Having an appropriate portrait lens (or several) using a portrait lens Nikon is a vital step to make your photographs stand out and highlight your subject. When you shoot using the Nikon camera there are a lot of great lenses could be considered for your photography. Utilizing the original Nikon lenses will ensure that your camera will perform well, but they are more expensive. The third party lenses (made by companies that aren’t Nikon) are a great alternative to save cash as you expand your collection of gear. No matter if you’re shooting using an Nikon DSLR or an unibody camera, the top portrait lenses available for Nikon will enhance your photography.

  • Best overall: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S
  • Best standard zoom: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
  • Best telephoto zoom: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
  • The best zoom for a budget: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD
  • Best prime: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S
  • The best budget prime: Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Nikon Z
  • Best wide-angle: Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S
  • The best budget wide-angle available: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

What we chose to be the best portrait lenses to use with Nikon

Different portraits require different lenses. That’s why we’ve picked a broad choice of options to suit different scenarios in which portraits are required. We also aimed to choose lenses suitable for different budgets since not everyone needs or can afford a professionally-priced piece of glass. When choosing the lenses featured here, we focused on the image quality first that includes things like clarity, sharpness distortion, as well as other. We also examined other lens features like the controls, handling and weatherproofing and autofocus.

 

The top Portrait lenses available for Nikon review and suggestions

Portrait photography is broad term that encompasses many different situations and styles. The most effective portrait lenses available on Nikon provide a range from headshot lenses to equipment to capture the natural environment and everything between.

Best overall: Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/1.2 – f/16
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of filter:82 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 33.46 inches
  • Weight: 2.6 pounds
  • Dimensions4 4 5.6 inches

Pros

  • Extremely sharp
  • Fast f/1.2 aperture
  • Smooth, attractive bokeh
  • Weather-sealed

Cons

  • Heavy

An 85mm prime could be the most ideal portrait lens. The 85mm focal distance provides flattering distortion in portraits as well as a good working distance that puts the subject in a comfortable position. Also, they usually have quick apertures that allow for stunning backgrounds and blurred backgrounds, this is definitely what happens with the Nikon 85mm mirrorless cameras.

Its NIKKOR Z 85mm camera has an impressive f/1.2 aperture, which makes it perfect for shooting in low light conditions and also allowing ample space between you and background. It can be used to create razor-thin depth of field to create stunning photographs. To help with that the lens has a diaphragm with a round 11 blade that results in stunningly smooth blurred images. This lens is also extremely sharp, which means you’ll be able to capture high-quality, detailed portraits, particularly when used with the Z9. DSLR camera with high resolution such as the Z9.

Nikon’s mirrorless 85mm is an amazing video tool. It has fast, precise and quiet autofocus thanks to two STM motors. There is also no focus breathing, so the videos will be more smooth. With 2.6 pounds the lens weighs a lot however it’s weatherproofed and is worth the weight to get the high-quality.

 

Best standard zoom: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/2.8 – f/22
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of the filter:82 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 1.25 feet
  • Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Dimensions3.5 by 4.96 6.15 x 4.96 6.15 inches

Pros

  • Flexible focal length
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Excellent image quality
  • Utilized OLED display

Cons

  • Expensive

A high-quality 24-70mm lens is a real beast that can cover many different types of subjects and scenarios. The wide zoom range is suitable for wedding photographers who have to cover a variety of different portrait styles at any time. Nikon’s Z-mount 24-70mm lens is an excellent example of how effective lenses are.

This lens provides incredible image quality, with outstanding clarity. There’s virtually no aberrations or fringing. Images captured with this 24-70mm lens are crisp and precise which makes it an excellent portrait tool. The sharp f/2.8 aperture adapts well to low-light conditions, which is ideal for portraits at receptions. The overall bokeh quality is beautiful, with beautiful backgrounds.

This NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8 S is also outstanding for handling. The lens has an OLED display at the top that allows you to quickly check important information like aperture, focal length, or distance to focus. Additionally, there’s a focus mode switch as well as an adjustable L-Fn button. It’s weatherproof, which means you’ll be able to shoot without fear even in adverse conditions. Additionally, it’s among the lightest lenses in its kind, making it much easier to carry your camera during the long wedding day.

