All Nikon Lenses, Group Shot

Complete Nikon Lens List

Complete Modern Nikon Lens List

Nikon has been producing lenses with their “F” mount for over 50 years 1 Since 1959, in fact, though there have been minor modifications to support modern electronics and autofocusing. , so there are hundreds of lenses made by Nikon that will fit modern DSLRs, though with limited functionality. As a matter of practicality, I’m leaving all of these older lenses off of this list and including primarily lenses that are currently in production and a few lenses that have recently ended production, and a few other notable discontinued lenses. However, if you’re looking for something in particular, especially for shooting video or time-lapse, where the newest optics and autofocus are not as critical, a quick Ebay search for used equipment may be worth the time.

Nikon-Nikkor-lens-front-elements-group-shotThis is a table of Nikon lenses and lenses for Nikon F mount made by other manufacturers. You can sort the table by clicking the arrows at the top of each column, but sorting by price doesn’t work very well right now.

You can also filter the results by typing in the search field. For example, if you only want to see DX lenses, just type “DX” in the search field, and only those lenses will be displayed. Similarly, if you only want to see “Micro” lenses, or “Prime” lenses, the table can be filtered that way, too.

Lenses highlighted in yellow are intended for APS-C sensors or will give incomplete coverage on full frame 35mm sensors.

