Nikon Lenses – 10Rate

Nikon 18-55mm VR Zoom

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:10:49 +0000

DSLR Zoom Lens

7.5/10

This is one of the most common Nikon lenses and probably one of the most useful. It is included with most of the camera bodies because it is one of the most practical lenses out there that applies to just about every situation. The 3x zoom takes you close enough to the action if you need it while the 18mm focal length is pretty close to being wide angle. The apertures are not too great but if used in good light situations, this lens will perform great. It is also one of the lighter lenses available out there. This lens can be had for $199.99.

Quick Specs

Made for DX format and FX Crop Mode
VR image stabilization
3x zoom
52mm filter thread
9.3 ounces

Strengths

Very light and compact build perfect for an all-the-time lens

Great optics make for great image quality

Great price for the performance photographers can get out of this one

18mm wide angle is useful in almost all situations

Weaknesses

Some may want a little more reach out of this lens

Prices

^{Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera… See more about Brian}

Nikon 70-300mm FX

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:56:13 +0000

DSLR VR Zoom Lens

7.5/10

By Brian Jones

This lens is going to be the sports and action shot lovers dream. The 70mm-300mm zoom lens is capable of getting up close shots that are sharp from far away. The excellent image stabilization feature makes it even easier to get that crisp action shot. The light gathering ability is pretty lacking here, but there will be no problem if used on a sunny day This is a rather large lens so it may bog you down a bit if you plan on taking it a walk or keeping it stowed in your camera bag. This lens usually sells for $589.95.

Quick Specs

Compatible with all Nikon cameras
4.3x telephoto zoom
VR image stablization
67mm filter thread
26.3 ounces

Strengths

This lens will have many uses thanks to the range of focal length

The Vibration Reduction really comes in handy when as you zoom in more and more

Weaknesses

This lens is a little too heavy and bulky to be a good all purpose lens

It’s an expensive lens

Plastic casing cuts down on the build quality

Prices

Nikon 105mm FX Micro

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:35:26 +0000

DSLR Lens for Macro Photography

8/10

By Brian Jones

This is a very unique prime Nikon lens. Why it’s unique: It’s made for macro photography, a maximum aperture of f/2.8 for low light, and a focal length of 105mm for some real up close shooting. This lens is made to capture amazing shots of flowers and tiny wild life by making them larger than life with incredible detail. The minimum focus distance is 1 foot, which is pretty close. 105Mm at 1 foot away will yield some pretty cool close ups. For all this, you will really have to be serious about your photography. The lens costs anywhere from $899.99-$984.95.

Quick Specs

Made for FX and 35mm film formats
Nano Crystal Coat and Extra-low Dispersion glass elements enhance image quality
62mm filter threads
27.9 ounces

Strengths

This lens is ideal for true macro photography

It can be useful in most situations is the long focal length isn’t an issue

Auto focusing is very fast and quiet

Image quality is very good and sharp

Weaknesses

The lack of zooming may make this hard to use for photographers that don’t have the space to move around

This is an expensive lens, make sure it will suit your needs before purchasing

Prices

Nikon 10.5mm DX Fish-eye

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:28:13 +0000

Fish-eye DSLR Lens

8/10

By Brian Jones

We all have see how cool a fish eye photograph can look. This Nikon lens will let you experiment with a 180 degree viewing angle as much as you want. The possibilities are endless. The f/2.8 maximum aperture means this lens will perform well in low light. The CRC system makes it possible to focus on subjects that are only half an inch away. Think of all the cool pictures you could capture with this lens. The Nikon fish eye lens sells for $689.00 to $774.95.

Quick Specs

Made for DX format and FX Crop Mode
Only accepts gelatine filters
180 degree viewing angle
5.5 inch minimum focus distance
10.8 ounces

Strengths

Some incredible shots can be captured with this lens and a good photographic eye

The extremely wide viewing angle makes it wonderful for capturing indoor shots

Weaknesses

Can be considered too expensive for its limited functionality

Normal lens filters cannot be used with this lens because it has no filter threads

Prices

Nikon 50mm FX f/1.8

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 12:18:45 +0000

Prime DSLR Lens

8.5/10

By Brian Jones

This 50mm prime lens is probably going to be one of the favorites for any Nikon owner. It is specifically made for FX format cameras, but it is compatible on DX format and film cameras as well. That makes it an incredibly versitile lens. The f/1.8 maximum aperture means low light performance is impressive and sharp. At 50mm, this lens will make the photographer get a little closer to the action and frame subjects creatively. At $219.95, this lens really is a steal for what you can do with it.

