Zoom, wide-angle, fisheye, or macro: which is the best Nikon lens? What are its characteristics, its quality and what kind of photography is it best suited for? In this guide on Nikon lenses, you will find a selection of the Best Prime Lens For Nikon available today divided by needs and budget.
Best Prime Lens For Nikon 2024
Table of Contents
If you have just bought a Nikon SLR and want to experiment with different types of photography and optical qualities, or if you are already experienced and want to expand your range of lenses, the question you are asking is “which lens to buy?”
Portraits, landscapes, sports, macros, weddings, nature, catalogs… the list is very long. In fact, there are various types of photography, each with different characteristics and needs, therefore a “best lens” does not exist, but there is rather the right lens for that particular type of photography.
You won’t have to buy all the lenses and all the focal lengths, just understand your needs and get one or two lenses that can open the door to different types of photography.
Small note, for those looking for a lens for the new full-frame mirrorless Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 (which accept Nikon Z mount lenses), in this ranking we will only deal with models with Nikon F mount, therefore compatible with all SLR DSLRs. of the same brand. For Nikon mirrorless owners, you can evaluate one of these lenses and use the specific FTZ (F to Z) adapter.
Another due clarification, important for those who have a Nikon reflex camera, the DX marked optics are specifically designed for Nikon APS-C sensor., come la Nikon D3500 o la Nikon D5600.
The optical FX is designed for full-frame, such as the Nikon D850, but is still compatible with bodies APS-C machine.
So let’s find out which are the best Nikon lenses available today, to provide you with an extensive overview of the world of Nikon lenses and help you choose the best one for your needs.
Best Prime Lens For Nikon | Comparison Table 2024
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras | YONGNUO | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| NIKON NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Standard Fast Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras | Nikon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Manual Focus AF MF for Nikon DSLR Cameras | YONGNUO | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G Compact Wide-angle Prime Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras | Nikon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras | Nikon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| NIKON NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Ultra Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras | Nikon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed) | Nikon | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Manual Focus Lens Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture FX DX Compatible with Nikon DSLR Cameras | YONGNUO | VIEW ON AMAZON | |
| MEKE 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 and Other F Mount Cameras | MEKE | VIEW ON AMAZON |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best Prime Lens For Nikon | 2024 Products Overview
1. YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Best Prime Lens For Nikon
The product is a camera lens that supports both auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) modes. It features a full line of glass lenses and up to 7 aperture blades, allowing for the capture of near-circular diffuse plaques and astral effects. The lens adopts a chrome high precision metal bayonet for improved fitting and durability.
It supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras, offering various shooting modes, and displays aperture data in the exit information. Additionally, the lens has multi-coated lenses to improve transmittance and reduce ghosting and flare, with gold plating for enhanced signal conductivity and corrosion resistance.
Product Overview:
The YONGNUO YN35mm F2N Lens is a perfect choice for Nikon DSLR camera users looking for a wide–angle fixed/prime autofocus lens. This large aperture lens has a focal length of 35mm, 7 blades in 5 groups, and 7 pieces of aperture blades, providing photographers with the flexibility to create near–circular diffuse plaques and 14 astral effects.
This high–precision lens features a metal bayonet for outstanding durability, multi–coated glass lenses for improved image quality, and gold–plated metal contacts for improved signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. It is also compatible with full–frame and APS–C format cameras, and supports multiple shooting modes, like M/AV/TV/P, allowing users to customize their settings to suit their desired shooting style.
In addition, the YN35mm F2N supports autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) mode, as well as live view (Lv) focus, allowing users to easily focus and take pictures from any angle. Overall, the YONGNUO YN35mm F2N Lens is an excellent choice for photographers looking for an affordable wide–angle lens for their Nikon cameras. With its large aperture, 7 pieces of aperture blades, metal bayonet, multi–coated glass lenses, and gold–plated metal contacts, this lens ensures high–quality images and offers great flexibility for users to customize their settings.
- The large aperture of F2 allows for more creative control over the depth of field.
- Supports both auto and manual focus, as well as live view focus.
- Compatible with a variety of Nikon DSLR cameras.
- Multi-coated lenses reduce ghosting and flare in the backlit shooting.
- Durable construction with chrome metal bayonet and gold plating on metal contacts.
- Only compatible with Nikon cameras.
- May require firmware upgrades through USB.
- Fixed focal length may not be ideal for all shooting scenarios.
2. NIKON NIKKOR Z 50mm Prime Lens For Nikon fx
The product is a fast 50mm prime lens designed for Z Mirrorless cameras. It offers exceptional f/1.8 performance with extreme sharpness and minimal distortion, making it ideal for low-light conditions. The lens features a new ultra-quiet stepping motor for silent focusing, producing beautiful bokeh effects. It also includes 5-Axis Dual detect optical VR powered by Z cameras for enhanced stability.
