The Ultimate Guide to Nikon D780 Lenses
The Nikon D780 is a versatile DSLR camera designed for both professional photographers and videographers. It boasts a 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor, a robust 51 AF system, and next-generation EXPEED 6 image processing.
The D780 supports up to 7 fps continuous shooting with the optical viewfinder or 12 fps in silent live view mode, and UHD 4K video recording up to 30 fps. However, to truly unlock the potential of this camera, one must pair it with the right lens.
This article explores the best lenses for the Nikon D780, covering various categories such as travel, portrait, macro, fisheye, all-in-one, wide-angle zoom, and wide-angle prime lenses.
Nikon D780 Lens Compatibility
The Nikon D780 is a full-frame DSLR camera that uses Nikon F-mount lenses. This means it is compatible with a wide range of lenses, both from Nikon and from third-party manufacturers.
The D780 can use both FX and DX lenses. FX lenses are designed for full-frame cameras like the D780, while DX lenses are designed for Nikon’s APS-C cameras. When a DX lens is used on the D780, the camera will automatically switch to a crop mode, which reduces the resolution of the images but allows the lens to be used without vignetting.
In addition to Nikon’s own lenses, the D780 is also compatible with F-mount lenses from third-party manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. This gives photographers a wide range of options to choose from when selecting lenses for the D780.
How to Select a Lens for the Nikon D780
Selecting a lens for the Nikon D780 depends on your photography needs and budget. Here are some factors to consider:
1. Focal Length: The focal length of a lens determines its field of view. Wide-angle lenses (e.g., 14-35mm) are great for landscapes and interiors, standard lenses (e.g., 35-70mm) are versatile and good for various subjects, and telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-200mm and up) are ideal for portrait, wildlife, and sports photography.
2. Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can let in and affects depth of field. Lenses with wide apertures (lower f-numbers) let in more light and allow for a shallower depth of field, making them great for low light and creating a blurred background effect.
3. Image Stabilization: Some lenses come with built-in image stabilization, which can help reduce blur from camera shake. This can be particularly useful when shooting handheld, capturing fast-moving subjects, or in low light conditions.
4. Autofocus: Most modern lenses come with autofocus, but the speed and quietness of the autofocus can vary between lenses. If you shoot action or wildlife, a lens with fast autofocus can be beneficial.
5. Price: Lenses can vary greatly in price. While more expensive lenses often offer better image quality and build quality, there are many affordable lenses that offer great performance for their price.
Affiliate Links
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 Discolsure page.
I have purchased gear from all of these companies and I expect them all to receive repeat business from me.
I’m Rebuilding 🏗️
If the page doesn’t have the answer you’re looking for you can email me at contact AT this domain. That account will be checked on Sundays and Wednesdays.
You can also DM me on Reddit /u/OutsideTheShot or post in /r/OutsideTheShot.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/4G ED VR (Kit Lens)
The Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens is a versatile lens that is well-suited for a wide range of photography styles. It is designed to work seamlessly with the Nikon D780, providing users with a broad focal range to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits.
One of the key features of this lens is its fast and accurate autofocus. This allows photographers to quickly lock onto their subjects, ensuring that they never miss a crucial shot. The lens also boasts a compact and versatile 5X zoom, which provides a great deal of flexibility when composing shots. Whether you’re shooting a sweeping landscape or a close-up portrait, this lens has you covered.
The lens also features a constant aperture of f/4. This allows for a good amount of light to enter the lens, making it suitable for shooting in a variety of lighting conditions. However, it’s worth noting that the f/4 maximum aperture may not be sufficient for very low light conditions or for achieving a very shallow depth of field.
The VR II image stabilization is another significant feature of this lens. This technology helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images, particularly when shooting handheld or in low light conditions.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens:
- Versatile focal range: The 24-120mm range is perfect for a variety of photography styles, including landscapes, portraits, and wedding photography.
- Fast and accurate autofocus: This ensures you never miss a crucial shot.
