Wide-angle lenses are a proven staple in almost every photographer’s camera bag, but more so for those who are into landscape, architecture, or even event photography. The short focal length and wide field of view make them ideal for capturing more detail around your subject or in the background, which help add depth to your photos. This selection of wide angle lens options is also your best bet if you want to include more of the scene when shooting crowd shots and confined spaces with your Nikon DSLR.
By definition, a wide-angle lens is any lens that has focal lengths that are equal to or wider than 35mm. Focal lengths of 24mm and wider are also considered ultra-wide-angle lenses. However, keep in mind that the effect you get will always depend on your camera’s sensor size. For example, Nikon DX formats would show smaller or cropped versions of what you would see on a full-frame Nikon FX format camera.
Nikon DSLR cameras have access to a huge collection of wide-angle and ultra-wide-angle lenses from the same brand. These cameras can also achieve superior results with lenses from other brands like Sigma, Rokinon, and Samyang. There are almost a hundred to choose from since even walk-around and zoom lenses are able to go as short as 18mm.
But if you ask us, some of the best Nikon wide-angle lenses you can have are those with fixed focal lengths. Most wide-angle shooters who work with prime lenses have found them to be their favorite “weapons” for their creative photography needs.
Why choose prime lenses for wide angle shots?
Having a fixed focal length allows a lens to have a shorter, more compact, and lightweight build, so they’re easier to pack and shoot with. Many of these lenses can fit in the palm of your hand or even in your shirt pocket. And because there’s no lens zooming involved, you only get the sharpest images and video with very minimal blurring around the edges.
Another benefit of using a prime wide-angle lens is that you can shoot at slower shutter speeds without the need for a tripod, allowing you to shoot handheld and capture cleaner images in low-light environments. To find the best wide-angle lens for your Nikon, see what fits your style, budget, and go on from there.
Below, we’ve featured our favorites among the best Nikon wide-angle lenses (and ultra-wide-angle lenses) available, and also a couple from other brands that we absolutely love, for both the Nikon FX full-frame and DX crop sensor DSLR cameras.
Best Wide Angle Lenses for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens
Arguably one of the best wide angle lenses for Nikon users is the powerful Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens. This feature-rich lens has it all: a fast f/1.8 aperture for gorgeous low-lit photos (be it astrophotography or weddings), aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass for high-quality images, and the crystal-clear quality that only a prime lens can offer.
Even better? The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 includes Nikon’s innovative silent-wave motor to ensure speedy and spot-on autofocusing. Plus, the lens delivers smooth-blur shots with the wide f1/.8 aperture—ensuring your subjects stand out in every image. This compact and lightweight lens is perfect for on-the-go photographers and videographers.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/1.8–f/16
- Focal Length of 35mm
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Dimensions: 2.83 x 2.81 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 10.7 oz. (305 g.)
Nikon 20mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens
When it comes to Nikon’s wide-angle lenses, the Nikon 20mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens is definitely a must-have for landscape and astrophotography. This ultra-wide lens follows through on the prime-lens quality promise. Images taken with the Nikon 20mm f/1.8 are impressively sharp and lifelike. Plus, that f/1.8 aperture paired with a wide 20mm focal length help you capture the full night sky without having to crank up that ISO. The result? High-resolution night-sky images that impress your clients and followers.
This wide-angle Nikon lens works well for everything from events to real-estate photography. The lightweight lens will add major cred to your Nikon kit—without taking up too much space.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/1.8–f/16
- Focal Length of 20mm
- Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Nano Crystal Coating
- Rear Focusing
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.1 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 12.6 oz. (357 g.)
Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED Perspective Control Lens
Another great wide-angle lens for Nikon cameras is the Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED Perspective Control Lens. The 19mm focal length is the shortest in the PC NIKKOR series of lenses. It supports a shift function and tilt function for control perspective—ultimately correcting subject distortion for a spot-on and lifelike image.
Plus, the incorporation of three ED glass elements promises reduced chromatic aberration, while two aspherical lens elements work to fix issues like distortion and spherical aberration. The ultra-wide 19mm focal length is perfect for everything from landscape to architecture photography. And, the f/4 aperture lets you create in lower-lit situations, too.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/4–f/32
- Focal Length of 19mm
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.8 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 31.1 oz. (885 g.)
Nikon 24mm f/1.4G AF-S ED
The Nikon 24mm f/1.4G is often labeled the best Nikon wide-angle lens for DSLR cameras, especially for prime lens shooters. While it’s recommended for use with FX format or full-frame Nikon cameras, it works perfectly well with DX format Nikon cameras where the focal length is equivalent to 36mm. With a full-frame Nikon body, this lens delivers incredibly sharp, bright, and high contrast images with very minimal distortion.
If you’re into landscape or architecture photography, this is probably one of the best Nikon wide-angle lenses for you.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/1.4–f/16
- Focal Length of 24mm
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Rear Focusing
- M/A Focus Mode Switch
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.5 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 21.9 oz. (620 g.)
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
The Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART lens has long been lauded for its performance in low-light situations. It also focuses at remarkable speeds, thanks to its Hyper Sonic AF Motor. It also offers excellent depth of field, pleasing bokeh, and beautiful color rendering.
