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10 Best Nikon Portrait Lens of November 2024

TOP PICKS

SaleBestseller No. 1 −11%
Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
SaleBestseller No. 2 −35%
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras - (New)
SaleBestseller No. 3 −20%
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
SaleBestseller No. 4 −45%
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
Bestseller No. 5
85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon, Medium Telephoto Lenses Manual Camera Lenses for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc
SaleBestseller No. 6 −32%
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
Bestseller No. 7
85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens - Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500/D7200/D5600/D5500/D5300/D5200/D5100/D3500/ D3400/D3300/D3200/D850/D810/D800/D750/D610/D500/D60/D6/D5/D4
Bestseller No. 8
YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens YN50 Aperture Auto Focus for Nikon Camera as AF-S 50mm 1.8G with Cleaning Cloth
Bestseller No. 9
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
SaleBestseller No. 10 −8%
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

BUYING GUIDES

The lens you use has a significant impact on the quality of your portraits. Nikon offers a wide range of lenses that are fantastic for portrait photography, producing sharp images with beautiful background blur (bokeh). Here’s a guide to help you choose the best Nikon portrait lens for your needs:

1. Focal Length: A focal length between 50mm and 135mm is usually recommended for portrait photography as it provides a flattering perspective. For group portraits or environmental portraits where you want to include more of the surroundings, a wider lens (e.g., 35mm) might be preferable.

2. Maximum Aperture: A lens with a wide maximum aperture (low f-number like f/1.4 or f/1.8) allows more light in, which is beneficial for low-light conditions. It also provides a shallow depth of field, which can create a beautifully blurred background that makes your subject stand out.

3. Lens Type: Prime lenses, which have a fixed focal length, generally offer sharper images and wider apertures than zoom lenses. However, zoom lenses offer more flexibility in composition without having to move closer to or further from your subject.

4. Image Stabilization: While not crucial for portrait photography, image stabilization can be helpful, especially when shooting in low light conditions where slower shutter speeds may be necessary.

5. Autofocus Performance: Look for a lens with fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. Some Nikon lenses include Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for whisper-quiet focusing.

6. Lens Construction and Quality: Consider the build quality of the lens. High-quality lenses often have better optics that can reduce lens distortions and provide sharper images. They also tend to be more durable.

7. Compatibility: Not all Nikon lenses are compatible with all Nikon cameras, so ensure the lens you choose will work with your specific camera model. Nikon’s DX lenses are designed for their crop sensor cameras, while FX lenses are designed for full-frame cameras but can also be used on DX cameras (with a 1.5x crop factor applied to the focal length).

8. Price: Portrait lenses can range from reasonably affordable to very expensive. The cost usually reflects the lens’s quality, maximum aperture, and other features. Decide on your budget beforehand and consider whether investing in a high-quality lens now may save you money in the long run.

9. Reviews and Ratings: Check reviews and ratings by other photographers to get a sense of the lens’s performance in real-world situations.

Remember, the “best” portrait lens for you will depend on your specific needs, shooting style, and budget. Happy shooting!

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