- VR II image stabilization: This helps to reduce camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
- Compact and lightweight: This makes it a great lens for travel or for photographers who prefer a lighter kit.
Cons of the Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR Lens:
- Maximum aperture of f/4: While this is sufficient for many situations, it may not be ideal for very low light photography or for achieving a very shallow depth of field.
- Distortion at wide and telephoto ends: Some users have reported noticeable distortion when shooting at the wide and telephoto ends of the lens.
- Price: This lens is more expensive than some other options in its category.
Best Travel Lenses for Nikon D780
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR and Nikon 35mm f/1.4G lenses are excellent choices for travel photography, each offering unique advantages.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens is a professional-grade, mid-range zoom lens that offers a versatile focal length range, making it suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations. It offers exceptional sharpness, speed, consistency, and control, making it a reliable choice for professional photographers. The lens also boasts a durable build, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel photography.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens:
- Versatile focal length: The 24-70mm range is suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations, from landscapes to portrait photography.
- Exceptional image quality: The lens offers excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction.
- Fast aperture: The f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for great low-light performance and depth of field control.
- Durable build: The lens is designed to withstand the rigors of professional use.
Cons of the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR Lens:
- Size and weight: The lens is relatively large and heavy, which might be a consideration for travel photography.
- Price: This is a professional-grade lens and is priced accordingly.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G
The Nikon 35mm f/1.4G is a prime lens that stands out for its superior performance and exceptional image quality. As a prime lens, it has a fixed focal length of 35mm, making it a versatile choice for a variety of photography styles, including landscape, street, and portrait photography.
One of the key features of this lens is its wide f/1.4 aperture. This wide aperture allows a substantial amount of light to reach the camera’s sensor, making it an excellent choice for shooting in low-light conditions. The wide aperture also allows photographers to create images with a shallow depth of field, which can be used to isolate a subject against a beautifully blurred background, a technique often used in portrait and street photography.
The image quality produced by the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G is outstanding. The lens delivers images that are sharp and clear, with excellent color reproduction and contrast. The lens also features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat, which helps to reduce ghosting and flare, further enhancing the image quality.
Despite its high performance and wide aperture, the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G is relatively compact and lightweight. This makes it an excellent choice for travel photography, as it can easily be carried in a camera bag or backpack without adding significant weight or bulk.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G Lens:
- Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional image quality, with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction.
- Wide Aperture: The f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
- Compact and Lightweight: The lens is easy to carry around, making it ideal for travel photography.
- Versatility: The 35mm focal length is versatile and suitable for a variety of photography styles.
Cons of the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G Lens:
- Price: The lens is quite expensive due to its high performance and wide aperture.
- Lack of Image Stabilization: The lens does not feature built-in image stabilization, which could be a disadvantage when shooting handheld in low light conditions.
- Autofocus Speed: While the autofocus is generally accurate, it may not be as fast as some other lenses.
Best Zoom Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon AF-S NIkkor 70-20mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens is a professional-level telephoto zoom lens that is celebrated for its superior image quality, adaptability, and performance. It belongs to Nikon’s prestigious series of f/2.8 zoom lenses, often dubbed the “holy trinity” of lenses, which also encompasses the 14-24mm f/2.8 and 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses.
The 70-200mm f/2.8 lens provides a flexible telephoto zoom range, making it adaptable for a broad spectrum of shooting scenarios. It’s frequently employed for sports and wildlife photography, where its extended reach can be utilized to capture distant subjects in full frame. Additionally, it’s a favored choice for portrait photography, as its swift aperture and lengthy focal length can be harnessed to generate a shallow depth of field and beautifully defocused backgrounds.
A key feature of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is its unvarying f/2.8 aperture. This facilitates exceptional performance in low-light conditions and ensures consistent exposure throughout the entire zoom range. It also enhances the lens’s capacity to create a shallow depth of field.
The lens is also equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which aids in minimizing camera shake and producing sharper images, particularly at extended focal lengths or in low light conditions. The lens’s autofocus is swift and silent, courtesy of Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology.