With a compact and lightweight design, it boasts a slim unibody (monocoque) body design with a tilting Vari-angle LCD display. Additionally, it is compatible with F Mount NIKKOR Lenses using the FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
Product Overview:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Standard Fast Prime Lens is a must-have for Nikon Z Mirrorless cameras. This incredible lens offers an impressive maximum focal length of 50 millimeters, along with an unbeatable f/1.8 performance and sharpness. It also features a newly designed ultra-quiet stepping motor, perfect for silent focusing and capturing beautiful bokeh. Additionally, it is equipped with a 5-axis dual detect optical VR powered by Z cameras, providing superior low-light performance and virtually zero distortion.
Lastly, the compact and lightweight design, featuring a slim unibody (monocoque) body and tilting Vari angle LCD display, makes it highly portable. The Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Standard Fast Prime Lens is ideal for a variety of shooting styles. The maximum focal length of 50 millimeters makes it suitable for close-ups of subject matter, while the fast f/1.8 performance allows for great depth of field and excellent bokeh effects. The 5-axis dual detects optical VR also provides image stabilization and clarity when shooting in low-light settings. Furthermore, the ultra-quiet stepping motor offers quiet and smooth autofocus, ideal for capturing subjects in motion.
In short, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Standard Fast Prime Lens is an ideal choice for photographers who require superior performance and sharpness from their lenses. It offers a powerful 50 millimeters focal length, f/1.8 performance, and virtually zero distortion, along with an ultra-quiet stepping motor and 5-axis dual detect optical VR. Furthermore, its slim unibody (monocoque) body and tilting Vari angle LCD display make it highly portable and easy to use. No matter what your shooting style is, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S Standard Fast Prime Lens has you covered.
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
- Extremely sharp with virtually zero distortion.
- Silent focusing thanks to the ultra-quiet stepping motor.
- 5-Axis Dual Detect Optical VR powered by Z cameras for stable and smooth shots.
- Compact, lightweight design with a tilting Vari angle LCD display.
- Only compatible with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
- F Mount NIKKOR Lenses require the FTZ Mount Adapter (sold separately).
- May be more expensive than other 50mm lenses.
3. YONGNUO YN50mm Best walk around lens for Nikon
The product is a prime lens with a large f/1.8 aperture, facilitating subject-background separation. It serves as an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens. This lens supports both auto focus and manual focus modes and is compatible with full-frame and APS-C format cameras. It features Gold Plated metal contacts to enhance signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Additionally, it supports various camera shooting modes like M/AV/TV/P, and parameters used for taking pictures can be displayed in the exit information.
Product Overview:
The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens is a fantastic addition to any Nikon DSLR camera. This lens has a focal length of 50mm with a large aperture of F1.8, allowing you to separate your subject from the background. With 6 blades in 5 groups and 7pcs aperture blades, this lens is perfect for fast autofocus and manual focus.
This YONGNUO YN50mm lens is made of high-quality plastic and has a lightweight design, making it ideal for outdoor shooting. It also has gold-plated metal contacts which help with signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. This lens also supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes, with parameters easily displayed in the EXIF information. This lens also supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras.
Finally, this YONGNUO YN50mm lens also has multi-coated glass, which effectively improves transmittance and flare resistance. This lens is an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens and is perfect for any photographer looking for a great prime lens.
- Large aperture F/1.8 that allows for shallow depth of field and separates the subject from the background.
- Compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, making it a great addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens.
- Supports auto focus and manual focus modes for flexible shooting options.
- Gold-plated metal contacts improve the signal conductivity and resist corrosion.
- Lightweight and compact design, making it convenient for outdoor shooting.
- Made of plastic, which may not be as durable as metal lenses.
- May not have as high image quality as more expensive lenses.
- May have some issues with lens distortion or vignetting, especially when shooting wide open at F/1.8.
4. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 28mm
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens (B007VGGIRK) is a prime lens designed for Nikon FX-format D-SLRs. It boasts a fast f/1.8 aperture, making it ideal for low-light conditions and creating beautiful background blur to emphasize the subject. The lens features Nano Crystal Coat and aspheric lens elements, ensuring high image quality with reduced ghosting and flare.
With its non-zoomable design and 7 diaphragm blades, it delivers sharp and clear images with pleasing bokeh. Measuring approximately 2.9 inches in diameter and 3.2 inches in length, it is compact and lightweight, suitable for various photography applications. Whether you're capturing portraits or everyday scenes, this lens offers exceptional optical performance and versatility for Nikon photographers seeking high-quality imagery.
