Imagine holding a camera that has captured countless iconic images, from breathtaking landscapes to intimate portraits. For generations of photographers, that camera has often been a Nikon, and its heart beats with the legendary F-mount. But when you look at all the Nikon F-mount lenses out there, it’s easy to feel a little lost. Which one is best for your needs? It can be a confusing puzzle to figure out.
Choosing the right F-mount lens can feel like a big challenge. You want to take amazing pictures, but the sheer variety of lenses can make your head spin. You might wonder if you’re picking the sharpest lens, the one that captures the most light, or the perfect lens for the type of photos you love to shoot. It’s a common problem for many photographers, both new and experienced.
Don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a much clearer picture. We’ll break down what makes F-mount lenses so special and help you understand the key things to look for. You’ll learn how to choose lenses that fit your budget and your creative vision. Get ready to unlock the full potential of your Nikon camera!
Top Nikon F Mount Lenses Recommendations
- This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished it shows limited or no wear
- Includes all original accessories plus a 90 day warranty
- 5.5x Telephoto Zoom lens, Filter Thread: 58 mm, Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Nikon VR II Image Stabilization
- Tripod Detection Mode,
- A great 50mm prime lens, and this is an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens;
- Supports auto focus and manual focus modes ( AF MF ); Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras;
- This YONGNUO 50mm 1.8 lens adopts gold plated metal contacts, which effectively improves the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance;
- This YONGNUO lens adopts gold plated metal contacts, which effectively improves the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance;
- This 50mm 1.8N lens supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes, and parameters used to take pictures can be displayed in the EXIF Information;
- It includes LC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap , LF-1 rear lens cap , HB-32 Bayonet lens hood, CL-1018 Flexible lens pouch and maximum reproduction ratio is 1/5
- Vibration Reduction is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens and enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than normal.
- Aspherical lens element virtually eliminates coma and other types of lens aberration, further improving image integrity.
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
- Close focusing to 1.48 feet - Creative close-up photography is possible throughout the entire zoom range.
- 【Features】YN35MM F2N, F2 large aperture, 7 blades in 5 groups, 7pcs Aperture blades. Auto Focus and Manual Focus. Support live view (Lv) focus. USB Firmware Upgrade.
- 【Large Aperture, 7pcs Aperture Blades】F2 large aperture, which blur the background and makes photography with more fun.The aperture blades up to 7 pieces, which allows you able to shoot the near-circular diffuse plaques, appropriately narrow the apertures can shoot the 14 astral effect.
- 【Supports AF MF and Live View(Lv) Focus】This 35MM F2 lens supports auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) mode, allows you choose the focus mode as needed. Turn on the live view(Lv) can be conveniently focus in high angle and low angle, or achieve precise focus through the expanding horizons in the screen.
- 【Compatible with Nikon F Mount】D7100, D7200, D7000, D7300 D810, D800, D750, D700, D610, D600, D5200, D5300, D5400 ,D3100, D3200, D3300 ,D90, D80, D70s, D70, D60 and for other Nikon DSLR cameras not listed here
- 【Additional Function】YN35mm F2 supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras. Supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes,and can be displayed the aperture data in the EXIF Information. Metal Bayonet, Outstanding durability. Supports Multiple Shooting Modes. Glass Lenses, Multi-coated.
- Includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
- Compact all-in-one DX-format zoom lens that goes from wide-angle (18mm) to telephoto (140mm) for great snapshots and videos in just about any situation.
- Designed to draw peak performance from Nikon's new high-resolution image sensors. VR image stabilization for sharper handheld photos and videos in low-light situations and at telephoto distances.
- Get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject, then zoom in for dazzling macro-style close-ups. Superb NIKKOR optics, Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for better contrast and Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing.
- This lens only work on AF with the Nikon D7000 cameras and up
- This Certified Refurbished product is tested and certified to look and work like new
- The refurbishing process includes functionality testing, basic cleaning, inspection, and repackaging
- F mount lens/DX format. Picture angle with Nikon DX format 44 degree
- 52.5 millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent). Rear focusing; Manual focus override
- Aperture range: F/1.8 to 22; Dimensions(approx.) 70 x 52.5 millimeter
- Silent wave motor AF system. Accepts filter type is screw on. Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
- Compatible formats is dx and fx in dx crop mode. Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.16x
- Versatile 107x zoom lens with ED glass and VR II image stabilization
- Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format
- Covers a wide range of focal lengths to get the best out of every subject. Minimum Focus Distance- 1.6 ft. (0.5m) throughout entire zoom range
- 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements; 3 Aspherical Lens Elements
- Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) Weight : 282 oz
Your Guide to Nikon F Mount Lenses
So, you’re looking to dive into the world of Nikon F mount lenses? That’s fantastic! These lenses are your ticket to capturing amazing photos with your Nikon DSLR. Let’s break down what you need to know to pick the perfect lens for your adventures.
