The best Nikon lens for portraits is always the top choice for professional photographers aiming for a perfect masterpiece. Capturing a portrait that exudes artistic essence with distinctive charm and charisma requires a great deal of passion, practice, and the right equipment and settings. One essential piece of gear is the best Nikon lens for portraits. Let’s now compile some of the best Nikon lenses for portraits and their key features.
Table of Contents
Best Nikon Lens For Portraits: Top Picks
1. Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is the most versatile lens in the Z series, essential for various photo and video needs. It excels in landscapes, street photography, full-length, and environmental portraits, providing stunning clarity, high resolution, and natural bokeh. Enhanced by a Multi-Focus System, advanced lens flare correction, and S-Line features, this lens is a must-have. Positioned at the pinnacle of performance, precision, and optical superiority, it marks the sweet spot for photographers and videographers alike.
| Focal Length Description | 24-70mm |
| Lens Type | Wide Angle |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon Z, Nikon F |
| Camera Lens Description | 70mm |
| Product Dimensions | 4.96 x 3.5 x 3.5 inches |
2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens
The F mount lens designed for DX-format features a 44-degree picture angle (equivalent to 52.5mm in 35mm format). It incorporates rear focusing with manual focus override, and its aperture ranges from F/1.8 to 22. The lens, measuring approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeters, employs a Silent Wave Motor AF system and accepts screw-on filters. Constructed with 8 elements in 6 groups, it is compatible with DX and FX formats in DX crop mode, with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.16x. Notably, the lens is non-zoomable.
| Focal Length Description | 35 millimeter aspherical |
| Lens Type | Standard |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F |
| Camera Lens Description | 35 month |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches |
3. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens
For autofocus with manual override (M/A), switch the lens focus-mode to M/A. Override autofocus by rotating the focus ring while pressing the shutter-release button halfway or the AF-ON button if available. To refocus using autofocus, press the shutter-release button halfway or the AF-ON button again. The fast f/1.8 maximum aperture excels in various lighting, providing natural background blur. Compatible with FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, and 35mm Film formats, this lens ensures versatile and high-performance focusing, making it ideal for capturing the best in any subject.
| Focal Length Description | 85 mm |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (FX) |
| Camera Lens Description | 85 month |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches |
4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is an exceptional super telephoto zoom lens catering to diverse passions. It excels in capturing distant subjects like birds, wildlife, and sports, providing a constant f/5.6 aperture for beautiful background blur. The lens features a super integrated coating to minimize flare and ghosting, ensuring improved contrast and clarity. The silent Wave Motor AF system allows fast and near-silent focusing for both stills and movies. With vibration reduction stabilization, it counters camera shake up to 4.5 stops, enabling sharp photos and steady videos. Additionally, it is lightweight, compact, and compatible with optional teleconverters for added zoom power.
| Focal Length Description | 200-500 |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F |
| Camera Lens Description | 4 |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 7.48 x 7.48 x 17.2 inches |
5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction
A powerful 5.5x telephoto zoom lens with a 58mm filter thread, the Nikon VR Image Stabilization features Tripod Detection Mode. With a focal length range of 55-300mm and a minimum focus distance of 4.6 feet (1.4m), it incorporates an HRI (High Refractive Index) lens element and 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements for superior image quality. The Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quiet autofocus, and it comes with a convenient snap-on lens cap.
| Focal Length Description | 300 |
| Lens Type | Telephoto |
| Compatible Mountings | Nikon F (DX) |
| Camera Lens Description | 300 month |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 4.84 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches |
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