Lenses (Updated 5/15/2017)Min. (mm)Max. (mm)Max AperturePrice
(Amazon,
3/2016)
SIGMA 4.5mm f/2.8 EX DC HSM Circular Fisheye (prime)4.54.5f/2.8$899
SIGMA 8mm f/3.5 EX DG Circular Fisheye (prime)88f/3.5$899
Rokinon 8mm F3.5 with AE Chip
FISHEYE
88F/3.5$279
SIGMA 8-16mm f/4.5-5.6 DC HSM8 16f/4.5-5.6$699
Rokinon 8mm F3.5 HD with AE Chip
FISHEYE (removable hood)
88f/3.5$249
Rokinon 8mm F/3.5 FISHEYE (APS-C)88F/3.5$239
NIKKOR AF-S DX 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED1024f/3.5$797
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] SP1024f/3.5-4.5$499
Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD1024f/3.5-4.5$
Rokinon 10mm F/2.8
ULTRA WIDE ANGLE (APS-C)
1010F/2.8$419
SIGMA 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM10 20f/3.5$449
Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 NH Fisheye1017f/3.5-4.5$599
Tokina AT-X 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 Fisheye1017f/3.5-4.5 $470
SIGMA 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM10 20f/4-5.6$479
Nikkor AF DX Fisheye
10.5mm f/2.8G ED
10.510.5f/2.8$771
Tokina AT-X 11-16 f/2.8 II PRO1116f/2.8$436
Irix 11mm f/4 Firefly (full frame)1111f/4$575
Irix 11mm f/4 Blackstone (full frame)1111f/4$775
Tokina AT-X 11-20 F2.8 PRO DX1120f/2.8$529
SIGMA 12-24mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM II1224f/4.5-5.6$949
Tokina AT-X 12-28 f/4 PRO DX1228f/4$449
Rokinon 12mm F/2.8
FULL FRAME FISHEYE
1212F/2.8$499
Nikkor AF-S DX
12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
1224f/4$1146
Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM ART1224f/4 $1,219.00
Tokina AT-X 12-24mm f/4 II 1224f/4$514
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art1414f/1.8Coming Soon
Rokinon 14mm F/2.8
FULL FRAME ULTRA WIDE ANGLE
1414F/2.8$319
Tokina AT-X 14-20 F2 PRO DX1420f/2$899
Samyang 14mm f/2.4 Premium1414f/2.4Coming Soon for Nikon
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S
14-24mm F2.8G ED
1424f/2.8$1697
Nikon Nikkor AF 14mm f/2.8D ED1414f/2.8$1891
Zeiss Milvus 15mm f/2.81515f/2.8$2,205.75
SIGMA 15mm f/2.8 EX DG Diagonal Fisheye (prime)1515 f/2.8$609
Tamron 15-30MM F/2.8 Di VC USD SP1530f/2.8$1199
ZEISS Distagon T* 15mm f/2.81515f/2.8$2073
Irix 15mm f/2.4 1515f/2.4
Tamron 16-300MM F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD Macro16300F/3.5-6.3$549
Tokina AT-X 16-50mm f/2.8 PRO DX1650f/2.8Discontinued
Tokina AT-X 16-28mm f/2.8 FX1628f/2.8$556
Rokinon 16mm F/2.0
HIGH SPEED WIDE ANGLE (APS-C)
1616F/2$399
Nikon NIKKOR AF-S
16-35mm f/4G ED VR
1635f/4$997
NIKKOR AF-S DX
16-85mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR
1685f/3.5$697
NIKKOR AF-S DX
16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
1680f/2.8$997
Nikkor AF Fisheye
16mm f/2.8D
1616f/2.8$997
SIGMA 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM 1750f/2.8$419
Nikkor AF-S
17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
1735f/2.8$1799
Tokina AT-X 17-35 F4 PRO FX1735f/4$439
Nikkor AF-S DX
17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
1755f/2.8$1497
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II VC LD Aspherical [IF] SP1750f/2.8$649
Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] SP 1750f/2.8
SIGMA 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM1770f/2.8-4$349
SIGMA 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC MACRO OS HSM (C series)1770f/2.8-4$499
SIGMA 18-50mm f/2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM1850f/2.8-4.5Discontinued
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
18200f/3.5$647
SIGMA 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM Contemporary18200f/3.5-6.3$399
SIGMA 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM18250f/3.5-6.3$349
Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO18200f/3.5-6.3$167
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18140f/3.5$267
Zeiss Milvus 18mm f/2.81818f/2.8$1,899.00
SIGMA 18-125mm f/3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM 18125f/3.8-5.6 $318
ZEISS Distagon T* 18mm f/3.51818f/3.5$1366
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
1855f/3.5$247
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18300f/3.5$997
SIGMA 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM ART1835f/1.8$799
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
18105f/3.5$397
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G 1855f/3.5 - 5.6$
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR1855f/3.5 - 5.6$246.95
NIKKOR AF-S DX
18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR
18300f/3.5$697
SIGMA 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC MACRO OS HSM (Contemporary)18300f/3.5-6.3$499
NIKKOR FX AF-S
18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
1835f/3.5$647
