6 best prime lenses for nikon cameras

Prime lenses for Nikon cameras are fixed focal length lenses, meaning they have a single, non-adjustable focal length. This is in contrast to zoom lenses, which have a range of focal lengths that can be adjusted.

Here are some key points about prime lenses for Nikon cameras:

  1. Image Quality: Prime lenses are known for their exceptional image quality.They often produce sharper, clearer images with less distortion compared to zoom lenses.

  2. Wide Aperture: Many prime lenses have wide maximum apertures, which allow for more light to enter the camera. This is beneficial in low-light conditions and also enables a shallower depth of field, creating a pleasing background blur (bokeh).

  3. Low Light Performance: Because of their wide apertures, prime lenses perform well in low-light situations. They allow you to shoot at faster shutter speeds without having to increase the ISO, which can introduce noise.

  4. Portraiture: Prime lenses are popular for portrait photography because of their ability to create a pleasing background blur. They also tend to be sharp in the center, which is important for capturing fine details in portraits.

  5. Fixed Focal Length: The fixed focal length means that you have to physically move the camera to compose your shot. This can be seen as a limitation, but many photographers appreciate the creative challenge it presents.

  6. Lightweight and Compact: Prime lenses are often smaller and lighter than zoom lenses, making them more portable and easier to carry around.

  7. Less Versatile: The main drawback of prime lenses is their lack of versatility in terms of focal length. You're "stuck" with one perspective, so you have to physically move to get the composition you want.

  8. Popular Focal Lengths: Common prime lens focal lengths for Nikon cameras include 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm. These are popular choices for a wide range of photography styles.

  9. Compatibility: When choosing a prime lens for your Nikon camera, ensure that it has the appropriate mount for your camera model (e.g., F-mount for older Nikon DSLRs, Z-mount for newer mirrorless models).

  10. Cost: Prime lenses can be more affordable than zoom lenses, especially when comparing lenses with similar apertures.

In conclusion, prime lenses are valued for their image quality, wide apertures, and suitability for specific types of photography like portraiture. While they may lack the versatility of zoom lenses, they offer a unique shooting experience and can be an essential part of a photographer's kit.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best prime lenses for nikon cameras on the market
  

YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture Auto Manual Focus AF MF for Nikon DSLR Cameras

YONGNUO

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • F/1. 8 large aperture which helps to separate the subject from background;
  • A great prime lens that is an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens;
  • Supports auto focus and manual focus modes; supports full-frame and APS-C Format cameras;
  • Adopts Gold Plated metal contacts, which effectively improves the signal Conductivity and corrosion resistance;
  • Supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera Shooting modes, and parameters used to take pictures can be displayed in the exit information;

User questions & answers

Question: would it work on D
Answer: Hi Friend, our YN50mm F1.8N is compatible with Nikon D3200.
Question: Does this work for a Nikon d
Answer: yes you can
Question: Hello, is this lens compatible with a Nikon d
Answer: pls Make sure your focus mode is set to MF (manual focus) not auto focus mode. Not just the lens but the camera itself. if your shutter speed is too fast, it will come out dark or black. since this is an f8.3, it lets in less light compared to something that is an f4 or f3.5.You will have to control the amount of light that is coming into the lens by moving the comand dial and letting in more light. You will see on the display to the left it will open and close as you move the dial. It is a lot of trial and error. There is also great how to's on line.
Question: Hello, is this lens compatible with a Nikon DX
Answer: You will need to use a tripod or rest the lens on something solid to avoid blur except in bright light with a very, very fast shutter. Good luck for you.

Product features

Package Including:

  • 1 x YN50mm F1. 8 N
  • 1 x Front and Rear Lens Cap
  • 1 x Lens cap
  • 1 x Manual
  • 1 x Original Box

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon

Based on 7 reviews Check latest price

Product description

What’s in the box: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens, 58mm Snap-On Lens Cap, LF-4 Rear Lens Cap, HB-47 Bayonet Lens Hood for AF-S 50mm f/1.4G, CL-1013 Soft Lens Case, 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension).

  • Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135) format is 47 degree and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15X
  • Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter)
  • Newly developed optical system with aspherical lens element, exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM)
  • M/a focus mode switch, filter thread 58 millimeter, autofocus: Yes. Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera lens mounting flange): Approximately 2.83 inches diameter x 2.01 inches
  • Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both fx and dx format d SLRS
  • Lens not zoomable

User questions & answers

Question: Will it autofocus on D
Answer: I have the D5100... I would only be assuming it would focus on the d5300.
Question: Will the autofocus work on 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor lens for the D
Answer: Yes, the auto-focus will work. But remember this is an FX lens. Your DX D3200 camera will register it as a 75mm lens rather than a 50mm lens.
Question: Could you comment on the merits of 50mm F 1.8 vs. 85 mm F 1.8 for portrait photography much of which will just be shot in the home on a D
Answer: Either lense is fine for portrait use though, but I prefer to keep portraits to around 50-85mm so on my aps-c sensor body it left me with one choice. A fx lens on a dx body has a focal length of 1.5x the rating. So a 50mm on a D7100 comes out to a 75mm, and the 85mm lens acts like a 127.rmm lens. For this reason I chose the 50mm F1.8 lens. It has nice bokeh and since the length isn't too long the portrait image still has some depth and isn't flattened.
Question: nikon 50mm f/1.8g vs. nikon 50mm f/1.4g... which one
Answer: Get the 1.8 and use the difference to buy the 35 1.8g dx

Product features

Your DSLR’s Best Friend

A must-have for standard portraits and everyday use, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a lens that will absolutely surprise you. The 50mm focal length (75mm equivalent on DX format cameras) with a fast f/1.8 aperture allows you to capture stunning images with a shallow depth-of-field, letting your subjects stand out from their backgrounds. The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G may soon become your new favorite lens.

Brilliance In Any Light Get Astonishing Low Light Results

This lightweight standard lens is a great travel companion because you never know when a beautiful, sunny day will turn cloudy and rainy. With its fast f/1.8 aperture, the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G will capture even low-light situations with stunning brilliance.

Beautiful Background Blur Achieve More Natural Depth Of Field

Whether you're shooting portraits, food or nature—indoors or outdoors—the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G renders a beautiful, natural background blur (Bokeh) at its wider aperture settings. And its 50mm focal length is perfect for creating natural perspective in your photographs.

Capture Every Detail Shoot Tack-Sharp Portraits Every Time

Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare, while the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G's Aspherical Lens Element (AS) virtually eliminates coma and other types of aberrations, even when shooting at the widest available aperture. Pair that with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus, and you can be sure all of your portraits will be tack sharp.

Silent Wave Motor

AF-S NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology converts 'traveling waves' into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables high-speed autofocusing that's extremely accurate and super quiet.

M/A

Select NIKKOR lenses have a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with virtually no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while looking through the viewfinder.

Aspherical Lens

A lens with a curved, non-spherical surface. Used to reduce aberrations and enable a more compact lens size. Aspherical lenses minimize coma and other types of lens aberrations, even when used at the widest aperture. They are particularly useful in correcting distortion in wide-angle lenses and help contribute to a lighter, more compact design by reducing the number of standard (spherical) elements necessary. Aspherical lens elements correct these distortions by continuously changing the refractive index from the center of the lens.

Super Integrated Coating

Nikon Super Integrated Coating is Nikon's term for its multilayer coating of the optical elements in NIKKOR lenses.

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Nikon

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lens not zoomable

-

Focal Length : 50 mm, Minimum Focus Distance - 1.5 ft.( 0.45 m)

-

High-speed normal lens

-

Great for travel and for shooting full-length portraits in available light. Performance in any light: The AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D is fast enough for shooting in most lighting situations without a flash—from dusk and dawn to dim indoor lighting. Its aperture control ring allows for manual adjustments during Live View shooting. Broaden your shooting opportunities.

