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Best Lenses for Nikon D850 in 2023: Taking Your Photography to the Next Level

The Nikon D850: A Quick Overview

The Nikon D850 remains a popular choice among photographers, known for its high-resolution sensor, impressive dynamic range, and robust build quality. However, to truly unlock its potential, you need the right lenses. In this guide, we’ll explore the best lenses for the Nikon D850 in 2023, covering a range of photography styles and scenarios.

Choosing the Best Lens for Your Nikon D850 in 2023

When selecting a lens for your Nikon D850, consider your specific needs and shooting preferences. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Understanding Your Needs: Choosing between Zoom, Prime, and Macro Lenses

1. Zoom Lenses: These versatile lenses cover a range of focal lengths. They’re ideal for travel, events, and everyday photography. Look for a high-quality zoom lens with a wide aperture for maximum flexibility.
2. Prime Lenses: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length (e.g., 50mm or 85mm). They offer excellent sharpness and low-light performance. Consider them for portraits, street photography, or creative work.
3. Macro Lenses: If you’re into close-up photography (flowers, insects, etc.), a dedicated macro lens is essential. Look for one with 1:1 magnification.

We also have compared Nikon D810 vs D850 where you can choose the one among them for your photographic journey.

Qualities to Look for When Choosing a Lens for Nikon D850

1. Sharpness: A sharp lens ensures crisp details in your images.
2. Autofocus Speed: Fast and accurate autofocus is crucial.
3. Maximum Aperture: A wide aperture (e.g., f/1.4) allows better low-light performance.
4. Build Quality: Invest in well-built lenses that can withstand various conditions.

The Best Lenses for Nikon D850 Reviewed

Let’s dive into specific lens recommendations:

1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: The Best Zoom Lens for the Nikon D850

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a staple in many professional photographers’ kits. Its 24-70mm focal length range covers wide-angle to short telephoto, making it suitable for a wide range of subjects. The fast f/2.8 aperture ensures excellent low-light performance, and the lens is equipped with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, providing image stabilization for sharp handheld shots.

This lens is a workhorse for event photography, landscapes, and even portraits. Its optical quality, combined with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and Aspherical elements, minimizes flare and distortion, resulting in stunningly sharp images.

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a workhorse lens that covers a versatile focal range from 24mm to 70mm. Here’s why it’s an excellent choice for your D850:

1. Focal Range and Flexibility: With a zoom range spanning from wide-angle to short telephoto, this lens is perfect for various scenarios. Use it for landscapes, events, travel photography, and even portraits.
2. Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional sharpness across its focal range. Whether you’re capturing sweeping vistas or intimate details, the 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR ensures clarity and detail.
3. Constant Aperture: The wide maximum aperture of f/2.8 remains consistent throughout the zoom range. This allows you to maintain excellent low-light performance and achieve beautiful background blur (bokeh).
4. Vibration Reduction (VR): The built-in VR system compensates for camera shake, especially useful when shooting handheld in challenging conditions.
5. Build Quality: The lens features robust construction with weather sealing, making it suitable for outdoor use.

2. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G: The Best Macro Lens for Nikon D850

For macro enthusiasts, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is a top choice. This lens offers true 1:1 magnification, allowing you to capture tiny subjects in intricate detail. It’s exceptionally sharp, producing lifelike images with vibrant colors and minimal distortion.

The internal focusing (IF) mechanism ensures that the lens maintains its length during focusing, and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast and precise autofocus, crucial for capturing moving insects or flowers swaying in the breeze.

If you’re passionate about close-up photography, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G macro lens is a must-have:

1. True 1:1 Macro Magnification: This lens allows you to capture tiny subjects at life-size magnification. Whether it’s intricate flower petals or delicate insects, the 105mm f/2.8G excels.
2. Sharpness and Bokeh: Expect tack-sharp images with beautiful background blur (thanks to its wide aperture). The lens renders fine details crisply.
3. Versatility: While primarily a macro lens, the 105mm focal length also works well for portraiture and other creative shots.

3. Nikon 85mm f/1.4G: The Best Prime Lens for the Nikon D850

Portrait photographers will appreciate the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G for its exceptional bokeh and creamy background blur. With a wide f/1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low-light conditions and delivers stunning subject isolation.

The Nano Crystal Coat reduces ghosting and flare, while the Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances contrast and color accuracy. The result is sharp, vibrant portraits that truly stand out.

Prime lenses offer unmatched optical quality, and the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is no exception:

1. Wide Aperture: At f/1.4, this lens lets in copious amounts of light, making it perfect for low-light conditions and achieving creamy bokeh.
2. Portrait Perfection: The 85mm focal length is ideal for portraits—whether environmental portraits or headshots—thanks to its flattering perspective and background separation.
3. Sharpness and Color Rendering: Expect sharpness across the frame, even wide open, along with accurate color reproduction.

4. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL VR: The Best Telephoto Lens for Nikon D850

For sports and wildlife photographers, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL VR is a game-changer. Its versatile zoom range and fast f/2.8 aperture allow you to capture distant subjects with exceptional clarity and speed.

The lens features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which is invaluable when shooting handheld at long focal lengths. Whether you’re tracking fast-moving athletes or elusive wildlife, this lens has you covered.

For sports, wildlife, or distant subjects, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL VR is unbeatable:

1. Zoom Range: Covering a versatile range from 70mm to 200mm, this lens lets you get close to your subjects without compromising image quality.
2. Constant Aperture: Like the other professional-grade lenses mentioned here, this one maintains a wide aperture of f/2.8 throughout its zoom range.
3. Vibration Reduction (VR): Essential for handheld shooting at longer focal lengths, especially when capturing action or wildlife.
4. Image Quality: Expect sharpness, contrast, and minimal distortion even at maximum aperture.

Special Mention: Unique Lenses for Specific Purposes

• Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G: Outstanding wide-angle lens for landscapes.
• Sigma Art Series Lenses: High-quality alternatives compatible with the Nikon F-mount.

Unleash your Inner Landscape Photographer: The Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D850

If landscape photography is your passion, consider the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G. This ultra-wide-angle lens offers breathtaking perspectives and exceptional sharpness across the frame. Its fast aperture is perfect for low-light conditions, and its rugged build ensures durability in the great outdoors.

For Events and Portraits: Best Lens for Nikon D850

For versatile event and portrait photography, the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G is an excellent all-in-one solution. While it may not have the wide aperture of some other lenses, its extensive zoom range allows you to adapt to various shooting scenarios with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lenses for Nikon D850

1. What lens can you use with Nikon D850?

The Nikon D850 is compatible with Nikon’s F-mount lenses, which includes a vast selection of both Nikon-branded lenses and third-party options. This compatibility provides photographers with a wide range of choices, from zoom and prime lenses to macro and telephoto lenses. Additionally, Nikon’s F-mount lenses are known for their quality and performance, making them an excellent match for the Nikon D850’s capabilities.

2. What is the best 85mm lens for the D850?

The best 85mm lens for the Nikon D850 largely depends on your specific needs and preferences. However, one highly regarded option is the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G. This prime lens is known for its exceptional image quality, wide aperture of f/1.4, and ability to produce beautiful bokeh, making it an excellent choice for portrait photography and low-light conditions.

3. Is Nikon D850 a professional camera?

Yes, the Nikon D850 is considered a professional-grade camera. It boasts a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, outstanding dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance. Its robust build, high-quality image output, and advanced features make it a preferred choice among professional photographers for various genres, including landscape, portrait, sports, and wildlife photography.

4. Should I buy a 50mm or 85mm lens?

The choice between a 50mm and an 85mm lens depends on your photography style and the type of shots you want to capture.

• A 50mm lens is versatile and considered a standard “normal” lens, suitable for a wide range of situations, including street photography, environmental portraits, and everyday use. It offers a field of view that closely resembles what the human eye sees.
• An 85mm lens, on the other hand, is often preferred for portrait photography. It allows for a more pronounced background blur (bokeh) and can create a flattering compression effect, making your subject stand out. It’s also a good choice for low-light conditions due to its wider aperture.

Consider your photography goals and the kind of images you want to create when deciding between these two focal lengths.

5. Which is better 85mm or 50mm?

Whether an 85mm or a 50mm lens is better depends on your specific photography needs and preferences.

• An 85mm lens is often favored for portrait photography because it provides a flattering compression effect, beautiful background blur (bokeh), and excellent subject isolation. It excels in creating stunning, sharp portraits.
• A 50mm lens, being closer to the “normal” focal length, is versatile and suitable for a wide range of photography styles, including street photography, environmental portraits, and everyday snapshots. It offers a natural field of view that closely resembles what the human eye sees.

The choice between the two ultimately depends on your intended use and creative vision.

6. Is Nikon D850 FX or DX?

The Nikon D850 is an FX-format camera. In Nikon’s terminology, FX refers to full-frame cameras, which have a sensor size equivalent to a 35mm film frame. The D850 features a full-frame sensor, making it capable of capturing high-resolution images with excellent detail and dynamic range.

7. Is it possible to use other brands’ lenses on Nikon D850?

Yes, with appropriate adapters, you can use lenses from other brands (e.g., Sigma or Tamron) on your D850.

8. What is the best lens for low-light photography using Nikon D850?

The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is an excellent choice due to its wide aperture.

Getting the Best Lenses for Nikon D850: Final Words

Choosing the best lenses for your Nikon D850 in 2023 can significantly elevate your photography game. Whether you’re into landscapes, portraits, macro photography, or any other genre, there’s a lens out there that suits your needs. Remember to consider factors like focal length, aperture, and autofocus capabilities when making your decision. Invest in high-quality lenses that complement the remarkable capabilities of the Nikon D850, and you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning, memorable shots.📸