No matter which brand of DSLR you have, it can be difficult to choose the right lens for your camera. But if you want the best quality images, it makes sense to use lenses from the same brand as your DSLR. So before we recommend a few top-selling and highly-recommended Nikon lenses for your Nikon DSLR, here are a few reasons why you should consider buying first-party lenses.
Advantages of Using First-Party Lenses
Despite the many competitive third-party products from other brands, there are a number of reasons why Nikon lenses should be your first choice for your Nikon DSLR.
First, there’s no question about the build and optical quality of first-party lenses, which is why professional photographers tend to prefer them. Also, Nikon specifically designs lenses with its own cameras in mind, leaving you with much less guesswork when it comes to compatibility.
What you do need to remember when buying Nikon lenses is that although most of them work for all Nikon DSLRs, they can yield different results. For example, when you use FX-format (full-frame) lenses on cameras with smaller DX-format (APS-C) sensors, you get the exact resolution that you would expect, whereas DX-format lenses on FX-format cameras would produce slightly smaller resolution images due to the lenses’ “crop factor”.
And if you have an older DSLR, it may not be able to work with a few advanced features of newer Nikon lenses—like AF-P (Pulse Motor) autofocus systems and E (Electromagnetic) aperture control.
But with the extensive collection of Nikon lenses that are made available to every Nikon DSLR model, you’re sure to find a couple of lenses that you can turn to for every type of photography niche.
Best Nikon Lenses for Nikon DSLRs
Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR
Starting with our lens choice with the widest field of view, the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is perhaps the best new wide-angle zoom lens that the brand currently offers. As a lightweight, versatile, and affordable piece of glass, it’s the wide-angle lens that many Nikon users have been waiting for.
Its useful focal range of 10-20mm is perfect for capturing vast landscapes, architecture, and interiors. What makes it stand out is its built-in optical stabilization, which comes in handy when shooting in marginal light. It’s also an AF-P lens, which means autofocusing is quieter and smoother. On the other hand, it won’t work for Nikon DSLRs that were released five or more years ago so it’s best to assess compatibility if you’re using an older camera model.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon DX Mount (APS-C)
- Focal Range of 10-20mm
- Aperture Range of f/4.5 – f/29
- Minimum Focus Distance of 22cm
- Pulse Motor AF System
- Vibration Reduction (VR) Technology
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 14 Elements in 11 Groups
- 72mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 230g (8.2oz)
Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G is a very handy piece of glass that you’re sure to make the most use of if you are a portrait photographer with a full-frame Nikon DSLR camera. When attached to an FX-format DSLR, this lightweight and super sharp DX-format lens produces a cropped field of view equivalent to 50mm — the “normal,” distortion-free field of view that resembles how we see the world with our eyes.
But no matter the sensor size of your camera, this large-aperture portrait lens allows you to brighten low-light scenes and produce beautifully blurred backgrounds for creative effect. Considering its many benefits and affordable price tag, there’s no reason not to have it in your camera bag.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon DX Mount (APS-C)
- Fixed Focal Length of 35mm
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 30cm
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 8 Elements in 6 Groups
- 52mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 198g (7oz)
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
No matter what type of photography you prefer, a “nifty fifty” will always be useful — hence the popularity of the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G. Known as one of the brand’s best fast prime lenses, it’s well-loved for its “normal” field of view, small and lightweight body, very sharp results, incredibly narrow depth of field (resulting in stunning bokeh), and affordable price tag — all of which are key attributes of ideal portrait lenses.
This prime lens is designed for full-frame (FX-format) Nikon DSLRs, but it’s also become popular among APS-C (DX-format) DSLR camera users. And as an AF-S autofocusing lens, it can work even with entry-level D3000-series and D5000-series cameras.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon FX-Mount (Full-Frame)
- Fixed Focal Length of 50mm
- Aperture Range of f/1.8 – f/16
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 45cm
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- 7 Diaphragm Blades
- 7 Elements in 6 Groups
- 58mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 185g (6.6oz)
Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
The Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is the go-to telephoto lens for many professional photographers, thanks to its versatile telephoto reach and retainable aperture of f/5.6 (even at 400mm with a 2x teleconverter). Other well-loved features include auto and manual priority AF control, electronic aperture control, and Sport VR mode.
As a high-end Nikon lens, it is extremely well-built, has an ultra-fast AF system, and produces stunning image quality with incredible sharpness and contrast — just what you would expect from a dream lens that’s ideal for serious shooters.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon FX-Mount (Full-Frame)
- Focal Range of 70-200mm
- Aperture Range of f/2.8 – f/22
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 110cm
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- Vibration Reduction (VR) Technology
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- 22 Elements in 18 Groups
- 77mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 1430g (50.5oz)
Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR
Offering a much longer reach than the previous premium Nikon lens but for a considerably lower price, the Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR is the newest and best budget telephoto zoom.
As the reinvented version of the reputable 70-300mm VR lens, it features several major improvements, including the addition of a pulse motor AF system for super fast and quiet autofocusing, electromagnetic diaphragm control for more consistent apertures, new generation vibration reduction (VR) technology for up to 4.5 stops of effective image stabilization, and Sport VR mode for easy tracking of moving objects.
Key Specifications:
- Nikon FX-Format (Full-Frame)
- Focal Range of 70-300mm
- Aperture Range of f/4.5 – f/40
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 120cm
- Pulse Motor AF System
- Vibration Reduction (VR) Technology
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- 18 Elements in 14 Groups
- 67mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 680g (24oz)
Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Moving on to even greater focal lengths, the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is an FX-format lens that offers an extreme telephoto reach at a more affordable price compared to the pro-level 70-200mm above. When used on DX-format camera bodies, the crop factor allows you to reach up to 750mm!
