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Mirrorless Lenses

 

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Best lenses for DX SLRs (The DX Dream Team)

Best lenses for FX and 35mm SLRs

Best Macro Lenses

 

The Nikon FX Dream Team

D3 Lens Suggestions

Nikon Cheapskate FX Lenses

Nikon Lens Terminology Explained

Nikon Lens Compatibility: what works with what

 

What is a DX Lens?

Nikon Ultrawide Zooms Compared

Lens Sharpness

Portrait Lenses

Nikon System Compatibility

Teleconverters and Accessories   Third-party teleconverters

Nikon's 10 Best Lenses

Nikon's 10 Worst Lenses

Rangefinder Lenses

Nikon IX Lenses

How to Use Ultrawide Lenses

Understanding Basic Lens Specifications

Bokeh

Nikon f/0.95 Lenses

Calculating Angle of View

Using Manual Focus Lenses on AF Cameras

Bizarre: Using Nikon lenses on Canon cameras

Lens Test Terminology   

More Sources of Information

 

How to pick a lens:

older recommendations for Digital SLRs

older recommendations for Film SLRs

older recommendations for Manual Focus SLRs

 

Mirrorless     top

See Nikon Mirrorless Lenses

 

DSLR     top

Skip to AF lenses starting at:

8-9mm   10-11mm   12mm   14mm   15mm   16mm   

17mm  18mm  19mm  20mm  24-25mm  28mm

35-40mm   50 & 58mm   55mm   60mm   70-75mm

80mm   85mm   100-105mm   120-150mm

180mm    200mm   300mm   400mm   500mm   

600mm   800mm   Teleconverters

See also Manual Focus Lenses, as they also work on digital cameras.

Explanation of Nikon's endless alphabetic designations

Nikon Pro Normal Zoom Comparison

 

8-9mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 8-15mm

NEW: Nikon 8-15mm Fisheye FX

For FX cameras, and works on DX cameras.

Rear gel filters, 17.0 oz. (481g), 0.5 feet (0.16 meters) close focus.

2017 ~ today.

 

Sigma 8-16mm

Sigma 8-16mm DX

For DX cameras only.

No filters, 19.6 oz. (554g), 0.8 feet (0.24 meters) close focus.

2010 ~ today.

 

 

9mm f/2.8 DX (speculation)

 

10-11mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 10-20mm

Nikon 10-20mm VR DX

For DX cameras, and sort of works on FX cameras as wide as 13mm!

72mm filters, 8.0 oz. (227g), 0.7 feet (0.22 meters) close focus.

2017 ~ today.

 

Nikon 10-24mm

10-24mm DX

For DX cameras, and sort of works on FX cameras as wide as 18mm.

77mm filters, 16.3 oz (463g), 0.8 feet (0.24 meters) close-focus.

2009 ~ today.

 

Nikon 10.5mm Fisheye

10.5mm Fisheye DX

For DX cameras only.

Rear gel filters, 10.7 oz. (303g), 0.45 feet (0.14 meters) close-focus.

2003 ~ today

 

Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8

Tokina 11-20mm f/2.8 DX

For DX cameras, and works on FX cameras as wide as 16mm.

82mm filters, 19.4 oz. (550 g), 0.9 feet (0.28 meters) close-focus.

2015 ~ today

 

Tokina 11-16mm II Review

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 II DX

For DX cameras, and works on FX cameras as wide as 16mm.

77mm filters, 19.2 oz. (544 g), 1 foot (0.3 meters) close-focus.

2012 ~ today.

 

Tokina 11-16mm Review

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX

For DX cameras, and works on FX cameras as wide as 15mm.

77mm filters, 19.3 oz. (548 g), 1 foot (0.3 meters) close-focus.

2008 ~ 2013.

 

Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye

Tokina 10-17mm Fisheye DX

For DX cameras only.

No filters, 12.3 oz. (350 g), 0.45 feet (0.14 meters) close-focus.

2006 ~ today.

 

 

Nikon 10-18mm f/4 (speculation)

 

12mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon Ultra-Ultrawide Lens Comparison

Nikon 12-24mm

12-24mm

For DX cameras, and sort of works on FX cameras as wide as 16mm.

77mm filters, 16.2 oz. (461 g), 1 foot (0.3 meters) close-focus.

2003 ~ today. 

 

14mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon Ultra-Ultrawide Lens Comparison

Nikon 12-24mm

14-24mm f/2.8G

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX ultrawide like the 10-20mm works better for a lot less money on DX.

No filters, 35.3 oz. (1,000 g), 0.9 feet (0.28 meters) close-focus.

2007 ~ today.

 

Nikon 12-24mm

14mm f/2.8D

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras but any DX ultrawide like the 10-20mm works better for a lot less money on DX.

Rear gel filters, 23.5 oz. (667 g), 0.65 feet (0.2 meters) close-focus.

2000 ~ today.

 

15mm       AF lens index      top

Tamron 15-30mm

NEW: Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VR/IS Review.

Works on Nikon or on Canon full frame, and works on APS-C, too.

Takes no filters unless you buy a special adapter, 38.1 oz./1,079g, 0.9'/0.28m close focus. Check price.

13 May 2018

 

Irix 15mm Review

NEW: Irix 15mm f/2.4

95mm filters, 22.6 oz./642g, 0.8'/0.25m close-focus

18 May 2017

for all formats, especially 35mm and full-frame

 

Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Review

Zeiss 15mm f/2.8

16 March 2012

for all formats, especially 35mm and full-frame

 

16mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 16-35mm VR

16-35mm f/4 VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works better for a lot less money on DX.

77mm filters, 23.9 oz. (678 g), 1 foot (0.29 meters) close-focus.

2010 ~ today

 

Nikon 16-80mm DX VR

16-80mm f/2.8-4E VR DX

For DX cameras only.

72mm filters, 16.9 oz. (479 g), 1.15 foot (0.35 meters) close-focus.

2015 ~ today.

 

Nikon 16-85mm DX VR

16-85mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 17.2 oz. (487 g), 1.3 foot (0.38 meters) close-focus.

Nikon 16-85mm VR vs. 18-200mm VR Comparison

2008 ~ today.

 

Nikon 16mm f/2.8 AF-D Fisheye

16mm f/2.8 Fisheye FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 10.5mm DX Fisheye works much better for less money on DX.

Rear bayonet filters, 10.3 oz. (293 g), 0.85 feet (0.25 meters) close-focus.

1993 ~ today.

 

Tokina 16-28mm

Tokina 16-28mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works better for a lot less money on DX.

No filters, 33.4 oz. (946 g), 0.9 feet (0.28 meters) close-focus.

2010 ~ tåoday.

 

Tokina 16.5-135mm

Tokina 16.5-135mm DX

For DX cameras only.

77mm filters, 21.9 oz./620g, 1.7 feet (0.5 meters) close-focus.

Introduced 2009, now discontinued.

 

17mm       AF lens index      top

17mm and 18mm Lenses and Zooms Compared

Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8

17-35mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens like the 17-55mm f/2.8 DX works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 25.8 oz. (730 g), 1 foot (0.28 meters) close-focus.

1999 ~ today.

 

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 DX

17-55mm f/2.8 DX

For DX cameras only.

77mm filters, 26.5 oz. (751g), 1.25 feet (0.36 meters) close-focus.

2003 ~ today.

 

Tokina 17-35mm f/4

Tokina 17-35mm f/4 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

82mm filters, 20.9 oz. (592g), 0.9 feet (0.28 meters) close-focus.

2011 ~ today.

 

Tokina 17mm f/3.5 AT-X

Tokina 17mm f/3.5 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

1993~1999 AT-X: 72mm filters, 14.3 oz. (406 g), 0.82 feet (0.25 meters) close focus.

1999~2005 AT-X PRO: 77mm filters, 15.5 oz. (440 g), 0.82 feet (0.25 meters) close focus.

 

18mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 18-200 vs. 28-300 vs. 18-300 Comparison 11 July 2012

17mm and 18mm Lenses and Zooms Compared

 

Nikon 18-55mm AF-P Review

18-55mm AF-P

For DX cameras only.

55mm filters, 7.1 oz. (200 g), 0.82 feet (0.25 m) close-focus.

2016 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-300mm Review

18-300mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 19.4 oz (550 g), 1.6 feet (0.48 m) close-focus.

2014 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-55mm VR II

18-55mm VR II DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 6.9 oz/195g, 0.9 feet (0.27 m) close-focus.

2014 ~ 2017 (replaced by 18-55mm AF-P).

 

Nikon 18-140 Review

18-140mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 17.3 oz. (490 g), 1.5 feet (0.45 m) close focus.

2013 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-35mm G Review

18-35mm G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 13.6 oz. (385g), 0.9 feet (0.28 m) close-focus.