If you want an affordable option, the Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG is a great bet.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: FX
- Aperture Range of f/1.4–f/16
- Focal Length of 24mm
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
- Hyper Sonic AF Motor (HSM)
- Full-Time Manual Focus Override
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 3.6 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 23.5 oz. (665 g.)
Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G AF-S ED
The Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G obviously offers a much wider perspective and a slightly larger maximum aperture than Nikon’s coveted 24mm f/1.4G wide-angle lens. However, it’s significantly cheaper and is even touted to be the sharpest Nikon ultra-wide-angle lens today. No wonder it’s one of the best Nikon D750 lenses.
When used with a Nikon full-frame body, the 20mm focal length is maximized for spectacular landscapes, architectural shots, and even dramatic crowd shots captured in small spaces, making it one of the best lenses for Nikon DSLR cameras.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/1.8–f/16
- Focal Length of 20mm
- 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Rear Focusing
- Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.1 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 12.6 oz. (357.20 g.)
Sigma 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
One of the most exciting shots you can capture with a full-frame Nikon camera body is one that has a strong and rounded visual distortion, which is easily achievable with the Sigma 15mm f/2.8 fisheye lens. With this gem, you no longer have to post-process your photos to achieve the desired fisheye effect in your photos.
Video recording with this lens also offers a very creative perspective, especially for adventures and even weddings. Unlike many other fisheye lenses, the Sigma 15mm f/2.8 has fast and accurate autofocus for subjects as close as 5.9 inches.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/2.8–f/22
- Focal Length of 15mm
- 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Diagonal Fisheye
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.8 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 13 oz. (370 g.)
Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 Fisheye Lens
Rokinon is well-known for making affordable but solidly-built lenses that make impressive, budget-friendly substitutes for its more expensive collection. The Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 is an excellent ultra-wide-angle lens for Nikon users who want that fun and highly versatile fisheye distortion effect. At 12mm, this one-of-a-kind Rokinon lens offers an even wider angle of view than most fisheye lenses for Nikon bodies. In fact, it’s so adept at squeezing in more detail at a 180-degree angle of view that the brand has developed the same lens with mounts for Canon and Sony DSLR cameras.
But don’t just take our word for it — a quick search for photos and videos captured by the Rokinon 12mm f/2.8 fisheye lens will surely impress you
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: DX, FX, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/2.8–f/22
- Focal Length of 12mm
- Manual Focus with Internal Focus System
- Dimensions: 3.04 x 2.76 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 17.64 oz. (500.09 g.)
Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED Tilt-Shift Lens
This perspective control/tilt-shift lens is undoubtedly one of the best lenses for Nikon users who want to capture the sharpest, most detailed, distortion-free, and realistic landscape or architectural shots. With the tilt adjustment, you can have perfect manual focus on the ground that’s just inches in front of your camera up to infinity, even at a wide aperture of f/4. And with the shift adjustment, you can correct the perspective, straighten lines, and minimize distortions in order to maintain sharpness across the entire image.
Also, if you’re looking to achieve that “miniature” effect that tilt-shift lenses are known for, this is definitely a great choice.
Key Features:
- Compatible Formats: FX, DX, FX in DX crop mode, 35mm film
- Aperture Range of f/4–f/32
- Focal Length of 19mm
- Maximum Tilt: +/- 7.5° / Maximum Shift: +/- 12mm / PC Rotation: 90°
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 4.8 in. (diameter x length)
- Weight: 31.2 oz. (885 g.)
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens
Arguably one of the best wide angle lenses for Nikon users is the powerful Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens. This feature-rich lens has it all: a fast f/1.8 aperture for gorgeous low-lit photos (be it astrophotography or weddings), aspherical and extra-low dispersion glass for high-quality images, and the crystal-clear quality that only a prime lens can offer.
Even better? The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 includes Nikon’s innovative silent-wave motor to ensure speedy and spot-on autofocusing. Plus, the lens delivers smooth-blur shots with the wide f1/.8 aperture—ensuring your subjects stand out in every image. This compact and lightweight lens is perfect for on-the-go photographers and videographers.
Key Features:
- 35mm fixed focal length
- Compatible with Nikon AF-S & G Series
- Aspherical lens
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocusing
- 9.84″ / 25 cm closest focusing distance
- Weight: 10.76oz (305g)
Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED Perspective Control Lens
Another great wide-angle lens for Nikon cameras is the Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED Perspective Control Lens. The 19mm focal length is the shortest in the PC NIKKOR series of lenses. It supports a shift function and tilt function for control perspective—ultimately correcting subject distortion for a spot-on and lifelike image. Plus, the incorporation of three ED glass elements promises reduced chromatic aberration, while two aspherical lens elements work to fix issues like distortion and spherical aberration.
The ultra-wide 19mm focal length is perfect for everything from landscape to architecture photography. And, the f/4 aperture lets you create in lower-lit situations, too.
Key Features:
- First NIKKOR PC-E lens that can be tilted parallel or perpendicular to shift
- New PC Rotation capability
- Ideal for landscapes, cityscapes, architecture, interiors, and fine art photography and filmmaking
- 3 ED glass elements, 2 aspherical elements
- 17 elements in 13 groups
- Weight: 31.2oz (885g)
