Top 6 Best Nikon Lens For Portraits 2024

By GirlBoss Team | February 24, 2024

Capturing memories as portraits allows you to preserve them beautifully. Regardless if you’re a seasoned photographer or a novice, it’s imperative to have the appropriate lens for achieving the perfect shot. Nikon, a renowned brand for its high-quality lenses, offers a variety of options ideal for portrait photography.

When it comes to portrait photography, the lens you choose can make all the difference. The right lens can help you capture stunning images with sharp focus and beautiful bokeh. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and put together a list of the best Nikon lenses for portraits.

When choosing a lens for portrait photography, there are several critical factors to consider. The first is focal length. A lens with a focal length between 50mm and 85mm is ideal for portraits, as it allows you to capture your subject’s face and upper body without distortion. Another important factor is aperture. A lens with a wide aperture, such as f/1.4 or f/1.8, is perfect for portrait photography as it allows you to create a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.

After testing and researching, we’ve identified the top Nikon lenses for portraits. These lenses offer excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and beautiful bokeh. So, whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur, these lenses will help you capture stunning portraits that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Best Nikon Lens for Portraits

As photographers, we know that portraits require a certain finesse that other types of photography do not. The right lens can make all the difference in capturing the perfect shot. After extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best Nikon lenses for portraits. Our recommendations are based on factors such as sharpness, focal length, and aperture, ensuring that you get the most out of your investment. Read on to find the perfect lens for your portrait photography needs.

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)

If you’re looking for an all-in-one lens that’s perfect for nearly any situation, consider the 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). With its versatile 7.8x zoom range, this lens is optimized to deliver beautiful, ultra-sharp photos and videos with softly blurred backgrounds.

Pros

Highly versatile all-in-one zoom lens with both wide angle (18mm) and telephoto (140mm) capabilities
4 stops of VR image stabilization for sharper handheld shots in low light and at telephoto distances
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for better contrast and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing

Cons

Not as sharp as some prime lenses
Some distortion at the edges of the frame
May not be suitable for professional photographers who require the highest level of image quality

With its compact design, this lens is perfect for photographers who are always on the go. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it a great choice for travel photography. The 4 stops of VR image stabilization mean that you can take sharper handheld photos and videos, even in low-light situations or at maximum focal length.

The lens is also designed to draw peak performance from Nikon’s high-resolution DX-format image sensors, delivering vibrant, detail-rich photos and videos across its wide-angle to telephoto zoom range. You can even get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject for macro-style close-ups.

Overall, the 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) is an excellent choice for photographers who want a versatile all-in-one lens that’s perfect for nearly any situation.

Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens

If you’re looking for a portrait lens that’s compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras, then the Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens could be a great option for you.

Pros

The wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades produces a super smooth round blur effect (bokeh), which is perfect for portrait photography.
The lens is equipped with an STM stepping motor, which provides a silent and smooth focusing experience.
It supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, making it easy to use.

Cons

The build quality feels a bit cheap as the lens is made of plastic.
The autofocus may not always be as sharp as desired.
The subject in focus may not always be perfectly sharp, which can be a drawback for portrait photography.

We were impressed with the Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens. The lens produces beautiful bokeh and a smooth blur effect, which is perfect for portrait photography. The lens is also equipped with an STM stepping motor, which provides a silent and smooth focusing experience.

However, the build quality of the lens feels a bit cheap, as it is made of plastic. Also, the autofocus may not always be as sharp as desired, and the subject in focus may not always be perfectly sharp, which can be a drawback for portrait photography.

Overall, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly portrait lens that delivers great results, the Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens could be a great choice for you.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens

If you’re looking for a high-quality lens for portraits, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens is a great option.

Pros

This lens delivers incredibly sharp images.
The fast f/1.4 aperture ensures a bright viewfinder image as well as beautiful background blur.
The Nano Crystal Coat further reduces ghosting and interior flare across a wide range of wavelengths for even greater image clarity.

Cons

This lens is quite expensive.
The autofocus can be slow in low-light situations.
The lens is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods.