Product Overview:
The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G is a perfect choice for wide-angle photography, giving you a dramatic perspective on your subjects. Its fast maximum aperture allows you to take pictures in nearly any light and offers great control over the depth of field. With its Nano Crystal Coat, it eliminates ghosting and flare for improved clarity and contrast.
The AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G is suitable for both FX and DX-format cameras, making it suitable for a wide range of photography, from landscapes and architecture to group shots and travel. It has an impressive maximum focal length of 28 millimeters, and its 7 diaphragm blades provide excellent background blur. Additionally, it is engineered with Nikon's Super Integrated Coating for superior color rendering and reduced flare and ghosting. The AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, wide-angle lens.
Its fast maximum aperture, Nano Crystal Coat, and Super Integrated Coating provide excellent image quality in nearly any light. Its impressive maximum focal length, 7 diaphragm blades, and compact size make it suitable for a variety of shooting styles, and its durable construction ensures it will last for years.
- A fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 provides great depth-of-field control.
- The lens is engineered for Nikon FX-format DSLR cameras.
- Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat nearly eliminates ghosting and flare.
- Can be used with both FX- and DX-format cameras.
- Ideal for a wide range of photography, including landscapes, architecture, group shots, and travel.
- The lens is not zoomable.
- Some users may find the lens too heavy for extended use.
- The price may be considered high for some users.
5. NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm Best Nikon lenses for beginners
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Lens (B07GPVJ6HG) is a fast prime lens designed for Z Mirrorless cameras. It features an impressive f/1.8 aperture, delivering exceptional performance with extreme sharpness from the center to the edges of the frame. Equipped with a new ultra-quiet stepping motor, this lens offers silent focusing for seamless shooting experiences.
It produces dreamy blurred backgrounds and excels in low-light conditions, making it versatile for various photography scenarios. With 5-Axis Dual detect optical VR powered by Z Mirrorless cameras, this lens ensures stable and clear images, even in challenging shooting conditions.
Product Overview:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras is a brilliant 35-millimetre lens designed to capture stunning images and videos with its superior performance. This lens is equipped with an extraordinary f/1.8 aperture, allowing its users to shoot with extreme sharpness and clarity from the center of the frame to the edges.
The impressive low-light performance and dreamy blurred backgrounds also give photographers the creative freedom to capture stunningly beautiful shots. This lens also features a new ultra-quiet stepping motor for silent focusing, allowing photographers to capture their moments without disturbing the subject. This lens is also powered by the Z Mirrorless cameras' 5-Axis Dual detect optical VR, allowing photographers to minimize camera shake and produce stabilized footage even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
Overall, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens is a powerful and versatile lens that provides photographers with superior sharpness and low-light performance. The lens is perfect for capturing stunning stills and videos and is equipped with all the features necessary to create stunning images and videos. With its excellent performance, this lens is sure to become a favorite among photographers of all skill levels.
- Extreme sharpness from center to edges
- F/1.8 performance for low-light photography
- Silent focusing with the ultra-quiet stepping motor
- 5-Axis Dual Detect optical VR for stable shots
- Great for both stills and videos
- Only compatible with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras
- Higher cost compared to other 35mm prime lenses
- May require some adjustment for those used to other Nikon lenses
6. NIKON NIKKOR Z 20mm Best all-in-one lens for Nikon
The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is designed for Nikon Z mount cameras, featuring a wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field. It incorporates advanced Nikon technologies such as ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat for enhanced image quality. The lens utilizes a multi-focusing system for fast and accurate autofocusing. It is compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverters, offering versatility for various photography needs.
Product Overview:
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S Ultra Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens is a professional-level lens for Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras. With its advanced optical construction, this lens produces beautiful, sharp images and videos with stunning resolution. It's wide 20mm focal length is perfect for capturing expansive landscapes and environmental portraits with beautiful details throughout the frame and a soft, defocused background.
The f/1.8 maximum aperture is ideal for shooting in low light conditions, allowing you to capture stunning images without sacrificing detail and clarity. The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens features advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat. This lens also incorporates an all-new multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing. Additionally, it is compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverter, making it a great addition to any photographer's kit.
Whether you're shooting landscapes, portraits, or any other type of photography, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens will help you capture beautiful, high-quality images and videos every time. With its stunning speed, low-light capabilities, and beautiful perspective, this lens is a perfect match for any Nikon Z mirrorless camera.
- Ultra-wide 20mm focal length for stunning landscapes and environmental portraits.
- Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture for superior low-light performance and bokeh.
- Advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, for sharp and clear photos and videos.
- Multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing.
- Compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverter.
- Expensive compared to other wide-angle lenses in the market.
- Only compatible with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
- May require a learning curve for some users to get the most out of its capabilities.
7. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm
The Certified Refurbished Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED Wide-Angle Lens offers a compelling wide-angle perspective with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, making it ideal for demanding professionals in challenging conditions. It delivers superior sharpness and color correction by minimizing chromatic aberration and virtually eliminating coma and other types of aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.
The lens features aspherical elements and a Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and internal flare, resulting in greater image clarity. It comes with a minimum 90-day warranty and all relevant accessories, packaged in a generic box.
Product Overview:
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mmf/1.4G ED Wide-Angle Prime Lens is a professional-grade lens that delivers outstanding image quality and reliable performance. It has a wide-angle perspective and an extremely fast f/1.4 aperture, making it ideal for demanding professionals in challenging conditions.
It is equipped with a range of advanced features such as Aspherical lens elements, Nano Crystal Coat, and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, which are designed to minimize chromatic aberration and deliver superior sharpness and color correction. In addition, its Silent Wave Motor ensures smooth and quiet autofocus, and it is designed to be durable and robust with extensive use of magnesium and weather and dust sealing.
The lens features a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for exceptional bokeh effects and an 84-degree angle of view for capturing stunning wide-angle images. It also offers superior corner-to-corner sharpness and has a dedicated autofocus system for precise, accurate focusing. Additionally, it comes with a minimum 90-day warranty and is certified to look and work like new. The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED is a versatile, high-performance lens that is perfect for demanding professionals, providing superior image quality and reliable performance.
It is equipped with a range of advanced features that minimize chromatic aberration and deliver impressive sharpness and color correction and is designed to be tough and durable. It is covered by a minimum 90-day warranty and comes certified to look and work like new.
- Wide-angle perspective with ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture.
- Superior sharpness and color correction.
- Virtually eliminates coma and other types of aberrations.
- Reduces ghosting and internal flare with Nano Crystal Coat.
- Dedicated Silent Wave Motor for smooth and discrete autofocus operation.
- Certified Refurbished product with potential visible cosmetic imperfections.
- Accessories may not be original but will be compatible and functional.
- Limited 90-day warranty.
8. YONGNUO YN50mm
The product is a lens with a large F1.8 aperture, enabling virtual background effects for more enjoyable photography. It supports both auto focus and manual focus modes, offers compatibility with various camera shooting modes, and displays aperture data in the EXIF Information. Made of high-quality plastic, it is lightweight at 120g, making it suitable for outdoor shooting. It is compatible with full-frame and APS-C format cameras, providing versatility in photography.
Product Overview:
The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Manual Focus Lens is a standard prime lens with a large aperture, making it compatible with both full-frame and APS-C format cameras. It features a maximum focal length of 50 millimeters, a minimum focal length of 50 millimeters, and a large F1.8 aperture that creates a virtual background for photography. This lens also supports both auto and manual focus modes, as well as a variety of camera shooting modes, including M/AV/TV/P.
Additionally, the aperture data can be displayed in the EXIF information. The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Manual Focus Lens is made from high-quality plastic and weighs just 120g, making it lightweight and convenient for outdoor shooting. It has a multi-coated lens that improves transmittance and gold-plated metal contacts that enhance signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. The lens has an angle range of 46 degrees diagonally, 27 degrees vertically, and 40 degrees horizontally, and a minimum aperture of f/22.
It also has a closest focusing distance of 0.45 meters and a maximum magnification of 0.15 with a field of view of 160 x 240mm (0.45). The YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Manual Focus Lens is the perfect choice for photographers looking for top-quality images. With its lightweight design and large aperture, this lens is sure to provide stunning results. The lens also comes with two protective covers and a user manual in both Chinese and English.
- A large aperture (F1.8) for beautiful bokeh and low-light performance
- Supports both auto-focus and manual-focus modes
- Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras
- Multi-coated lenses for improved transmittance
- Lightweight and made of high-quality plastic for easy outdoor shooting
- Only manual focus
- No image stabilizationization
- Only comes with two protective covers and a manual in Chinese and English
9. MEKE 85mm F1.8
The product is a standard 85mm full-frame lens designed for portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photography. It features a wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades, creating a smooth round blur effect (bokeh). With a lens construction of 9 elements in 6 groups, it offers decent build quality and delivers sharp and clear images. Compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, it has an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm. Additionally, it includes a micro USB firmware upgrade interface for online lens upgrades.
Product Overview:
This Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens is a great choice for photographers looking to take stunning portraits, subjects, architecture, and landscape photos. This lens has a wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades, which enables it to produce a super smooth round blur effect or bokeh.
It also offers sharp and clear images due to its 9-element construction in 6 groups, allowing for superior optical performance. The lens is compatible with Nikon F mount cameras, including D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200, and other F mount cameras. It also has a micro USB port for firmware updates, enabling you to upgrade the lens online.