2013 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-300mm VR Review

18-300mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

77mm filters, 29.2 oz./828g, 1.5 feet (0.45 m) close focus.

2012 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-200mm VR II

18-200mm VR II DX

For DX cameras only.

72mm filters, 19.9 oz. (565 g), 1.6 feet (0.5 m) close-focus.

Nikon 18-200mm VR vs. 55-200mm VR

2009 ~ today.

Nikon 18-200mm VR

18-200mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

72mm filters, 19.8 oz. (560g), 1.6 feet (0.5 m) close-focus.

2005 ~ 2009 (replaced by 18-200mm VR II DX)

 

Nikon 18-105mm

18-105mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 14.8 oz. (420g), 1.5' (0.45 m) close-focus

2008 ~ today.

 

Nikon 18-135mm

18-135mm DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 13.5 oz. (383.1g), 1.5 feet (0.45 m) close-focus.

No VR.

2006 ~ 2008.

 

Nikon 18-55mm VR

18-55mm VR DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 9.3 oz. (263 g), 0.9 feet (0.28m) close-focus.

2007 ~ 2014 (replaced by Nikon 18-55mm VR II DX).

 

Nikon 18-55mm DX II

18-55mm II DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 7.2 oz. (203g), 0.9 foot (0.28 m) close-focus.

2006 ~ 2007 (replaced by 18-55mm VR DX).

 

Nikon 18-55mm DX

18-55mm DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 7.4 oz. (210 g), 09. foot (0.28 m) close-focus.

2005 ~ 2006 (replaced by 18-55mm II DX).

 

Nikon 18-70mm DX

18-70mm DX

For DX cameras only.

67mm filters, 10 oz. (390 g), 1.25 feet (0.38m) close-focus.

2004 ~ 2011.

 

Nikon 18mm f/2.8

18mm f/2.8D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm metal filter ring, 13.3 oz. (376 g), 0.85 feet (0.25 m) close-focus.

1994 ~ 2006.

Nikon 18-35mm

18-35mm FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 13.1 oz/370g, 1.1 feet (0.33 m) close-focus, about $440 new or $250 used.

2000 ~ 2013 (replaced by Nikon 18-35mm G FX).

 

Tamron 18-400mm

Tamron 18-400mm

For APS-C only.

72mm filters, 25 oz./707g, 1.5'/0.45m close focus.

Comes for Nikon and for Canon.

05 July 2018

 

19mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 19mm Tilt/Shift

19mm f/4 PC-E FX

FX and DX coverage.

No filters, manual focus, 31.2 oz. (884 g), 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus, about $3,400.

2016 ~ today.

 

20mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 20mm f/1.8 Review

20mm f/1.8 G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 12.5 oz./354g, 0.66 feet (0.2 m) close-focus, about $800.

2014 ~ today.

 

Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AF-D Review

20mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 9.1 oz/255g, 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus, about $625 new or about $250 used.

1989 ~ today.

 

Nikon 20-35mm f/2.8 Review

20-35mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 20.7 oz. (588g), 1.7 feet (0.5 m) close-focus, about $450 used.

1986 ~ 1999.

 

Tokina 20-35mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO

Tokina 20-35mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 21.2 oz./601g, 1.7 feet (0.5 m) close-focus, about $175 used.

1990s.

 

Tokina 20-35mm f/2.8 AT-X PRO

Tokina 20-35mm f/3.5-4.5 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 17.8 oz. (504 g), 1.7 feet (0.4 m) close focus, about $100 used.

1990s.

20mm Sharpness Comparison 23 September 2010

Light Falloff Comparison of Every Nikon 20mm Lens 18 February 2008

 

24-25mm       AF lens index      top

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II Nikon 70-200/2.8 FL Sony 70-200/2.8 Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2

Best 24-70mm Lenses Compared

22 April 2018

All 24-70mm Lenses Compared 26 January 2016

All Known Nikon 24mm Lenses and Zooms Compared 14 August 2010

Nikon 24-70mm VR review

24-70mm f/2.8E VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

82mm filters, 37.7 oz. (1,070 g), 1.3 feet (0.4 m) close-focus. Check price.

2015 ~ today.

Tamron 24-70 2.8 review

NEW: Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 VR

Full frame, works on APS-C, too.

82mm filters, 31.7 oz./898g, 1.25'/0.38m close focus. Check price.

20 April 2018

 

Nikon 24mm f/1.8 G review

24mm f/1.8G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 12.5 oz. (355 g), 0.75 feet (0.24 m) close-focus. Check price.

2015 ~ today.

 

 

Nikon 24-85mm VR review

24-85mm VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 16.2 oz. (460 g), 1.25 feet (0.38 m) close-focus.  Check price new or price used.

2012 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24-70mm

24-70mm f/2.8G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 31.8 oz. (902 g), 1.2 feet (0.38 m) close-focus.  Check price new or get it used.

2007 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24mm f/1.4

24mm f/1.4G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 21.8 oz. (618 g), 0.82 feet (0.25 m) close-focus. Check price.

2010 ~ today.

 

Nikon AF 24mm f/2.8 D

24mm f/2.8D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

52mm filters, 9.4 oz. (268 g), 1 foot (0.3 m) close-focus. Check price or find it used.

1986 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24-120mm VR

24-120mm f/4 VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 25.0 oz. (708 g), 1.3 feet (0.40 m) close-focus. Check price or get it used.

2010 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24mm PC-E

24mm f/3.5 PC-E FX

For FX and DX cameras.

Tilt-Shift, manual focus, 77mm filters, 25.9 oz. (734 g), 0.7 feet (0.21 m) close-focus. Check price.

2008 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4

24-85mm f/2.8-4D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 19 oz. (545 g), 0.5 feet (0.21 m) close-focus. Check price.

2000 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24-85mm AF-S

24-85mm G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

67mm filters, 14.5 oz. (412 g), 1.2' feet (0.38 m) close focus. Get it used.

2002 ~ 2006 (replaced by Nikon 24-85mm VR FX).

 

Nikon 24-120mm VR

24-120mm VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 20.0 oz. (568 g), 1.6 feet (0.5 m) close-focus.

2003 ~ 2010.

 

Nikon 24-120mm AF-D

24-120mm AF-D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 20.0 oz. (560 g), 1.5 feet (0.5 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1996 ~ 2002.

 

Zeiss 25mm f/2 Review

Zeiss 25mm f/2

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

67mm filters, 21.3 oz. (605 g), 0.83 feet (0.25 m). Check price.

2011 ~ today.

 

28mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 18-200 vs. 28-300 vs. 18-300 Comparison 11 July 2012

 

Nikon 28mm f/1.4 E

28mm f/1.4E FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 22.8 oz, (645 g), 0.92 feet (0.28 m) close-focus. Check price.

2017 ~ today.

 

Nikon 28mm f/1.8 G Review

28mm f/1.8G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

67mm filters, 11.5 oz (325 g), 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close -focus. Check price.

2012 ~ today.

 

Nikon 28-300mm VR

28-300mm VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 18-300mm DX does more for less on DX.

77mm filters, 28.1 oz./796g, 1.6 feet (0.5 m) close focus, Check price.

2010 ~ today.

 

Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AF-D

28mm f/2.8D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a 35mm f/1.8 DX works better for less money on DX.

52mm filters, 7.3oz (206 g), 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus. Check price.

1994 ~ today.

 

Nikon 24-85mm VR review

28-70mm f/3.5-4.5D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

52mm filters, 9-blade diaphragm, 12.4 oz. (353 g), 1.3 feet (0.4 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1991 ~ 1999 (replaced by the 28-105mm AF-D FX).

 

Nikon 28mm f/1.4 AF-D

28mm f/1.4D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a 35mm f/1.8 DX or 28mm f/1.8G FX do the same thing for a lot less money on DX.

72mm filters, 18 oz. (520 g), 1.15 feet (0.35 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1994 ~ 2006.

 

Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S

28-70mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 32 oz. (900 g), 1.5 feet (0.5 meters) close-focus. Get it used.

1999-2007 (relaced by the 24-70mm f/2.8G FX).

 

Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 AT-X AF

Tokina 28-70mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 21.4 oz. (608 g), 2.3 feet (0.7 m) close-focus. Get it used.

c. 1990.

 

Nikon 28-80mm AF-D FX

28-80mm f/3.5-5.6D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

58mm filters, 9.3 oz. (264 g), 1.3 feet (0.4 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1999 ~ 2001.

 

Nikon 28-80mm f/3.3-5.6 G

28-80mm f/3.3-5.6G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

58mm filters, 6.9 oz. (194 g), 1.15 feet (0.35 m) close-focus. Get it used.

2001 ~ 2006.

 

Nikon 28-85mm AF

28-85mm FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 19.0 oz. (540 g), 2.6 feet (0.8 m) close-focus; macro mode at 28mm only: 0.75 feet (0.23 m). Get it used.