Quick Specs

Compatible on all Nikon Cameras
58mm filter thread
Silent Wave Motor for quiet and precise auto focus
Manual/Auto focus switch
6.6 ounces

Strengths

This lens is light, compact, and fast. The perfect combination for an all purpose lens

Priced to beat the 50mm f/1.4

Background blur at any aperture is excellent and a reason to own this lens

Great for portrait photography

Weaknesses

Being a prime, there is no zoom. Those who don’t have the flexibility to move in certain situations may find trouble with this lens

Prices

Nikon 55-300mm DX

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:54:28 +0000

DSLR VR Zoom Lens

8.5/10

By Brian Jones

This Nikon zoom lens will be a great performer for wildlife photography and sports photography. You’ll be able to achieve excellent close up shots of your kids from the bleachers or a fishing heron from the other side of the lake. Other than that it is a pretty standard lens with vibration reduction, silent focusing, and a 4.6ft minumum focus distance. The low light performance isn’t so great, but that’s okay since this will primarily be an outdoor lens. It’s also pretty light for a lens with this kind of focal length. You can get this zoom lens for $399.95

Quick Specs

Made for DX format and FX Crop Mode
5.5x zoom ratio
Tripod detection reduces vibration due to shutter release when on a tripod
58mm filter threads
18.7 ounces

Strengths

The large focal length makes this perfect for many different situations

Solid build quality with a metal mount means you won’t be afraid to rough it up slightly

Gets a clear shot of far away action

Weaknesses

It’s a bit bulky to be an everyday lens

Won’t be a very good indoor performer due to the widest aperture and 55mm minimum focal length

Prices

Nikon 40mm DX Micro

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:39:30 +0000

DSLR Macro Lens

9/10

By Brian Jones

The micro in the name really means this lens is geared for macro photography. The closest you can get to a subject and maintain a clear focus is 0.53 feet. That’s pretty darn close. With a focal length of 40mm you really won’t need to get any closer than that. This lens with challenge the best of photographers by opening up so many new possibilities in the macro photography world. The lens is relatively fast with a f/2.8 maximum aperture. Low light performance will be good, but not as great as some of the other lenses. If you want close range focusing, $279.99 is an awesome deal for this lens.

Quick Specs

Made for DX format
52mm filter thread
Superior close range focusing technology
Silent Wave Motor for quiet focusing
9.9 ounces

Strengths

Half a foot close focusing can lead to some great macro shots

Standard filter thread size means you won’t have to buy a bunch of new filters

This is a great all around lens that is decently fast

Price vs performance is very good here

Weaknesses

The focal length is borderline too short for true macro photography. That means the lens itself may get in the way as you try to get as close as possible to the subject

Prices

Nikon 50mm FX f/1.4 Prime

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:57:24 +0000

FX Prime DSLR Lens

9/10

By Brian Jones

This Nikon lens is going to be the ultimate low light performer. Used with an FX or film camera the 50mm focal length makes this lens perfect for indoor, portrait, and any low light situation. The f/1.4 aperture takes in all the light available and creates bright and sharp pictures with a very shallow depth of field. This lens will take the creativity of any photographer and multiply it many times. This lens is moderately expensive at $484.95, but will be well worth the investment.

Quick Specs

Made for FX and film cameras
75mm equivalent for DX format
Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet focusing
58mm filter thread
9.9 ounces

Strengths

Auto focus really is very fast and very quiet

Picture quality on this lens is excellent for the money

A perfect portrait lens

Indoor photography without a flash is not a problem here

Weaknesses

Not designed for the smaller DX Nikon bodies

The lack of zoom means the photographer will have to move around a lot for the right composition

Prices

Nikon DX 35mm DX f/1.8

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:46:06 +0000

Prime DSLR Lens

9.5/10

By Brian Jones

This lens is a must have for Nikon owners with DX format cameras. The 35mm prime focal length translates to about at 50mm equivalent in 35mm film shooting. Not bad at all for close ups and medium range shots depending on the subject. A maximum aperture of f/1.8 handles light gathering like a charm in low light situations and creates an incredibly shallow depth of field for really enhancing a subject. The lens itself is small and makes it easy to carry your camera in a bag or around your neck while walking or mingling in a crowd. You can find this lens for $199.99 and you’ll be happy you did.

Quick Specs

Made for DX format and FX in Crop Mode
Nikon Super Integrated Coating enhances light transmission
Very quiet and fast auto focus
52mm filter thread
7 ounces

Strengths

One of the fastest and most affordable lenses for a DX body

Low light performance is top notch

Background blur is impressive with a very shallow depth of field

The lens is light and small, making it the perfect addition to any camera bag

Weaknesses

The missing zoom may be a problem for those who don’t have the flexibility to move for the perfect framing

Prices

Nikon 16-85mm DX

BJones — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:08:20 +0000

DSLR Wide Zoom Lens

9.5/10

By Brian Jones

This is a very interesting Nikon lens. It is a much more specialized play on the 18-55mm standard kit lens. The 16mm focal length is going to be a wide angle, but not quite fish eye. That will make a very interesting effect on many of your photos. The ability to run the focal length all the way up to 85mm makes this a very useful lens for almost any type of photography. But you are really have to pay for that range in focal length. The maximum aperture is f/3.5, so its not bad in low light situations. The 16-85mm Nikon lens is pretty expensive and will run you $649.99-$699.95.

Quick Specs

Made for DX format and FX Crop Mode
VR image stabilization
1.3ft minimum focus distance
67mm filter threads
17.1 ounces

Strengths

This provides a little more reach than the standard kit lens

VR allows photographers to hand hold the camera in situations where a stable image would not be possible

It is very sharp on the wide end of the lens

Weaknesses

Some may find they want a little more zoom out of this lens considering the price

On the expensive end of things