Best telephoto prime lenses for Nikon F: Top Picks
Our catalogue lists 109 telephoto prime lenses for Nikon F. Fixed-focal-length lenses of 135mm and longer.
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 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.
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2.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED
300mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
An AF-S version of the 300mm f/4 with internal focusing and a 77mm filter thread. It has no VR and weighs about 1.44kg.
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3.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4E PF ED VR
300mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A 2015 telephoto prime using a Phase Fresnel element to stay short and light, at about 755g. It adds VR and an electromagnetic aperture.
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4.Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED
200mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
Macro telephoto that reaches 1:1 from a comfortable working distance, introduced in 1993. It has internal focusing and a tripod collar.
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5.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II
200mm · f/2.0 · Nikon F
Nikon's revision of Nikon's 200mm f/2, with VR and Nano Crystal Coat, introduced in 2010. It is a large, fast prime.
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6.Nikon AI-S Nikkor 180mm f/2.8 ED
180mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A manual-focus 180mm f/2.8 with ED glass, a built-in hood and a 72mm filter thread, introduced in 1981. It weighs about 880g and focuses to 1.8m.
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7.Tamron SP AF 180mm F/3.5 Di LD (IF) Macro
180mm · f/3.5 · Nikon F
A long 180mm macro lens that offers 1:1 reproduction with a comfortable working distance. It has a 72mm filter thread and a minimum focus distance of 0.47 m.
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8.Nikon AI-S Nikkor 200mm f/4
200mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
A light manual-focus 200mm f/4 introduced in 1975, with a 52mm filter thread and a weight of about 540g. It focuses down to 2m.
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9.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F5.6E PF ED VR
500mm · f/5.6 · Nikon F
A 2018 super-telephoto that weighs just 1.46kg thanks to a Phase Fresnel element. It has VR and a 95mm filter thread.
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10.Nikon AF DC-Nikkor 135mm f/2D
135mm · f/2.0 · Nikon F
Telephoto portrait lens with the same Defocus Control ring as the 105mm DC, introduced in 1990. It is large, heavy and uses screw-drive focusing.
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11.Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
180mm · f/2.8 · Nikon F
A compact telephoto prime with ED glass and internal focusing, with a 72mm filter thread. It weighs about 760g.
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12.Nikon AF-S Nikkor 500mm F4E FL ED VR
500mm · f/4.0 · Nikon F
500mm f/4 telephoto with fluorite elements, electromagnetic aperture and VR, introduced in 2015. It weighs about 3.1kg.