From the Manufacturer



This compact and fast, f/1.8 lens is versatile and perfect for travel and portrait pictures as well as general photography.

  • D-type lens design provides distance information as part of flash and ambient light exposure processes
  • Multi-layer coating minimizes flare and ghosting
  • Exceptionally lightweight and compact

  • Ideal for travel photography
  • Classic normal lens provides speed and compact design
  • Stops down to f/22 for excellent depth-of-field control. Maximum Angle of View (FX-format) is 46°


  • Note : Autofocus system is compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses, and offers quick and precise focusing performance. Autofocus is not supported by DSLRs lacking an autofocus motor, such as the D3000-series, D5000-series, D40, D40X, and D60, where the lens may be used with manual focus only
  • Lens not zoomable. Focal Length : 50 millimeter , Minimum Focus Distance - 1.5 ft.( 0.45 meter)
  • FX in DX Crop Mode 35 millimeter Film; Lens Case: CL-30S
  • NOTE: Refer the User Manual before use. Maximum angle of view (DX-format) 31°30'
  • NOTE: Autofocus is not supported by DSLRs lacking an autofocus motor, such as the D3000-series, D5000-series, D40, D40X, and D60, where the Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50 millimeter f/1.8D may be used with manual focus only.Maximum Angle of View (FX-format):46°
  • High-speed normal lens. Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 0.15x
  • Great for travel and for shooting full-length portraits in available light

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with NO PROBLEM AT ALL in a D7000? I read that the autofocus dosn't work in a D
Answer: Yes, it will. The D7000 has a focus feeler that allows it to focus older "AF" lenses. I have an old AF 28-105 and autofocus works flawlessly.
Question: Is this compaible with the Nikon D40X
Answer: It will work, and all in all work as well as most manual focus lenses, better than some, since the d40x will meter correctly. It will however NOT autofocus. If manual focusing is your cup of tea, have at it, as the focal length will be fine for portraits and it is affordable.
Question: Is this lens compatible with Nikon D
Answer: Yes, it's compatible. But you won't get the autofocus feature. You will need an AF-S lens.
Question: I am a newbie with a d5100. I don't understand how some reviews say it is autofocus, & some say it is not
Answer: The D5100 only autofocuses with the latest AF-S lens, and also older professional AF-I lens. Briefly, AF-S lens have a built-in motor to drive the focusing mechanisms on the lens, whereas AF lens rely on the motor in the camera body (like the D90 or the D7000). Most traditional screw-drive AF lenses will not autofocus on the D5100, but will autofocus on the D90/D7000. Lens that say "AF-S," will autofocus with the d5100, and most lenses sold today for the D5100 are AF-S. The D5100 has no internal autofocus motor, so it will not autofocus with original-style screw-drive AF lenses. This is why some lens will autofocus with the D5100, and some won't.

Product features

Your DSLR’s Best Friend

A must-have for standard portraits and everyday use, the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D is a lens that will absolutely surprise you. The 50mm focal length (75mm equivalent on DX format cameras) with a fast f/1.8 aperture allows you to capture stunning images with a shallow depth-of-field, letting your subjects stand out from their backgrounds. The AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D may soon become your new favorite lens.

Brilliance In Any Light Get Astonishing Low Light Results

This lightweight standard lens is a great travel companion because you never know when a beautiful, sunny day will turn cloudy and rainy. With its fast f/1.8 aperture, the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D will capture even low-light situations with stunning brilliance.

Beautiful Background Blur Achieve More Natural Depth Of Field

Whether you're shooting portraits, food or nature—indoors or outdoors—the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D renders a beautiful, natural background blur (Bokeh) at its wider aperture settings. And its 50mm focal length is perfect for creating natural perspective in your photographs.