This lens is also compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, with an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm. This Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens is an ideal choice for photographers looking to take stunning photos with the excellent optical performance. With a wide aperture, 9 diaphragm blades, and 9-element construction, this lens is capable of producing sharp and clear images with a beautiful bokeh effect.
This lens is also compatible with a variety of Nikon F mount cameras, as well as APS-C cameras, and is upgradeable online with the micro USB port.
- The wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades, allowing for a beautiful bokeh effect in portraits and other subject photography.
- Decent build quality with 9 elements in 6 groups of construction, capable of delivering sharp and clear images.
- Compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, offering versatility for different shooting styles and subjects.
- Features micro USB firmware upgrade interface, allowing for convenient updates and improvements to the lens.
- Standard 85mm full frame lens suitable for a range of photography styles including portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape.
- Only compatible with Nikon F mount cameras, limiting its use to those with other camera brands.
- May require some extra time and effort for manual focusing compared to auto-focus lenses.
- May not be ideal for low-light situations or fast-moving subjects, as the maximum aperture of f1.8 may not be enough.
How to choose the Best Prime Lens For Nikon in 2024 | Unrivaled Guide
There is an almost infinite range of Nikon and third-party lenses available, so how do you choose the right one? Here are the most important things to consider before making your purchase.
What kind of photography do you do?
The first thing to consider when choosing a lens is the type of photography you are doing - a clear idea of its intended use is key to making the right choice.
Landscape and architecture photographers will prefer wide-angle lenses to include more scenes in the frame. Portrait photographers can opt for a sharper, mid-range lens, which can produce beautiful bokeh.
Bird photographers and wildlife photographers should turn to a telephoto lens that allows them to discreetly shoot animals from afar. Those who want to capture insects, textures, or small details can choose a macro lens.
Zoom and Prime lenses
The “focal length” refers to the distance between the lens and the image sensor, usually measured in millimeters. Wide-angle lenses have shorter focal lengths, while telephoto lenses have longer focal lengths.
The focal length can be fixed (main lenses) or adjustable (zoom lenses). Both have their advantages and disadvantages: so which is the best between prime and zoom ?
Prime lenses usually perform better in low light conditions and tend to produce sharper images, with a more elegant bokeh effect. The downside is that it is not possible to zoom, which means that in order to change the framing, you have to move or change the lenses.
Zoom lenses are not as effective as main lenses in low light conditions, but they are more versatile as they can cover multiple focal lengths.
Should you choose Nikon or third-party lenses?
Nikon lenses are designed to work with Nikon camera bodies, so they're always a safe bet. There are, however, other manufacturers who produce excellent lenses for Nikon cameras.
While not all brands can be trusted, Sigma and Tamron have a long tradition of producing quality lenses, selling products that are the same or even better than their Nikon counterparts.
Need good low-light performance in a lens?
If you know you're shooting in low light conditions, lenses with wider apertures will be preferable over small apertures. The aperture of a lens can be fixed or variable. A lens with a maximum aperture of f1.8 or less will allow you to take crisp, sharp photographs even without a strong light source, while a lens with a maximum aperture of f5 will not be very effective in low light conditions.
best Nikon FX lenses: beware of lens distortion
The distortion refers to when a straight line appears bent in a photograph. Wide-angle lenses tend to suffer more from distortion - price is usually a good indicator of performance.
Prime lenses produce less distortion than zoom lenses, however, with super wide-angle lenses (like a fisheye ), natural distortion is inevitable.
Light distortion can be easily repaired with Lightroom or Photoshop, but if you often shoot architectural or geometric patterns, a lens with minimal distortion is essential.
Consider the size and weight of a lens
Lenses can vary greatly in both size and weight, and this can be a headache. With some exceptions, zoom lenses tend to be heavier than main lenses. But keep in mind that they are also more versatile - one zoom lens can cover the same focal length as three or more main lenses.
Consider where you will store the lens: Camera bags and backpacks are often too small to fit a telephoto lens attached to a camera body. As a result, you may miss some shots due to the time it takes to attach and remove the lens.
FAQs
What Is The Most Useful Prime Lens?
The most useful prime lens will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. Here are some popular prime lenses and their common uses:
- 50mm f/1.8 - This is a versatile and affordable lens that can be used for portraits, street photography, and low-light situations.
- 35mm f/1.8 - This lens is great for environmental portraits, street photography, and landscapes.
- 85mm f/1.8 - This lens is popular for portraits due to its flattering compression and shallow depth of field.
- 24mm f/1.4 - This lens is great for wide-angle landscapes, street photography, and astrophotography.