Tamron 18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD, F/3.5-6.3 Di II PZD18270f/3.5-6.3$449
Nikkor AF-S DX
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II
1855f/3.5$88
Nikkor AF-S DX
ED 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G
1855f/3.5$88
Nikon PC NIKKOR 19mm f/4E ED1919f/4$
SIGMA 20mm F1.4 DG HSM ART2020F/1.4$899
SIGMA 20mm f/1.8 EX DG ASP RF2020 f/1.8$629
NIKKOR AF-S
20mm f/1.8G ED
2020f/1.8$747
Nikkor AF 20mm f/2.8D2020f/2.8$622
Zhongyi Mitakon 20mm f/2.0 4.5X Macro2020f/2$199
ZEISS Milvus 21mm f/2.82121f/2.8$1644
Rokinon 21mm F/1.4
HIGH SPEED WIDE ANGLE (APS-C)
2121F/1.4n/a
NIKKOR AF-S
24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
2470f/2.8$2297
Tokina AT-X 24-70 F2.8 PRO FX2470f/2.8$999
Nikkor AF 24mm f/2.8D2424f/2.8$391
Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 Di VC USD2470f/2.8$1299
SIGMA 24-70mm f/2.8 IF EX DG HSM2470f/2.8$749
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG HSM OS Art2470f/2.8Coming Soon
NIKKOR AF-S
24mm f/1.4G ED
2424f/1.4$1997
NIKKOR AF-S
24-70mm F2.8G ED
2470f/2.8$1697
NIKKOR AF-S
24mm f/1.8G ED
2424f/1.8$747
NIKKOR PC-E
24mm f/3.5D ED
2424f/3.5$2197
Rokinon 24mm F/1.4
FULL FRAME WIDE ANGLE
2424F/1.4$599
SIGMA 24-35mm F2 DG HSM ART2435f/2$999
NIKKOR AF-S
24-120mm f/4G ED VR
24120f/4$1097
SIGMA 24-105mm F4 DG (OS)* HSM ART24105F/4$899
Rokinon 24mm F/3.5
FULL FRAME TILT-SHIFT
2424F/3.5$799
SIGMA 24mm F1.4 DG HSM ART2424F/1.4$849
NIKKOR AF
24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF
2485f/2.8$742
NIKKOR AF-S
24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
2485f/3.5$397
SIGMA 24mm f/1.8 EX DG ASP Macro2424 f/1.8$549
ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/22525f/2$1454
ZEISS Distagon T* 25mm f/2.82525f/2.8$880
ZEISS Distagon T* 28mm f/22828f/2$999
Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 XR Di LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO SP2875f/2.8$499
ZEISS Otus 28mm f/1.42828f/1.4$4882
NIKKOR AF-S
28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
28300f/3.5$797
Nikkor AF 28mm f/2.8D2828f/2.8$287
Tamron 28-300MM F/3.5-6.3 Di VC PZD28300f/3.5-6.3$849
NIKKOR AF-S 28mm f/1.8G2828f/1.8$597
SIGMA 28mm f/1.8 EX DG ASP Macro (prime)2828 f/1.8$270 USED
SIGMA 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM ART (prime)3030f/1.4$499
NIKKOR AF-S DX 35mm F1.8G3535f/1.8$177
ZEISS Distagon T* 35mm f/1.43535f/1.4$1329
Tamron 35mm f/1.8 SP Di VC USD3535f/1.8$599
Rokinon 35mm F/1.4
FULL FRAME WIDE ANGLE
3535F/1.4$439
ZEISS Milvus 35mm f/23535f/2$1026
NIKKOR AF-S FX
35mm f/1.8G ED
3535f/1.8$527
NIKKOR AF-S 35mm f/1.4G3535f/1.4$527
NIKKOR AF 35mm f/2D3535f/2$387
SIGMA 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART prime3535f/1.4$899
NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro
40mm f/2.8G
4040f/2.8$247
NIKKOR PC-E Micro
45mm f/2.8D ED
4545f/2.8$2047
Tamron 45mm f/1.8 SP Di VC USD4545f/1.8$599
Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D5050f/1.8$131
ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/1.45050f/1.4$1099
ZEISS Milvus 50mm f/2 Makro-Planar 1:2 Macro5050f/2$1283
Rokinon 50mm F/1.4
FULL FRAME HIGH SPEED
5050F/1.4$399
SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART5050F/1.4$949
SIGMA 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM (prime)5050f/1.4Discontinued
SIGMA 50mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro (prime)5050f/2.8Discontinued
SIGMA 50-100mm F1.8 DC HSM ART50100F/1.8$1099
Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D5050f/1.4$334
NIKKOR AF-S 50mm f/1.4G5050f/1.4$397
NIKKOR AF-S 50mm f/1.8G5050f/1.8$197
ZEISS Planar T* 50mm f/1.45050f/1.4$558
NIKKOR AF-S
50mm f/1.8G Special Edition
5050f/1.8$277
NIKKOR AF-S DX
55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
55200f/4$347
Tamron 55-200mm F/4-5.6 Di II LD MACRO55200 f/4-5.6$169
NIKKOR AF-S DX
55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
55200f/4$347
ZEISS Otus 55mm f/1.45555f/1.4$3238
Nikkor AF-S DX
ED 55-200mm F4-5.6G
55200f/4$347
NIKKOR AF-S DX
55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
55300f/4.5$249
NIKKOR AF-S 58mm f/1.4G5858f/1.4$1497
Nikkor AF Micro
60mm f/2.8D
6060f/2.8$516
Nikkor AF-S Micro
60mm f/2.8G ED
6060f/2.8$497
Tamron 60mm F/2 Di II LD [IF] MACRO 1:1 (prime) SP6060f/2$524
SIGMA 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro70300f/4-5.6$199
Tamron 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO70300f/4-5.6$149
SIGMA 70-300mm f/4-5.6DG Macro70300f/4-5.6$139
TAMRON SP 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di VC USD (Japanese)70300f/4-5.6$
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED70300f/4.5-6.3$
SIGMA 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO70200f/2.8$1149
Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 SP Di VC USD70300f/4-5.6$