Capture Every Detail Shoot Tack-Sharp Portraits Every Time

Nikon's Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare, while the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D's Aspherical Lens Element (AS) virtually eliminates coma and other types of aberrations, even when shooting at the widest available aperture. Pair that with Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus, and you can be sure all of your portraits will be tack sharp.

Silent Wave Motor

AF NIKKOR lenses feature Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology converts 'traveling waves' into rotational energy to focus the optics. This enables high-speed autofocusing that's extremely accurate and super quiet.

M/A

Select NIKKOR lenses have a focusing mode which allows switching from automatic to manual focusing with virtually no lag time by simply turning the focusing ring on the lens. This makes it possible to seamlessly switch to fine manual focusing while looking through the viewfinder.

Aspherical Lens

A lens with a curved, non-spherical surface. Used to reduce aberrations and enable a more compact lens size. Aspherical lenses minimize coma and other types of lens aberrations, even when used at the widest aperture. They are particularly useful in correcting distortion in wide-angle lenses and help contribute to a lighter, more compact design by reducing the number of standard (spherical) elements necessary. Aspherical lens elements correct these distortions by continuously changing the refractive index from the center of the lens.

Super Integrated Coating

Nikon Super Integrated Coating is Nikon's term for its multilayer coating of the optical elements in NIKKOR lenses.

YONGNUO YN35mm F2 Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

YONGNUO

Based on 409 reviews Check latest price
  • Support Auto focus (AF) and manual focus (MF) mode, full line of the products are glass lenses.
  • 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.
  • Adopts chrome high precision metal bayonet, which effectively Improve the goodness to fit the camera body and the bayonet strength, wear and corrosion resistance for durable use.
  • 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 exit information.
  • Multi-coated lenses, effectively Improve the transmittance and suppress the ghosting and flare when in backlight shooting, adopts Gold plating for the metal contacts, effectively Improve the signal Conductivity and corrosion resistance.

User questions & answers

Question: Is the f stop on this 1.2 or 2 ? I cannot figure out from the product name here
Answer: Yes it will. Some post-production with software like Lightroom or the standard Photos-Program that comes with a Mac will help you to accentuate the contrasts and colours to optimize your wideandle indoor shots. Have fun
Question: I have a nikon d3100 and a 50mm dx. with the crop factor, will this allow me to get in closer than the 50mm i already have
Answer: Since it is made for DX and your camera is FX, the lens will work, but the image will be in a full circle, if that makes any sense.
Question: Is this lens compatible with the D
Answer: This is made for Cropped sensor dslr's
Question: Is this lens compatible with the D
Answer: It's completely manual. I usually set the focus on infinity, which is 6 feet+ anyway. fStop is set on the lens barrel, then adjust shutter speed manually on camera for best exposure. It's old school but I like it. Takes great pictures.

Product features

Yongnuo EF 35mm F2N 1:2 AF / MF Wide-angle Prime lens for Nikon DSLR Camera
Glass Lenses, Multi-coated

The whole series products are formed by glass lenses,which with multi-coated and effectively improve light transmittance and the inhibit the ghost shadow and glare in photographing.

Gold Plating Technology

Adopts gold plating metal contacts,effectively improve the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance

Sample Photo
Sample Photo
Sample Photo

NIKON NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S Portrait Fast Prime Lens for Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon

Based on 222 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Elevated by advancements of the revolutionary Z mount, the NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 s is a premium S-Line lens that blends optical ingenuity and artistic nuance. Flattering perspective. Breathtaking resolution. Stunning bokeh. Unwavering focus and lifelike accuracy compensation. This is an 85mm prime lens that will thrill and inspire those who shoot portraits, headshots, fashion, weddings, tight video shots, street photography or any situation that highlights the human form.