- 135mm f/2 - This lens is ideal for portraiture and sports photography, offering excellent subject isolation and compression.
Ultimately, the most useful prime lens will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. It's important to consider factors such as focal length, maximum aperture, build quality, and price when choosing a lens.
What 3 Prime Lenses Should Every Photographer Have?
The three prime lenses that every photographer should have will depend on their specific needs and shooting style. However, here are three prime lenses that are versatile and can be useful for a wide range of photography genres:
- 35mm f/1.8 - This lens offers a wide angle of view, making it great for landscapes, street photography, and environmental portraits.
- 50mm f/1.8 - This lens is a versatile all-rounder, useful for portraits, street photography, and low-light situations.
- 85mm f/1.8 - This lens is ideal for portraiture, offering a flattering compression and shallow depth of field.
These three lenses offer a good balance of focal lengths, providing a range of options for wide-angle, normal, and telephoto photography. They also have wide maximum apertures, which allow for shooting in low-light conditions and create beautiful background blur for portrait photography.
Of course, the best lenses for any photographer will depend on their specific needs and shooting style. It's important to evaluate your photography goals and preferred shooting style to determine which lenses will be most useful to you.
Which Is The Sharpest Nikon Lens?
Nikon has several sharp lenses, but one of the sharpest Nikon lenses is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED lens. This lens is known for its excellent sharpness, even when shooting at its widest aperture of f/1.4. It's a popular lens for portraiture and low-light photography, as well as for creative bokeh effects due to its shallow depth of field.
Other sharp Nikon lenses worth mentioning include:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II - A telephoto lens that delivers excellent sharpness and fast autofocus, making it ideal for sports and wildlife photography.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR - A versatile zoom lens that offers excellent sharpness across its zoom range, making it great for events, weddings, and documentary photography.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G - A unique lens with a specialized design that produces incredibly sharp images with a distinctive bokeh, making it ideal for portraiture and creative photography.
It's worth noting that while these lenses are known for their sharpness, the sharpness of a lens can also depend on factors such as camera settings, shooting conditions, and the skill of the photographer.
Do Prime Lenses Have Better Image Quality?
Prime lenses can offer better image quality compared to zoom lenses, but it's not a universal truth. Prime lenses are designed with a fixed focal length, which allows for a simpler and more optimized optical design, resulting in fewer compromises and better image quality.
Prime lenses typically have wider maximum apertures than zoom lenses, which allows for more light to enter the lens, resulting in better performance in low-light situations and a shallower depth of field for attractive background blur. This can also lead to better sharpness, contrast, and color rendering.
However, it's worth noting that not all prime lenses are created equal. The quality of a lens depends on its specific design, construction, and manufacturing, and some zoom lenses can also provide excellent image quality.
Additionally, zoom lenses offer the versatility of a range of focal lengths in a single lens, making them more convenient for certain types of photography, such as events or travel photography.
Ultimately, the choice between a prime lens and a zoom lens will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. If you prioritize image quality and low-light performance, then a prime lens may be the best option for you. If you need the versatility of a range of focal lengths, then a zoom lens may be the better choice.
Which Prime Lens Is The Sharpest?
It's difficult to determine which prime lens is the absolute sharpest, as it depends on several factors, including the specific lens design, build quality, and shooting conditions. However, here are some prime lenses that are known for their exceptional sharpness:
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: This lens is widely considered one of the sharpest 85mm lenses available, offering excellent sharpness and detail, even at its widest aperture.
- Zeiss Otus 55mm f/1.4: This lens is renowned for its optical performance, delivering extremely sharp images with excellent contrast and color rendering.
- Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM: This lens is known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh, making it a popular choice for portrait photographers.
- Sony FE 135mm f/1.8 GM: This lens is praised for its sharpness and detail, making it a popular choice for portrait and sports photographers.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED: This lens is known for its excellent sharpness, even when shooting at its widest aperture of f/1.4. It's a popular lens for portraiture and low-light photography.
It's important to keep in mind that the sharpest prime lens for you will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. Additionally, the sharpness of a lens can depend on factors such as camera settings, shooting conditions, and the skill of the photographer.
What 3 Prime Lenses Do I Need?
The choice of prime lenses you need depends on your specific photography needs, but here are three prime lenses that are versatile and commonly used:
- 35mm lens: A 35mm prime lens is a popular choice for street, travel, and documentary photography. It offers a wide-angle view, allowing you to capture more of the scene, and its fast aperture allows for good low-light performance and creative control over the depth of field.
- 50mm lens: A 50mm prime lens is a classic choice for many photographers and is often referred to as a "normal" lens. It offers a natural field of view that is similar to what the human eye sees and is versatile enough for portrait, street, and low-light photography.