In terms of construction quality, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is engineered to endure the demands of professional usage. It boasts a sturdy construction with comprehensive weather-sealing to guard against dust and moisture.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens:
- Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional image quality with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction across its entire zoom range.
- Fast Aperture: The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
- Versatile Zoom Range: The 70-200mm focal length range is ideal for a variety of shooting situations, including sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.
- Image Stabilization: The lens features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
- Autofocus: The lens features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocus.
- Build Quality: The lens is well-built and durable, with extensive weather-sealing to protect against dust and moisture.
Cons of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens:
- Price: As a professional-grade lens, it comes with a high price tag.
- Size and Weight: The lens is relatively large and heavy, which might be a consideration for some photographers, especially those who travel frequently or prefer a lighter kit.
- No Built-in Teleconverter: Unlike some other telephoto lenses, this lens does not have a built-in teleconverter for extending its reach.
- Tripod Collar: Some users have reported issues with the tripod collar being less sturdy than expected for a lens of this caliber.
Best Portrait Prime Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G
The Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is a prime lens that is highly regarded in the world by portrait photographers. Its focal length and wide aperture, combined with incredible optical performance, make it an excellent choice for creating stunning portraits with a shallow depth of field.
The lens delivers incredibly sharp images, ensuring that every detail of your subject is captured with clarity. The fast f/1.4 aperture not only ensures a bright viewfinder image, but it also allows for excellent low-light performance and creates a beautiful background blur (bokeh) that helps to isolate your subject and draw attention to them.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G Lens:
- Image Quality: The lens delivers incredibly sharp images, ensuring that every detail is captured with clarity.
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and creates a beautiful background blur, perfect for portrait photography.
- Focus Performance: The lens has a silent wave motor (SWM) for quiet and accurate autofocus.
- Build Quality: The lens is well-built and durable, designed to withstand professional use.
Cons of the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G Lens:
- Price: The lens is quite expensive, which might be a barrier for some photographers.
- Weight: The lens is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for those who prefer a lighter kit.
- Lack of Image Stabilization: The lens does not have built-in image stabilization, which could be a disadvantage when shooting handheld in low light conditions.
Best Macro Lenses for Nikon D780
In terms of terminology, Nikon uses the term “Micro” to refer to its macro lenses. This is simply a branding choice and does not reflect any difference in the lens’s capabilities.
Both “macro” and “micro” lenses refer to lenses that are capable of 1:1 magnification, meaning they can reproduce subjects at life size on the image sensor. This allows for detailed close-up shots of small subjects, such as insects or flowers.
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro
The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro lens is a specialized lens designed for macro photography. With its 105mm focal length, it allows photographers to maintain a comfortable distance from their subjects while still achieving life-size 1:1 magnification. This is particularly useful when photographing insects or other subjects that might be disturbed by a photographer’s presence.
The lens also boasts a fast f/2.8 aperture, which allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control. This is particularly useful in macro photography, where lighting conditions can be challenging.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro Lens:
- Macro Capability: The lens offers life-size 1:1 magnification, making it ideal for macro photography.
- Image Quality: The lens delivers remarkable image quality, with excellent sharpness and contrast.
- Fast Aperture: The f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
- VR Image Stabilization: The lens features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images.
Cons of the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro Lens:
- Price: The lens is relatively expensive, reflecting its specialized capabilities and high image quality.
- Size and Weight: The lens is relatively large and heavy, which might be a consideration for some photographers.
- Autofocus Speed: The lens’s autofocus can be slow, particularly when using the full focus range.
Best Fisheye Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye Lens
The Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye Lens is a unique lens in the NIKKOR lineup. It’s the widest fisheye lens Nikon has produced, offering a completely circular 180° field of view at the 8mm end of the zoom range. This lens is designed for photographers looking to add a distinctive, ultra-wide perspective to their work.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye Lens:
- Ultra-wide Field of View: The lens offers a 180° circular field of view at the 8mm end, providing a unique perspective that can add a creative twist to your images.
