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The 8 Best nikon lenses for portraits of 2025

Are you trying to find nikon lenses for portraits among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling nikon lenses for portraits on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 30 hours of research and did 30 nikon lenses for portraits tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best nikon lenses for portraits you can buy today

SaleNo. 1
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135) format is 47 degree and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15X
  • Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter)
  • Newly developed optical system with aspherical lens element, exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM)
  • M/a focus mode switch, filter thread 58 millimeter, autofocus: Yes. Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera lens mounting flange): Approximately 2.83 inches diameter x 2.01 inches
  • Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both fx and dx format d SLRS
  • Lens not zoomable
SaleNo. 2
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
13,812 Consomer Reviews
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras, 2183, Black
  • F mount lens/DX format. Picture angle with Nikon DX format 44 degree
  • 52.5 millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent). Rear focusing; Manual focus override
  • Aperture range: F/1.8 to 22; Dimensions(approx.) 70 x 52.5 millimeter
  • Silent wave motor AF system. Accepts filter type is screw on. Lens construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
  • Compatible formats is dx and fx in dx crop mode. Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.16x
  • Lens not zoomable
SaleNo. 3
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras - (New)
  • It includes LC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap , LF-1 rear lens cap , HB-32 Bayonet lens hood, CL-1018 Flexible lens pouch and maximum reproduction ratio is 1/5
  • Vibration Reduction is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens and enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than normal.
  • Aspherical lens element virtually eliminates coma and other types of lens aberration, further improving image integrity.
  • Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
  • Close focusing to 1.48 feet - Creative close-up photography is possible throughout the entire zoom range.
SaleNo. 4
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Fast f/1.8 aperture for beautifully blurred backgrounds and great low-light performance
  • Draws peak performance from high-resolution DSLRs
  • Great for landscapes, skyscrapers, environmental portraits, food, action, hobbies and much more
  • Part of Nikon's exceptional system of full-frame f/1.8 prime lenses
  • Versatile wide-angle prime lens will widen your creativity. Minimum aperture - f/16
  • For fully enabled functionality, ensure that your camera's firmware is updated
No. 5
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
  • This Certified Refurbished product is manufacturer refurbished it shows limited or no wear
  • Includes all original accessories plus a 90 day warranty
  • Fast, f/1.8 prime lens is perfect for low-light conditions, travel, environmental portrait and general photography, Engineered for Nikon DX-format D-SLRS, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens renders a picture angle approximating the classic normal angle of view of a 50mm lens on a Nikon FXformat digital SLR or 35mm film camera
  • Aspherical lens element minimizes coma and other types of lens aberrations, further improving image integrity, Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) enhances light transmission efficiency and offers color consistency and reduced flare, Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus
  • Close focusing to 1 foot for creative perspectives and versatility, Rounded 7-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, Accepts 52mm filter attachments
No. 6
Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.
  • Standard 85mm full frame lens for portrait, subject, archiecture and landscape photography.
  • Wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades, designed to produce super smooth round blur effect (bokeh).
  • Lens consturction is 9 elements in 6 groups with decent build quality, capable of delivering sharp and clear images.
  • Compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, the equivalent focal length is 127.5mm.
  • Features micro USB firmware upgrade interface, enables you to upgrade the lens online
No. 7
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Vibration Reduction Lens F/DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
  • 55-200mm zoom Nikon lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Nikon digital SLR cameras
  • 2 extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration and superior optics
  • Silent Wave Motor produces quick and quiet high-speed autofocusing; weighs 9 ounces
  • Measures 2.7 inches in diameter and 3.1 inches long; 1-year warranty
  • White box(bulk packaging)
No. 8
YONGNUO YN EF 50mm f/1.8 AF Lens YN50 Aperture Auto Focus for Nikon Camera as AF-S 50mm 1.8G with Cleaning Cloth
  • For Nikon Camera
  • Focus distance indicator to help you adjust the distance and depth of focus
  • Live view shooting is available
  • Support for both auto focus and manual focus
No. 9
85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens - Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500/D7200/D5600/D5500/D5300/D5200/D5100/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D850/D810/D800/D750/D610/D500/D60/D6/D5/D4
  • [Professional Manual Focus Experience] - Tailored for photographers who pursue the ultimate, the 85mm F1.8 lens adopts a fully manual focus design, requiring photographers to carefully adjust parameters such as shutter speed, ISO and aperture before shooting. This process not only exercises photographic skills, but also inspires unlimited artistic creativity, helping you to transcend conventions and explore the infinite possibilities of photography.
  • [Superb Image Quality & Charming Bokeh] - The 85mm F1.8 lens is equipped with 6 rounded aperture blades, a smooth large focus ring design, and an internal focus (IF) mechanism to ensure fast and quiet focusing. The fusion of hybrid aspherical lens (H-ASP) and ultra multi-coating (UMC) technology effectively reduces aberrations and glare, presenting unparalleled clear image quality and dreamy background blur effects, making every shot of yours full of artistic atmosphere.