- 85mm lens: An 85mm prime lens is a great choice for portrait and fashion photography. It offers a flattering perspective and compression that is ideal for capturing sharp, detailed images of people.
Of course, there are many other prime lenses available that offer different focal lengths and features. The choice of lenses ultimately depends on your photography needs and preferences.
What Is The Holy Trinity Of Nikon Lenses?
The "Holy Trinity" of Nikon lenses refers to a trio of professional-level zoom lenses that are considered essential by many Nikon photographers. They are:
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED: This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens is known for its exceptional image quality, sharpness, and low distortion. It's a popular choice for landscape, architectural, and interior photography.
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: This standard zoom lens offers a versatile range of focal lengths and a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. It's known for its excellent sharpness, autofocus performance, and weather-sealed construction, making it a popular choice for wedding, event, and portrait photography.
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: This telephoto zoom lens is known for its fast autofocus, excellent image stabilization, and high-quality optics. It's a popular choice for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.
These lenses are considered the "holy trinity" because they offer a versatile range of focal lengths and are essential tools for many professional photographers. They are also all designed to deliver high-quality images, even in challenging shooting conditions.
What Is The Holy Trinity Of Lens?
The "Holy Trinity of Lenses" is a term used to describe a set of three essential zoom lenses for full-frame cameras that are highly versatile and widely used by professional photographers. The specific lenses that make up the Holy Trinity may vary depending on the camera brand, but typically they include:
- Wide-angle zoom lens: A lens with a focal range of around 16-35mm that provides a wide field of view, making it ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography. Examples include the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED, and Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8 GM.
- Standard zoom lens: A lens with a focal range of around 24-70mm that provides a versatile range of focal lengths for everyday shooting. It's often used for wedding, event, and portrait photography. Examples include the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, and Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM.
- Telephoto zoom lens: A lens with a focal range of around 70-200mm that provides a long reach for capturing distant subjects, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography. Examples include the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM, Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR, and Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS.
The Holy Trinity of Lenses offers a versatile range of focal lengths and high-quality optics, making them essential tools for many professional photographers.
What Is The First Prime Lens You Should Buy?
The first prime lens you should buy depends on your photography needs and the type of camera you own. However, a popular choice for many photographers is a 50mm prime lens (also known as a "nifty fifty").
A 50mm prime lens is a versatile and affordable option that offers a natural perspective that is similar to what the human eye sees. It's also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use in a variety of shooting situations. A fast aperture of f/1.8 or wider allows for good low-light performance and creative control over depth of field, making it ideal for portrait, street, and low-light photography.
If you shoot with a crop-sensor camera, you may want to consider a 35mm prime lens instead of a 50mm, as the crop factor will result in a narrower field of view. Ultimately, the choice of the first prime lens you should buy depends on your photography needs and preferences, but a 50mm or 35mm prime lens is a great place to start.
Is Nikon Sharper Than Canon?
The sharpness of a camera or lens depends on various factors such as the quality of optics, sensor, and image processing. Both Nikon and Canon produce high-quality cameras and lenses, and it's difficult to say definitively whether one brand is inherently sharper than the other.
In general, Nikon lenses are known for their excellent image quality and sharpness, especially in their professional-grade lenses. Canon, on the other hand, is known for their advanced autofocus system, which allows for faster and more accurate focus tracking. However, both brands produce high-quality cameras and lenses that are capable of producing sharp, high-quality images.
Ultimately, the choice between Nikon and Canon comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of the photographer. Both brands have their strengths and weaknesses, and it's important to consider factors such as lens selection, autofocus performance, and ergonomics when choosing a camera system.
Which Model Is Best In Nikon?
It's difficult to say definitively which Nikon model is the "best," as it depends on a variety of factors such as personal preferences, photography needs, and budget. However, Nikon has several popular camera models that are highly regarded by photographers:
- Nikon D850: A full-frame DSLR camera with a high-resolution 45.7-megapixel sensor, excellent image quality, and fast autofocus system. It's ideal for professional photographers who require high resolution and fast performance.
- Nikon Z7 II: A full-frame mirrorless camera with a 45.7-megapixel sensor, 5-axis in-body stabilization, and advanced autofocus system. It's a versatile camera that's ideal for landscape, portrait, and commercial photography.
- Nikon D780: A full-frame DSLR camera with a 24.5-megapixel sensor, fast autofocus system, and advanced video capabilities. It's a great all-around camera for both stills and video.
- Nikon Z6 II: A full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.5-megapixel sensor, advanced autofocus system, and 5-axis in-body stabilization. It's a versatile camera that's ideal for a wide range of photography needs.
Ultimately, the choice of the best Nikon model depends on the photographer's specific needs and preferences, such as the type of photography they shoot, the level of expertise, and the budget.