What to Look For: Key Features
When you’re shopping for an F mount lens, keep these important features in mind.
- Focal Length: This tells you how much of the scene the lens can “see.”
- Wide-angle lenses (shorter focal lengths, like 24mm) are great for landscapes and fitting a lot into a shot.
- Normal lenses (around 50mm) mimic how our eyes see. They’re super versatile.
- Telephoto lenses (longer focal lengths, like 200mm) zoom in on distant subjects, perfect for wildlife or sports.
- Aperture (f-stop): This controls how much light enters the lens and affects how blurry the background is (bokeh).
- A wide aperture (small f-number like f/1.8) lets in more light and creates a beautifully blurred background. This is great for low light and portraits.
- A narrow aperture (large f-number like f/16) lets in less light and keeps more of the scene in focus. This is good for landscapes.
- Autofocus Motor: Some lenses have built-in motors for faster and quieter focusing.
- AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) lenses are generally faster and quieter.
- Older lenses might rely on your camera’s motor.
What They’re Made Of: Important Materials
Lenses are made from a mix of materials.
- Glass Elements: The quality of the glass is super important. High-quality glass, often with special coatings, reduces unwanted reflections and makes your photos sharper and colors more vibrant.
- Lens Barrel: This is the outer casing. Metal barrels are usually more durable than plastic ones. They feel more solid and last longer.
- Seals: Some lenses have rubber seals around the mount and moving parts. These help keep out dust and moisture, which is a big plus if you shoot outdoors a lot.
Making Better or Worse Photos: Quality Factors
Certain things can make a lens perform better or worse.
- Optical Quality: This is about how well the lens sharpens images and controls distortions or color fringing. Better optical designs mean clearer, crisper photos.
- Build Quality: A well-built lens feels sturdy and operates smoothly. If it feels flimsy or the focus ring is stiff, it might affect your shooting experience and the lens’s lifespan.
- Coatings: Special coatings on the glass elements help reduce glare and improve color accuracy. This makes a big difference in how your photos look.
How You’ll Use It: User Experience and Use Cases
Think about what you love to photograph.
- Portraits: Lenses with wide apertures (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) are fantastic for portraits. They blur the background nicely, making your subject stand out. A 50mm or 85mm lens is a popular choice.
- Landscapes: Wide-angle lenses are perfect for capturing sweeping vistas. You’ll want a lens that’s sharp from edge to edge.
- Sports and Wildlife: Telephoto lenses let you get close to the action without being right next to it. Fast autofocus is key here.
- Everyday Shooting: A versatile zoom lens (like a 24-70mm) or a prime lens (like a 35mm or 50mm) can handle many different situations.
Choosing the right F mount lens will open up a whole new world of creative possibilities. Happy shooting!
Nikon F Mount Lens FAQs
Q: What does “F Mount” mean?
A: “F Mount” is the type of connection Nikon uses for its lenses and cameras. It’s like a special bayonet that lets you attach a lens to your Nikon DSLR.
Q: Can I use any F mount lens on any Nikon DSLR?
A: Most of the time, yes! However, some older lenses might not have autofocus on newer cameras without a built-in focus motor.
Q: What’s the difference between an AF and AF-S lens?
A: AF-S lenses have a Silent Wave Motor for faster and quieter autofocus. AF lenses rely on the camera body for autofocus.
Q: What does “prime lens” mean?
A: A prime lens has a fixed focal length (it doesn’t zoom). They are often sharper and have wider apertures.
Q: What’s a “zoom lens”?
A: A zoom lens lets you change the focal length, allowing you to zoom in or out without moving your feet.
Q: How important is the aperture for beginners?
A: It’s quite important! A wider aperture makes it easier to take photos in low light and creates a nice blurry background.
Q: Should I buy new or used F mount lenses?
A: Both can be good options. Used lenses can save you money, but make sure to check their condition carefully.
Q: What is “lens flare”?
A: Lens flare happens when bright light hits the lens directly, causing streaks or haziness in your photo. Good lens coatings help reduce this.
Q: How do I clean my F mount lens?
A: Use a lens brush and a microfiber cloth. For tougher smudges, use a lens cleaning solution sparingly.
Q: What are some popular F mount lens types for portraits?
A: Lenses like the 50mm f/1.8 or the 85mm f/1.8 are very popular for portraits because they create a beautiful blurred background.