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10 Best Nikon Lenses 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S Black

The NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S is a super-telephoto lens designed for Nikon Z-mount cameras, perfect for wildlife, sports, or any distant subject photography. Its standout feature is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter, which extends the reach to 840mm without losing autofocus capability or needing extra gear—great for getting closer to the action. The lens has a bright f/4 aperture, though when the teleconverter is active, it changes to f/5.6, which is still quite good for low-light situations but not as bright as some prime lenses.

This lens includes advanced vibration reduction (VR) that can stabilize your shots by up to 5 stops, and even more when paired with certain Nikon cameras, helping to reduce blur from hand shake. Autofocus is fast, precise, and very quiet thanks to its Silky Swift VCM system, which is ideal for both stills and video, especially in quiet environments. The lens is thoughtfully designed with ergonomic controls and customizable buttons so you can adjust settings without taking your eye away from the viewfinder, enhancing usability in fast-paced shooting.

Weighing 7.19 pounds, it’s lighter than its F-mount predecessor by about half a pound, which helps when carrying it for long periods, though it’s still a substantial piece of equipment. The lens is clearly aimed at advanced photographers who need high-quality, long-distance zoom with professional features. Given its size, weight, and price, it may be more than casual users need. For those seeking a powerful telephoto lens with a built-in teleconverter and excellent stabilization for sharp images at long range, this lens is a solid choice.

#2

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Autofocus

Most important from
8 reviews

Aperture
Incredible subject isolation and beautiful bokeh at the wide f/2.8 aperture enhance image quality dramatically.
Autofocus
The lens delivers extraordinary sharpness and immediate autofocus, crucial for capturing wildlife and fast-moving subjects.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED is a premium telephoto lens designed for Nikon DSLR cameras with full-frame (FX) mounts. Its fixed 400mm focal length and wide f/2.8 aperture make it ideal for capturing distant subjects with excellent sharpness and beautiful background blur, which is especially useful for wildlife, sports, and action photography. The lens includes Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, helping to reduce camera shake and deliver steadier shots, which is valuable when shooting handheld or in challenging conditions. Autofocus is fast and reliable, ensuring you can quickly lock onto moving subjects.

One notable aspect is its relatively heavy weight (over 8 pounds) and large size, which might make it less comfortable for casual use or long handheld shoots, so a monopod or tripod is recommended, and a monopod collar is included for easier support. This lens does not require batteries for operation, relying on the camera for power.

As a high-end lens with a premium build and impressive optics, it suits serious photographers who need superior telephoto performance rather than casual users, given its size, weight, and price. It is well-regarded with excellent customer reviews, reflecting its quality and performance.

Rating
9.8
Aperture
Autofocus

Most important from
8 reviews

Aperture
Incredible subject isolation and beautiful bokeh at the wide f/2.8 aperture enhance image quality dramatically.
Autofocus
The lens delivers extraordinary sharpness and immediate autofocus, crucial for capturing wildlife and fast-moving subjects.
#3

NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S Black

Rating
9.6
Focal Length
Image Stabilization (VR)
Autofocus

Most important from
4 reviews

Focal Length
The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal length to 560mm without sacrificing image quality, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects sharply.
Image Stabilization (VR)
Advanced Vibration Reduction provides up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, significantly aiding handheld shooting in challenging conditions.
Autofocus
The Silky Swift VCM Autofocus system delivers fast and precise focusing with minimal noise, perfect for quiet environments or video recording.

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lens is a top-tier telephoto option that stands out for its impressive features. One of its major strengths is the built-in 1.4x teleconverter, which effectively extends the focal length to 560mm without sacrificing image quality or focus points. This makes it a fantastic choice for wildlife and sports photography, where capturing distant subjects sharply is crucial. The lens also boasts advanced Vibration Reduction (VR), providing up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, which dramatically helps with handheld shooting in challenging conditions.