We’ve been using the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens for a while now, and we’re impressed with its performance. The lens is incredibly sharp, and the fast f/1.4 aperture ensures that we can capture beautiful images with a shallow depth of field. The Nano Crystal Coat is also a great feature, as it helps to reduce ghosting and interior flare, resulting in even greater image clarity.

One downside to this lens is its price. It’s definitely not a budget option, but if you’re looking for a high-quality lens for portraits, it’s worth the investment. Another issue we’ve noticed is that the autofocus can be slow in low-light situations. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to capture a shot quickly. Finally, the lens is quite heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods.

Overall, we’d recommend the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens to anyone looking for a high-quality lens for portraits. It’s a bit pricey, but the image quality is worth it. Just be aware that the autofocus can be slow in low-light situations, and the lens is quite heavy.

Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 85mm portrait prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model

If you are a photographer who enjoys capturing stunning portraits, headshots, fashion, weddings, tight video shots, or street photography, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is an excellent option to consider.

Pros

Captivating bokeh with a nine-blade diaphragm for soft rounded book
Nano Crystal coating and two ED glass elements for lifelike accuracy
Dust and drip resistant with extensive sealing to keep out dust and moisture

Cons

Slightly heavier than some other lenses
May not be the best option for low light situations
Expensive compared to other similar lenses

This lens is a game-changer for portrait photography. The bokeh this lens produces is breathtaking, with a nine-blade diaphragm that creates a soft, rounded book. The Nano Crystal coating and two ED glass elements provide lifelike accuracy, making your photos look more natural and realistic. Additionally, the lens is dust and drip resistant, so you can use it in any weather conditions without worrying about damaging it.

One downside to this lens is that it is slightly heavier than some other lenses. If you are planning on using it for extended periods, you may want to consider using a tripod to avoid fatigue. Additionally, while this lens is excellent in most lighting conditions, it may not be the best option for low light situations. Finally, this lens is expensive compared to other similar lenses, but the quality of the images it produces makes it worth the investment.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a lens that will produce stunning portraits and headshots, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S lens is an excellent option to consider. The captivating bokeh, Nano Crystal coating, and dust and drip resistance make this lens a great investment for any photographer looking to take their portraits to the next level.

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile prime lens for your Nikon DX-format D-SLR, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is a great option.

Pros

This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished and shows limited or no wear, which means you can get a like-new lens at a lower cost.
The fast f/1.8 aperture is perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait, and general photography.
The aspherical lens element minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity.

Cons

This lens is designed for DX-format cameras, so it may not be compatible with full-frame cameras.
The autofocus is not as fast or quiet as some of the newer AF-P lenses.
The lens does not have vibration reduction, so it may not be ideal for handheld shots in low light.

We recently had the chance to test out this lens and were impressed with its performance. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it a great option for travel and everyday use. The f/1.8 aperture allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light shooting, and the aspherical lens element helps to produce sharp and clear images.

One thing to keep in mind is that this lens is designed for DX-format cameras, so it may not be compatible with full-frame cameras. Additionally, the autofocus is not as fast or quiet as some of the newer AF-P lenses, but it still performs well in most situations. Finally, the lack of vibration reduction may be a drawback for handheld shots in low light.

Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and versatile prime lens for your Nikon DX-format D-SLR, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is definitely worth considering. With its fast aperture and aspherical lens element, it’s a great option for low-light and general photography.

50mm F 1.8 Manual/Automatic HD Portrait Macro Lens for Nikon D3200 D3000 D5300 D5000 D5200 D3300 D90 D80 D40 D40X D70

If you’re looking for a lens that is great for portraits, the 50mm F 1.8 Manual/Automatic HD Portrait Macro Lens from OPTURA HD OPTICS is definitely worth considering.

Pros

The lens is great for portraits, producing sharp and clear images with a beautiful bokeh effect.
It has both automatic and manual focus options, giving you more control over your shots.
The lens is also HD macro compatible, allowing you to capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

Cons

The lens may not be as versatile as some others, as it is specifically designed for portraits.
Some users have reported that the lens can be a bit heavy, making it less portable than other options.
The lens may not be as durable as some other lenses on the market.