  • [Wide Compatibility with Nikon DSLRs] - Lightdow 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens is perfectly compatible with the Nikon D850 D810 D810A D800 D800E D780 D750 D700 D610 D600 D500 D300 D300S D200 D100;D7500 D7200 D7100 D7000 D5600 D5500 D5300 D5200 D5100 D5000 D3500 D3400 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3000 D90 D80 D70 D70S D60 D40X D40;D6 D5 D4S D4 D3S D3X D3 D2XS D2X D2H D1X D1H D1 etc., providing a versatile lens for a variety of shooting scenarios.
  • [Easy-to-Use Warm Tips] - Fully manual focus lens, no electronic contacts. If you see the error message "No lens installed" during installation, please set the camera mode to manual (M) Please set it to M mode and the error will disappear. The advantages of full manual focus are precise focus control, creative shooting space, strong adaptability, durability and reliability, and learning value, making the lens the photographer's first choice tool in specific shooting scenarios.
  • [Professional After-Sales Support] - We provide comprehensive after -sales service, including lens maintenance and replacement during the warranty period, so that you can use 85mm F1.8 Manual Focus Portrait Lens.If you have any questions please feel free to contact us, we will provide friendly service within 24 hours.
No. 10
Meike 85mm f1.8 Large Aperture Full Frame AF STM(Stepping Motor) Lens Auto Focus Telephoto Fixed Prime Portrait Lenses for Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z5, Z6, Z7,Z9
  • Compatible with Nikon Z mount full frame mirrorless cameras, such as Z5 Z6 Z7 Z9 Z6II Z7II, also works with APS-C frame cameras like Nikon Z50
  • The classic 85mm portrait lens with a wide aperture of f/1.8, the lens can capture beautiful photos with smooth background blur effect, even in dark environment
  • 85mm lens is a AF STM(stepping motor) auto focus lens, helps to reduce camera shake and helps capture images with less noise
  • Suitable for a wide range of other subjects, including selective architecture, landscapes, portrait, short range sports and theatre photography
  • Meike lens features a micro-USB port, allows you to upgrade the firmware online, you can download from Meike official website
No. 11
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Ultra-fast f1.4 classic portrait lens, Nano Crystal Coat
  • Focal Length : 85 mm, Minimum Focus Distance : 3.0 ft. (0.85m). Compatible Format(s)- FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode
  • Optimized for edge to edge sharpness on both FX and DX cameras;Closest focusing distance:0.85 m
  • M/A Focus Mode Switch enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation
  • Internal Focus (IF) provides fast and quiet autofocus
No. 12
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Autofocus system is compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses and have an autofocus motor.
  • NOTE: THIS LENS WILL NOT AUTOFOCUS with D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D40, D40X AND D60. These cameras will only allow for manual focus with AF-D type lenses.
  • Focal Length : 50 mm (FX), 75mm (DX)
  • Great for travel and for shooting full-length portraits in available light
No. 13
Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II, Z9, Z30, Z fc
19 Consomer Reviews
Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Medium Telephoto STM Stepping Motor Full Frame Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II, Z9, Z30, Z fc
  • Standard 85mm full frame lens for portrait, subject, architecture and landscape photography
  • Wide aperture of f1.8 with 9 diaphragm blades, designed to produce super smooth round blur effect (bokeh)
  • Support AF, electronic aperture adjustment and EXIF information transmission
  • Equipped with STM stepping motor, the lens will bring you experience of silent and smooth focusing; Features micro USB firmware upgrade interface, enables you to upgrade the lens online
  • Compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6II, Z7II
SaleNo. 14
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)
  • Includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
  • Compact all-in-one DX-format zoom lens that goes from wide-angle (18mm) to telephoto (140mm) for great snapshots and videos in just about any situation.
  • Designed to draw peak performance from Nikon's new high-resolution image sensors. VR image stabilization for sharper handheld photos and videos in low-light situations and at telephoto distances.
  • Get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject, then zoom in for dazzling macro-style close-ups. Superb NIKKOR optics, Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass for better contrast and Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing.
No. 15
Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S | Premium large aperture 85mm portrait prime lens for Z series mirrorless cameras | Nikon USA Model
  • 85mm f/1.8 lens with nine blade diaphragm for soft rounded book
  • Lens features 2 ED glass elements and Nano Crystal coating for lifelike accuracy
  • Dust and drip resistant, the lens is extensively sealed to keep out dust and moisture
  • Features customizable control ring
No. 16
JINTU 85mm f1,8 Manual Fixed Prime Camera Lens for Nikon SLR D5600 D3200 D610 D750 D780 D810 D850 D3300 D3500 D5100 D5200 D5300 D7100 D7200 D90 D3100
  • 【Note】: Full Manual lens, No auto focus, when lens not attached, Please enable "M mode " or "Release without lens" in the setting of camera menu
  • Standard 85mm Manual focus full frame lens, good for portrait, subject, architecture and landscape photography.
  • Wide aperture of f1.8 with 6 diaphragm blades, designed to produce super smooth round blur effect (bokeh). Lens construction is 6 elements in 6 groups with decent build quality, capable of delivering sharp and clear images.