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR70300f/4.5-6.3$396.95
NIKKOR AF-S
70-200mm f/4G ED VR
70200f/4$1297
SIGMA 70mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro (prime)7070f/2.8Discontinued
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G270200f/2.8$1,299.00
NIKKOR AF
70-300mm f/4-5.6G
70300f/4$497
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR70200f/2.8$1,896.95
Nikkor AF-S VR
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
70300f/4.5$497
Tokina AT-X 70-200 F4 FX VCM-S70200f/4$1150
NIKKOR AF-S
70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
70200f/2.8$1897
SIGMA 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG OS70300f/4-5.6$269
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD SP70200f/2.8$1499
Tamron 70-200mm F/2.8 Di LD [IF] MACRO SP70200f/2.8$769
NIKKOR AF
80-200mm f/2.8D ED
80200f/2.8$1222
NIKKOR AF-S
80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR
80400f/4.5$2297
NIKKOR AF VR
80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED
80400f/4.5$1669
Tokina AT-X 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 80400f/4.5-5.6 $596
Rokinon 85mm F/1.4
FULL FRAME
8585F/1.4$329
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART8585f/1.4$999.95
NIKKOR PC-E Micro
85mm f/2.8D
8585f/2.8$1977
NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.4G8585f/1.4$1497
SIGMA 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM (prime)8585f/1.4$869
NIKKOR AF-S DX Micro
85mm f/3.5G ED VR
8585f/3.5$527
ZEISS Planar T* 85mm f/1.48585f/1.4
ZEISS Otus 85mm f/1.48585f/1.4$3754
ZEISS Milvus 85mm f/1.48585f/1.4$1779
Tamron 85mm f/1.8 SP Di VC USD8585f/1.8$749
Samyang 85mm f/1.2 Premium8585f/1.2 Coming Soon for Nikon
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Prime) SP 9090f/2.8$749
Tamron 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 (prime) SP9090f/2.8$499
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Prime) SP (New SP Line)9090f/2.8$649
Rokinon 100mm F/2.8
FULL FRAME MACRO
100100f/2.8$549
Tokina AT-X 100mm f/2.8 AF Pro D Macro (prime)100100f/2.8$348
ZEISS Milvus 100mm f/2 Makro-Planar 1:2 Macro100100f/2$1613
Sigma 100-400mm f/5-6.3 DG HSM OS Contemporary100400f/5-6.3$799
SIGMA 100-300mm f/4 EX DG APO HSM100300f/4Discontinued
NIKKOR AF DC 105mm f/2D105105f/2$1197
Nikkor AF-S VR Micro
105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
105105f/2.8$797
SIGMA 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro (prime)105105f/2.8$619
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED105105f/1.4$1,896.95
SIGMA 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG APO OS HSM120400f/4.5-5.6Discontinued
SIGMA 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM SPORT120300f/2.8$3599
NIKKOR AF DC 135mm f/2D135135f/2$1391
ZEISS Apo Sonnar T* 135mm f/2135135f/2$1753
Zeiss Milvus 135mm f/2135135f/2$
Sigma 135mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art135135f/1.8$1,399.00
Rokinon 135mm F/2.0
FULL FRAME TELEPHOTO
135135F/2$549
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2150600f/5-6.3$1,399.00
Tamron 150-600MM F/5-6.3 Di VC USD SP150600 F/5-6.3$989
SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM SPORT150600F5-6.3$1799
SIGMA 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary150600F5-6.3$989
SIGMA 150mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro (prime)150150f/2.8$1099
SIGMA 150mm f/2.8 EX APO DG HSM Macro 150150f/2.8n/a
SIGMA 180mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM APO Macro180180f/2.8$1699
Tamron 180mm F/3.5 Di LD [IF] MACRO 1:1 (prime) SP180180f/3.5$739
Nikkor AF
180mm f/2.8D IF-ED
180180f/2.8$1002
NIKKOR AF-S
200-400mm f/4G ED VR II
200400f/4$6997
NIKKOR AF-S
200mm f/2G ED VR II
200200f/2$5450
Nikkor Micro AF
200mm f/4D IF-ED
200200f/4$1792
NIKKOR AF-S
200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
200500f/5.6$1397
Rokinon 300mm F/6.3 Mirror
COMPACT TELEPHOTO FOR DSLR's
300300f/6.3$228
Nikkor AF-S
300mm f/4D IF-ED
300300f/4$1309
SIGMA 300mm F2.8 EX APO DG (HSM)*300300f/2.8$3399
NIKKOR AF-S
300mm f/4E PF ED VR
300300f/4$1997
NIKKOR AF-S
300mm F2.8G ED VR II
300300f/2.8$5497
SIGMA 300-800mm F5.6 EX DG APO HSM300800F/5.6$7,171
NIKKOR AF-S
400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
400400f/2.8$11,197
NIKKOR AF-S
400mm F2.8G ED VR II
400400f/2.8$9700
NIKKOR AF-S
500mm f/4E FL ED VR
500500f/4$10,297
NIKKOR AF-S
500mm F4G ED VR
500500f/4$8579
Sigma 500mm f/4 DG OS HSM Sports500500f/4$5,999.00
SIGMA 500mm F4.5 EX DG APO (HSM)*500500F/4.5$4999
NIKKOR AF-S
600mm f/4E FL ED VR
600600f/4$12,297
NIKKOR AF-S
600mm F/4G ED VR
600600f/4$9394
NIKKOR AF-S
800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR
800800f/5.6$16,297
SIGMA 800mm F5.6 EX APO DG HSM800800f/5.6$4750 USED

