The Best Value Nikon D700 Lenses

The Nikon D700 is a legendary camera. After the D3, it was Nikon’s second full frame DSLR.

Image quality from the 12.1 megapixel sensor is incredible.

It’s compatible with full frame Nikon F mount lenses. The D700 has a built-in motor drive. The less expensive AF and AF-D lenses will be able to autofocus.

That’s important because D700’s are currently selling for less than $300.

Lens recommendations will cover all types of photography while not going crazy on price. For the more expensive lenses, look at the lists for the Nikon D750 or Nikon D850.

My Nikon D700 Lens Recommendations

Nikon D700 Lens Compatibility

The Nikon D700 is compatible with Ai, Ai-S, AF, AF-D, AF-S, and G type lenses. FX, full frame, AF-P lenses are compatible, but the focus ring won’t work if AF is enabled.

DX, APS-C, AF-P lenses are not compatible.

So called “non-Ai” lenses can damage the camera mount. They are manual focus and were the first version of F-mount lenses. Identification is covered on the Nikon F-Mount lens compatiblity page, but if the lens has electronic CPU contacts, it’s fine.

• AF & AF-D lenses have autofocus, but the AF system needs to be driven by an in-body focus motor. The D700 does not have a built-in focus motor, so AF will not work with these lenses.
• AF-S Lenses have built-in Silent Wave Motors (SWM). They focus quickly and quietly.
• G Type lenses do not have an aperture ring. There will be a ‘G’ after the aperture. For example, F1.8G.
• AF-P Lenses have a “pulse motor” (stepping motor) that makes autofocus even smoother and quieter than AF-S lenses. The focus ring will not work in AF mode.

Nikon AF-P Lens Compatibility Nikon Image Support D700 Lens Compatibility

Can DX Lenses Be Used?

DX lenses can be used on the Nikon D700 in DX crop mode, but will only capture 5.1 megapixel images.

That’s because only a DX sized area of the sensor is used. It would be the same as cropping a larger image.

Does the D700 Have Image Stabilization?

The Nikon D700 does not have In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) that is found in some mirrorless cameras.

Some F-mount lenses have Vibration Reduction (VR). That is Nikon’s form of optical image stabilization.

VR will help you get sharp images with longer lenses.

Nikon Lens Abbreviations

Before diving into the best lenses for the Nikon D700, it’s important to understand the various acronyms Nikon uses to describe the features of their lenses:

• AF (AutoFocus): The lens has an autofocus feature.
• AF-S (AutoFocus-Silent): Uses a silent wave motor for a quiet autofocus. Great for wildlife or events where silence is crucial.
• FX: Full-frame lens.
• DX: Lens designed for APS-C sensors. They can be used on full-frame cameras like the D750 but will cause a crop factor.
• ED (Extra-low Dispersion): Helps reduce chromatic aberration, improving image sharpness and color correction.
• VR (Vibration Reduction): Nikon’s term for optical image stabilization, helping to reduce camera shake.

Affiliate Advertising Disclosure

Outside the Shot is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an eBay Partner, I may be compensated if you make a purchase. I also participate in affiliate advertising programs with KEH and Adorama. More can be found on the Affiliate Disclosure page.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

This versatile zoom lens is often considered a workhorse for many professional photographers. Its 24-70mm focal length makes it ideal for a wide variety of photography types, from landscapes and travel to portraits and events.

With its fast f/2.8 constant aperture, this lens performs admirably in low light and enables a shallow depth of field for that smooth bokeh effect. The lens also features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology, which helps to minimize camera shake for sharper images.

Pros:

• Versatile zoom range suitable for various photography types
• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture beneficial in low light and for creating bokeh
• VR technology for minimizing camera shake
• Robust build and professional-grade image quality

Cons:

• Heavier and larger than some comparable lenses
• Relatively expensive

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Known for its amazing bokeh and superb image quality, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a favorite among portrait photographers. Its wide f/1.4 aperture is perfect for creating a shallow depth of field, ensuring your subjects stand out against a beautifully blurred background.

It’s also an excellent lens for low-light conditions. This lens is ideally suited for professional portrait photographers and serious enthusiasts looking for top-notch image quality and a versatile focal length.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality: Delivers sharp images with superb color reproduction.
• Wide f/1.4 aperture: Ideal for low-light photography and creating a shallow depth of field.
• Fast and silent autofocus: Allows for quick and quiet operation, an advantage in various shooting scenarios.

Cons:

• Expensive: It’s a high-end lens and the price reflects that.
• No image stabilization: The lack of VR might be an issue when shooting handheld in certain situations.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

This lens is another staple in the camera bag of many professional photographers. It covers the 70-200mm focal length, a range that’s particularly useful for portraiture, event photography, and sports.

Like the 24-70mm, it also features a fast f/2.8 constant aperture and vibration reduction. Additionally, it has a fast, silent autofocus system and weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture.

