10 Best Nikon Lenses For D850 2025 in the United States

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 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 DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is a solid choice for photographers using the Nikon D850. With a focal length range of 16-80mm, it covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait shots, making it ideal for daily use, travel, and even video shooting. One of its standout features is the maximum aperture of f/2.8-4, which allows for good low-light performance and depth of field control. Plus, the lens incorporates 4 stops of Vibration Reduction, which is particularly helpful for handheld shooting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

The build quality is commendable, with nonstick protective fluorine coatings that resist water, dirt, and smudges, enhancing durability and ease of cleaning. Weighing only 1.1 pounds, it's also one of the lightest zoom lenses in its class, making it convenient for on-the-go photographers.

On the downside, the lens is designed for Nikon's DX format, which means it may not fully utilize the D850's full-frame capabilities. While it can still produce excellent images, users looking for a lens that maximizes the full-frame sensor may want to consider other options. Additionally, some users might find the price point a bit high compared to other similar lenses in the market.