It’s definitely one of the most exciting new Nikon FX lenses for Nikon cameras, especially with its fixed aperture of f/5.6 and effective vibration reduction (VR) even at the farthest end of the zoom range. Look no further for a lens that’s ideally suited for sports, wildlife, and even astrophotography.
Key Specifications:
- Telephoto Zoom Lens
- Nikon FX-Mount (Full-Frame)
- Focal Range of 200-500mm
- Maximum Aperture Range of f/5.6 – f/32
- Minimum Focusing Distance of 220cm
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) AF System
- 9 Diaphragm Blades
- 19 Elements in 12 Groups
- 95mm Filter Thread
- Weighs 2300g (81.2oz)
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED-IF AF-S NIKKOR VR Vibration Reduction NIKKOR Lens
The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is one of the most versatile Nikon DSLR lenses. Its wide focal range completed with a constant maximum aperture, VR II image stabilization, and fast and silent autofocus make it a strong candidate to be the only lens you may need. In addition, it minimizes chromatic aberrations and flares and offers the very best sharpness and color accuracy.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame zoom lens
- Focal Range 24-120mm
- Aperture Range f/4 – f/22
- Minimum Focus Distance 45cm
- VR II Image Stabilization
- 9 Diaphragm Blades 17 Elements in 13 Groups
- Weighs 670g (23.6oz)
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E EDIF Telephoto Lens
A prime telephoto lens may be among the Nikon camera lenses you wish to have. It’s great for portraits, wedding photos, and street snapshots. Thanks to its large maximum aperture, it’s fast and performs well in low light conditions. The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED promises no distortions and chromatic aberrations, smooth and silent autofocus, and ultra-high definition across the entire frame.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame prime lens
- Focal Length 105mm
- Aperture Range f/1.4 – f/16
- Minimum Focus Distance 100.5cm
- No Image Stabilization
- 9 Diaphragm Blades 14 Elements in 9 Groups
- Weighs 985g (34.8oz)
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S NIKKOR Lens F/DSLR Cameras
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S Zoom Nikkor is one of the best Nikon camera lenses for street and landscape photography. Its ultrawide zoom and consistent wide maximum aperture provide versatility and high-quality images in any lighting conditions. The lens features fast and silent autofocus, exceptional sharpness, contrast and color, and a sealed body against dust and moisture.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame and APS-C zoom lens
- Focal Range 14-24mm
- Aperture Range f/2.8 – f/22
- Minimum Focus Distance 27cm
- No Image Stabilization
- 14 Elements in 11 Groups
- Weighs 1000g (35.3oz)
Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E EDIF AF-S Fisheye NIKKOR Lens
The AF-S FISHEYE NIKKOR 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is the first of the fisheye Nikon DSLR lenses to have zoom capabilities. It is a versatile, edge-to-edge sharp lens that lets you get as close as 16cm from your subject. Designed for adventure, the lens is durable, agile, and dust and weather-sealed. It features a silent autofocus system and optical design for minimizing distortions and aberrations.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame zoom lens
- Focal Range 8-15mm
- Aperture Range f/4.5-5.6 – f/29
- Minimum Focus Distance 16cm
- No Image Stabilization
- 7 Diaphragm Blades 15 Elements in 13 Groups
- Weighs 485g (17.2oz)
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G IF AF-S NIKKOR Lens
One of the best prime Nikon DSLR lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G features an ultra-wide aperture and rounded nine-blade diaphragm for superior depth-of-field control and beautiful bokeh. The focal length is perfect for portraits, and the lens makes everything to deliver edge-to-edge sharpness, fast and silent autofocus, no ghosting and lens flare, and the best contrast and color.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame prime lens
- Focal Length 85mm
- Aperture Range f/1.4 – f/16
- Minimum Focus Distance 85cm
- No Image Stabilization
- 9 Diaphragm Blades 10 Elements in 9 Groups
- Weighs 660g (23.3oz)
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR Lens
If you’re looking for versatile prime Nikon lenses, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is the choice of many photographers. The focal length works equally well for landscapes, astrophotography, photojournalism, and wedding photos. The lens features an ultra-wide aperture for taking amazing photos in low light conditions and having control over the depth of field. Add quick and quiet autofocus, optical design for minimizing distortions and aberrations, and Nikon’s built quality, and you have a lens to use forever.
Key Specifications:
- Full-frame prime lens
- Focal Length 35mm
- Aperture Range f/1.4 – f/16
- Minimum Focus Distance 30cm
- No Image Stabilization
- 9 Diaphragm Blades 10 Elements in 7 Groups
- Weighs 600g (21.2oz)
Nikon DSLR Lenses: Frequently Asked Questions
No. Not all Nikon lenses designed for DSLRs are compatible with all Nikon DSLR cameras. Some may be fully compatible, while others may be partially compatible (e.g., not working autofocus or light metering) or just incompatible. There are several types of Nikon DSLR lenses: AI (Aperture Indexing), AF-D (Auto Focus with Distance), AF-S (Auto Focus Silent Wave), AF-P (Auto Focus Pulse), and E-Type. Furthermore, Nikon’s Z line lenses are only suitable for mirrorless cameras and not DSLR.
No. DSLR lenses don’t usually fit DSLR cameras from other brands. For example, Nikon DSLR lenses fit just Nikon cameras. The exception is third-party lenses designed for a particular camera brand (e.g., Tamron 10-24mm lens for Nikon.) Otherwise, the difference in mounting systems makes them incompatible.