1986 ~ 1999 (replaced by 28-105mm AF-D FX).

 

Nikon 28-105mm

28-105mm AF-D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 15.9 oz. (450 g), 1.7 feet (0.5m) close-focus; macro mode 0.7 feet (0.22 m) from 50~105mm. Get it used

1998~2006.

 

Nikon 28-200mm AF-D

28-200mm AF-D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

72mm filters, 18.3 oz. (520 g), 6 feet (2 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1998 ~ 2003, replaced by 28-200mm G FX.

 

Nikon 28-200mm G

28-200mm G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but a DX lens works better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 12.8 oz. (362 g), 1.4 feet (0.44 m) close-focus. Get it used.

2003 ~ 2006.

 

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DX

For DX cameras only.

62mm filters, 14.3 oz. (407 g), 1.25 feet (0.40 m) close-focus. Check price new or get it used.

2007 ~

 

35-40mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 18-55mm VR II

35mm f/1.8 G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 35mm f/1.8 DX does the same thing for less money on DX.

58mm filters, 10.8 oz. (305 g), 0.85 feet (0.25 m) close focus.

2014 ~ today.

 

Nikojn 35mm f/1.8

35mm f/1.8 DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 6.95 oz/197.0g, 1 foot/0.3m close-focus.

Check price

(2009-)

 

Nikon 35mm f/1.4

35mm f/1.4G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 35mm f/1.8 DX does the same thing for less money on DX.

67mm filters, 21.2 oz./600g, 1 foot/0.3m close focus.

Check price.

(2010-)

 

Nikon 35mm f/2 D

35mm f/2 AF-D FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 35mm f/1.8 DX does the same thing for less money on DX.

52mm filters, 7.0 oz./200g, 0.8'/0.25m close focus.

Check price new, or get it used at eBay.

(1989-)

 

Nikon 35-70mm f/2.8 D

35-70mm f/2.8D FX

For FX cameras.

62mm filters, 23.4 oz./664 g, 2'/0.6m close-focus and an additional macro range at the 35mm setting.

Get it used.

(1987-2007)

 

Nikon 35-105mm f/3.5-4.5 AF-D

35-105mm f/3.5-4.5D FX

For FX cameras.

52mm filters, 14.6 oz./413g, 2.8'/0.85m close focus.

 Get it used.

(1994-2001)

 

Nikon 40mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor

40mm f/2.8 Macro DX

For DX cameras only.

52mm filters, 8.0 oz./227g, 0.5'/0.163m (1:1) close focus,

Check price.

12 July 2011

 

50mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 50mm and 58mm Bokeh Comparison 11 December 2013

Nikon High-Speed 50mm Lens Sharpness Comparison 09 Sep 2010

Nikon 58mm f/1.4 G

58mm f/1.4 G FX

For FX cameras; also works on DX cameras.

72mm plastic filter thread, 13.5 oz./382g, 2'/0.6m close focus.

Check Price.

2013-today.

 

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 G

50mm f/1.4 G FX

For FX cameras; also works on DX cameras.

58mm plastic filter thread, 9.8 oz./278g., 1.5'/0.45m close focus.

Check price.

2008-today

 

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G

50mm f/1.8 G FX

For FX cameras; also works on DX cameras.

58mm plastic filter thread, 6.6 oz./185g., 1.5'/0.45m close focus.

Check price.

2011-today.

 

Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8

50mm f/1.8 FX

For FX cameras; also works on many DX cameras.

52mm filters, 5 oz./155g, 1.5'/0.45m close focus.

 Get it used.

1986-2001

 

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 D

50mm f/1.8 AF-D FX

For FX cameras; also works on many DX cameras.

52mm filters, 5.5 oz./157g, 1.5'/0.45m close focus.

Check price.

2002-today

 

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 D

50mm f/1.4 AF-D FX

For FX cameras; also works on many DX cameras.

 52mm filters, 8.1 oz./229g, 1.5'/0.45 m close focus.

Check price.

1986-today

 

55mm       AF lens index      top

 

Nikon 55-300mm VR

55-300mm VR DX

19 August 2010

 

Nikon 55-200mm VR II

55-200mm VR II DX

06 January 2015

 

Nikon 55-200mm VR DX

55-200mm VR DX

05 March 2007

 

Nikon 55-200mm DX

55-200mm DX

05 October 2005

 

Nikon 55mm f/2.8 AF

55mm f/2.8 Macro FX

updated 17 July 2008

 

60mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 60mm G vs. 60mm D Macro Lenses

Nikon 60mm f/2.8 G Macro

60mm f/2.8 G Macro FX

31 January 2008

 

Nikon 60mm f/2.8 D Macro

60mm f/2.8 D Macro FX

12 February 2008

 

70-75mm       AF lens index      top

Canon 70-200 2.8 L IS II Nikon 70-200/2.8 FL Sony 70-200/2.8 Tamron 70-200/2.8 G2

New: Best 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared

22 April 2018

 

Nikon 70-300mm DX VR AF-P

70-300mm AF-P VR FX

11 July 2017

 

Nikon 70-300mm VR AF-P Review

NEW: 70-300mm AF-P VR DX

17 December 2016. Get this VR version; don't get the non-VR version below:

 

Nikon 70-300mm AF-P Review

NEW: 70-300mm AF-P (non-VR) DX

18 December 2016

 

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 FL

NEW: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL FX

19 October 2016

 

Tamron 70-200 2.8

NEW: Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 VR/IS Review.

Works on Nikon or on Canon full frame, and works on APS-C, too.

77mm filters, 52.1 oz. (1,477g), 3.1 feet (0.95 m) close-focus. Check price.

23 April 2018

 

Nikon 70-200mm f/4 VR

70-200mm f/4 VR FX

December 2012

 

Switches

70-200mm VR II FX

For FX cameras and works on DX cameras, too.

Metal 77mm filter threads, 54.3 oz/1,540g, 4.6'/1.4m close focus, about $1,000 used in 2019 if you know How to Win at eBay.

22 December 2009

Best pro telephoto zoom at a low price.

 

Nikon 70-180mm Micro

70-180mm D Macro FX

 

Nikon 70-180mm Micro

70-200mm f/2.8 VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does about the same thing better for less money on DX.

77mm filters, 51.8 oz. (1,468g) with tripod collar). Get it used.

2003 ~ 2009.

 

Nikon AF-D 70-210mm f/4-5.6

70-210mm f/4-5.6 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does about the same thing better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 21 oz. (590g), 4 feet (1.2 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1987 ~ 2000.

 

Nikon 70-210mm f/4

70-210mm f/4 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does about the same thing better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 27 oz. (760g), 3.7 feet (1.1 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1986 ~ 1988 (replaced by 70-210mm f/4-5.6D FX).

 

Nikon 70-300mm ED

70-300mm ED FX

 

Nikon 70-300mm G

70-300mm G FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does about the same thing better for less money on DX.

62mm filters, 17 oz.(480g), 4.9 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Check price.

2000 ~ today.

 

Nikon 70-300mm VR

70-300mm VR FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does same thing much better on DX.

67mm filters, 26.2 oz. (745g), 5 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Get it used.

2006 ~ 2017 (replaced by 70-300mm VR AF-P FX).

 

Nikon 75-300mm

75-300mm FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but the 70-300mm AF-P VR DX does same thing much better on DX.

62mm filters, 29.3 oz. (831g), 5 feet (1.2 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1989-1999, replaced by the cheap plastic 70-300mm ED FX.

A sharp and well-made lens, but needs a tripod or a steady hand and good light for best results because it has no stabilization.

 

80mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 History

Canon 100-400mm L IS II Nikon 80-400mm Sony 100-400mm Tamron 100-400mm

NEW: Best 80-400mm & 100-400mm Lenses Compared.

10 July 2018

Nikon 80-400 VR G FX

80-400mm VR FX

June 2013

 

Nikn 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D

80-200mm f/2.8D FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

77mm filters, 45.0 oz. (1,275g), 4.9 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Check price new or get it used.

1997-today.

 

Nion 80-200/2.8 AFS

80-200mm f/2.8 AF-S FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

77mm filters, 51.9 oz (1,471g) without collar, 4.9 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1999-2004

 

Nikon 80-400mm VR AF-D

80-400mm D VR FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

77mm filters, 42.7 oz. (1,210g) without tripod collar, 7.5 feet (2.3 m) close-focus. Check price new or get it used.

2000-2013, replaced by 80-400mm VR FX.

 

Nikn 80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 AF

80-200mm f/4.5-5.6 FX

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, but any DX lens works much better on DX.

52mm filters, 11.7 oz. (333g), 4.9 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1995-1999.

 

Nikon 80-200/2.8 AF

80-200mm f/2.8 FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

77mm filters, 44.8 oz./1,270g, 5 feet (1.5 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1988-1992.