In our experience, the 50mm F 1.8 Manual/Automatic HD Portrait Macro Lens is an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to capture stunning portraits with their Nikon camera. The lens produces sharp and clear images with a beautiful bokeh effect, making it perfect for capturing those special moments. We also love that the lens has both automatic and manual focus options, which gives you more control over your shots. Additionally, the lens is HD macro compatible, which means you can capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

One potential downside of the lens is that it may not be as versatile as some other lenses on the market. It is specifically designed for portraits, so it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a lens that can handle a wide range of shooting situations. Additionally, some users have reported that the lens can be a bit heavy, which makes it less portable than other options. Finally, the lens may not be as durable as some other lenses on the market, so you’ll want to take care when handling it.

Overall, we would highly recommend the 50mm F 1.8 Manual/Automatic HD Portrait Macro Lens from OPTURA HD OPTICS to anyone who is looking for a high-quality lens that is specifically designed for portraits. It produces stunning images with a beautiful bokeh effect, and the automatic and manual focus options give you more control over your shots. Additionally, the lens is HD macro compatible, which means you can capture stunning close-up shots with ease.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best Nikon lens for portraits, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the key features to look for when choosing the right lens for your needs.

Focal Length

The focal length of a lens determines its angle of view, which can greatly affect the look of your portraits. For a more natural-looking portrait, a lens with a focal length between 50mm and 85mm is ideal. Longer focal lengths, such as 135mm or 200mm, can be used for more dramatic portraits with a shallower depth of field.

Aperture

The aperture of a lens affects the amount of light that enters the camera, as well as the depth of field. A wider aperture, such as f/1.8 or f/1.4, allows for a shallower depth of field and can create a beautiful bokeh effect in the background. However, lenses with wider apertures tend to be more expensive.

Image Stabilization

Image stabilization can be a useful feature when shooting portraits, especially in low light conditions. This feature helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images. However, lenses with image stabilization tend to be more expensive than those without.

Build Quality

The build quality of a lens is also an important factor to consider. A well-built lens can last for many years and withstand regular use. Look for lenses with durable materials and weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best Nikon lens for portraits that meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Nikon lens is recommended for portrait photography on a D3500?

For portrait photography on a D3500, we recommend using the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens. This lens is a great choice for capturing stunning portraits with a natural-looking background blur, thanks to its wide aperture of f/1.8. Additionally, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods of time.

What are the top portrait lens choices for the Nikon Z6II?

If you’re using a Nikon Z6II camera for portrait photography, there are several great lens options available. Our top picks include the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S, the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.8 S, and the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. Each of these lenses offers excellent sharpness, bokeh, and overall image quality, making them ideal for capturing stunning portraits.

How does the Nikon 50mm lens perform for portrait shots?

The Nikon 50mm lens is a popular choice for portrait photography, and for good reason. With its wide aperture of f/1.8, this lens is capable of producing beautiful background blur and sharp, detailed portraits. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the 50mm focal length can sometimes be too wide for certain types of portraits, such as headshots or close-ups.

Can the Nikon 85mm lens be considered optimal for portrait photography?

Yes, the Nikon 85mm lens is considered by many to be an optimal choice for portrait photography. With its medium telephoto focal length and wide aperture of f/1.8 or f/1.4, this lens is capable of producing stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh and sharpness. Additionally, the 85mm focal length is great for capturing headshots and other close-up portraits.

What Nikon Z series lenses are preferred for wedding and portrait photography?

When it comes to wedding and portrait photography with a Nikon Z series camera, there are several lenses that are highly recommended. These include the Nikon Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S, the Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, and the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Each of these lenses offers excellent image quality, sharpness, and bokeh, making them ideal for capturing beautiful portraits and wedding photos.

What should I look for in a Nikon lens when focusing on portrait photography?

When choosing a Nikon lens for portrait photography, there are several key factors to consider. These include the lens’s focal length, aperture, sharpness, and bokeh. Additionally, it’s important to choose a lens that is well-suited to your shooting style and needs, whether that’s a compact and lightweight prime lens or a versatile zoom lens.

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