Best lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks

Our catalogue lists 789 lenses for Nikon F. Every lens we list for this mount.

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 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

   200-500mm · f/5.6 · Nikon F

   A large telephoto zoom for Nikon F-mount DSLRs with a constant f/5.6 aperture and vibration reduction, popular for wildlife.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
2. 

   2.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

   400mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F

   Nikon's flagship 400mm f/2.8 with fluorite elements and an electromagnetic aperture, introduced in 2014. It weighs about 3.8kg, lighter than previous Nikon 400mm lenses.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G
3. 

   3.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
4. 

   4.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
5. 

   5.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 DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G
6. 

   6.Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G

   40mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F

   A DX macro lens from 2011 that reaches 1:1 and focuses as close as 0.163m. It is light, at 235g.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
7. 

   7.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 Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
8. 

   8.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

   28-300mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F

   A 2010 FX superzoom spanning 28-300mm with VR. It trades some image quality for range.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
9. 

   9.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

   16-35mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F

   A wide-angle zoom for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction and a constant f/4 aperture. It takes standard 77mm filters.

   Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
10. 

    10.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

    24-120mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F

    A constant-f/4 standard zoom for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction, popular as a walk-around lens.

    Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
11. 

    11.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

    55-300mm · f/4.5 · Nikon F

    A 2010 DX telephoto zoom with a 58mm filter thread and VR. It reaches 450mm equivalent.

    Specs Buy on Amazon Compare with AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
12. 

    12.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