Overview of Nikon Lenses

2010-02-09 • SEND FEEDBACK •
Related: Nikon, Nikon lenses, Zeiss DSLR lenses

This section covers Nikon-brand lenses. You can search this site for more information on lenses of all kinds.

Nikon’s lens line

Nikon’s lens line is broad and deep, and includes not just current models, but many lenses that have been produced over the years, some of which are inexpensive, and some of which are coveted and cost at least twice their new price on the used market, like the NOCT-Nikkor 58mm f/1.2 and the 28mm f/1.4 AI-S.

Other brands for Nikon

The venerable Nikon “F” mount has remained unchanged mechanically for many years and this has led to third-party lenses usable on Nikon cameras, not just Nikon’s own.

Other brands for Nikon include:

• the Zeiss ZF/ZF.2 line, covered in depth in Guide to Zeiss ZF/ZE Lenses;
• the Coastal Optics 60mm f/4 UV-VIS-IR APO Macro;
• the Voigtlander 21mm, 40mm, 58mm lenses are covered in depth in DAP.
• the Hartblei 40/80/120mm tilt/shift lenses with Zeiss medium format optics, covered in depth in DAP;
• the Schneider 28mm f/2.8 PC-Super-Angulon, covered in depth in DAP;
• various Leica R lenses which can be converted to Nikon mount;

DX vs FX lenses

The DX designation means that a lens is designed for a smaller 23.7mm wide sensor.

The FX designation means that a lens is designed for a full-frame 36 X 24mm sensor.

Recommended lenses

See my list of recommended Nikon gear and lenses, as well as the gear pages.