 

Best telephoto zoom: Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/2.8 – – f/22 Aperture range: f/2.8 – f/22
  • Image stabilization: Yes
  • Size of filter:77 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 1.64 feet
  • Weight: 2.99 pounds
  • Dimensions3.5 8 8.66 inches

Pros

  • Offers image stabilization
  • Continuous and quick f/2.8 aperture
  • Extraordinarily sharp
  • Fast and precise autofocus

Cons

  • Heavy

70-200mm Telephoto lens is a different one of the most popular portrait lenses available from Nikon specifically designed for photographers who shoot weddings. The lens’s versatility makes it perfect for taking pictures of couples who exchange vows even when it’s difficult to reach them however, it is also great for shooting such as bridal portraits. Nikon’s mirrorless 70-200mm lens among the top in its class, and has excellent quality images throughout.

The lens is available at an affordable price, but you’ll receive pro-level optics due to. It’s incredibly sharp, and may be Nikon’s most sharp lens to date. The sharpness is maintained at all lens length and even wide open this is quite remarkable. The lens displays very little distortion, vignetting or aberrations. It also focuses fast and accurately, even while working when working with moving subjects.

Like the majority of Nikon’s Z mount lenses, the lens’ handling is superb. It’s weatherproof and durable which means you’ll be able to continue shooting regardless of weather is. The zoom and focus are completely internal, keeping the level of the lens steady regardless of the weather. There are a lot of controls for the lens to allow adjustments faster than having to go into menus for the camera. Overall, it’s an amazing lens that’s an asset in a variety of photographic portrait or nature photography situations.

 

The most affordable zoom for telephoto: Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • Range of aperture:f/4.5 up to f/6/3 from f/22 up to 32
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of filter:67 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 31.5 inches
  • Weight: 1.2 pounds
  • Dimensions3 3.0 x 5.8 — 8.5 inches

Pros

  • Compact and light
  • Focusing abilities that are close to the point.
  • Sharp
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Variable max aperture
  • No stabilization

If you’re interested in the 70-200mm lens but don’t want to shell out an arm and a leg Tamron’s offerings are an excellent option at less than half the cost of Nikon 70-200mm. In addition, it offers a 100mm longer reach, which makes it ideal for wildlife photography or portraits that require a distance between you and your subject.

Despite its budget-friendly price the Tamron telephoto zoom has plenty to offer. Autofocus is powered by an RXD stepping motor that produces a quiet, fast and precise focus. It’s weatherproofed and weighs just 1.2 pounds and is nearly one pound lighter that Nikon’s 70-200mm zoom. The overall sharpness is quite remarkable and it’s not too bad, with the exception of some edges that are soft in wide-open shots.

Of course, given the price tag at a bargain there will be a compromise. The f/4.5 maximum aperture isn’t bright, which makes shooting in low light more difficult. Additionally, you’ll lose one stop of light when zooming into. There is also no stabilization built into the lens. The good news is that all Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless cameras come with in-body image stabilization (IBIS) However, it is still recommended to use a tripod when working in low-light situations.

 

Best prime: Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/1.2 – f/16
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of the filter:82 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 1.5 feet
  • Weight: 2.4 pounds
  • Dimensions3.5 5.9 x 5.9 inches

Pros

  • Fast maximum aperture
  • Impressive image quality
  • A wide range of lens controls
  • Gorgeous beautiful bokeh

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky

A classic nifty-fifty lens is essential for photographers who shoot portraits. While it’s a primary lens, it’s very versatile. Its NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S fits the bill for a multi-purpose lens, partly due to its large f/1.2 aperture. It makes shooting in dark spaces or in late evening light more comfortable thanks to the large aperture.

The quality of images produced by the mirrorless 50mm lens for Nikon is breathtaking. It provides high-quality images with wide aperture but it is also a lot better when stopped at f/1.8. The rounded diaphragm of nine blades results in stunningly smooth blurred images. Also, the background separation overall, is fantastic with smooth transitions to areas that aren’t in focus. This lens can help separate subjects from backgrounds and keep your subject in the centre of the image.

With the speedy aperture comes with a high price tag, and a huge size lens. The lens weighs 2.4 pounds and measures 5.9 inches in length. This is pretty big for a 50mm lens. If you’re willing to sacrifice one stop of light and light, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 S weighs only 14.64 pounds and is just 1/3 the cost for the f/1.2 version. Its f/1.2 aperture is great for many photographers who shoot portraits this is the reason we’ve selected this lens for one of the top prime lenses for portraits with Nikon. However, for everyday usage it’s the f/1.8 can also do extremely excellently.