 

85mm       AF lens index      top

85mm Lens Specifications Compared 24 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Bokeh Comparison 26 March 2008

Nikon 85mm Lens Central Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Corner Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

Nikon 85mm f/1.4 G Review

85mm f/1.4 G FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

 

Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AF-D Review

85mm f/1.4D FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

 

Nikon 85mm f/1.8 G

85mm f/1.8 G FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

02 March 2012

 

Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF

85mm f/1.8D FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

 

Nikon 85mm f/3.5

85mm f/3.5 VR DX

For DX cameras only.

 

Nikon 85mm PC-E

85mm f/2.8 PC-E FX

FX and DX coverage,

manual focus, 22.4 oz. (635g), 1.3 feet (0.39 m) close-focus. Check Price.

2008-today.

 

100-105mm       AF lens index      top

105mm Center Sharpness Comparison    

105mm Corner Sharpness Comparison

Nikon 105mm f/1.4

105mm f/1.4 FX

27 July 2016

 

Nikon 105mm Micro VR

105mm f/2.8 VR Macro FX

 

Tamron 100-400mm

Tamron 100-400mm

NEW: Best 80-400mm & 100-400mm Lenses Compared.

Full-frame and APS-C, 67mm filters, 39.9 oz./1,132g, 4.9'/1.5m close focus. Check price.

Comes for Nikon and for Canon.

10 July 2018

 

Nikon 105mm f/2 DC

105mm f/2 DC FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

72mm filters, 22.0 oz. (624g), 3 feet (0.9 m) close-focus.

I'd get my 105mm f/2 DC used at eBay (How to Win at eBay), at Amazon or at B&H.

1993-2021.

 

 

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro AT-X

Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

55mm filters, 18.1 oz. (513g), 1:1 close focus. Check price.

2006-today.

 

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AF

105mm f/2.8D Macro FX

 

120-150mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 120-300mm

NEW: Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 FL VR.

For FX cameras. Works on DX cameras, too.

112mm filters, 114.6 oz./3,250 g/7.2 pounds, 6.6'/2m close focus.

 Check price

11 January 2020

 

Nikon 135mm DC

135mm f/2 DC FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, but DX lenses usually are more practical on DX.

72mm filters, 28.9 oz. (818g), 3.6 feet (1.1 m) close-focus.

I got my 135mm f/2 DC at eBay (How to Win at eBay), you also can try Amazon.

1990 ~ 2021.

 

Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro

NEW: Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro.

Manual-focus only, 77mm filters, 29.2 oz./828g, 1:1 macro, 1.14'/0.345m close focus.

Check price

08 January 2019

 

Sigma 150-500mm

Sigma 150-500mm f/5-6.3 FX

For FX cameras. Often works on DX cameras, too.

86mm filters, 63.2 oz. (1,792g) as shown, 7.2 feet (2.2 m) close-focus. Get it used.

2010 ~ ?2014.

 

Tamron 150-600mm

Tamron 150-600mm FX

2013 ~ today.

180mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 180-400mm Review

NEW: Nikon 180-400mm f/4E VR FL TC FX

built-in switchable 1.4x teleconverter, 40.5mm drop-in filters, 123.5 oz./7.72 pounds/3,500g, 6.5 feet (2 m) close focus

Announced 08 January 2018

 

Nikon 180/2.8 AF

180mm f/2.8 FX

Nikon 180mm f/2.8 History 30 October 2008

 

200mm       AF lens index      top

200mm Center Sharpness Comparison   

200mm Corner Sharpness Comparison

Nikon 200-500mm review

200-500mm f/5.6 E VR FX

04 August 2015

 

Nikon 200-400mm VR II

200-400mm VR II FX

27 April 2010

 

200-400mm VR FX

27 September 2004

 

Nikon 200 micro AF

200mm f/4 Macro FX

13 August 2008

 

200mm f/2 VR FX

27 September 2004

 

Nikon 200mm f/2 VR II

200mm f/2 VR II FX

15 September 2010

 

Sigma 200-500mm f/2.8 FX

12 March 2008

 

300mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR II

300mm f/2.8 VR II FX

 

Nikon 300mm VR PF

300mm f/4 E PF VR FX

06 January 2015

 

Nikon 300mm f/2.8 AF-S II

300mm f/2.8 AF-S II FX

17 December 2014

 

Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S

300mm f/4 AF-S FX

22 November 2014

 

Nikon 300mm f/2.8 VR

300mm f/2.8 VR FX

27 September 2004

 

Nikon 300mm f/4 AF

300mm f/4 FX

 

300mm f/2.8 AF-I FX

 

400mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared 09 July 2014

 

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 E FL VR review

400mm f/2.8E FL VR FX

(2014-)

40.5mm filters, 134 oz./8.4 pounds/3,800g, 8.5 feet (2.6 m) close focus

For all formats.

 

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 E FL VR review

400mm f/2.8 VR FX

(2007-2014)

 

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 E FL VR review

400mm f/2.8 AF-S II FX

(2001-2007)

 

400mm f/2.8 AF-S FX

(1998-2001)

 

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 E FL VR review

400mm f/2.8 AF-I FX

(1994-1998)

 

500mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF

NEW: Nikon 500mm f/5.6 PF

For FX cameras, and works on DX cameras.

95mm filters, 51.3 oz./1,463g, 10'/3m close focus. Check Price.

2018 ~ today.

 

600mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 600mm f/4 VR

600mm f/4E FL VR

2015-today

Nikon 600mm f/4 VR

600mm f/4 VR FX

26 September 2007

 

600mm f/4 AF-I FX

 

800mm       AF lens index      top

Nikon 800mm f/5.6E VR

800mm f/5.6E FL VR

2013-today

 

PC & PC-E Tilt/Shift    top

PC-E (Tilt & Shift with electronic diaphragm)

Nikon 19mm Tilt/Shift

19mm f/4 PC-E

2016-

FX and DX coverage, NO filters, manual focus, 31.2 oz./884g, 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus, about $3,400)

 

Nikon 24mm PC-E

24mm f/3.5 PC-E

2008-

FX and DX coverage, manual focus, 77mm filters, 25.9 oz./734g, 0.7 feet (0.21 m) close-focus, about $2,200.

 

Nikon 85mm PC-E

85mm f/2.8 PC-E

2008-

FX and DX coverage, manual focus, 22.4 oz./635g, 1.3 feet (0.39 m) close-focus, about $2,000.

 

PC (shift-only, manual mechanical diaphragm)

Nikon 28mm PC

Nikon 28mm f/3.5 PC

1980-2006

FX and DX coverage, 72mm filters, manual focus, 13.1 oz./372g, 1 feet (0.3 m) close-focus, about $300 used if you know How to Win at eBay.

 

Nikon 35mm f/2.8 PC

1968-1980

FX and DX coverage, 52mm filters, manual focus, 11.8 oz./335g, 1 feet (0.3 m) close-focus, about $175 used if you know How to Win at eBay.

 

Nikon Manual Focus Lenses     top

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-s

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-s.

5.6mm  7.5-8mm  11-12mm  13mm   14mm

15mm  16mm   17mm   18mm   19mm

20-21mm   24mm   28mm   35-45mm

50mm   55mm  58mm   70-80mm   85-90mm

100-105mm  135-150mm   180mm    200mm

300mm   400mm   500mm   600mm

Teleconverters

 

Nikon Pro Normal Zoom Comparison

You can still buy these brand-new, see the selection

Used ones at eBay (there are links from each review and see How to Win at eBay)

 

5.6mm       manual lens index      top

Sunex 5.6mm f/5.6 Fisheye

Best on DX cameras.

2008 ~ today.

 

7.5-8mm Fisheye       manual lens index      top

ProOptic 8mm f/3.5 fisheye

Pro-Optic 8mm f/3.5

Best on DX Cameras.

No filters, 13.8 oz./391g, 1 foot (0.3 m) close-focus.

2009 ~ today.

 

8mm f/2.8 Fisheye

Best on FX.

Filters in internal turret, 38.1 oz. (1,081g), 1 foot (0.3 m) close-focus. Get it used.

(1970-1997)

 

Nikon 8mm f/8 fisheye

7.5mm Fisheye

Best on FX.

Built-in filters, 10.5 oz. (300 g), fixed pan-focus. Get it used.

1966 ~ 1970

 

Nikon 8mm f/8 fisheye

8mm f/8 Fisheye

Best on FX.

Built-in filters, 10.4 oz. (295g), fixed pan-focus. Get it used.

1962-1965

 

11mm & 12mm       manual lens index      top

Irix 11mm

NEW: Irix 11mm f/4

Full Frame 126º Ultra-Ultrawide.

Rear gel flters, 28.9 oz. (820 g), 0.9 feet (0.27 meters) close-focus.

Check price.