  • ★ Widely compatible with Nikon camera D5 D4S Df D4 D850 D810 D800 D800E D300S D610 D600 D7500 D7200 D7100 D7000 D5600 D5300 D5200 D5100 D5000 D90 D3400 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3S D750 D700 D500 D1 D1H D100 D2H D1X D70 D2X D50 D70s D2Hs D200 D80 D2Xs D40 D40X D300 D3 D60
  • Adopt Multi-layer coating technology is used on both sides of the lens to restore more realistic colors.
No. 17
Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • Compact and lightweight DX-format close-up lens. Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) - 9 elements in 7 groups
  • Maximum reproduction ratio is 1.0x. Focal length is 40 mm
  • Sharp images from infinity to life-size (1x), autofocus to 64 inches
  • Close-range correction system (CRC). Silent wave motor (SWM)
  • Angle of view is 38 degree 50 feet. Features focus distance indicator 0.53 feet to infinity having minimum focus distance as 0.53 feet
  • Lens not zoomable
No. 18
VILTROX 85mm f/1.8 F1.8 STM AF Full Frame Lens for Nikon Mirrorless Cameras,Autofocus Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Z-Mount Z9 Z50 Z7 ii Z6 ii Z7 Z6 Z6 II Z5
  • 【85 mm F1.8 Aperture】The image quality on this lens is surprisingly nice and it’s an all around solid performer,this lens offers excellent center and edge to edge sharpness and resolving power.F1.8 Aperture and 85 mm focal length,give you soft and natural background blur which is better for portraits,delivers all the super image resolution and contrast for you
  • 【STM Stepping Motor】Faster and quieter stepping motor,provide more precise autofocus than old models.The auto focus is fast,on par with many native lenses
  • 【Perfect Focusing Function】dopts steady,quick and smooth auto focus,which can capture the high speed moving objects,support eye focus,great fit for portrait scenery,interior,architecture,night scene,etc.Fast,accurate focus and salient operation make this lens the perfect choice for exceptional photo and video capture
  • 【Precise Metal Eleectronic Contact】The lens is equipped with built-in metal electronic contacts,supports EXIF information transmission,electronic automatic iris adjustment,can record digital photo attribute information and shooting data.The lens bottom has micro USB upgraded port,can download newest firmware from VILTROX website to make to make greater lens performance
  • 【Exquisite Circular Blur Effect】9 aperture blades,through the large aperture,the light source in the picture can bereproduced to beautiful round spots with clear and deep colors
No. 19
85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens - F Lens for Nikon, Medium Telephoto Lenses Manual Camera Lenses for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc
  • 【Note】: This variant is NOT for Nikon-Mirrorless-Camera, Not for Z Mount Series. Please feel free to contact us for more information on the settings and using. Meanwhile, manual lenses all need to be used by buyers with shooting experience.
  • 【User Instraction】: This is a FULL MANUAL lens, NO Electronic Contacts, your camera will not detect the lens when mounted, that's why it shows "LENS NOT ATTACHED", please switch to "M" MODE to use this lens. Tips to use our Manual Lens: 1) Set the mode dial to Manual (M) and then the error of "LENS NOT ATTACHED" will disappear.
  • 【Versatile Portrait Lens 85mm F1.8】: As a portrait lens, the 85mm lens makes it easy to take half- and full-body shots. It can also take close-ups of faces. Ideal for street photography. The large 1.8 aperture lens delivers fantastic background bokeh. Large aperture with pleasing bokeh to further enhance shallow depth-of-field images.
  • 【Manual Focus】: Please rotate the focus ring of the lens to achieve focus. Manual camera lenses cannot display the aperture value in the camera. Shutter speed and ISO need to be adjusted to take a beautiful photo, so it is recommended to use it at "M".
  • 【F Lens for Nikon DSLR】: 85mm F1.8 Manual Lens Compatible/Replacement for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 D800 etc
No. 20
YONGNUO YN50mm F1.8N Standard Prime Lens, Large Aperture Auto Manual Focus AF MF for Nikon DSLR Cameras
  • 【Features】YN50MM lens for Nikon, F1.8 large aperture, 6 blades in 5 groups, 7pcs Aperture blades. Auto Focus and Manual Focus
  • A great 50mm prime lens, and this is an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens;
  • Supports auto focus and manual focus modes ( AF MF ); Supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras;
  • This YONGNUO lens adopts gold plated metal contacts, which effectively improves the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance;
  • This 50mm 1.8N lens supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes, and parameters used to take pictures can be displayed in the EXIF Information;

How to choose a good nikon lenses for portraits

Does the idea of finding a fantastic nikon lenses for portraits make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in nikon lenses for portraits. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top nikon lenses for portraits products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top nikon lenses for portraits on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top nikon lenses for portraits brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top nikon lenses for portraits based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the nikon lenses for portraits were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good nikon lenses for portraits, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your nikon lenses for portraits.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting nikon lenses for portraits for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our nikon lenses for portraits. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what nikon lenses for portraits should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on nikon lenses for portraits.