This article discusses the lenses we think any enthusiast or professional photographer with a Nikon system should have in their arsenal. We can safely recommend selected samples; each of them is the optimal choice in its class of optics, and together they cover almost all typical shooting subjects.
Nikon has nearly a hundred lenses for a wide variety of needs and budgets. In addition, Nikon Film cameras are renowned for compatibility with previous generations of lenses. Therefore, taking into account the aftermarket, the fleet of branded optics is extremely wide. Nevertheless, we have included third-party lenses in this review, which are alternatives to branded optics in terms of capabilities and price.
All view lenses are divided into two broad categories: the first for cameras with APS-C (DX) format sensors, and the second for cameras with full-frame sensors (FX).
Versatile zoom APS-C
AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f / 2.8-4G ED VR
This versatile lens does not often come with a camera. Instead Nikon cameras usually come with zoom with a focal length range of 18-55 mm. The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f / 2.8-4G ED VR is a great replacement for the stock zoom lens when its capabilities are no longer satisfactory for the photographer.
Why do we recommend this particular lens for this role? Because 16mm at f / 2.8 is a pronounced wide-angle, useful for both sequential photography and landscapes, and 80mm at f / 4 is a good portrait lens. Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm
As befits a reportage lens, the AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f / 2.8-4G ED VR is equipped with a fast ultrasonic autofocus drive with continuous manual focus adjustment and image stabilization up to 4 stops.
Tamron 16-300mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO
Another interesting replacement for the standard zoom is our tested Tamron travel zoom with a minimum focal length of 16mm. The field of view at this distance is 10% wider than the focal length of 18 mm. Which simplifies landscape photography and work in tight spaces, and emphasizes perspective more intensely. The maximum focal length of 300 mm is typical for travel zooms. The lens demonstrates quite decent image quality throughout the entire focal length range. The folded length of the lens is only 9.5 cm, the weight is 540 grams, and the filter diameter is 67 mm.
The Tamron 16-300mm F / 3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO focuses from a distance of 39 cm. Providing a 0.34 × zoom ratio, so the word MACRO in the title looks quite justified. The stabilizer adequately holds the picture at a shutter speed of 1/20 s and a focal length of 300 mm. Moreover, it does not freeze, since it uses an electronic gyroscope. The hood is included in the package. This is not the only lens in Nikon’s range of travel zooms, but, in our opinion, the best in all of its advantages.
AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f / 3.5-4.5G ED
2.4x ultra wide-angle Best nikon lens for portraits with a 109 ° to 61 ° field of view. The closest focusing distance is only 24 cm, which allows shooting at 0.20 × magnification. The lens with a diameter of 82 mm and a length of 87 mm is quite weighty – 460 grams. Ultrasonic autofocus, manual sharpening is always on, nothing rotates during focusing.
Optical design for minimal aberration, high contrast and sharpness. This is not an empty advertising statement – the lens is indeed almost orthoscopic, with minor vignetting and well-corrected chromatic aberration. Despite its hefty price tag and only works with DX-format cameras. We recommend this lens to anyone looking for a good wide-angle zoom for all occasions.
AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G ED VR
This lens is useful for those who lack the maximum focal length in the kit lens supplied with the camera. The focal length in it changes 5.5 times. The angle of view in teleportation is only 5 ° 20. This is almost 10 times less than the field of view of a normal lens and roughly corresponds to the capabilities of 10x binoculars.
The built-in stabilizer allows you to shoot at shutter speeds 3 stops slower than what is considered safe when shooting without a stabilizer. The nine-blade diaphragm produces circular highlights in bokeh. Light filters for this lens need a fairly affordable diameter, only 58 mm. The hood is supplied in the kit. The AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f / 4.5-5.6G ED VR is resistant to dust and moisture, which is especially useful since telephoto lenses are often used outdoors.
