Best Pick

Nikon Micro-NIKKOR 2177 60mm

83.3 Score
60mm f/2.8 Nikon F (FX) IS
Why we recommend this

A 1:1 magnification ratio and close focusing to 22cm make this 60mm f/2.8 macro lens a sharp tool for life-size reproduction. Its compact 440g build and 9-blade aperture also suit it for portraits, while Nikon's Super Integrated Coating controls flare. This lens is best for macro photographers who need a lightweight, all-purpose prime for detailed close-ups and flattering headshots.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Rokinon 20mm f/1.8 ED AS UMC 20mm

68.9 Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The bright f/1.8 aperture and 20mm focal length, combined with two aspherical and three ED elements, produce sharp, aberration-controlled images on full-frame Nikon F cameras. Its 485g manual focus design focuses down to 7.9 inches, and the 7-blade rounded diaphragm with Ultra Multi-Coating creates smooth bokeh while resisting flare. This lens suits astrophotographers and portrait shooters who prioritize a fast wide-angle perspective and hands-on control without needing autofocus.

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Tamron SP SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 24-70mm

67.5 Score
24-70mm 22 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 across 24-70mm and VC stabilization deliver sharp handheld images, while eBAND and fluorine coatings reduce flare and moisture. Moisture-resistant construction and fast USD autofocus come at a cost below first-party rivals. Best suited for budget-minded Nikon F shooters focused on portraiture or video where stabilization and constant aperture are critical.

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Sigma Art 50-100mm f/1.8 DC HSM 50-100mm

64 Score
50-100mm 16 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

A constant f/1.8 aperture across a 50-100mm zoom range on APS-C delivers a bright telephoto equivalent of 80-160mm, with four ED elements and HSM autofocus. Its professional-grade resolution and robust build make it a standout for crop-sensor systems, though it lacks stabilization and weather sealing. Best for sports and portrait photographers on APS-C bodies who need fast aperture in a telephoto zoom without switching to full frame.

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Nikon NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF 24-85mm

82.5 Score
24-85mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture at 24mm, combined with two aspherical elements and Super Integrated Coating, delivers sharp, contrasty images with smooth bokeh from a 9-blade diaphragm. Its 1:2 macro reproduction ratio at 85mm and lightweight 139g build make it a versatile, portable option for close-up detail work. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR photographers prioritizing portrait and macro shots on a budget.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z 2164 70mm

81.5 Score
24-70mm f/2.8 Nikon F IS Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture, with 3 ED and 3 aspherical elements and Nano Crystal Coat, ensures edge-to-edge sharpness and flare resistance for demanding low-light scenes. A Silent Wave Motor drives fast, quiet autofocus, and the 0.38-meter minimum focus distance enables crisp close-up compositions. It suits event and portrait photographers who need a versatile zoom for dim venues and tightly framed detail work.

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Sigma EX DC HSM 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM 20mm

61.7 Score
10-20mm 22 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

A constant f/3.5 aperture and HSM autofocus with built-in Optical Stabilization ensure sharp, handheld ultra-wide shots across the 10–20mm zoom range. The Super Multi-Layer coating and four aspherical elements deliver edge-to-edge clarity, and the large 82mm filter thread simplifies using polarizers or ND filters. It’s best for Nikon APS-C shooters focusing on landscape and creative close-up work, thanks to a 24cm minimum focus distance that emphasizes foreground detail.

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Sigma EX DC OS HSM 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM 17-50mm

61.5 Score
17-50mm 22 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture and 4-stop optical stabilization anchor this zoom, with FLD glass delivering fluorite-level chromatic aberration correction for sharp, high-contrast images. Its 28cm minimum focus distance and 1:5 magnification enable near-macro versatility, and the EX-series build includes a petal hood and padded case. Best for APS-C Nikon DSLR shooters wanting a fast, stabilized standard zoom for event work and detail-rich portraits.

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Zeiss Planar Classic ZF.2 T* 50mm f/1.4 Standard Camera 50mm

58.6 Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its 10-element optical design with 1 aspherical and 4 ED elements, plus ZEISS T* coating, delivers exceptionally sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and flare. The full-metal, 699g build provides a precise manual focus experience, and the user-declickable 10-blade aperture enables seamless iris adjustments for video. Best for portrait photographers seeking the signature “3D pop” and smooth bokeh, and for cinematographers who need stepless aperture control on Canon RF cameras.

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IRIX Blackstone 15mm f/2.4 Blackstone 15mm

48.7 Score
15mm 22 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 15mm f/2.4 prime uses 15 elements including two aspherical, two ED, and Neutrino coating to suppress aberrations and flare, all in a weather-sealed magnesium housing with damped manual focus. Luminous depth-of-field markings and a 1:2 maximum magnification enable low-light precision, while its 95mm front and rear gelatin filter support attachment flexibility. It’s best for Nikon F landscape and architectural photographers who need a durable, all-weather ultra-wide prime with critical manual focus control.

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IRIX Dragonfly 45mm f/1.4 45mm

47.7 Score
45mm f/1.4 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A fast f/1.4 aperture combined with one aspherical and four HR elements delivers sharp, low-light imagery with controlled aberrations on full-frame Nikon F bodies. Its Dragonfly weather-sealed construction and focus lock mechanism provide a robust, tactile shooting experience in harsh conditions. This lens is best for portrait photographers who prioritize deliberate manual focus and shallow depth of field over autofocus speed.

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Samyang AF AF 14mm f/2.8 14mm

43.5 Score
14mm 22 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 14mm f/2.8 ultra-wide prime delivers sharp astrophotography images with its fast aperture, two aspherical and two ED elements, and weather-sealed 641g body. A de-clickable aperture ring and smooth manual focus with a lock ring make it equally suited for silent video work and precise night-sky shooting. This lens is ideal for landscape astrophotographers needing a durable, wide-angle manual-focus prime.

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Samyang 12mm f/2.8 ED AS NCS Fisheye 12mm

42.7 Score
12mm 22 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The 12mm full-frame fisheye provides a 180° diagonal field of view and an f/2.8 aperture, with an optical design incorporating three ED and two aspherical elements with Nano Coating to suppress aberrations. Its manual-focus-only build with an integrated AE chip gives full exposure control on Nikon F bodies while keeping weight at 500g. Best for architectural interior photographers and creative shooters pursuing extreme, immersive barrel distortion without needing autofocus or weather sealing.

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Rokinon Cine DS DS135M-N 135mm

34 Score
135mm 22 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The Rokinon Cine DS 135mm T2.2 delivers full-frame telephoto reach with a fast T2.2 aperture and ED glass for controlled aberrations. Its unified gear positions and de-clicked aperture are tightly color-matched across the DS line, enabling quick lens swaps on a follow-focus rig. This lens is best for budget-conscious cinematographers needing a dedicated portrait or interview lens with smooth bokeh from its 9-blade diaphragm.

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Lensbaby Burnside Burnside 35mm f/2.8 35mm

32 Score
35mm 16 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its dual-diaphragm system and effects slider provide direct control over the intensity of the signature swirly bokeh, setting it apart from standard 35mm f/2.8 primes. The all-metal barrel construction and multi-coated glass elements deliver solid build quality and controlled flare for a distinct, vintage rendering. This lens is best for portrait and close-up photographers on Nikon F-mount who prioritize in-camera creative effects over technical sharpness.

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