Choosing the right nikon zoom lens can make all the difference in creating sharp, crisp images. A zoom lens is an essential part of any camera kit and the range of lenses available from Nikon covers all genres of photography. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a Nikon zoom lens. The first is the aperture size, which determines how much light can pass through the lens at once and has a relationshipal effect on shutter speed (how fast your image will capture) and ISO (the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light).
Next up is the focal length, which is an important factor in selecting the right nikon zoom lens for a particular type of photography. For example, if you want to capture landscapes, the best nikon zoom lens for landscape photography is a wide-angle that will let you capture expansive, panoramic views. If you’re more interested in capturing portraits, a portrait Nikon zoom lens will allow you to get close-ups and blur the background. If you’re looking for a lens to take on an outdoor adventure, a Nikon zoom lens with a high maximum aperture will let in plenty of light and give you a good range of settings for shooting in low-light conditions.
The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4 S is one of the best midrange zooms that we’ve ever tested. This Nikkor works well on both full-frame and APS-C cameras and it can be used to shoot anything from landscapes to people photos. This lens is a little heavier and more expensive than some of the alternatives, but it offers outstanding performance and a very versatile zoom range.
There are a few things that prevent this lens from getting our five-star rating, including some barrel distortion at the wide end of the zoom range and a bit too much plastic in the build. However, these are small gripes for a lens that does so many jobs well and is ideal for landscapes, travel, street and architecture photography.
If you’re an aspiring astrophotographer, the Nikon AF-S 20mm f/1.8G is an excellent choice. The incredibly wide maximum aperture of this lens lets in more light and allows you to capture some truly unique photos. It’s also a lot lighter than some of the other landscape lenses in our review, which will save you the back strain of carrying heavy equipment for long distances. It doesn’t have the range of the Nikon zoom lens for landscape photography above, but it will serve you well if you plan on using your camera for astrophotography in addition to other genres of photography. It’s an exceptionally versatile lens that we highly recommend for any photographer.