Best standard zoom lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 101 standard zoom lenses for Nikon F. General-purpose zooms that start at 35mm or wider and reach somewhere between 50mm and 135mm.
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 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.
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2.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18-105mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A DX kit zoom from 2008, bundled with mid-range bodies such as the D90 and D7000. It offers VR and an ED element for a 27-158mm equivalent.
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3.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II
18-55mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A DX kit lens without stabilization. It is very light and uses a 52mm filter thread.
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4.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
16-85mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
DX standard zoom with a 24-127mm equivalent range and VR, introduced in 2008. It sits above the 18-55mm kit zooms.
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5.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
24-70mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
The first of Nikon's modern 24-70mm f/2.8 pro zooms for F-mount DSLRs, with a silent-wave motor, Nano Crystal Coat and a 77mm filter size.
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6.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
18-55mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A kit zoom for Nikon DX DSLRs with vibration reduction and a silent-wave motor.
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7.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
18-70mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A DX kit zoom from the early D70 era with ED elements, a metal mount and a 67mm filter thread. It was better built than typical kit lenses.
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8.Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
17-55mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
Nikon's pro-grade DX standard zoom from 2003 with a constant f/2.8 aperture. It is large and heavy for a DX lens.
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9.Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
24-120mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
Nikon's FX zoom with VR and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 2003. The 24-120mm f/4G ED VR succeeded it.
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10.Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
17-50mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A stabilized standard zoom for APS-C DSLRs with a constant f/2.8 aperture. It weighs about 565 g and takes 77mm filters.
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11.Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM Art
24-105mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A stabilized 24-105mm f/4 Art zoom for full-frame DSLRs. It weighs about 885 g, takes 82mm filters and has HSM focusing.
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12.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
24-70mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
Nikon's professional standard zoom for F-mount DSLRs, with a constant f/2.8 aperture and vibration reduction. Electromagnetic diaphragm and silent-wave motor.