30 April 2018

Venus Laowa 12mm f/2.8

Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Review

Full Frame

12 May 2017

 

13mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon Ultra-Ultrawide Lens Comparison

Nikon 13mm

Nikon 13mm f/5.6 FX

For FX cameras, including 35mm cameras. Also works on DX cameras.

Includes rear bayonet filters, 43.2 oz. (1,225g), 1 foot (0.3 m) close-focus. Get it used.

1976 ~ 1998.

 

14mm       manual lens index      top

ProOptic 14mm f/2.8ProOptic 14mm f/2.8 26 October 2010

 

15mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon Ultra-Ultrawide Lens Comparison

Irix 15mm Review

NEW: Irix 15mm f/2.4

95mm filters, 22.6 oz./642g, 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus

18 May 2017

for all formats, especially 35mm and full-frame

Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Review Zeiss 15mm f/2.8 Review 16 March 2012

Nikon 15mm f/5.6 29 February 2008

15mm f/3.5 AI-s

 

16mm Fisheye       manual lens index      top

Nikon 16mm f/3.5 Fisheye

16mm f/3.5 Fisheye

27 July 2017

Nikon 16mm f/2.8 AI-s Fisheye review

16mm f/2.8 AI-s Fisheye

 

17mm       manual lens index      top

17mm and 18mm Lenses and Zooms Compared

Tokina 17mm f/3.5 Review

17mm f/3.5 Tokina SL

11 February 2015

 

18mm       manual lens index      top

17mm and 18mm Lenses and Zooms Compared

Nikon 18mm f/4 Review

18mm f/4 AI-s

11 February 2015

Nikon 18mm f/4 Review

18mm f/3.5 AI-s

Zeiss 18mm f/3.5

Zeiss 18mm f/3.5

(Nikon mount, manual focus) 15 December 2009

Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 Compared to Nikon 14-24mm and Canon 16-35mm L II 15 December 2009

 

19mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 19mm Tilt/Shift

Nikon 19mm f/4 PC-E

2016-

FX and DX coverage, NO filters, manual focus, 31.2 oz./884g, 0.8 feet (0.25 m) close-focus, about $3,400)

 

20-21mm       manual lens index      top

20mm Sharpness Comparison 23 September 2010

Light Falloff Comparison of Every Nikon 20mm Lens 18 February 2008

Nikon 20mm f/3.5 UD

Nikon 20mm f/3.5 UD

20 September 2010

Nikon 20mm f/4

Nikon 20mm f/4

Smallest Ultrawide Lens

Nikon 20mm f/3.5

Nikon 20mm f/3.5

21 September 2010

Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AI-s

Nikon 20mm f/2.8 AI-s

21 September 2010

Voigtlander 20mm f/3.5

Voigtländer 20mm f/3.5 Color-Skopar

23 September 2010

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Compared to Nikon 14-24, Canon 16-35 L II and LEICA 21mm f/2.8 ASPH16 December 2009

16 December 2009

 

24mm       manual lens index      top

All Known Nikon 24mm Lenses and Zooms Compared 14 August 2010

24mm Perspective-Control 31 January 2008

Nikon 24mm PC-E Compatibility 09 April 2008

24mm f/2.0 AI-s

24mm f/2.8 AI-s

 

28mm       manual lens index      top

28mm f/2.0 AI

Nikon 28mm f/2.8 AI 16 July 2008

28mm f/2.8 AI-s Nikon's sharpest wide angle lens

28mm f/3.5 AI 04 June 2007

28mm f/3.5 PC 15 April 2008

28-50mm AI-s 14 July 2008

 

35-45mm       manual lens index      top

NEW: Samyang 35mm f/1.4Samyang 35mm f/1.4. 09 July 2011

35mm f/2.8 PC (Perspective Control)

Nikon 35mm f/2.8 AI 14 December 2007

35mm f/2.0 AI-s

35mm f/1.4 AI-s

Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 AI 13 December 2007

Nikon 35-70mm f/3.5 AI-s 18 December 2007

Voigtlander 40mm f/2Voigtländer 40mm f/2 AI-P 29 August 2010

Nikon 45mm f/2.8 PC-E July 2008

45mm f/2.8P

 

50mm       manual lens index      top

Comparison of 50mm Lenses

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 Pancake

NEW: Nikon Pancake-NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8 AI-s

18 February 2018

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Review

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI-s

11 October 2007

Nikon 50mm f/1.2 Coma Examples 09 September 2010

Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AI-s Review

50mm f/1.4 AI-s Review (1981-today)

52mm filters, 8.8 oz./249g.

Nikon NIKKOR-S 50mm f/1.4 Review

Nikon NIKKOR-S Auto 50mm f/1.4

23 May 2012

50mm f/2 Nikkor-H 06 September 2007

50mm f/1.8 AI

50mm f/1.8 AI-s Series E (What are Series E)

50mm f/1.4 ZF Zeiss for Nikon

50mm f/1.4 AI

Nikon High-Speed 50mm Lens Sharpness Comparison 09 Sep 2010

 

Zeiss 50mm f/2 Makro Planar ReviewZeiss 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar Review 10 August 2011

 

55mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Review

Nikon 55mm f/1.2 Review

December 2012

55mm f/2.8 Micro AI-s

55mm f/3.5 Micro AI 05 June 2003. 25 year old lens

 

58mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 58mm f/1.2 Noct-NIKKOR

58mm f/1.2 Noct-NIKKOR

10 September 2010

Nikon NIKKOR-S 58mm f/1.4 Review

Nikon 58mm f/1.4

1959-1962: 52mm filters, 12.4 oz./350g.

20 October 2012

 

70-80mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 80-200mm f/4.5 N ReviewNikon 80-200mm f/4.5 N Review 08 May 2015

70-210mm f/4.5 - 5.6 AI-s

Vivitar 70-210mm Series 1 04 March 2008

75-150mm f/3.5 Series E

80-200mm f/4 AI-s 09 November 2005. Also includes earlier manual tele zooms.

 

85-90mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 85mm f/2.8 PC-E 12 March 2008

85mm Lens Specifications Compared 24 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Bokeh Comparison 26 March 2008

Nikon 85mm Lens Central Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Corner Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

Nikon 85mm f/1.8 24 June 2009

85mm f/2.0 AI-s

Nikon 85mm f/1.4 AI-s 09 July 2008

Vivitar 85mm f/1.4 Series 1 24 June 2009

Voigtlander 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar Voigtländer 90mm f/3.5 APO-Lanthar 22 September 2010

 

100-105mm       manual lens index      top

105mm Center Sharpness Comparison

105mm Corner Sharpness Comparison

Laowa 105mm f/2 STFNEW: Laowa 105mm f/2 Smooth Trans-Focus Lens Review 13 September 2016

Nikon 105mm f/4 AI-s Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro 15 July 2010

Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AI-s Micro-NIKKOR Nikon 105mm f/2.8 AI-s Micro 16 July 2010

Nikon 105mm f/2.5 Review 105mm f/2.5

 

Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4

NEW: Zeiss Otus 100mm f/1.4

Metal 86mm filter thread, 47.6 oz. (3 pounds or 1,349g), 3.3'/1m close focus.

Check price.

16 June 2019

105mm f/1.8 AI-s

100mm f/2.8 Series E (What are Series E?)

Tokina 100-300mm f/4 AT-X 28 August 2008

 

135-150mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 135mm f/2 AI-s

NEW: Nikon NIKKOR 135mm f/2 AI-s

FXDX and 35mm coverage, 72mm metal filter thread, built-in hood, 30.1 oz./854g, 4¼'/1.3m close-focus.

Get it used if you know How to Win at eBay.

22 May 2019

Nikon 135mm f/2.8 AI-s135mm f/2.8 AI-s 27 March 2004

135mm f/3.5 AI 10 January 2008

Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro

NEW: Irix 150mm f/2.8 Macro.

Manual-focus only, 77mm filters, 29.2 oz./828g, 1:1 macro, 1.14'/0.345m close focus.

Check price

08 January 2019

Tokina 150-500mm 17 May 2008

 

180mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-s

NEW: NIKKOR✱ED 180mm f/2.8 AI-s (1981~2005)

FXDX and 35mm coverage, 72mm metal filter thread, built-in hood, 28.0 oz./793g, 6'/1.8 m close focus.

Get it used if you know How to Win at eBay.

See also Nikon 180mm f/2.8 History.

19 May 2019

Nikon 180mm f/2.8 AI

NEW: Nikon NIKKOR 180mm f/2.8 AI (1970~1981)

FXDX and 35mm coverage, 72mm metal filter thread, built-in hood, 31.2 oz./885g, 6'/1.8 m close focus.

Get it used if you know How to Win at eBay.

See also Nikon 180mm f/2.8 History.

