Best portrait lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 95 portrait lenses for Nikon F. Short-telephoto primes between 70mm and 135mm, the classic portrait range.
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.
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1.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.
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2.Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
105mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A 1:1 macro lens for Nikon FX cameras with vibration reduction. It doubles as a medium-telephoto portrait lens.
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3.Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 105mm f/2D
105mm · f/2.0 · Nikon F
Nikon's portrait telephoto with a Defocus Control ring that lets you add spherical aberration in front of or behind the focal plane, introduced in 1993. It uses screw-drive autofocus.
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4.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.
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5.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.
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6.Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
85mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A 2009 DX macro with VR and a 52mm filter thread. It frames like a 127mm lens on DX and gives a comfortable working distance.
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7.Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8D
105mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
Nikon's macro prime that reaches 1:1 and doubles as a short telephoto, introduced in 1990. It uses screw-drive autofocus and a 52mm filter thread.
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8.Samyang 85mm f/1.4 Aspherical IF
85mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F
A manual-focus 85mm f/1.4 portrait lens for full-frame DSLRs with a 72mm filter thread.
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9.Sigma 105mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
105mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F
A huge, fast portrait telephoto prime for full-frame DSLRs with a 105mm front filter thread. It has HSM autofocus and no optical stabilization.
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10.Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art
85mm · f/1.4 · Nikon F
A fast 85mm portrait prime for full-frame DSLRs, with an 86mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 0.85 m.
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11.Nikon Nikkor 85mm f/2 AI-S
85mm · f/2.0 · Nikon F
A compact manual-focus 85mm f/2 with a 52mm filter thread. It weighs about 310g and focuses down to 0.85m.
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12.Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro
105mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A stabilized 1:1 macro for full-frame DSLRs that works equally well as a portrait lens. It weighs about 725 g and has a 62mm filter size.