The best Nikon prime lens will give you unrivaled quality and performance. Zoom lens technology has made so much progress in recent decades. As a result, even pros find themselves often using zooms. But there’s something about the quality of a prime lens that is hard to beat.
Major camera manufacturers demonstrate this by producing brand-new prime lenses for their state-of-the-art mirrorless cameras. So, whether you shoot on a Nikon DSLR or a newer mirrorless camera, we’ve selected the best Nikon prime lenses for you. Our top pick is the Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8. It’s faster than your kit zoom lens and has superb optics and an unbeatable price.
What Is the Best Nikon Prime Lens?
We’ve divided our recommendations according to the lens mount. So you’ll find AF lenses at the beginning. These are followed by our choice of Nikon Z-Mount prime lenses.
Before we dive into the details, here’s a summary of all our recommendations.
- Fast f/1.8 for low-light conditions
- Compact, lightweight design
- Picture angle approximates 50mm on APS-C DSLRs
- 7-blade diaphragm for natural out-of-focus elements
- Silent Wave Motor for quick, accurate, and quiet autofocus
- High-speed standard lens
- D-type lens design for flash and ambient light exposure
- Multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting
- Stops down to f/22 for excellent depth-of-field control
- Ideal for shooting full-length portraits in available light
- Fast f/5.6 maximum aperture
- Includes 1.25x teleconverter
- Lightweight fluorite lens elements improving optical performance and handling
- Vibration reduction enables faster handheld shooting
- Electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposures during high-speed bursts
- Fast f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Nikon VR II image stabilization
- Nano Crystal Coat for greater image clarity
- Three ED elements for sharpness and color correction
- Aspherical lens element for image integrity
- Long reach with superior performance
- Nearly 3 pounds lighter than predecessor
- Vibration Reduction up to 4 stops
- Lightweight, durable, and reliable
- SPORT VR mode for fast-action sports
- Ultra-fast classic wide-angle lens with FX-format
- Nano Crystal Coat for superior image clarity
- Edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format DSLRs
- Aspherical lens element eliminates coma and other aberrations
- Rear focus and M/A focus mode switch for smooth and fast autofocus
- High quality stills and HD movies
- Ideal for shooting close-ups, flowers, collectables, portraits, and landscapes
- Compact and lightweight DX-format lens
- Sharp images from infinity to life-size (1x)
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and close-range correction system (CRC)
- Fast aperture of f/1.8 for beautiful background blur
- Internal focus, 85mm focal length, 0.80m minimum focus range
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and 7 rounded blades for smooth bokeh
- Compatible with FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, and 35mm film
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for reduced flares and ghosting
- Lightest full frame AF lens
- Achieve high sharpness and clarity
- VR modes for sports and action
- Minimized chromatic aberration and ghosting
- Fluorine coating for protection
- 114-degree picture angle with a fast f/2.8 aperture
- Captures broad expanse with an exaggerated perspective
- Hybrid aspherical lens and ED glass elements
- RF (rear focus) system for superior optical performance
- Built-in flower type lens hood
- Sharpest and fastest 50mm prime
- Fast f/1.2 maximum aperture
- Free from distortion
- Breakthrough autofocus and distortion/glare control
- Weatherproof build
- OLED screen for status information
- 105mm focal length and 1:1 reproduction ratio
- Outstanding portrait lens with classic 105mm look
- f/2.8 maximum aperture
- Multi-focus system for reduced chromatic aberration
- Ultra-wide 20mm full frame lens
- f/1.8 maximum aperture for stunning speed and bokeh
- S-Line optics for sharp and clean photos/videos
- Advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements
- Multi-focusing system for fast autofocusing
- Brilliant 35mm prime lens for Z mirrorless cameras
- Unprecedented f/1.8 performance for extreme sharpness
- Ultra-quiet stepping motor for silent focusing
- Superior low-light performance
- 5-axis Dual Detect optical VR powered by Z mirrorless cameras
- Iconic 50mm prime reimagined for the Z system
- Sharper across entire frame, virtually zero distortion
- Beautiful bokeh, superior low-light performance
- Ultra-quiet focusing with 5-axis Dual Detect optical VR
- Fast 50mm prime for Z mirrorless cameras
- Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture
- Edge-to-edge sharpness even wide open
- Programmable control ring
- No discernable distortion
- Excellent bokeh
What Is the Best Nikon Prime Lens for F-Mount Cameras?
With a pedigree stretching back decades, you’ll find the biggest choice of lenses for Nikon’s full frame and APS-C (DX) cameras. Many of these will also work on a Z-Mount camera using the right adapter. Here are our suggestions in more detail.
1. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fast Silent Wave Motor for AF
|
| Best For |
Best For
Standard lens use on a DX camera
|
The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is a budget prime lens for Nikon’s DX APS-C format cameras. Because it is an F-mount, it will fit a full frame Nikon camera, but there will be vignetting. On a DX camera, it is equivalent to 53mm. This means you get a fast and compact nifty fifty for your DX camera.
And it’s a great lens for this purpose. It’s sharp at all apertures, but especially so between f/2.8 and f/5.6. Autofocus is fast and accurate. Although it’s mainly plastic, its key components are metal and should last a long time.
For DX users, the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8 is a great choice for an everyday lens. It’s the sort of lens you might forget to take off your camera because it’s so good.
2. Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 Prime Lens
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Amazing value for an f/1.8 lens
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for a fast, convenient standard lens
|
The Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8D offers probably the best value of any Nikon lens. It should probably be the second lens any Nikon user buys, unless you opt for the faster and more expensive f/1.4 or f/1.2. But otherwise, this is the best value Nikon lens out there.
Much has been written about the merits of the nifty fifty, and rightly so. Photographers of my generation scrimped and saved to throw off the shackles of the “standard” lens that came with our SLRs. Now we’re snapping up their modern equivalents.
This incarnation from Nikon is quick to focus and sharp at every aperture. There is nothing to speak of in terms of distortion, fall-off, or aberration. The Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8D will give you great shots in lighting that would defeat almost any zoom lens.
3. Nikon AF-S FX 800mm f/5.6 ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
800 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
| Key Features |
Key Features
Includes dedicated 1.25x teleconverter
|
| Best For |
Best For
Wildlife and nature photography
|
In one sense, the Nikon AF-S FX 800mm f/5.6 ED VR is the definition of “niche.” Most photographers won’t have room in their camera bag or wallet for one of these.
There are certain situations where you might use one of these lenses. Sports where you can’t get close enough to the action, or wildlife photography could be two of them. But unless you make a lot of money (and it would have to be a lot) you won’t get value for money.
If you do need a lens this long, this is a fantastic choice. The sharpness, build quality, and overall performance is excellent. With the included 1.25x teleconverter, you also get access to an f/7.1 1000mm lens.
The Nikon AF-S FX 800mm f/5.6 ED VR is an outstanding lens with an eye-watering price. But if your livelihood relies on capturing distant events clearly and reliably, it’s a lens that will deliver exceptional results.
4. Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
300 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fast maximum aperture and ED lens elements
|
| Best For |
Best For
Sports photography
|
The Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is the perfect choice for professional sport or press photographers. It is far from cheap. But it will deliver ultra-fast autofocus to keep up with the action.
It is also super-sharp all the way down to its fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. And wide open, it delivers that holy grail of pin-sharp focus and smooth bokeh. That’s one of the reasons you might see your wedding photographer using one.
Built to withstand the rigors of daily professional use, the Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is an outstanding lens across a wide range of photography genres.
5. Nikon 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Special SPORTS VR mode
|
| Best For |
Best For
Fast-moving sports on large fields
|
The Nikon 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR is an excellent lens for wildlife, landscape, and sports photography. For such a long lens, the f/4 maximum aperture is fast. And it is backed up by image stabilization. Nikon claims up to four stops for their Vibration Reduction (VR) system. One neat aspect of the VR is automatic tripod detection.
Nikon has a well-deserved reputation for optical excellence in their super-telephotos. And this lens is no exception. It’s sharp at all apertures until you get to f/22. Like most lenses, it starts to suffer from diffraction at this point. But this is much later than most lenses.
The autofocus is another outstanding feature of the Nikon 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR. It is super-fast and accurate. Of course, this is a staggeringly expensive lens. But if you earn your living taking photos, it could be worth the investment.
6. Nikon AF-S FX 35mm f/1.4
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Nano-coating and aspherical lens elements
|
| Best For |
Best For
Working with challenging lighting conditions
|
The Nikon AF-S FX 35mm f/1.4 is a favorite among professional photographers. The fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is ideal for challenging light conditions. It’s a great focal length for capturing a wider view. But it doesn’t distort like a 28mm or 24mm. And the increased depth of field over 50mm gives you more focusing leeway.
It’s not a cheap lens. And some people might find the plastic barrel disappointing. But not all plastics are “plasticky.” This is built to last for a busy pro using it constantly.
The performance won’t disappoint either. Optically, it is very sharp. And the only question mark might be over the speed of AF. But it takes time to focus when you are wide open at f/1.4. And this is critical because the depth of field is wafer-thin at that aperture. But overall, the Nikon AF-S FX 35mm f/1.4 will give years of outstanding service.
7. Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
40 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
True macro 1
|
| Best For |
Best For
Budget macro photography on a DX camera
|
The Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8 is only suitable for Nikon DX cameras. It will give you the equivalent of a 60mm lens on a full frame. It is very useful for close-up work on a budget, but it isn’t a specialist macro lens.
With that said, it does have a 1:1 reproduction ratio. So this is proper macro territory. And it delivers super-sharp images at all distances. Autofocus is quick and very accurate. There is an always-available manual focus ring. You can also lock manual focus if you want to.
Bokeh is surprisingly good for such a short focal length lens. And you will find the background pleasingly out of focus, especially when wide open. For not very much money, the Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8 lens is excellent value.
8. Nikon AF-S FX 85mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Beautiful bokeh and fast maximum aperture
|
| Best For |
Best For
Portrait photography
|
The Nikon AF-S FX 85mm f/1.8 is a compact and very competent lens. On a DX camera, it’s the equivalent of a roughly 130mm lens. In portrait photography, 85mm is a popular focal length. And this lens delivers good bokeh at wide-open apertures.
The autofocus is fast and almost always accurate. Images are sharp from corner to corner at every aperture. There is no visible distortion, aberration, or lens flare.
Overall the Nikon AF-S FX 85mm f/1.8 delivers beautiful photos across the whole aperture range. It’s a very handy focal length and very popular with professional photographers.
9. Nikon AF-S FX 300mm f/4.0 ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
300 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Lightweight, Sports Mode IS
|
| Best For |
Best For
Fast-action sports
|
The Nikon AF-S FX 300mm f/4.0 ED has one big advantage over many of its competitors. It is very light. And it achieves this without any compromise in quality. The importance of its weight is that it allows you to use it all day. That’s not something you can say about many 300mm lenses
The quality of the optics is superb. Bokeh is as good as you will find on a lens of this length. And although the maximum f/4 aperture is not the fastest, it is still impressive.
Overall, this Nikon lens produces excellent images with little distortion. And it’s about a third of the price of the 300mm f/2.8. For most users, it certainly makes more sense than its more expensive stablemate.
10. Nikon AF FX 14mm f/2.8 ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon F
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
14 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Super-wide field of view
|
| Best For |
Best For
Dramatic landscape photography
|
There’s no getting away from it, the Nikon AF FX 14mm f/2.8 ED is a highly specialized lens. The images you get with a super-wide lens like this can be breathtaking. And this Nikon does not disappoint.
Autofocus is very fast and accurate. And with such a wide lens, the depth of field means almost everything is in focus all the time. Even so, this lens delivers impressive edge-to-edge sharpness. There is, of course, significant distortion. This is usually part of what photographers look for in a super-wide lens. But if not, you can correct this in processing.
Ghosting and flare can be a problem when you gather light from such a wide area. But the Nikon AF FX 14mm f/2.8 ED copes really well. You’ll get sun stars when you want them. But otherwise, the lens behaves flawlessly.
What Is the Best Nikon Prime Lens for Z-Mount Cameras?
The number of available lenses for Nikon’s range of mirrorless cameras continues to grow. And some of them are the most technologically advanced lenses Nikon has ever produced. So here are our recommendations.
11. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Very fast, extra-sharp optics
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for an exceptional lens whatever the price
|
There’s no doubt that the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S lens is an exceptional lens. It’s also exceptionally large. It looks more like an old 200mm telephoto than a standard lens. In fact, it’s as long as my 40-year-old Vivitar manual 200mm lens. It might be a “fifty,” but “nifty” it is not.
But once we get over that, we find an exceptionally sharp lens with an f/1.2 maximum aperture. That’s impressive by any measure. And the most impressive thing about it is its clarity. It is corner-to-corner sharp across the whole aperture range. There’s no discernible distortion and barely any fall-off.
The bonus for videographers is the almost total lack of focus breathing. Bokeh is not outstanding, but it is pleasant and not distracting. It comes with a hefty price tag, but the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.2 S is a beautifully sharp and very fast lens.
12. Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
105 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
True macro 1-to-1 reproduction
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone looking for a combined macro and portrait lens
|
The Nikon Z 105mm f/2.8 VR takes a popular focal length and pairs it with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture. What it delivers is extremely sharp optics down to true macro 1:1 reproduction.
This makes a good portrait lens. The bokeh isn’t outstanding, but the combination of focal length and maximum aperture is ideal for portrait work. Autofocus is not the fastest. But there is a constantly available manual focus ring.
There is also an additional control ring that is for the programmable functions on Nikon cameras. The cameras will also correct for the slight distortion from this lens. This Nikon Z1 105mm lens gives outstanding results in both macro and normal modes.
13. Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
20 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fast maximum aperture and super-quiet AF motor
|
| Best For |
Best For
Landscape and interior photography
|
As high-end cameras move from DSLR to mirrorless, lenses like the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 ED come along. They nearly always match an equivalent full frame lens from the manufacturer. And often, as with this Nikon, they improve on the DSLR version.
This lens brings exceptional optics and a fast AF to a very attractive focal length. Many photographers prefer the extra width over 24mm. But they like the fact that it’s not as distorted as a 16mm or wider. This makes the 20mm a very popular lens, especially when you consider the fast f/1.8 maximum aperture.
This lens produces beautifully sharp images. This applies across all the apertures. There is no bokeh to speak of because it’s such a wide angle. Nikon mirrorless cameras automatically correct for slight distortion and aberration. It’s not cheap, but the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 is a great lens.
14. Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Superb bokeh, no focus breathing
|
| Best For |
Best For
Street photography and video
|
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a thoroughly modern take on a classic lens. As I said, a 35mm lens is very popular with photographers. It’s especially suited to street photography and candid photography. This Nikon lens for its mirrorless cameras has many modern benefits, from an electronic diaphragm to electronic near-silent AF motors.
Mirrorless cameras are increasingly popular among videographers. This lens will no doubt prove a hit with those who shoot videos. One of its benefits is the almost total lack of focus breathing. It also benefits from superb bokeh.
Distortion is mild and easily correctable in-camera with the available presets. And the sharpness impresses even wide open at f/1.8. The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a high-performing lens for the Nikon mirrorless shooter.
15. Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Superb optics, brilliant technical engineering
|
| Best For |
Best For
Working professionals looking for a go-to standard lens
|
The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 is not really a “nifty fifty,” because it is very expensive and large. But it is an exceptional lens. It is superbly sharp and particularly well-suited to video work.
This lens takes advantage of the opportunity offered by a new mirrorless format. Instead of simply reframing an existing lens, Nikon has chosen to reengineer it. So the lack of a mirror allows a shorter flange distance. So we have a lens with an electronic iris, a large maximum aperture, and a programmable control ring.
By default, this control ring provides instant manual focus override. But it can be programmed to perform a number of different functions like f-stop or ISO. The optical quality is superb. Images are incredibly sharp, and any distortion is dealt with in-camera. Bokeh is beautiful, and focus breathing is undetectable. Videographers, among others, will love the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8.
16. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Beautiful bokeh and exceptional sharpness
|
| Best For |
Best For
Portrait photography
|
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 ED is one of Nikon’s most advanced lenses. And it produces superb images. It is edge-to-edge sharp, even wide open at f/1.8. There’s no need for auto distortion correction, as there is none. It’s as optically true as you could hope for.
As you would hope for in a portrait lens, the bokeh is beautiful. There are no problems with flare or ghosts. Videographers might want to avoid it, as there is noticeable focus breathing.
But for portraits, this is a dream of a lens. Beautifully sharp with decently fast autofocus. The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 ED has a programmable control ring. So you can use it in default mode as an always-available manual focus. Or you can choose another function such as aperture or ISO. It’s a top-notch Nikon prime lens.
Buyer’s Guide
Why Choose a Nikon Prime Lens?
For any given focal length, a prime lens will almost certainly be faster and give better results. And often for less money! There are simple reasons for this. They are less complex optically, and therefore cheaper to produce. Fewer compromises are made in design, and therefore high quality is easier (and cheaper) to achieve.
That’s not to say that prime lenses are cheap. Some are eye-wateringly expensive. Professionals value the quality you get from a prime lens and are prepared to pay for it.
If You Could Choose Just One Prime Lens?
The 50mm is the obvious choice. The bang for your buck is unrivaled. But if you want to step into portrait photography, think hard about a specialist portrait-length prime. An 85mm like the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 ED is a great choice.
If you’re looking for a go-anywhere lens for street photography, then a 35mm might be your choice. Or for sports photography, you might find the Nikon 600mm f/4 E gets you right up there with the action.
What Else to Consider When Choosing the Best Nikon Prime Lens
A prime lens brings you back to basics. It reminds you of the features of the different focal lengths. A wide-angle lens will give you acres of depth of field. A telephoto will do the opposite. A telephoto will compress your image in ways that even the best smartphones can’t.
Perhaps above all else, it stops you from messing around with the zoom. This allows you to focus on the framing and can be tremendously liberating. And it often makes up for when you can’t quite get wide enough or close enough without a zoom.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Prime Lens
Zoom lenses are great, but there’s something about a high-quality prime lens that photographers love. There’s a reason why plenty of professional photographers use them.
There are so many options here for you. If you’re at all nervous about abandoning the flexibility of a zoom lens, then we think the Nikon AF FX 50mm f/1.8 is an inexpensive way to experience the delights of prime lens photography.
