Are you looking for the best lenses for the Nikon D810? Well then, you have come to the right place! This article will walk you through my top recommendations based on focal length, aperture, and other essential factors.
I’ve used the Nikon D810 before in one of my photoshoot and it has never disappointed me. It is a versatile powerhouse with robust features that allow you to capture stunning photos and videos. But in order to take full advantage of these, you need a high-quality lens.
With that in mind, I scoured the web and read various user reviews to determine the 20 best lenses for the Nikon D810. I then narrowed them down to the top seven products on the market to make things easier for you. Each item will include a detailed review, features, pros, and cons so that you can compare them side-by-side.
And if you are curious to know which qualities to look out for, you can read a detailed buying guide below.
Without any further ado, let us get right into it!
Is the Nikon D810 Still Worth Buying?
If you already own a Nikon D810, feel free to skip this section and jump into our top picks.
But to those who are planning to buy a Nikon D810, you can continue reading this section to know if this particular camera model is still worth buying today.
Nikon introduced the D810 to the FX-format line in 2014. While it is not the latest full-frame model, it remains competitive due to its robust features.
It boasts a 36.3-megapixel full-frame sensor with no optical low-pass filter. But unlike its predecessors, the Nikon D810 comes with an expanded native ISO range and other significant improvements. It offers incredible detail, sharpness, and rich tonality in nearly any light condition.
The Nikon D810 also includes an Advanced Multi-CAM 3500FX autofocus sensor. This AF system uses 51 focus points—15 of which are cross-type sensors with a new Group Area AF—to ensure sharpness across the frame.
Moreover, it offers a burst shooting mode of up to 5 fps in full resolution or up to 7 fps in DX-crop mode. It enables you to freeze important moments by capturing scenes with astounding speed and precision.
Besides stunning photos, the Nikon D810 is also capable of shooting high-quality 1080p videos up to 60 fps. The new Exposure Smoothing technology even allows you to record smooth time-lapse sequences.
As for the display, the Nikon D810 has a large 3.2-inch 1,229k-dot screen. It is fixed in place, and it is not a touchscreen, which can limit you in a way. However, it shows the image clearly, even on a bright day. Plus, there is a pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage to help you frame the subject and correct exposure with accuracy.
In terms of the build and design, this full-frame camera features a magnesium alloy body with weather and dust sealing to ensure durability in outdoor conditions. The deeper grip offers stable handling, even if you have small hands. Meanwhile, the buttons and dials are intuitively designed and well built so that you can change camera settings easily.
With all these features in mind, we think the Nikon D810 is still worth buying today. It allows you to capture photos and videos in stunning detail, ideal for versatile shooters.
The only cons we found out are the lack of image stabilization, no 4K video, and the expensive cost of a brand new model. But most lenses now have optical stabilization that compensates for that. And if you are on a budget, we recommend getting a used model that saves you hundreds of bucks. You can then use that money to invest in high-quality lenses instead.
Speaking of, below are our top picks for the best lenses for Nikon D810.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best All-in-One Lens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Portrait Lens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Wide-Angle Prime  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Wide-Angle Zoom  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
7 Best Lenses for Nikon D810
Below are our top recommendations for the best lenses for Nikon D810. Each product on this list includes an autofocus system and is compatible with other Nikon full-frame cameras.
1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G – Best All-in-One Lens for Nikon D810
If you are looking for an all-around lens for the Nikon D810, consider checking out the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G.
This zoom lens features a broad focal length range from 28mm up to 300mm. At its shortest or broadest focal range, it can capture more elements within the frame, perfect for architectural and landscape photography. Its medium telephoto perspective can bring distant subjects up close, ideal for wildlife or sports photography.
Meanwhile, the variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6 creates a distinct background blur. And while it may not be the fastest aperture on a lens, it can still perform well in low-light photography.
There is also fast and accurate autofocus, optimized for sharpness on both DX and FX-format cameras like the Nikon D810.
Furthermore, the advanced Vibration Reduction II technology ensures stabilized photos and videos. It even allows handheld shooting up to four shutter speeds slower than usual.
Most customer reviews for this AF-S Nikkor zoom lens were positive. However, some users noticed distortion when shooting at the shortest focal length. There is also chromatic aberration at the longest focal range. A few even said that images were not as sharp.