  • 85mm f/1.8 lens with nine blade diaphragm for soft rounded book
  • Lens features 2 ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating for lifelike accuracy
  • Dust and drip resistant, the lens is extensively sealed to keep out dust and moisture
  • Features customizable control ring

User questions & answers

Question: Anyone used this lens in an indoor basketball game? Wondering if it focus fast enough, especially comparing to the F mount equivalence
Answer: David, The Canon version does not have the focus confirmation chip like the Nikon version. Only the Samyang 35mm has a Canon version with a confirmation chip. It is a nice feature when you are going through manual focus to get the beep or red dot indicating focus or highest contrast. I hope this helps and don't mean to give you information you already know.
Question: Where is it made
Answer: It's great for long exposures. I used at night to capture Aurora and galactic core with very long exposures. For day time I used the ND filter. Haida has ND filters and holder to work with this lens. Excellent lens.
Question: Is this an usa model camera with a usa warranty or this is a gray market camera
Answer: I use Fotodiox Pro. Filter Adapter Kit (145mm) with Circular Polarizing Filter on this lens, works fine.http://fotodioxpro.com/index.php/wonderpana-145-essentials-kit-system-holder-lens-cap-and-cpl-filter.html
Question: Does this come with the USA warranty
Answer: I am using it with Nikon D750, and Aperture can be controlled with command dial with F2.8, 3.2, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.6 -- upto F22!. It even has Focus confirmation thru view finder and Live View.

Product features

S-Line

At the top of the ever-expanding NIKKOR Z lens lineup, S-Line lenses push Nikon’s tradition of optical excellence and innovation to unprecedented new heights. Superior resolution, sophisticated features, specialized technologies and adherence to Nikon's strictest image quality and build standards.

Multi-Focus System Built-In

Two precisely synchronized AF drives focus with speed and accuracy while suppressing aberrations.

ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass

3 ED glass elements correct for chromatic aberrations, preventing colors from fringing in images.

Anti-Reflective Performance

Nano Crystal coating reduces ghosting and flare in backlit images.

Dust and Drip Resistant

Extensively sealed to keep dust and moisture out, including around all moving parts of the lens.

YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Manual Focus Lens Standard Prime Lens Large Aperture FX DX Compatible with Nikon DSLR Cameras

YONGNUO

Based on 36 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features: F1.8 large aperture,virtual background, which makes photography with more fun. Support auto focus and manual focus mode. Adopts gold plating for the metal contacts,effectively improve the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. Supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes,and can be displayed the aperture data in the EXIF Information. Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras. Multi-coated lenses,effectively improve the transmittance. Adopts high quality plastic as external structure, the overall weight is only 120g,which is convenient for outdoor shooting. Specifications: Angle range: Diagonal-46°; Vertical-27°; Level-40° Lens structure: 5 groups 6 slices Minimum aperture: f/22  Closest focusing distance: 0.45 meter Maximum magnification and field of view: 0.15 * 160 * 240mm (0.45)   (when located to 0.45 meter) Filter diameter/Number of available: 52mm/1 Item size: 7 * 4.6cm / 2.8 * 1.8in(D * H) Item weight: 120g  / 4.21oz Package size: 8.5 * 8.5 * 9cm / 3.3 * 3.3 * 3.5in Package weight: 194g / 6.83oz Package List: 1 * Lens 2 * Protective Covers 1 * User Manual(Chinese & English)

  • F1.8 large aperture,virtual background, which makes photography with more fun.
  • Support auto focus and manual focus mode.
  • Supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes,and can be displayed the aperture data in the EXIF Information.
  • Adopts high quality plastic as external structure, the overall weight is only 120g,which is convenient for outdoor shooting.
  • Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras.

User questions & answers

Question: Does it work on a D
Answer: Not sure I have a d5300 and it works great on it
Question: I have the cannon g7x mark ii will this lens work for my camera
Answer: Hello It is NOT compatible
Question: I have a d5200 and wondering if this is a fit
Answer: It fits on all F mount cameras. I use it on my D3400 and D7100 along with my D700.
Question: Can i use it on a nikon d3200 camera
Answer: Yes

Latest Reviews

View all