Lens is one of the camera tools that is quite important to get maximum image results. However, using the lens can not be arbitrary. There are many things that need to be considered in order for the lens to work properly. This time, we will provide tips on choosing and recommend a good Nikon brand lens for you.
You can find many types of Nikon lenses, both with APS-C and full frame sensors. Do you need a Nikon lens with a 35mm, 50mm, or 55–300mm focal length? We will describe all of them briefly. So, please read carefully for the best Nikon lens recommendation from this articles.
How to choose a Nikon lens
Here are some points that you need to pay attention to when you want to buy a Nikon lens. Hopefully by reading it you can more easily find a suitable Nikon lens product.
Know compatible mount types
When choosing a Nikon lens, you need to know what type of mount is compatible with the camera body.
Nikon lenses themselves have two types of mounts, namely F and Z. The F-type mount is used for Nikon DSLR cameras, while the Z-type mount is used for mirrorless cameras. You may use a lens with a type F mount on a mirrorless camera or vice versa.
However, you will need an additional adapter for the lens to work. The adapters are the FTZ and FT1 adapters. However, we recommend that you use a mount that fits the camera body. In addition to possibly affecting the shots, using an adapter will certainly increase the budget you have to spend.
Adjust to the camera sensor size
Next, you also need to adjust the size of the lens sensor to the camera. Nikon cameras currently have two types of sensors, namely APS-C and full frame.
The APS-C camera has a sensor size of about 24 cm x 16 mm, while the full frame camera has a size of 36 cm x 24 mm. Nikon APS-C lenses usually have a DX code, while full frame lenses are FX coded.
You can still use a DX lens on a full frame camera. However, the shot will be cropped and will not match the view in the view finder. Therefore, for proper capture, we recommend using a lens with the same sensor size as the camera.
Check the focal length of the lens
Focal length is certainly no less important for you to consider. Focal length is usually written in millimeters (mm). Focal length itself is the ability of the lens to see and record image objects. Simply put, the focal length determines the angle of view or how large an area can be captured by the camera.
The shorter the focal length, the wider the angle of view that can be captured. On the other hand, the longer the focal length, the narrower the angle of view and make objects appear closer. To make it easier for you to choose, we will divide them into several types.
- Ultra-wide angle lens (10–18 mm)
This lens has the widest range of viewing angles. The object of the image will appear smaller than using a standard lens. This lens is very suitable for landscape photos with the same focus, both foreground and background.
- Wide-angle lens (18–35 mm)
This lens is suitable for taking pictures with a wide angle of view such as landscapes or buildings. You will be greatly helped when the shooting area is too narrow and you can no longer move away from the object of the image. It's best not to use this lens for group photos because people on the edge will look less natural.
- Normal lens (35–50 mm)
This lens is a versatile lens. You can use it for a variety of needs, whether it's general shooting, street photography, or close-up photos.
- Telephoto lens (50–200 mm)
If you need to enlarge the object image, a telephoto lens can be considered. You can zoom so that objects appear closer. In addition to long-distance photos, this lens is also suitable for macro photos.
- Supertelephoto lens (200 mm and above)
For the use of long-distance and dangerous photos, supertelephoto lenses are indeed the best choice. You can use it for sports, wildlife, and even war coverage.
Pay attention to the aperture on the lens
The aperture on the lens is used to capture light. Aperture itself is shown in F units, for example F/1.8, F/2.8, F/4, and so on. The smaller the F number, the wider the aperture on the lens. Meanwhile, the wider the aperture, the more light it receives. Therefore, pay attention to the aperture of the lens.
Some Nikon lens products have a constant aperture, but some change depending on the zoom setting. To get bokeh photos or use the camera at night, you can choose a small aperture. However, for the use of landscape photos or well-lit shots, even a larger aperture isn't too much of a problem.
Consider having a shock-reducing feature on the lens
So that the captured image is not blurry, you should reduce the vibration when shooting. You can choose a Nikon lens that is equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) feature.
This feature can reduce lens vibration by up to 5 stops. You can also produce better and more stable images and videos without a tripod. You can find this feature on Nikon lenses with the VR code.
Top 10 recommended Nikon lenses
Next, we'll recommend ten of the best Nikon lens products that we've selected based on how to choose above. These products are carefully selected by considering product quality, buyer reviews, and the level of trust in the seller.
1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300MM F/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Here comes one of the best telephoto lenses to pair with an APS-C sensor camera. This lens is equipped with vibration reduction (VR) so that it allows you to capture sharp images throughout the focal range.