21 May 2019

 

200mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 200mm f/2 AI-s

NEW: NIKKOR✱ED 200mm f/2 AI-s (1977~2005)

FXDX and 35mm coverage, metal 122mm filter thread, built-in hood, 84.7 oz./2,400g, 8.2'/2.5m close focus.

Get it used if you know How to Win at eBay.

20 May 2019

200mm Center Sharpness Comparison   

200mm Corner Sharpness Comparison

Nikon 200mm f/4 MicroNikon 200mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR 17 August 2010

Nikon 200mm f/4 NIKKOR-Q 200mm f/4 Q

200mm f/4 AI

200mm f/4 AI-s

 

300mm       manual lens index      top

Nikon 180mm f/2.8 ED AI-s

300mm f/2.8 ED-IF

FXDX and 35mm coverage, 122mm, 39mm drop-in or gel filters, 86 oz./2,450g, 13'/4 m close focus

Get it used if you know How to Win at eBay.

1977-1982

History and Versions of the Nikon 300mm f/2.8

300mm f/4.5 P

300mm f/4.5 AI-s

300mm f/4.5 ED AI

300mm f/4.5 ED-IF AI-s

 

400mm       manual lens index      top

400mm f/2.8 AI-s

(1985-2002)

 

500mm       manual lens index      top

500mm f/8 C reflex

Nikon 500mm f/8 N Reflex-NIKKOR 500mm f/8 N

 

600mm       manual lens index      top

600mm f/5.6 ED-IF AI-s

Nikon 600mm f/5.6 NIKKOR-P 22 July 2008

Nikon CU-1 Focusing Unit 22 July 2008

 

 

Lens Scope Telescope Converter        top

Nikon Lens Scope Converter

Nikon Lens Scope Converter

 

Teleconverters       AF lens index      top

Teleconverter Guide

Other-Brand Teleconverters

 

Autofocus Teleconverters

Nikon TC-14E IIITC-14E III

TC-14E AF-I, AF-S Teleconverter

TC-16a

TC-17E

TC-17E II

TC-20E AF-I, AF-S Teleconverter

Nikon TC-20E IIINikon TC-20E III

 

Manual Focus Teleconverters

TC-16a

TC-200

 

Comparisons     top

Camera comparisons

Most of my individual lens reviews have detailed comparison sections. These below are only some of the broadest comparisons:

 

Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8
Nikon Z 14-30mm f/4
Nikon Z 17-28mm f/2.8
Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8

NEW: Nikon Z Full-Frame Ultrawides Compared.

06 December 2022.

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

Nikon 105mm f/4 Micro-NIKKOR Bellows mount

All Nikon 105mm Macro Lenses Compared.

28 July 2022

 

Nikon Z 24-50mm
Nikon Z 28-75mm f/2.8
Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8

 

Nikon Z 24-70mm f/4
Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4
Nikon Z 24-200mm VR

Nikon Full-Frame Z Midrange Zooms Compared.

13 May 2022

 

Canon 100-400mm L IS II Nikon 80-400mm Sony 100-400mm Tamron 100-400mm

Best 80-400mm & 100-400mm Lenses Compared.

10 July 2018

All Nikon 80-200mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared

Best 24-70mm Lenses Compared updated 19 April 2018

Best 70-200mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared 22 April 2018

Nikon DX vs. Sony A7 II, 24-70/2.8 GM & 70-200/4 G Comparison Feb 2017

All 24-70mm Lenses Compared 26 January 2016

Ultra-Ultrawides compared 26 March 2015

Premium 50mm lenses compared September 2014

Nikon 400mm f/2.8 Lenses Compared 09 July 2014

Nikon 50mm and 58mm Bokeh Comparison 11 December 2013

Best Macro Lenses 28 June 2013

Nikon FX Ultrawide Zooms Compared

Nikon 18-200 vs. 28-300 vs. 18-300 Comparison 11 July 2012

DX Wide Zooms Compared

Bokeh Comparisons

Nikon Ultra-Ultrawide Lens Comparison 23 December 2008

All Known 17mm and 18mm Lenses and Zooms Compared

Zeiss 18mm f/3.5 Compared to Nikon 14-24mm and Canon 16-35mm L II 15 December 2009

Zeiss 21mm f/2.8 Compared to Nikon 14-24, Canon 16-35 L II and LEICA 21mm f/2.8 ASPH 16 December 2009

20mm Sharpness Comparison 23 September 2010

Light Falloff Comparison of Every Nikon 20mm Lens 18 February 2008

 

All Known Nikon 24mm Lenses and Zooms Compared 14 August 2010

 

Nikon Pro Normal Zoom Comparison 20 December 2007

Comparison of 50mm Lenses

Nikon High-Speed 50mm Lens Comparison 09 Sep 2010

Nikon High-Speed 50mm Lens Sharpness Comparison 09 Sep 2010

 

85mm Lens Specifications Compared 24 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Bokeh Comparison 26 March 2008

Nikon 85mm Lens Central Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

Nikon 85mm Lens Corner Sharpness Comparison 23 June 2009

 

105mm Center Sharpness Comparison    

105mm Corner Sharpness Comparison   

Lens Bokeh Comparison at 135mm

200mm Center Sharpness Comparison   

200mm Corner Sharpness Comparison

 

Rangefinder System     top

Nikon SP

The Nikon Rangefinder System (1946-1964).

 

Older Lens Suggestions     top

Everyone asks me what lens to buy. That's a tough recommendation, since everyone is different. That's why there are so many lenses! Anyone who recommends anything without knowing what you want to do with it should be ignored.

I make specific suggestions below. You'll have to read through some explanations to keep you honest and understand the basis for my suggestions. If you don't want to read, for any DX digital Nikon SLR just get the spectacular new 18-200mm VR which does almost everything imaginable. I love it, but is costs $750! If you're on a budget then get the cheapest (but excellent) 18-55mm II ($160 or less bought with a new camera) and then the 70-300 G ($120) if you need to go longer.

I've personally tested almost all of these lenses out of my own curiosity. I post the results here so I could remember them all. This is the core of what started this website.

There are always so many new lenses and cameras coming out that this page's suggestions can get dated. If this page and an individual review disagree, the individual review pages are newer.

The best lenses to use for 35mm film and FX digital SLRs are completely different from the most practical lenses for DX digital SLRs. Sharpness isn't the issue. The issues are completely different sensor sizes and ISO speeds. You need much shorter lenses for digital and digital's higher ISOs let you get away with slower and therefore less expensive lenses. Therefore I offer two totally different sets of suggestions. When I say "film lens" or "digital lens" I'm referring to the best application of these lenses, not any hard limitation. All film lenses work great on digital cameras and even the DX digital-only lenses can be used on film cameras with varying results.

Before spending as much time agonizing over all this as I have, be sure to read here about how equipment quality has nothing to do with an image's quality. Even the worst of these lenses in the hands of a great photographer is good enough to win a magazine cover, photo contest, or make prints to hang and sell for top dollar in any art gallery.

If sharpness is your only concern then don't even mess with 35mm or digital cameras. Step up to medium or large format cameras which are what professionals have been using for decades. Nikon and Canon and Leica always seem to forget to mention that the only pro use of the smaller formats is news and sports. A $50 used Yashica-MAT 124G (a medium format camera) is sharper than any Nikon, Leica or Canon, and a $200, 50 year old 4 x 5" Crown Graphic (large format) is sharper than any Hasselblad. More at my format page.

Ever wonder why 35mm and digital photographers are always worrying about sharpness? That's because these are such small formats that any loss of sharpness is visible. If you really want sharpness, just forget these and step up up to medium or large format and you'll not have to worry because you'll just get sharp images.

It's very hard to find complete perfection in SLR lenses, especially wide angles and zooms. The special retrofocus design required for wide-angle SLR lenses makes them very difficult to design well, so most of these lenses exhibit barrel distortion and fuzzy corners wide open. That's typical for Nikon and even Leitz.

Remember that everyone has different standards, and every sample of every lens will vary from every other sample. A sad thing about these tests is there is a lot of quality variation among SLR lenses. Lenses that get good reviews here prove that the design is good, but that's no guarantee that the one you buy will be any good. Likewise, if a lens tests poorly here, there's no reason why the one that you have won't be better. I test from the lenses I or my friends have owned, just like the lenses you have. These are not the cherry-picked samples provided to advertiser-sponsored magazines. I hope you benefit from all the film I burned doing this!

 

Older Suggestions for DSLRs     top

Newest Suggested lenses for DX SLRS

Newest Suggested Lenses for FX and Film SLRs

September 2007: This applies to DX SLRs. For the D700 and D3 FX DSLRs, see D700 Lens Suggestions and D3 Lens Suggestions

Information below is older:

Everyone's needs vary. That's why Nikon makes so many lenses. With these caveats let me make suggestions aimed at the beginning photographer with general needs.