Notes

Some of the manufacturers throw around the term “Macro” pretty loosely in naming their lenses, when they really just mean “close-focusing”. All Nikon “Micro” lenses focus 1:1, as do many of the 3rd party prime lenses (Zeiss optics are the exception, and focus 1:2). Don’t expect the same performance from all zoom lenses listed as “Macro”, though.

As a matter of practicality, I’ve decided NOT to include most lenses that are discontinued or otherwise no longer available.

Glossary

  1. VR, OS, and VC : All refer to image stabilization that is built into the lens. VR is Nikon’s designation, OS is Sigma’s, and VC is Tamron’s.
  2. AF-S, HSM, USD and PZD : All refer to silent-wave motor technology, which is faster and quieter than a standard micro-motor.
  3. FX, DX : FX lenses are Nikon’s full-frame designed optics, whereas the DX line only fully cover the image circle of an APS-C sensor. These will only work with full-frame cameras in DX shooting mode.
  4. Fisheye : A fisheye is a lens that does not have rectilinear correction; straight lines are distorted and appear dramatically curved.

If there are additional lenses that you think should be included, please comment below, or email me. Similarly, if there are terms that you think should be in the mini-glossary here, just let me know.

Editor-in-Chief
  1. Matthew,
    Last time I wrote I was deciding on a D7200 or D7500. I went with the D7500. The resolution and color is so much better than the D90 I had been shooting with. I don’t find that the sacrifice in pixels is a problem, as I went from 12mb to 20. And honestly, much more would just clog up my computer!And I have never had 2 sd slots, so I don’t find that a problem.
    I am happy with the results I am getting. I am also enrolled in a digital photography college class, so I am learning more and more every day. I have been an amateur photographer for a long time now, taking some great shots of the kids in their dance performances, on the football field etc. I have the 70-200, f2.8 and it was awesome for the football performances and also for the low light theater productions.
    Now I need help selecting a macro lens that I could use also for portrait work. I have been looking at the 35mm f1.8 you mention, but I don’t see any recommendations for DX sensors. I don’t want to spend a fortune. would like to stick in the 400 dollar range or less. I saw Nikon has a sale with two lenses in a set, the AF-s DX Micro 40mm f/2.8G and the AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR for 549.95. What is your advise.

