the focus "misses". Therefore, the pros are advised to shoot in bursts to ensure that the best shots can be selected.
Why is this unit ideal for wedding photography? It's simple: many interesting events are happening around, and the photographer has no time to change optics and select a distance. Therefore, the option with a focal length of 24-70 mm is considered optimal (in the DX format it corresponds to a distance of 36-105 mm). Both portraits and group shots are great. Despite the versatility of the model, its potential will unfold in all its glory on full-frame cameras: the owners claim that they take pictures in any conditions and with any light.
2 Nikon 14-24mm f / 2.8G ED AF-S
The uncompromising wide-angle lens for FX cameras with a 36x24mm full-frame sensor such as Nikon D3X, D3, D810, D750, D700. A massive specimen weighs almost 1 kg, it is heavy, unlike portrait fixes, so the most hardy ones will work with it. The optics provide memorable images from unusual angles without distortion. All straight lines stay straight, which will appeal to architectural and landscape photographers.
The device is appreciated by fans of exceptional sharpness throughout the frame - both in the center and in the corners - even with the widest aperture. The ultra-wide angle has an impressive aperture of f / 2.8G, making it possible to shoot without a tripod even at night. Users emphasize that this lens has no analogues, and it has no weaknesses. The owners are a little upset only about the "vulnerability" of the front glass - it is easy to get dirty or scratched, so be careful, the device is worthy of the most gentle handling.
1 Nikon 85mm f / 1.4G AF-S
From the entire list of professional Nikon NPS equipment, this lens is called the classic portrait and studio shooting. A mid-range telephoto lens designed for FX cameras (36x24mm full frame). Attractive subtle bokeh (out-of-focus blurring) is achieved by the 9-blade f / 1.4 rounded aperture. Nano Crystal Coat technology (look for the N mark on the body) means the lenses are coated with the finest anti-reflective coating. Shoot in any light intensity - annoying ghosting and ghosting won't bother you.
Moreover, Nikon has implemented the internal focusing technology IF (Internal Focusing). Thus, the dimensions of the telephoto lens do not change when focusing, and no effort is needed to move the lenses in the optical system. A special group of lenses moves only within the body, and users do not rejoice in the compactness of the device and focusing speed.