General issues for digital SLRs:

1.) Don't bother with manual focus lenses on digital cameras. Optically they work great, however with most cameras you'll have no metering or automation. You can use these in a studio but they are almost useless in the field.

2.) Optically all Nikon lenses ever made work great on all digital Nikons. Nikon designs its digital cameras for their lenses, so ignore the discount brands' barking about magic lenses optimized for digital. Nikon digital SLRs are already designed for Nikon lenses and no discount brand could possibly optimize their lenses for every camera brand simultaneously. Nope, no one pays me or sponsors me; these are just my opinions. In this case I agree with Nikon's marketing, even though their latest slogan about "the camera matters" is baloney. Nikon's "DX" moniker just means these shorter focal length lenses won't cover 35mm film, so don't use them on a film camera. All Nikon lenses are already "digital optimized."

3.) Fixed focal length lenses aren't needed, except for macro or super tele. The faster f/stops of fixed lenses aren't needed with digital's high ISOs. Almost all lens development in the past 20 years has been focused on zooms, so as digital dawns there are few things that zooms can't do better.

Mid Range Zooms for Digital back to top

The new 18 - 200 VR lens is all 90% of everything anyone would want for everything. It's a breakthrough. There's never been anything like it in my over 30 years of photography. Now that I have one it never seems to come off my D200! It's expensive, about $700. If you're considering it I'd advise just getting it. It's unlike any other all-in-one lens I've ever used. You'll love it! It's rare that I need anything longer.

On a more reasonable budget I'd suggest the 18 - 55, which you can get with a camera as a kit. It's inexpensive, about $140, and works as well or better than the more expensive 18 - 70 ($330) and 17 - 55 ($1,500) lenses. There's no reason you can't make tens of thousands of fantastic images with just the 18 - 55. Of course each of those lenses is progressively heavier, more sensitive in low light and more durable, too. If you take care of your gear and make casual use of it I'd go for the cheapest 18 - 55. If you beat your gear, or are a full time pro, by all means pay ten times as much for the 17 - 55, just don't expect to see a visible difference in the images.

Digital SLRs have a sensor only 67% as big as film, so any lens used on digital gives a smaller field of view similar to a lens of 1.5 times the focal length. Take the focal length you use on your film camera and divide by 1.5 to get the focal length you need on a digital camera for the same effect. For instance, a 28 - 105 mm lens is about perfect on a film camera, which means for a digital camera you want an 18 - 70 mm lens. AHA! You'll notice the big issue is that there are very few zooms that start around 18mm and then go all the way out to 70mm.

Zooms starting at 24 mm or 28 mm are NOT useful as mid range zooms on digital. 24 or 28 mm is great for film camera, but the smaller sensors of digital cameras require shorter lenses to get the same effect as they do on film. For instance, a 28mm lens on a digital camera has the same angle of view as a 40mm lens on a film camera. 40mm isn't wide; it's normal. For instance, my favorite 24 - 85 mm film lens used on a digital camera gives similar views as a 37 - 122mm lens does on a film camera.

Forget the film 18 - 35 film lens since it costs more and does less than the 18 - 70. Of course if you have one use it, just don't buy a new one for digital. Zooms starting at 17 or 18 mm give the same results as a zoom starting at 26 mm on a film camera, very useful indeed.

28 - 200 mm lenses are NOT useful as a do-everything lenses on digital, since they only start at the equivalent of 43mm. In digital one needs an 18 - 135mm lens too cover the same range. An 18 - 200 lens covers the equivalent of 28 - 300.

I avoid discount brands.

Pro Combos

Before the 18 - 200 everyone carried a combination of a wide zoom and a telephoto zoom, skipping the middle lens entirely. You won't miss the range between the two zooms.

Add a mid zoom to these two if you still want to have just one lens you can grab for social events, but you'll notice over time that the mid zoom sits around a lot if you have the two others.

The wide zoom will be very expensive and the telephoto zoom can be almost free. Mortgage yourself to buy the wide zoom and pay with what you'll save on the telephoto compared to film days.

Digital SLRs are so new that there are few lenses designed with the shorter focal lengths more appropriate to their smaller sensors. Therefore there are fewer choices, making these suggestions much easier.

Wide Zooms for Digital back to top

I love super wide lenses. Before I got my 18 - 200 a month ago my Nikon 12 - 24 was what I used 75% of the time. If you want a super wide lens of course I suggest the 12 - 24.

If cost is an issue I'm soon to test all the 3rd party versions, however before I do I'd suggest the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 as a safe bet for half the price of the Nikon I have. Nikon was the only super wide DSLR lens made in 2004 when I bought mine.

If you photograph landscapes or real estate you need this lens. You can read about it in depth here.

Telephoto Zooms for Digital back to top

This is easy! The 1.5x factor that wreaks havoc for getting normal or wide zooms makes telephotos trivial. Digital's higher ISOs also eliminate the need for the heavy, expensive fast f/2.8 zooms of film days, except of course if you want shallow depth of field for portraits.

Your best bet on a budget is to go get any used Nikkor 70 - 210 mm AF zoom. It might cost you $100 - 150. Every one Nikon has made is great. The oldest 70 - 210 f/4 constant aperture version from the 1980s is a winner. It focuses as fast as both of today's new 70 - 300 AF lenses, is a stop faster, focuses twice as close and has the smoothest, almost angelic, zooming action of any lens I've ever used. Likewise, the newest 70 - 210 mm f/5.6 AF-D lens, discontinued in 2000, is very small, very well built and focuses much faster and closer than any of the brand new or older 70 - 300 zooms. The 70 - 210 f/5.6 (non-D) AF lens made in between these two is almost the same as the newer lens, but only focuses as fast as the older f/4 lens.

If you buy new, which is just a luxury, you have the choice of quite a few lenses. Nikon makes two versions of their 70 - 300 mm lens. The 70 - 300 G version is cheap and sells for about $99 - 150 brand new. The more solidly made 70 - 300 ED version sells for about $300. Either should be fine and each focuses as slowly as the 1980's 70 - 210. The 70 - 210 AF-D focuses much more quickly than any of these.

Of course my favorite, and the lens I use most of the time as of 2006, is my 18 - 200 VR. It costs more than any of these above, but focuses faster and, except for correctable distortion, is better still than any of the others. It adds VR, focuses to a foot and a half and zooms out to wide angles, too.

The great news about digital is that the fast ISOs usually excuse you from the need for an expensive f/2.8 lens. The f/4 - 5.6 lenses above are usually fine even in less than optimum light. For sports your prime concern is how fast they focus. For this you'll want the discontinued 70 - 210 AF-D, or the 18 - 200 VR which are much faster than any other under-$800 tele. These two focus faster than most of the older 80 - 200 f/2.8 AF lenses that might tempt you as used lenses. Again, skip here to see this explained under film telephotos. The only fast focusing f/2.8 telephoto zooms are the AF-S versions and only the very latest AF-D version with the factory tripod collar. The newest 18 - 200 VR also focuses very, very fast and for a digital camera replaces not just the tele, but the mid-range zoom as well.

If you want to spend more and carry heavy lenses then feel free to get an f/2.8 or the other lenses I cover under telephotos for film here. Personally I love my 80 - 400 mm zoom as explained below under film.

 

Old Suggestions for AF SLRs     top

Nikon makes so many lenses because peoples' needs and budgets vary. Since I don't know your specific predicament, I can only be so helpful. With these caveats let me make suggestions aimed at the photographer with general needs.

Depending on what you want you may not even want a 35mm Nikon. Read my film format page before you waste any money on Nikons if you want to do landscape photography, for instance. People forget that personally I shoot 4 x 5" or at least 6 x 7 cm for the photos you see on my site. 35mm film died in 1999 with the introduction of the Nikon D1 for newspapers; today you should be using larger format film or digital.

You'll either want just one medium zoom lens, or if you want to get fancy you'll instead want a separate wide and another tele zoom, forgetting about the medium one. By all means if you get both a wide and tele zoom feel free also to get a medium zoom, just know that you'll really only be using the medium zoom if you have to run out with just one lens some day, or for party and wedding and event photos.

If you are a beginner then the lens that comes included as a package is usually all you need. Don't let eager salespeople sell you a ton of glass until you can master what you already have.

Are you shooting prints or slides? I shoot slow 50 speed slide film in all sorts of dark light so I need and use the speed of the expensive f/2.8 pro zooms and f/1.4 fixed lenses. If I shot prints or digital only then I'd use the slower zooms instead and you should, too. Of course I don't suggest you shoot print film, but if you do you'll be happy with any lens. If you shoot prints then just use whatever medium zoom that comes as a kit with your camera (or sells new for $100 alone) and you'll do great, or get the two cheapest zooms I mention below.

Let's now presume you are serious about starting and will be shooting slides.