Pros:

• Great for portraits, events, and sports photography
• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture and VR for superior low light performance
• Fast, silent autofocus
• Weather-sealed for dust and moisture resistance

Cons:

• Heavier and larger, which may be challenging for handheld shooting over long periods
• High price tag

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED | 14-24mm

This lens is part of Nikon’s “holy trinity” of professional zoom lenses, along with the 24-70mm and 70-200mm. Its ultra-wide angle view makes it particularly suited for landscape, architectural, and interior photography.

Like its siblings, it offers a constant f/2.8 aperture for consistent performance across its zoom range. It’s also renowned for its exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion, even at the widest end.

Pros:

• Ultra-wide view great for landscape, architectural and interior photography
• Fast f/2.8 constant aperture
• Exceptional sharpness and minimal distortion

Cons:

• Large and heavy
• No filter thread for screw-on filters
• Higher cost relative to other wide-angle lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

This compact prime lens is perfect for everyday photography, portraits, and street scenes. Its fast f/1.8 aperture delivers a beautiful bokeh, while allowing for excellent low-light performance.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel
• Excellent image quality
• Wide aperture good for low light and creating bokeh
• Affordable price

Cons:

• No vibration reduction
• Autofocus can be slower compared to more advanced lenses

Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR

This lens is an outstanding option for macro photography. It allows for 1:1 magnification for true close-ups and has a fast aperture for creating a beautiful bokeh.

Pros:

• Outstanding for macro photography with 1:1 magnification
• Fast f/2.8 aperture
• Includes vibration reduction

Cons:

• More expensive than other macro lenses
• Some may find it heavy for prolonged handheld use

Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art

This lens is highly regarded for its sharpness and impressive aperture. At 35mm, it is an excellent choice for a wide variety of photography styles, including street, landscape, and event photography.

Pros:

• Outstanding image quality
• Wide f/1.4 aperture for excellent low light performance and shallow depth of field
• Versatile for various types of photography

Cons:

• Larger and heavier compared to other prime lenses
• More expensive than comparable lenses

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR

Another excellent option for wildlife and sports photographers, this lens offers a remarkable zoom range along with a constant f/5.6 aperture. Nikon’s vibration reduction is included to aid in capturing sharper images.

Pros:

• Great zoom range ideal for wildlife and sports
• Constant f/5.6 aperture
• Includes vibration reduction

Cons:

• Bulky and heavy
• Lower light performance compared to lenses with larger apertures

Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Nikon FX

The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 is a versatile telephoto lens that is a prized choice for photographers due to its excellent image quality, high performance, and wide focal range. The lens is part of Tamron’s Super Performance (SP) line, indicating its premium design and capabilities.

At its heart, the lens offers a wide focal range from 70-200mm. This makes it an ideal option for a multitude of scenarios, such as shooting distant subjects like wildlife or athletes on a field. Whether you’re capturing the graceful stride of a gazelle on a safari or the decisive moment in a football match, this lens allows you to frame the action perfectly without disturbing the scene.

The lens boasts a constant f/2.8 aperture, which is impressive for a zoom lens and particularly beneficial for low-light photography. The wide aperture allows more light into the lens, meaning you can shoot at faster shutter speeds and lower ISOs, resulting in cleaner and sharper images. Furthermore, the f/2.8 aperture contributes to the ability to create a shallow depth of field, perfect for isolating your subject against a beautifully blurred background - a trait loved by portrait photographers.

Tamron’s Vibration Compensation (VC) technology also enhances the lens’s performance by reducing the effect of camera shake. This image stabilization system is crucial for handheld shooting, ensuring you get crisp, blur-free shots even at slower shutter speeds or longer focal lengths.

In terms of build quality, the lens is sturdy and well-constructed, designed to endure the demands of professional use. It also includes weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture, a crucial feature for photographers who often shoot outdoors.

Pros:

• Versatility: The 70-200mm range covers a wide variety of shooting scenarios from portraits to wildlife photography.
• Aperture: Constant f/2.8 aperture allows for great low-light performance and depth of field control.
• Image Stabilization: The Vibration Compensation (VC) feature provides excellent stability, reducing camera shake for sharper images.
• Price: This lens provides similar performance to Nikon’s own 70-200mm lens but at a significantly lower price point.

Cons:

• Weight: At over 3 pounds, it’s heavier than many comparable lenses, which can make it challenging for handheld shooting over extended periods.
• Focus Speed: Although its autofocus is generally reliable, it can be slower than some competitors under certain conditions.

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

The Tamron SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 is a versatile and high-performance lens that delivers across the board. With a focal range from wide-angle to short telephoto, it’s perfect for a wide variety of photography genres, from landscapes and street photography to portraits.

It also features Vibration Compensation (VC), Tamron’s image stabilization technology, to help create sharp images even when shooting handheld. This lens is an excellent option for photographers who want a versatile, high-quality lens without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Versatile zoom range: Covers a wide array of shooting scenarios.
• Great image quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant images.
• Vibration Compensation: Ensures sharper handheld shots.
• Good value: Offers professional-grade performance at a more accessible price point than similar Nikon lenses.

Cons:

• Slightly heavier: The robust build comes with a bit of extra weight.
• Not as sharp at the edges: Some softness can be observed at the edges of the frame, especially at wider apertures.