Another notable feature is the Silky Swift VCM Autofocus system, which delivers fast and precise focusing with minimal noise. This is particularly beneficial for shooting in quiet environments or recording video, where sound can be an issue. The anti-glare performance is impressive too, thanks to Nikon's Meso Amorphous Coat and ARNEO Coat, allowing you to shoot in bright conditions with reduced ghosting and flare.

The lens is quite heavy and large, which may not be suitable for everyone, especially those looking for a more portable option. Additionally, its high-end features come with a premium price tag, which might deter budget-conscious photographers. While the customizable controls enhance usability, they may require some time to master, especially for beginners. This lens is perfect for professionals or serious enthusiasts who require top-quality performance in telephoto photography, but those seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly option might want to consider alternatives.

Rating
9.6
Focal Length
Image Stabilization (VR)
Autofocus

Most important from
4 reviews

Focal Length
The built-in 1.4x teleconverter extends the focal length to 560mm without sacrificing image quality, making it ideal for capturing distant subjects sharply.
Image Stabilization (VR)
Advanced Vibration Reduction provides up to 5.5 stops of stabilization, significantly aiding handheld shooting in challenging conditions.
Autofocus
The Silky Swift VCM Autofocus system delivers fast and precise focusing with minimal noise, perfect for quiet environments or video recording.

Buying Guide for the Best Nikon Lenses

Choosing the right Nikon lens can significantly enhance your photography experience. The right lens will depend on what you plan to shoot, your skill level, and your camera body. Understanding the key specifications of lenses will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs.
Focal LengthFocal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject is in focus, usually stated in millimeters (mm). It determines the angle of view and how much of the scene will be captured. Shorter focal lengths (e.g., 18mm) offer a wider field of view, ideal for landscapes and architecture. Medium focal lengths (e.g., 50mm) are great for portraits and everyday photography. Longer focal lengths (e.g., 200mm) are perfect for wildlife and sports photography. Choose a focal length based on the type of photography you are interested in.
ApertureAperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens through which light enters the camera. It is expressed as an f-number (e.g., f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6). A lower f-number means a larger aperture, allowing more light to enter, which is beneficial for low-light conditions and achieving a shallow depth of field (blurry background). Higher f-numbers mean smaller apertures, suitable for well-lit conditions and greater depth of field. If you often shoot in low light or want to create a bokeh effect, opt for lenses with a larger aperture (lower f-number).
Lens TypeNikon lenses come in various types, such as prime lenses (fixed focal length) and zoom lenses (variable focal length). Prime lenses are typically sharper and have larger apertures, making them ideal for portraits and low-light photography. Zoom lenses offer versatility, allowing you to cover a range of focal lengths without changing lenses, which is convenient for travel and event photography. Decide between prime and zoom lenses based on your need for flexibility versus image quality.
Image Stabilization (VR)Image stabilization, known as Vibration Reduction (VR) in Nikon lenses, helps reduce camera shake, allowing for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions or when using longer focal lengths. Lenses with VR are beneficial if you often shoot handheld or in situations where a tripod is not feasible. If you frequently shoot in such conditions, consider lenses with VR to improve image sharpness.
Lens MountThe lens mount is the interface between the camera body and the lens. Nikon uses different mounts, such as F-mount for DSLRs and Z-mount for mirrorless cameras. Ensure that the lens you choose is compatible with your camera body. If you have a DSLR, look for F-mount lenses, and for mirrorless cameras, opt for Z-mount lenses. Compatibility is crucial for the lens to function correctly with your camera.
AutofocusAutofocus (AF) capability in lenses determines how quickly and accurately the lens can focus on a subject. Nikon lenses come with different autofocus systems, such as AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) and AF-P (Pulse Motor). AF-S lenses are known for their quiet and fast focusing, suitable for still photography. AF-P lenses offer even faster and smoother focusing, ideal for video recording. Choose a lens with an autofocus system that matches your shooting style, whether it's stills or video.

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