Which Lens Is The Most Accurate?
The accuracy of a lens depends on several factors, including the quality of the optics, autofocus system, and image stabilization. Generally speaking, high-quality lenses from reputable manufacturers are designed to be accurate and deliver sharp images with accurate colors and contrast.
However, some lenses are specifically designed for accurate and precise focus, making them ideal for certain types of photography such as sports or wildlife. These lenses often have advanced autofocus systems, such as fast and accurate phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) or dual-pixel autofocus (DPAF), which can track fast-moving subjects with great accuracy.
Additionally, some lenses are designed with specialized features that improve accuracy and precision, such as vibration reduction (VR) or image stabilization, which can help reduce camera shake and ensure sharp images even in low-light situations.
Ultimately, the most accurate lens will depend on the photographer's specific needs and the type of photography they're doing. It's important to choose a high-quality lens from a reputable manufacturer and consider the lens's autofocus system and stabilization features to ensure accurate and precise focus.
What Is A Drawback Of Using A Prime Lens?
While prime lenses offer several advantages such as better image quality, wider aperture, and smaller size and weight, they do have some drawbacks as well.
One of the main drawbacks of using a prime lens is its fixed focal length. Unlike zoom lenses, which allow you to adjust the focal length to frame your subject differently, prime lenses have a fixed focal length and require you to physically move closer or further away from your subject to change the composition. This can be limiting in some situations, especially if you can't physically move closer to your subject, such as in sports or wildlife photography.
Another drawback of using a prime lens is its lack of versatility. With a zoom lens, you can cover a wide range of focal lengths with a single lens, making it easier to switch between wide-angle and telephoto shots without having to change lenses. Prime lenses, on the other hand, are designed for a specific focal length, which means you'll need to carry multiple prime lenses with you if you want to cover a wide range of focal lengths.
Lastly, prime lenses tend to be more expensive than zoom lenses, especially high-end models with wider apertures and advanced optics. This can make it challenging for photographers on a budget or those who are just starting in photography to invest in high-quality prime lenses.
Despite these drawbacks, prime lenses remain popular among photographers due to their excellent image quality, faster apertures, and lighter weight.
Which Prime Lens Is Best For Portrait?
When it comes to portrait photography, prime lenses are often the preferred choice due to their wide aperture, sharpness, and pleasing bokeh (blurry background). While there are several prime lenses that can be used for portrait photography, some of the most popular ones include:
- 50mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: The 50mm is a classic portrait lens that's versatile and affordable. It's available in both f/1.4 and f/1.8 versions and is often the first prime lens that many photographers purchase.
- 85mm f/1.4 or f/1.8: The 85mm is another popular choice for portrait photography due to its flattering compression and shallow depth of field. The f/1.4 version is ideal for low-light situations, while the f/1.8 version is more affordable and lighter.
- 135mm f/2: The 135mm is a telephoto prime lens that's ideal for capturing headshots and tightly cropped portraits. It's sharp, has a wide aperture of f/2, and produces beautiful bokeh.
Ultimately, the best prime lens for portrait photography depends on the photographer's personal preferences and shooting style. However, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm are popular choices among portrait photographers for their versatility and excellent image quality.
How Do I Choose A Prime Lens?
Choosing a prime lens can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to photography. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a prime lens:
- Focal length: Prime lenses come in different focal lengths, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. The focal length you choose will depend on the type of photography you're interested in. For example, wide-angle lenses are great for landscapes and architecture, while telephoto lenses are ideal for portraits and wildlife photography.
- Aperture: Prime lenses are known for their wide apertures, which allow for better low-light performance and shallow depth of field. The wider the aperture, the better the lens will perform in low-light conditions, and the more pronounced the background blur (bokeh) will be. However, lenses with wider apertures tend to be more expensive.
- Image quality: The image quality of a lens is affected by several factors, including lens design, coatings, and materials. Look for lenses with high-quality glass elements and coatings that minimize ghosting, flare, and chromatic aberration.
- Autofocus: Consider the autofocus speed and accuracy of the lens, especially if you're shooting fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife. Look for lenses with fast and accurate autofocus systems.
- Size and weight: Prime lenses are generally smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, which makes them ideal for travel and street photography. Consider the size and weight of the lens if you plan to carry it around for long periods.
- Price: Prime lenses are available at different price points, ranging from budget-friendly to high-end. Set a budget and look for lenses that offer the best value for your money.
Ultimately, the prime lens you choose will depend on your personal preferences, shooting style, and budget. It's a good idea to rent or borrow lenses before making a purchase to test them out and see how they perform in different situations.
Conclusion
After reading this guide on Best Prime Lens For Nikon you will know have a fair knowledge of the Best Prime Lens .
