A Guide to the Best Nikon D850 Lenses

The Nikon D850 is compatible will almost all Nikon F-mount lenses.

Manual focus “non-Ai” lenses from the 1970s aren’t compatible. They can damage the camera mount if used on the D850.

The D850 is considered by many to be the best DSLR ever made. Lens recommendations are going to focus on the best lenses that Nikon released for the F-mount.

Nikon D850 Lens Compatibility

The D850 has a built-in focus motor. AF and AF-D lenses will have the ability to autofocus.

AF and AF-D lenses are from the 1980s and 1990s. They were made for 35mm film SLRs.

All newer autofocuses lenses will work, including AF-P lenses.

DX lenses can be used, but the D850 will go into crop mode. That greatly reduces the resolution of the image.

“Non-Ai” lenses don’t have an “aperture indexing” cut out in the aperture ring. Instead, they use two prongs that look like bunny ears.

See the Nikon F-mount lens and compatibility page for a more detailed explanation.

Lens Abbreviations

• AF: The first auto focus lenses that were powered by a motor in a camera body.
• AF-D: Distance Information. These lenses transmit distance information to the camera for exposure metering.
• AF-S: Lenses have a Silent Wave Motor that’s fast and quiet.
• AF-P: Lenses have Pulse motors, which are a type of stepping motor. They are newer, faster, and quieter than AF-S lenses.
• E: Electromagnetic Diaphragm. These lenses use an electromagnetic mechanism in the lens barrel to provide highly accurate aperture blade control.
• ED: Extra-low Dispersion. This glass corrects chromatic aberrations for superior sharpness and color correction.
• G: These lenses do not have an aperture ring.
• IF: Internal Focusing. The lens doesn’t change size during focusing.
• VR: Vibration Reduction. This feature reduces the effect of camera shake.
• DX: These lenses are designed for Nikon’s APS-C sensor DSLR cameras.
• FX: Lenses designed for full frame sensors.
• Micro: Nikon’s name for macro lenses.

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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 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

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 105mm f/1.4E ED

Known for its stunning bokeh and sharpness, this lens is an excellent choice for portrait and studio photography. Its f/1.4 aperture provides superb low light performance.

Pros:

• Incredible image quality with high sharpness
• Wide f/1.4 aperture for excellent low light performance and bokeh
• Premium build quality

Cons:

• Heavy and large
• High cost

Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2

This Tamron lens is a fantastic choice for wildlife and sports photography, thanks to its incredible zoom range. Its vibration compensation feature helps to ensure sharp images at longer focal lengths.

Pros:

• Superb zoom range ideal for wildlife and sports photography
• Vibration compensation for sharper images
• Good value for the price

Cons:

• Lower light performance due to f/5-6.3 aperture
• Larger and heavier due to zoom range

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

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

Zeiss Milvus 50mm f/1.4

This Zeiss lens offers excellent image quality with sharp, detailed results and a fast aperture for low-light shooting and a great depth-of-field control.

Pros:

• Exceptional image quality
• Fast f/1.4 aperture
• Great build quality

Cons:

• No autofocus
• Heavier and larger than comparable lenses
• Very expensive