Best fast prime lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 129 fast prime lenses for Nikon F. Fixed lenses with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or wider, for low light and shallow depth of field.

How these were picked. Lenses are ranked using only data in our catalogue: those with editorial notes first, then those with a photo and a buying link, newer release years where known, and faster maximum apertures as a tie-breaker. This is a data-based shortlist, not a hands-on test ranking.

1. 

   1.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G

   28mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   The AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G is a fast wide-angle prime for Nikon FX cameras with a silent-wave motor and compact size.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
2. 

   2.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

   85mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   A fast, relatively compact portrait prime for Nikon FX cameras with a silent-wave motor. It also works on DX cameras as a longer lens.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
3. 

   3.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

   50mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   A modern normal prime for Nikon F-mount DSLRs with a silent-wave autofocus motor and f/1.8 aperture. Covers full frame and gives a short-portrait view on DX.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
4. 

   4.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G

   35mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

   The AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G is a fast wide-normal prime for Nikon FX cameras with Nano Crystal Coat and a silent-wave motor, aimed at low-light and environmental portrait work.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
5. 

   5.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

   35mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   A small, fast prime designed for Nikon DX cameras. It gives about a 52mm equivalent view and uses a silent-wave autofocus motor.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D
6. 

   6.Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

   50mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

   A classic fast 50mm prime from Nikon with screw-drive autofocus. f/1.4 in a small, light body.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D
7. 

   7.Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

   50mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   A long-running 50mm for Nikon F-mount, with screw-drive focusing that requires a body with an autofocus motor. Small and light.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art
8. 

   8.Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art

   14mm · f/1.8 · Nikon F

   A fast ultra-wide prime for full-frame DSLRs, popular among astro shooters. It has a bulbous front element and focuses as close as 0.27 m.

   Specs Compare with AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED
9. 

   9.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED

   105mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

   The AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED is a fast portrait telephoto for Nikon FX cameras with an electromagnetic diaphragm and Nano Crystal Coat, designed for smooth background rendering.

   Specs Compare with AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G
10. 

    10.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G

    85mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

    A portrait prime for Nikon FX cameras with an f/1.4 aperture and Nano Crystal Coat.

    Specs Compare with AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
11. 

    11.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

    50mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

    The AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G is a fast 50mm prime for Nikon F-mount with a silent-wave motor and a nine-blade rounded aperture. Faster than the f/1.8G.

    Specs Compare with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S
12. 

    12.Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 AI-S

    50mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F

    A manual-focus 50mm f/1.4 normal lens from Nikon's AI-S generation. Compact and metal-bodied, it remains popular on film bodies and adapted digital cameras.

    Specs