Medium Zooms for Film Cameras back to top

If you just want one lens my favorite is the newest AF-S 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G that costs $360. It's cheap, small, light, easy and fun to use and gives fantastically sharp images. For $540 the 24-120 VR may be more fun; I'll let you know when I get more time with one. I prefer this to the much heavier and expensive 28-70 f/2.8 AFS for practicality's sake.

If you go for the two zoom solution instead you have a couple of great ways to go depending on your weight and dollar budget. Remember with the two-zoom system you probably don't need or want the midrange zoom above. You simply don't need the small range between 35 and 80mm.

Wide Zooms for Film Cameras back to top

I suggest the AF 18 - 35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED-IF. It sells for about $450 after the rebate. I use the AF-S 17 - 35mm f/2.8 ED-IF that weighs a ton and costs $1,500 and which I bought before the smaller 18 - 35 was introduced. For rational people the 18 - 35 gives exactly the same quality images as my $1,500 lens without all the weight. If you want to be picky by all means go for the $1,500 lens, just remember that the $450 one wasn't available when I bought my 17 - 35 so I didn't have the choice you do. The 18 - 35 is a very well made, easy to use, light, fast focusing, focuses very close and is a very sharp lens. I suggest it for everyone so long as you're not shooting a lot of architecture. Read my reviews for all the details. This again is an easy recommendation since it's so good. I have never seen either of these new lenses used so I can't vouch for buying them that way, just buy them new at discount at the links on each page. Zoom lenses have internal cams that can wear and degrade the performance of a lens over time.

Telephoto Zooms for Film Cameras back to top

For the telephoto zoom I'd strongly suggest saving for the AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED w/tripod collar for about $800 after rebate. It's a superb fully professional lens and will last you for your next ten years of photography regardless of which camera, film or digital, you may have in 2015. You'll never wish you had something else. I suggest this one strongly since it's a bargain and I'm not that impressed by the cheaper, lighter alternatives of the current AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6D ED ($310) or AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ($130). If you'd rather not deal with the price and weight of the 80-200 now then look around for a used AF 70-210mm f/4-5.6D from the 1990s or even the AF 70-210mm f/4 from the 1980s, each of which may cost you about $150 used. Since a brand new 80-200 is so inexpensive avoid used 80-200s, since all the earlier models focus much slower, and I've also bought used 80-200s that looked new on the outside but were misaligned on the inside and gave fuzzy results. Heck, you have to pay almost as much for the crummier discount brands, too. Again, if you have $800 this is a very easy recommendation to make. Don't even consider second and third rate brands like Sigma or Tamron simply because you can get genuine Nikon for about the same price.

Oddly I've heard a few complaints about inaccurate focusing at the 200 mm setting of the AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED w/tripod collar at f/2.8 on a D70. If you plan to use this particular combination check this carefully. Other than that observation by others this lens has worked remarkably well for me.

If you have $1,400 for the telephoto zoom then I use the AF VR 80 - 400mm f/4.5 - 5.6D for most things and the discontinued AF-S 80 - 200mm f/2.8D ED-IF for action and low light. See the reviews for the specifics. If I was smarter back when I bought these I may have bought the AF 80 - 200mm f/2.8D ED w/tripod collar instead. As of 2004 the 80 - 200 AFS has been replaced by the 70 - 200 VR, which for action and low light is the best lens ever made. If you don't have an extra $1,000 lying around the basic 80 - 200 above is almost as good; the only real difference is the vibration reduction which doesn't stop action but does help eliminate the need for a tripod in dim light.

Unless you shoot slow 50 speed film as I do and blow it up into huge enlargements there is no reason to spend for the expensive lenses. All they will do is lighten your wallet and weigh you down every place you go. I love and use my expensive lenses, but remember I'm a little crazy and shoot slow film handheld at night. That's what I meant above when I cautioned you about taking advice from people without them asking what you do. All because I use one lens doesn't mean that it's right for you, or that I even would make the same choice again as you see. If you shoot print film then the very cheap G lenses (including the one that may come with your camera as an outfit) are all you'll need; on prints smaller than 8 x 10" one never can see any differences between lenses. You only see this if you blow up to 16 x 20" and larger.

I don't bother with discount lenses like Tamron and Sigma. Sigma is very poorly made (actually I've been told the name is derived from SIGnificant MAlfunction), so of course it costs less. When you go to sell the lenses you get much more much faster for real Nikkor lenses so I see no reason for the false economy of cheap lenses. Of all the cheapies I'd try Tokina first. More here about why your local camera store probably is pushing the cheaper (but higher-profit) discount lenses on you. In spite of what camera stores tell you, I know of NO professional photographers or even decent amateurs who use anything other than camera brand lenses. And no, no one pays me anything to do this site and no one's giving or even loaning me free cameras; this is what I've learned over decades of buying and selling all this for my own personal photography.

 

Old Suggestions for Manual Focus Cameras     top

Nikon makes so many lenses because peoples' needs and budgets vary. Since I don't know your specific predicament, I can only be so helpful. With these caveats let me make suggestions aimed at the photographer with general needs.

DO NOT use manual focus lenses on autofocus and digital cameras. If you already own these lenses as I do fine, but it's silly to buy a new manual lens because you lose almost all the features you need, like metering, with manual lenses used on modern cameras. I very deliberately titled this section "... for Manual Focus Cameras" because I only suggest these manual lenses for use on manual cameras.

Manual focus cameras work with all the AF lenses suggested above except the G series. Please read this section above about film cameras above if you haven't already, since it all applies here and you need to know about the differences between lens choices if you shoot film or shoot slides. I have more about what lenses work on which cameras here.

Feel free to use the AF zooms I suggest above since they work great on manual cameras. Optical quality for most purposes is better in today's zooms. Why? 25 years of innovation. These manual focus lenses were all designed about 30 years ago even if they're still sold new today. Nikon develops newer, better zooms every month. The 17 - 35 AF is a better lens than the 20 mm f/4 AI below, but it costs and weighs ten times as much. I don't suggest any manual focus zooms since they are also 30 year old designs and usually inferior to even the cheapest new AF zooms today.

The reasons you might want to step backwards to manual focus lenses are:

1.) Lower cost

2.) Smaller size and lower weight.

3.) Faster f/stops ideal for use with slides hand-held in low light, also with lower size, weight and cost compared to zooms

4.) Standardized 52mm filters. You can have every lens from 20 mm to 200mm, including PC shift and macro lenses, take the same 52mm filters.

5.) Much better mechanics. The manual lenses are works of mechanical art with their very high quality metal construction and flawless precision. The focus rings can be operated with a single finger and work at all temperatures. The manual lenses feel much better than AF lenses when used manually.

6.) Easier focusing. The AF lenses are a little skittish when focused manually, since they are designed for speed on AF cameras. By comparison the manual lenses are a joy to focus by hand. Also fixed lenses are easier to focus manually, since zoom lenses focused manually usually focus too slowly at wide and too fast at tele.

Here's what I suggest for manual focus 35mm Nikon lenses:

1.) Ultrawide lens. Personally I prefer my rare 20mm f/4 AI for its size and superb image quality. It also takes standard 52mm filters for compatibility with the rest of the suggested lenses.

2.) Short tele. I use the 85mm f/2 AI-s. I love the focal length and size and standard 52mm filter. I find 105mm too long for the way I see things.

These two lenses cover almost everything I shoot. For a normal lens I use a 35mm, not 50mm, lens. My favorite 35mm lens is the

3.) Normal lens: 35mm f/1.4 AI-s. This gives me the speed I need for use in available light handheld. It's been made ever since 1969 and is the same lens with just mechanics that change over the decades. The 35mm f/2 AF or 28mm f/1.4 AF lenses are second choices. The 35 AF has had reliability problems with oil on the diaphragm blades. The 28/1.4 is extraordinary, however it costs $1,800 and takes larger 72mm filters, albeit with much better optics than the old 35/1.4. I never liked my 35mm f/2 AI-s. It had a problem with ghosting for night photography.

4.) Long tele: 200 mm f/4 AI or AI-s. Inexpensive, sharp, small and takes 52mm filters like all the other lenses I just suggested. Built-in hood. The 180mm f/2.8 ED is great, but much heavier and thus it usually sat home.

 

More Information     top

Nikon Lens Technology and Alphabet Soup

Nikon's index of current manual-focus lenses

How to Fix Lens Distortion in Photoshop

DxO Software corrects most optical issues perfectly.

Roland Vink's Nikon SLR lens data

Robert Rottmerhusen's AF Lens CPU serial numbers

John White (AI conversions of old lenses). I've used him with great results.

Legacy2Digital.com does AI-P conversions.

 

© Ken Rockwell. All rights reserved. Tous droits réservés. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.

 

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Ken Rockwell

 

 

02 Mar 2024, Dec 2022,