    1. Hi Beth,

      I’m glad to hear that the D7500 is working out for you :-) Great camera.

      For true macro work and for portraits, I’d recommend something longer than 35mm. 90mm is good, the Nikon 105mm is wonderful (I just sold mine).

      The Nikon 105mm micro is excellent. For DX, there’s a 60mm Micro that’s also a good portrait lens. The Tamron 90mm macro lenses also have a great reputation, though I haven’t really tested them. They’re all listed above :-)

      – Matthew

      1. Matthew, Thank you, that is actually a very big help! I will keep you posted as to what I go with. Thanks again for your quick reply!

        1. I am looking at the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Di MACRO 1:1 VC USD (Prime) SP (New SP Line) or the Nikkor AF Micro 60mm f/2.8D. Since i will be using a DX format camera, which would be better for macro photography and portrait work? I understand you didn’t use the Tamron, but given the specs, would you go with the 90mm or 60mm on a dx? I understand that the FX lens will act like a lens with a longer focal length on a DX camera. I am a little confused on how this would translate to actual taking the pictures. I see crop information on what a DX lens does on an FX camera, but not the other way around. Can you give me any advise on this? Thanks, Beth

          1. Hi Beth,

            So, the Tamron 90mm will give you the angle of view of a 135mm lens when you use it on your camera, while the 60mm will give you the angle of view of a 90mm lens :-)

            In practice, all that means is that to take pictures that look pretty similar with both lenses, you’d be a little bit further away with the Tamron. With the Nikon, to get 1:1 image reproduction, you’ll have to be 7.25 inches away from your subject…. pretty close.

            To get 1:1 reproduction from the Tamron lens, you’ll be almost a foot away (11.8 inches). Still really close, but it leaves a little more space for light to get around you to your subject (blocking the light to the subject can be a big problem with true macro work if you’re not using flash).

            I would go with the Tamron 90mm because it has image stabilization, if for no other reason. Image stabilization (VC) is a huge help when shooting up close, where tiny camera movement are very visible. And I always find a little extra room helpful when shooting macro… I used to use a 180mm macro lens when I could get away with it, though it was big and heavy and almost impossible to hand-hold for macro work.

            – Matthew

  2. Hi Matthew
    I am new to photography
    I plan to buy a new Nikon D5600 or D7200 and pair it with a 18-55mm VR II and 55-200 VR II lens
    What is your advise?
    Which camera do you recommend as a beginner and maybe later an enthusiast
    Which camera is better in shooting in poor lighting or indoor
    Thanks

    1. Hi Steven,

      My advice is always this: buy the least expensive camera that will meet your needs, and the best lenses that you can afford. In this case, I’d go with the D5600 unless you can think of something that you’ll need to do that it can’t. I do have some comparisons on this site, if you need some help.

      Generally, though, there aren’t significant differences in low-light performance. They’re going to be identical for all practical purposes there. A large aperture lens added to either body would make a significant difference. Either of those zoom lenses will have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 when zoomed in all way. A 35mm f/1.8 lens will let in 8 times more light (techincally, 3 1/3 stops), and will cost under $200. So, it’s important to remember that the camera and lens work as a system… and a good lens can make a mediocre camera much better.

      – Matthew

    2. Thank you Matthew! Thank you! That is such a big help. And as far as the stabilization, as I get older, I need it more. (sad truth). I love seeing what you have to say on many of these topics, as you always have sage advise. You are a rare breed that loves to share your professional secrets and to see others succeed. Thank you again!

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