Ranking the best lenses for Nikon cameras in 2022

The lens is the most important link in photographic equipment, since the quality of the image depends on it. There are many units of goods of this purpose on the market. The review presents popular models of lenses for Nikon brand cameras.

Selection criterion

Before you go shopping for a lens, you need to accurately determine the type of activity (the direction in which you are going to work).How to choose the right model? Consider the main functionality of the structures and its purpose, and then you can make a small conclusion and decide on the model.

All lens models have a common structure:

1. Lens - directs light into the camera, which hits the matrix. Optical elements are responsible for further image formation.
2. Thread - used for screwing various filters or accessories for the camera.
3. Focus ring - focusing.
4. Zoom - changes the focal length.
5. Aperture (ring) - sets a numerical value that is controlled through the body of the device.
6. Bayonet - a place for attaching photographic equipment and a lens.

Device classification:

• Ultra wide angle;
• short throw;
• Normal;
• Portrait;
• TV Lens: Accommodates huge imaginary spaces, designed for landscape photography (urban bustle), group portraits, interiors and genre photography. Wide-angle lenses provide a viewing angle of 60 degrees or more.
• Fisheye - gives an unusual image for human perception: a round picture. An image is inscribed in this circle, the viewing angle of which is 180 degrees.
• Macro - shooting from a short distance, allowing you to get the image in the photo in real size.
• Zoom lenses are equipped with a variable focal length, which allows you to create a frame according to the exact idea of ​​the photographer. Thanks to such models, it is possible to obtain images of different scales from the same point. The disadvantage is a weak aperture compared to fixes.
• Fixed lenses. They have a constant focal length, which is endowed with high optical properties and aperture ratio.
• cetaceans. Standard lenses included with purchase.Suitable for photographing portraits, subjects, landscapes and life events. However, pictures taken with these types of structures are of poor quality.

List of lenses

The catalog of high-quality lenses for photographic equipment was compiled by the best manufacturers for this year. All models are divided into main subcategories, and in some cases, several types of lenses are taken for comparison.

Standard

This category consists of simple lenses, inexpensive in the price segment. They are often purchased by novice photographers and are in the collection of every professional, and are also used in photo salons for taking pictures for documents.

50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor

The presented model is ideal for shooting portraits or photos in which you need to separate the background from the subject being shot. The lens is very sharp. It is recommended to cover the aperture to 2-2.2. The lens produces an excellent picture. With this lens, even on budget models like 3100, you can take gorgeous pictures. For crop, this lens will not work if you use it to shoot a birthday party in small spaces.

Full-frame high-aperture device, designed for shooting still life, street photography and other genres. It supports auto and manual focus as well as Live View. The drive system is high-speed, with the most accurate focusing. This lens delivers impeccable image quality. The case is metal, durable. The contact pads are gold-plated, which increases signal conductivity and provides corrosion resistance.

Characteristics
Bayonet	F
Focal length	5 cm
Aperture (F):	1.8; minimum -16
Viewing angle	47 degrees
Filter thread	5.8 cm
Dimensions (in centimeters):	diameter - 7.2; length - 5.25
The weight	185 grams
average price	15000 rubles

• Price;
• Aperture;
• sharpness;
• constructive;
• Fast, silent autofocus;
• Good color rendering;
• Great bokeh;
• The presence of a portrait "fifty dollars";
• Light;
• Compact.

• Strong distortion when shooting at close range;
• AF smears in poor lighting conditions.

NIKKOR AF-S 50 /1.4G

Features of the model: high-quality optics with a large aperture, equipped with an electronic drive that operates quietly during the operation of equipment. The design gives a spectacular picture in the sight. It is suitable for shooting in low light conditions or obtaining a shallow depth of field (in some cases, when the image is sharp).

Due to its functionality, it allows you to eliminate the appearance of chromatic aberration and flare; has 2 focus modes. The front element does not rotate, so it is possible to isolate rays from natural light with a certain orientation of the wave oscillation plane and use accessories for flash photography, which is carried out using a bayonet mount.

Characteristics
Bayonet	F
Focal length	4.5 cm
Aperture (F):	1.4; minimum -16
Viewing angle	46 degrees
Thread	5.2 cm
Dimensions (in centimeters):	diameter - 6.45; length - 4.25
The weight	230 grams
By price	19700 rubles

• Nimble;
• Metal bayonet;
• “At f / 1.4, it’s nicely soft in the distance”;
• High luminosity;
• Produces a sharp and beautiful picture (with an open aperture);
• Ideal geometry;
• Excellent glass;
• Drawing corners;
• Handheld shooting indoors and at dusk;

• Expensive, relative to fellow f / 1.8;
• Sometimes chromatic aberration appears.

Universal

Models of such a plan have an extended list of features. In the price segment, they are expensive, but they allow you to take pictures in several variations, for example, portrait and landscape photography. Designs are a priority among amateur and professional photographers.

"AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR"

11.1x super zoom lens supports DX format (sensor size 24x16mm). There is a vibration suppression system and an ultrasonic SWM motor. The model gives a lot of opportunities in the photo process or helps to improve the quality of images:

• Shooting in low light (ensuring image stabilization);
• Instantaneous autofocus system;
• Multi-layer antireflection coating;
• The presence of 2 elements of ED glass;
• Color reproduction with minimal distortion.

The design is equipped with a switch that locks the zoom, thereby protecting the lens when not in use. Suitable for shooting any format: wide landscapes, macro photography of distant objects and much more. The model is designed for non-full-frame cameras.

Characteristics
fasteners	F
Focus:	variable, 18-200 mm; distance (min) – 0.5 m
Dimensions (centimeters):	length - 9.65; width - 7.7
Net weight:	565 grams
Review	76-8 degrees
Aperture	3,5-5,6
Thread diameter	7.2 cm
What is the price	about 30,000 rubles

• Focal length range;
• Universal;
• VRII works great;
• The presence of a latch;
• Design;
• Stabilizer;
• Manufacturing quality;
• Good drawing;
• body material;
• High level of autofocus;
• Sharpness.

• Heavy;
• Dark.

Fish eye

These models usually have a short focal length and a viewing angle of 180 degrees. In applied areas of photography (for example, meteorologists), a circular type of lens of this category is used, which gives a circular perspective, but the picture partially fills the frame.

The most popular is the diagonal type: it completely fills the frame.

"10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor"

A full-frame fixed focal length lens is compatible with non-full-frame cameras. The structure mount is not equipped with a built-in motor, so noise is heard during operation.

Purpose: shooting panoramas of a spherical plan with a cropped matrix, due to which the device provides a wide angle view and retains detail.

Characteristics
Type of	fix
Focus	auto
System:	FX, DX
Diagonal corner	180 degrees
Aperture (F):	2.80; minimum - 22
Focus distance	1.05 cm
Least focus	0.14 m
Dimensions (in centimeters):	length - 6.3; width - 6.25
The weight	300 grams
Price	47000 rubles

• Large depth of field;
• Detailing;
• Compact;
• Cutting;
• super photos;
• Color rendition;
• viewing angle;
• Autofocus.

• Glare resistant;
• Noisy;
• Price.

telephoto lens

Models of this series perform a wide range of tasks: shooting at a distance of objects that cannot be approached; blur the background - this is good for portrait photography; good macro photography.

Where they are used: for video recording of reports, observation of nature, photography, etc.

AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED

Decent glass for creating a portfolio.Able to isolate the subject from the background from various distances. Bokeh from any angle gives a uniform, smooth blur. The picture is endowed with many shades, which indicates the high plasticity of the technique.

When using an aperture of 1.4, the image is contrasting with slight chromaticity and excellent rendering of details.

Recommendation: for good balance, it is better to use cameras with a large grip and comparable or higher weight.

For shooting in the open air or in a studio with difficult lighting, it is better to wear a hood to avoid glare in the frame.

The lens is definitely for professionals; amateurs and beginners are better off buying cheaper models.

Characteristics
Bayonet	Nikon F
Focal length	105 mm
Aperture values ​​(F):	1.4 and 16
Distance	1m
Review	23 degrees
light filter	8.2 cm
The weight	985 grams
Parameters (in cm.):	diameter - 9.45; length - 10.6
Price	143000 rubles

• plastic picture;
• Fast autofocus;
• Blur quality and aesthetics;
• Silent ultrasonic motor;
• Moisture protection;
• Accurate color reproduction;
• Rugged housing;
• No significant chromatic aberrations;
• The depth of the depicted space.

• Lack of VR;
• Plastic case;
• Expensive;
• The weight.

Portrait

Purpose: for portrait and "cine" close-up shooting.

Optics gives a soft image of the object, while masking the imperfections of the skin. Characteristic features: a fixed focal length, which is approximately equal to the diagonal of the frame (increasing the indicator by 2 times) and a large light intensity.Together, this gives the desired picture for a portrait frame due to the small depth of clarity and slight distortion.

AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

The model for beginners, easy to operate, gives a clear image. The functionality of all indicators is high, and there are practically no shortcomings. The design can be taken on trips. The versatility of the fix is ​​well suited for handheld photography. The glass “concentrates” quickly, but it can occasionally “smear”, so it’s better to shoot in series and check the sharpness in the process of shooting. The distortion here is very pronounced. Portraits are best done indoors.

Characteristics
Retainer	Nikon F
Aperture (F):	1.8; min 22
The weight	200 grams
Dimensions (centimeters):	length - 7; width - 5.25
Corner	44 degrees per minute
Focused closest distance	0.3 m
Filter thread	5.2 cm
price tag	12000 rubles

• Value for money;
• Convenient focal length for DX;
• Lightweight;
• ultrasonic motor;
• Compact;
• Equipment;
• Beautiful bokeh;
• Manual guidance;
• Qualitative;
• Silent;
• Can be used as a staff member;
• Light power.

• Slight chromatic aberration.

wide angle type

The designs are equipped with lenses that make the object of attention huge, and the background ones, on the contrary, small. Those. such lenses indirectly distort reality. Most often, this feature is used to better demonstrate the subject being filmed, while maintaining the background image.