- Zoom Capability: This is the first NIKKOR fisheye lens that offers a zoom function, providing some flexibility in framing and composition.
- Image Quality: The lens delivers sharp, clear images with excellent color reproduction.
- Build Quality: The lens is well-built and durable, designed to withstand professional use.
Cons of the Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye Lens:
- Price: The lens is quite expensive, reflecting its unique capabilities.
- Specialized Use: The fisheye effect is distinctive and not suitable for all types of photography. It’s a specialized tool that may not be useful for every photographer.
- Light Falloff: There can be noticeable light falloff (darkening at the edges of the frame) when shooting at the widest angles.
- Aperture: The f/3.5-4.5 aperture is not particularly fast, which could limit low-light performance.
Best All-in-one Lens for Nikon D780
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
The Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is a versatile all-in-one lens designed for Nikon’s full-frame (FX) DSLRs. With its broad focal length range, this lens can handle a wide variety of shooting situations, making it an excellent choice for photographers who want the flexibility to shoot everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits and distant subjects without having to change lenses.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens:
- Versatility: The broad 28-300mm focal length range makes this lens incredibly versatile, capable of shooting everything from wide-angle to telephoto.
- All-in-One Solution: This lens can replace several specialized lenses in your bag, making it a great choice for travel or for photographers who prefer to carry a lighter kit.
- Image Stabilization: The lens features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, especially at longer focal range or in low light conditions.
- Autofocus: The lens features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocus.
Cons of the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens:
- Aperture: The variable aperture is not particularly fast, which could limit its performance in low light conditions as slow shutter speeds may have to be used.
- Image Quality: While the image quality is generally good, it may not match the quality of prime lenses or more specialized zoom lenses, especially at the extremes of the zoom range.
- Size and Weight: Despite being an all-in-one solution, this lens is relatively large and heavy, which might be a consideration for some photographers.
- Distortion: Some users have reported noticeable distortion, particularly at the wide and telephoto ends of the zoom range.
Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
The Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is a professional-grade wide-angle zoom lens that is highly regarded for its exceptional image quality and performance. With a constant f/2.8 aperture across its entire zoom range, this lens is well-suited for a variety of lighting conditions and offers consistent performance.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens:
- Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional image quality with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction across its entire zoom range.
- Wide Aperture: The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
- Wide-Angle Zoom: The 14-24mm focal length range is ideal for landscape, architecture, and interior photography.
- Build Quality: The lens is well-built and durable, designed to withstand professional use.
Cons of the Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens:
- Size and Weight: The lens is relatively large and heavy, which might be a consideration for some photographers, especially those who travel frequently.
- Lack of Filter Thread: The bulbous front element of the lens means it does not have a filter thread, making it difficult to use with standard screw-on filters.
- Price: As a professional-grade lens, it comes with a high price tag.
- Lens Flare: Some users have reported issues with lens flare when shooting into the light.
Best Wide-angle Prime Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED
The Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED is a professional-grade wide-angle prime lens that offers excellent image sharpness and a fast aperture. Its wide field of view makes it a great choice for landscape and nature photography, while its fast f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control.
See current price and more information on:
Pros of the Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens:
- Image Quality: The lens delivers exceptional image quality with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction.
- Fast Aperture: The f/1.4 aperture allows for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control, enabling beautiful bokeh.
- Wide-Angle View: The 24mm focal length provides a classic wide-angle view, making it ideal for landscape, nature, and street photography.
- Build Quality: The lens is well-built and durable, designed to withstand professional use.
Cons of the Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens:
- Price: As a professional-grade lens with a fast aperture, it comes with a high price tag.
- Size and Weight: Despite being a prime lens, it is relatively large and heavy due to its fast aperture and high-quality construction.
- Lack of Image Stabilization: The lens does not feature built-in image stabilization, which could be a disadvantage when shooting handheld in low light conditions.
- Autofocus Speed: Some users have reported that the autofocus speed is not as fast as some other Nikon lenses.