Best Nikon FX Lenses
Here are our picks for the best Nikon FX lenses for all sorts of shooting. Below are 10 of the best Nikon FX lenses from wide angle and portrait to telephoto.
The FX sensor, with more “light gathering” area, offers higher sensitivity and, generally, lower noise. There is, of course, no crop factor present with the FX sensor. Nikon FX lenses are designed to be paired with the larger FX-format sensor and cast a larger image circle.
It’s certainly not always the case that native Nikon lenses outperform competitors from 3rd party manufacturers like Sigma and Tamron. Indeed, some of the latest lenses launched by these companies are simply superb and sure budget-friendly
We looked at all available lenses especially from Nikon’s own-brand lenses. Image quality, sharpness and affordable price is what we were looking for. There are some fine examples of third-party alternatives from manufacturers such as Tamron and Sigma. In this guide we will reveal some of the the best Nikon FX lenses for all aspiring photographers.
10 Best Nikon FX Lenses
Grabbing the perfect photo is never easy, but, luckily, a smart choice of lens can make your images better quality. We looked at all lenses from Nikon and other companies and selected the best choices based on good price, usefulness and high image quality.
1. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E VR ($2,397)
The AF-S NIKKOR 24–70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a standard zoom lens featuring a range of Nikon technologies including VR image stabilization. Ideal for low-light.
The zoom lens improves upon nearly every aspect of its acclaimed predecessor-sharpness, speed, consistency, control and durability plus Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology-and the results are stunning. It is ideal for landscapes, portraits, travel and general photography.
- Focal length: 24-70mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 0.38m
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.28x
- Image stabilizer: Yes
- Weather seals: Yes
- Filter thread: 82mm
- Dimensions: 88x155mm
- Weight: 1,070g
2. Nikon 50mm f/1.4G ($447)
Expect outstanding image quality, edge-to-edge sharpness and high contrast with the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G. Brilliant for portrait photography, general use (focuses as close as 1.5 feet) and video recording, this high quality lens produces tack sharp images and conquers low light environments with ease.
The prime lens is ideal for general shooting when you want a natural perspective with a tight depth of field, or fast shutter speeds under low lighting conditions.
- Focal length: 75mm
- Aperture range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 0.45m
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.15x
- Image stabilizer: No
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 58mm
- Dimensions: 74x54mm
- Weight: 280g
3. Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ($1,897)
With a fast fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8, the award-winning AF-S NIKKOR 14–
The wide-angle zoom lens is ideal for architectural interiors, landscapes, cityscapes, and for exaggerating perspective for creative effect.
- Focal length: 14-24mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 0.28m
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.15x
- Image stabilizer: No
- Weather seals: Yes
- Filter thread: N/A
- Dimensions: 98x132mm
- Weight: 1,000g
4. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art ($899)
The Sigma 35mm 1.4 DG HSM is a state of the art lens designed for full frame cameras but can also be used with APS-C sensors as well. The first addition to the Art category in Sigma’s Global Vision, the 35mm 1.4 DG HSM includes new features based around a unique lens concept and design.
The 35mm is a staple focal length in the world of photography, and paired with Sigma technology, this lens can take artistic expression to the next level. The lens is equipped with technology including a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), floating internal focusing system, SLD and FLD Glass elements.
- Focal length: 35mm
- Aperture range: f/1.4 to f/16
- Autofocus motor: Floating Internal Focus System
- Minimum focus distance: 30 cm / 11.8 in
- Maximum magnification factor: 1:5.2
- Image stabilizer: No
- Weather seals: Yes
- Filter thread: 67mm
- Dimensions: 77mm x 94mm /3in x 3.7in
- Weight: 665g / 23.5oz.
5. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E VR ($2,797)
Whether you’re shooting low-light sports, wildlife, fashion, portraits or everyday subjects, the AF-SNIKKOR 70–200mm f/2.8G ED VR II will beautifully capture bright, razor-sharp images and HD videos.
Despite the pro-grade build quality and fancy electronics, it’s the glass that’s the real star of the show. There are no less than seven ED elements amongst the total of 21 elements arranged in 16 groups, along with a liberal application of Nano Crystal Coat to fend off ghosting and flare.