 

The best Prime for the Budget: Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 Lens for Nikon Z

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/1.4 – f/22
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of filter:72 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 3.61 feet
  • Weight: 1.63 pounds
  • Dimensions3.07 4 4.04 inches

Pros

  • Fast maximum aperture
  • Ideal portrait focal length
  • Excellent quality and sharpness
  • Affordable
  • Compact and light

Cons

  • There aren’t any aperture controls in the camera.
  • Manual concentrate only

If you’re okay with eliminating any lens or camera communication the Rokinon 85mm f/1.4 lens designed for Nikon camera systems is a low-cost but top-quality choice. However, be mindful that it is only able to provide aperture and focus control that is controlled by means of it’s own lens. You can’t alter the aperture on the camera and you won’t be able use subject tracking or any other autofocus functions that are available on your Nikon.

Once that’s done with that, it is now time to talk about the Rokinon 85mm is a fantastic budget option for photographers who are willing to do the effort. It comes with a quick f/1.4 aperture, which is great for low-light performance. Overall, it is sharp and clear however you’ll need to reduce the aperture for the best performance of it. There isn’t much distortion and there’s a lot of Vignetting too.

Although it’s not completely weatherproof however, it has an air seal on the lens mount that gives you protection in case you are trapped in rain. It’s quite light and compact for an 85mm lens, making it easy to carry to complete a time of filming. Its contrast is less than some lenses, but it has a vintage film-like style that we like a lot. There are trade-offs with this lens certain but for the price, we believe it’s worth it for lots of photographers.

 

Best wide-angle: Nikon NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf4 – f/22
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of filter:82 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 11.02 inches
  • Weight: 1.07 pounds
  • Dimensions:3.5 x 3.35 – 4.49 inches

Pros

  • Superb image quality
  • Focusing is quiet and precise.
  • Focusing abilities that are close to the point.
  • Variable focal length range

Cons

  • Aperture of f/4 isn’t that fast.

Lenses with wide-angle focal lengths aren’t usually the first item people consider when searching for portrait lenses on Nikon. However, they’re surprisingly flexible and can be used for portraiture too. They can be used to document large groups of people at occasions, taking photos of getting ready shots in smaller spaces as well as stunning dance floor images at receptions. This Nikon 14-30mm lens is a great range that offers the widest view possible, and the smaller and portrait-friendly 30mm.

This NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 is among the most sharp zooms with wide angles of all brands. It will allow you to capture stunningly detailed portraits. In addition to its high resolution, the lens has an autofocus that is quiet and fast, ideal for photography in quiet situations. It is able to focus as close to 11.02 inches. This is something is something you might not need to use for portraits, but could be useful for taking specific shots of weddings.

The lens is light and compact, so you’ll be happy to keep it in your camera when shooting throughout the day long. As with all Nikon S lenses, it’s an extremely durable lens that is weatherproofed. The biggest drawback of this lens is that its aperture of f/4 isn’t very quick. If you’d prefer opt for an f/2.8 aperture, and aren’t worried about missing out on a distance and a wider range of focal lengths, the NIKKORZ 17-28mm f2.8 is your best option. It’s not as sharp, as the 14-30mm model, this is the reason it’s not the top choice for an f/2.8 wide-angle portrait lens from Nikon but it does a great job.

 

The best budget wide-angle available: Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3

Specifications

  • Lens mount: Z-mount, full-frame
  • The aperture range isf/4 through 6.3 – F/22 to 36
  • Image stabilization: No
  • Size of filter:52 mm
  • Minimum focus distance: 1.15 feet
  • Weigh:6.88 ounces
  • Dimensions2.89 2.89 x 2.01 2.94 x 2.01 2.94 inches

Pros

  • Extremely compact and light
  • Affordable
  • Silent autofocus
  • Design with moisture and dust resistance

Cons

  • The Aperture isn’t bright enough.
  • Small zoom range

Its NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-5.6 is a low-cost wide-angle lens that is ideal for people who need wide-angle views for a lower cost. Despite its price it’s dust- and water-resistant, which means you can use it even in the worst weather and dusty conditions without having to worry about.

Although it isn’t as sharp as higher-end zooms, the 24-50mm has a good image quality particularly for the cost. The autofocus is fantastic and silent, offering rapid performance. It’s also a small lens, only weighing 6.88 pounds and measuring only 2.1 inches when the lens is put away.

There are some drawbacks with this portrait lens for budget, however. The focal length of 24-50mm doesn’t offer much versatility, especially when compared to other lenses. The maximum aperture ranges between f/4 and f/6.3 when you move closer, making it not ideal for situations with low light. The compact size and affordable price makes this an ideal travel lens for portraits on Nikon cameras.

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