Plus, its optical performance is supported by two ED glass elements and one HRI (high refractive index) element. Do you need lenses for outdoor activities? This product is one of the best choices.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor: APS-C
- Focal length: 55–300 mm
- Aperture: F/4.5–5.6
- Vibration reduction: Yes
2. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70MM F/4 S
For family photography needs, this product seems safe enough for you to use. This standard zoom lens has a focal length that is not too wide, but can capture a variety of scenes.
You can use it to take quality selfies or landscapes without changing lenses. You can capture all the special moments with your family more easily.
- Mount type: Z
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Aperture: F/4
- Vibration reduction: No
3. Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200MM F/2.8 VR S
One of the problems that telephoto lens users often face is the aperture which is often "not constant". That is, the aperture will change according to the zoom number that is set. For that, we recommend this lens so you can get a constant aperture setting at F/2.8.
This lens is suitable for you to use to capture sporting moments. What's more, this lens is equipped with a vibration reduction feature so that it is more stable even if you don't use a tripod.
- Mount type: Z
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 70–200 mm
- Aperture: F/2.8
- Vibration reduction; Yes
4. Nikon NIKKOR Z 58MM F/0.95 S NOCT
With a super small aperture, the photos stay bright even in low light
You could say, this product is the brightest Nikon lens today. That's because this lens has a maximum aperture of F/0.95. This lens is named "NOCT" to show its extraordinary ability to work in low light.
This lens is highly reliable for astrophotographic shooting at night. You will be presented with stunning shots, high resolution, and beautiful bokeh.
- Mount type: Z
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 58 mm
- Aperture: F/0.95
- Vibration reduction: No
5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24MM F/2.8G ED (1.7X)
This is one of the best lenses for you to use outdoors. This lens is suitable for those of you who like to take landscape pictures. Your shots are guaranteed sharp and detailed without any flare and color abrasion. That's because this lens combines ED glass and Nano Crystal Coat technology at once.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 14–24 mm
- Aperture: F/2.8
- Vibration reduction: No
6. Nikon NIKKOR Z 50MM F/1.8 S
If you often travel, this Nikon lens is suitable for you to carry. In addition to being light and easy to carry, the features are also very complete.
This lens can provide smooth blur and precision shots at high shutter speeds. The results are guaranteed sharp without any flare. In addition, the body design is also calculated to be more resistant to dust and water drops.
- Mount type: Z
- Semnsor: Full frame
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Aperture: F/1.8
- Vibration reduction: No
7. Nikon Af 50Mm F/1.8 D
If your budget is limited, you can consider this product. This minimalist-looking lens is sold at a supereconomic price. However, you can still get the best-in-class lens performance.
In addition to its compact and practical design, this lens can also be used in various lighting situations. With a maximum aperture of F/1.8, you can still get blurry and stunning visuals even in low light conditions.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Aperture: F/1.8
- Vibration reduction: No
8. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50MM F/1.8G
Again, we recommend a fixed 50mm lens for you. The difference with the previous product, this product is equipped with an autofocus motor. That way, you can work more easily and quickly without a lot of settings.
In addition, this lens with a maximum aperture of F/1.8 is also compatible with full frame cameras. You can also produce images with a wide viewing angle and sharp even in dimly lit places.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor: Full frame
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Aperture: F/1.8
- Vibration reduction: No
9. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED VR
This lens has a focal length of 70–300 mm, making it suitable for capturing images from a distance such as photographing wildlife. Plus, this lens is equipped with a stepping motor that makes AF work faster and quieter.
Even the animals will not be disturbed by the sound of the captured image from your camera. More than that, this lens has a body that is relatively small, compact, and lightweight. That way, you can more easily take it with you when you go on walks or safaris in the forest.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor: APS-C
- Focal length: 70–300 mm
- Aperture: F/4.5–6.3
- Vibration reduction: Yes
10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35MM F/1.8G
This product can be the best choice for you beginners. This fixed lens has a focal length of 35 mm or the equivalent of 52.5 mm in the FX format. You can get sharp images with bokeh that is perfect for close-up photos.
This is supported by the presence of a seven-blade diaphragm which makes the blur effect more natural. This lens is also equipped with an autofocus motor, making it easier for you to use it. At an affordable price and outstanding performance, this lens is a must-have the first time you use the camera.
- Mount type: F
- Sensor : APS-C
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Aperture: F/1.8
- Vibration reduction: No
Conclusion
Choosing a lens must be done according to your needs and budget. You need to pay attention to the specifications to suit the camera and the intended use. More than that, the right lens will also provide maximum image results.
Thus tips and recommendations for Nikon lens products from us. Hopefully by reading this article you are no longer confused about which Nikon lens to buy. We look forward to your best shots using Nikon lenses!
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