Th elens is ideal for action sports, wildlife, event photography and weddings.
- Focal length: 70-200mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 1.4m
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.12x
- Image stabilizer: Yes
- Weather seals: Yes
- Filter thread: 77mm
- Dimensions: 87x206mm
- Weight: 1,540g
6. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G ($477)
Designed for use on Nikon’s FX-format D-SLR cameras, this updated medium telephoto f/1.8 lens is great for shooting stills or HD videos. The AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G features Nikon’s Internal Focus (IF) system providing fast and quiet AF and produces sharp and clear images at all apertures.
Bokeh is simply beautiful and, despite only having seven diaphragm blades, the aperture remains well-rounded when stopping down a little.
The lens is ideal for portraiture and other short telephoto photography where fast shutter speeds or a tight depth of field are required.
- Focal length: 85mm
- Aperture range: f/1.8 to f/16
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 0.8m
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.12x
- Image stabilizer: No
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 67mm
- Dimensions: 80x73mm
- Weight: 350g
7. Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR ($897)
A powerful zoom lens optimized for FX-format cameras, the AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR offers outstanding sharpness for a broad zoom range while maintaining an f/5.6 aperture at the telephoto end. Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization provides 3.5 stops* of blur free handheld shooting, assuring dramatically sharper still images and HD video capture. A remarkably versatile zoom lens best suited for travel and other outdoor applications.
- Focal length: 28-300mm
- Aperture range: f/3.5 to f/25
- Autofocus motor: Silent Wave Motor
- Minimum focus distance: 1.6 ft. (0.5m) throughout entire zoom range
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.32x
- Image stabilizer: Yes
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 77mm
- Dimensions: 80x73mm
- Weight: 28.2 oz. (800g)
8. Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR ($1,097)
Landscapes, cityscapes and interiors often require an extra-wide-angle lens to capture the complete picture. With the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR, you not only get focal lengths that cover a remarkably broad range, but your images will also benefit from the handheld steadiness of Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization (2.5 stops*), sharp focusing and rich color rendition. Additionally, you will love having an f/4 fixed aperture lens that covers the focal range without sacrificing brightness or depth of field.
- Focal length: 16-35mm
- Aperture range: f/4 to f/22
- Autofocus motor: Silent Wave Motor
- Minimum focus distance: 0.29 m (1.0 ft.)
- Maximum magnification factor: 0.28x
- Image stabilizer: No
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 77mm
- Dimensions: 82.5 x 125 mm
- Weight: 680 g/24.0 oz.
9. Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 ($1,198)
Uncompromising quality. Now in a full-frame ultra-wide-angle zoom. Introducing the world’s first F/2.8 ultra-wide-angle zoom lens with image stabilization. The Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 offers constant f/2.8 fast maximum aperture as the Nikon at a significant discount.
The optics are much more impressive than other third-party wide-angle lenses, including excellent sharpness, minimal distortion, fast autofocus, and solid build quality.
- Focal length: 15-30mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
- Autofocus motor: USD (Ultrasonic Silent Drive) autofocus motor
- Minimum focus distance: 11″ (.28 m)
- Maximum magnification factor: 1:5
- Image stabilizer: Yes
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 77mm
- Dimensions: 3.87 x 5.63″ (98.4 x 143 mm)
- Weight: 2.43 lb (1.1 kg)
10. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Micro ($897)
When greater working distance is needed for close-up and macro shooting, the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8 delivers 105mm of reach, exceptional image quality, a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture and 1:1 reproduction ratio. Featuring advanced Nikon lens technologies like Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, it’s optimized for close-up and macro photography yet versatile enough for all photographic situations—even handheld shooting!
- Focal length: 105mm
- Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/32
- Autofocus motor: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Minimum focus distance: 0.31m
- Maximum magnification factor: 1.0x
- Image stabilizer: Yes
- Weather seals: Sealed mount
- Filter thread: 62mm
- Dimensions: 83x116mm
- Weight: 750g
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