10 Best Nikon Lenses For D850 2026 in the United States

The Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is a wide-angle prime lens designed to work well with Nikon's full-frame (FX) cameras like the D850. Its 35mm focal length is versatile for everyday photography, street, and environmental portraits, offering a natural perspective without much distortion. The bright f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and attractive background blur, making it great if you want sharp subject focus with smooth backgrounds.

While the lens doesn’t include built-in image stabilization (VR), the D850’s good high ISO performance helps compensate for that in low light. Autofocus is fast and reliable thanks to its rear focus system, which is helpful for capturing action or spontaneous moments. Build quality is solid, and Nikon lenses of this range typically hold up well in less-than-ideal conditions, though full weather sealing is not explicitly confirmed.

The lens is heavier and bulkier compared to smaller 35mm lenses, which might be a consideration for those wanting a lightweight setup. Since it lacks image stabilization, using a tripod or higher ISO in dim environments may be necessary to avoid blur. This lens is well-suited for photographers seeking a high-quality, sharp wide-angle prime with a bright aperture and dependable autofocus for use with their D850, especially for portraits, street, and low-light photography.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens is a great choice for D850 users, particularly for portrait photography due to its ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture. This lens excels in producing beautiful, sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect, making it ideal for isolating subjects against a softly blurred background. The 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits, allowing ample working distance without distortion. Additionally, the Nano Crystal Coat helps to minimize ghosting and flare, ensuring clearer images in various lighting situations.

Autofocus performance is another strong point, thanks to the internal focus design that provides quick and quiet operation. The M/A focus mode switch allows for easy transitions between manual and autofocus, catering to different shooting preferences. The lens also maintains good image quality across both FX and DX formats, which is beneficial for users with different camera setups.

However, this lens does not feature image stabilization (VR), which could be a drawback for those who often shoot in low-light conditions or at slower shutter speeds. While the build quality is solid, it lacks extensive weather sealing found in some other lenses, which may limit its usability in harsh environments. Weighing in at 1.31 pounds, it’s relatively manageable but could be a bit cumbersome for extended handheld shooting.

The Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens is a versatile telephoto zoom lens that offers a broad focal length range of 80-400mm, making it well-suited for wildlife, sports, and distant subject photography. The maximum aperture of f/4.5-5.6 is decent, though not the fastest, which might affect performance in low-light conditions. However, the inclusion of Vibration Reduction (VR) technology helps counteract camera shake, providing the equivalent of a shutter speed three stops faster, which is beneficial for handheld shooting and panning shots.

This feature is particularly useful when shooting at the longer end of the zoom range where camera shake is more pronounced. The lens incorporates three ED glass elements, which enhance optical performance by reducing chromatic aberration and ensuring sharper images. Additionally, the nine-blade rounded diaphragm helps produce pleasing bokeh, giving a natural blur to out-of-focus elements in the background.

The lens is relatively old, having been first available in 2002, and it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. This means that some of the newer technological advancements and improvements might be absent. It also weighs nearly three pounds, which could become cumbersome during long shooting sessions. Nevertheless, if you are using a Nikon D850 and looking for a budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens with good image stabilization and respectable optical quality, this lens could be a viable option.