10mm f/2.8 Nikkor 1

One of the smallest models. Has good properties. At its cost is available to everyone. The lens is easy to operate and fully automated.

Characteristics
Distance	1 cm
Dimensions (centimeters):	length - 5.55; width - 2.2
The weight	77 grams
Aperture (F):	2.8; minimum - 11
fasteners	Nikon 1
Filter thread	4.05 cm
price tag	22000 rubles

• Protected from dust and moisture;
• Can be put in a pocket;
• color rendering;
• High-quality shooting;
• There is no power button;
• Inexpensive;
• Saves battery;
• Stylish design;
• Several body color options.

• The focus ring is missing.

24mm f/1.4G ED AF-S Nikkor

The model has an ultra-high luminous power. The mechanism of the design ensures the sharpness of the picture in any light. It also has an anti-reflective coating that reduces ghosting and flare. The lens is equipped with an ultrasonic drive.

For whom: amateurs or professionals.

Why: creating unusual shots, product photography, portrait photography, etc.

Characteristics
Focal length	24 mm
Aperture (F):	1.4; min - 16
Bayonet	F
Dimensions (in centimeters):	length - 8.3; width - 8.85
Focused distance (shortest)	0.25 m
Thread diameter	7.7 cm
Visibility	84 degrees
Compatibility:	FX format
Weight	620 grams
By cost	153000 rubles

• Little distortion, even at the edges of the frame;
• Color rendition;
• Juicy picture;
• contrast;
• Aperture;
• Build quality;
• Interesting features;
• Quiet lens operation
• Focused motor;
• Versatility.
• Anti-reflective coating;
• Variety of stories.

• Expensive.

macro lens

Macro photography - photographing small objects from a short distance (back to back).

"Nikkor 85mm f / 3.5G ED VR DX AF-S"

The shortest distance of this lens allows you to get close to the subject in the process of shooting at the desired distance. A positive feature of the design is the presence of a built-in stabilization system + aperture of the device. The 1:1 scale shows sharp and beautiful pictures.

The dimensions of the equipment allow you to easily take it with you on a trip or for a regular walk.

The model is suitable for both beginners and amateurs, as well as professionals in their field.

The scope of use is the sale of goods, photographing portraits, reporting, etc.

Characteristics
Field of view with crop factor	12.75 cm
Parameters (see):	diameter - 7.3; length - 10
The weight	355 grams
focal length	28 cm
Filter thread	5.2
Aperture (F):	3.5; minimum - 32
Purpose:	for non-full frame cameras
Sum	34000 rubles

• For subject photography;
• Vibration suppression system;
• Advanced handheld shooting options;
• ED glass;
• Internal focus;
• One year warranty;
• Options;
• Lightweight;
• SWM;
• Image contrast.

• Not identified.

long focus

These types of lenses are designed to capture distant objects.

"AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II"

On cropped cameras, the lens works great. The model is developed according to the latest technologies and has a number of advantages: lens parking system; the presence of image stabilization; gives high quality picture and many other advantages. The design is not suitable for macro photography, as there are weak opportunities for this process.

Budget versions can be used by any photographer; this lens belongs to this category.You can shoot anything: nature, sports games, etc.

Characteristics
fasteners	F
Maximum shooting scale:	1:3,7
smallest distance	1.1 m
Aperture (F):	max - 4-5.6; min - 22-32
Thread	5.2
Net weight:	300 grams
Dimensions (see):	length - 8.3; diameter - 7.05
Image Angle	28; 5-8 degrees
Focal length:	55-200 mm
Price	8000 rubles

• sharpness;
• Compact packaging;
• Lightweight;
• Budget version;
• Stabilizer;
• Good color rendering;
• Focusing is fast;
• Universal;
• Brother of the telephoto lens.

• Not detected.

ultra wide angle

The visual diagonal field of such lenses starts from 90 degrees. This category has 2 subspecies: fisheye and without distortion (rectilinear). Such models are well suited for landscape photography.

AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

Often this lens is used for interior photography. With the right position, you can cover the entire width of the room. To minimize the trapezoid, you need to shoot from an average height.

Characteristics
Bayonet	F
Focal length	20 mm
Aperture (max/min):	2,8/22
Corner	94 degrees
Parameters (in centimeters):	diameter - 6.2; length - 4.25
The weight	270 grams
Thread	6.9 cm
Average cost	35000 rubles

• Good width for FF;
• Inexpensive;
• Fixes;
• Cutting;
• A small amount of distortion;
• Covers full frame;
• Small;
• Blurs the background;
• field of view;
• Autofocus.

• Big DOF.

Conclusion

According to buyers, this year the presented lens models are of high quality and the most affordable.

There are several types of lenses for the camera, which are briefly described above and have their own characteristics.Therefore, in order to avoid mistakes when choosing a design, it is necessary to thoroughly study all the technical aspects of the product and read customer reviews.

The best-selling lens is inexpensive and can shoot multiple types. For example, portrait and landscape.

The rating of high-quality designs was made not only by fresh models, but also by those that came out a long time ago and continue to hold leading positions.