Nevertheless, the NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G is hard to beat for its sheer versatility. If you can only have one lens, we recommend getting this particular glass.
Pros:
- Versatile 107x zoom lens
- Zoom lock switch to prevent the lens from extending during transport
- VR II image stabilization enables handheld shooting at slower shutter speeds
- Fast and accurate autofocus
Cons:
- There were slight distortion and chromatic aberration when shooting at extreme focal lengths
- Maximum aperture does not offer the sharpest images in night photography
2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G – Best Portrait Lens for Nikon D810
Besides an all-around lens, we think every photographer should also have a nifty-fifty lens on their camera bag. For that reason, we highly recommend getting the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G.
Its fixed 50mm focal range offers a realistic perspective without distortion. Thus, this prime lens is ideal for portrait photography and general subjects where you want to retain the subject’s size.
This advanced Nikkor prime lens also has a maximum aperture of f/1.8 that lets more light into the sensor. It allows you to use a faster shutter speed, which is crucial in low-light photography. It can also create a distinct narrow depth of field to separate the subject from the background.
Moreover, the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus, no matter the activity.
On top of all these benefits, this prime lens is compact and lightweight so that you can carry it to any shoot without a problem.
The only downsides to this lens are the lack of Vibration Reduction technology and the plastic build, which can feel cheap.
Otherwise, the NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G delivers super image quality for portraits, travel photos, lifestyle, and other everyday subjects. It is one of the best prime lenses for beginners and advanced Nikon shooters.
Pros:
- Natural perspective
- Stunning bokeh for fashion portraits
- Impressive low-light performance
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Compact and lightweight build
Cons:
- Lack of Vibration Reduction (VR) to reduce camera shake
- Some users said that the lens feels cheap due to the plastic build
3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED – Best Wide-Angle Prime Lens for Nikon D810
Do you mainly shoot architectural buildings, landscapes, or group photos? If so, you might want to get a wide-angle lens like the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED.
It offers an ultra-wide perspective that enables you to capture more of the scene in front of you. So whether you are shooting rolling hills or a family portrait, this lens makes it easier to fit everything or everyone in the frame.
This Nikkor lens also has a maximum aperture of f/1.8. It delivers stunning shallow depth of field and impressive low-light capabilities for high-quality images.
What’s more, the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures accurate, fast, and quiet autofocus. It can get close to 7.8 inches (0.2 meters) from the subject to give you sharp results.
There are even extra-low dispersion glass elements and a super multi-layer coating for effectively minimizing chromatic aberration.
Despite all these features, some users said that this lens is not as sharp as they expected. A few also noticed that there were comatic aberrations, which can disappoint astrophotographers.
Nevertheless, the NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED is still one of the best wide-angle lenses for the Nikon D810.
Pros:
- Ultra-wide perspective to capture more elements in the frame
- Shallow depth of field
- Great in low-light conditions
- A fast and near-silent autofocus system
Cons:
- Some users said the lens is not as sharp
- Comatic aberrations are visible when shooting at the widest aperture
4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR – Best Wide-Angle Zoom Lens for Nikon D810
If you need room for adjustment, consider getting a wide-angle zoom lens like the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR instead.
It offers an adjustable zoom range of 16 to 35mm. Its broadest focal length range of 16mm is ideal for panoramas and landscape photography. Meanwhile, the 35mm angle of view is suitable for street photography and portrait photography.
This Nikkor lens also has a fixed maximum aperture at f/4 to ensure consistent brightness or depth of field throughout the entire zoom range.
Moreover, it enables you to switch between two focus modes—M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)—with ease.
There is even an improved Vibration Reduction technology that allows handheld shooting up to four shutter speeds slower than usual.
All these great features come at a steep cost, though. Some users also said that the lens has too much barrel distortion.
But as you can see, the pros far outweigh the cons.
For this reason, we deemed the NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR as one of the best wide-angle prime lenses for Nikon D810. It is ideal for serious wide-angle photographers due to its superb image quality and optical performance.
Pros:
- Variable wide-angle focal length
- Two focus modes ensure sharp photos
- VR II image stabilization
- Weather-sealed
Cons:
- On the expensive side
- Photos are distorted when shooting at the shortest focal length
5. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED – Best Standard Zoom Lens for Nikon D810
Consider getting the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED if you want a versatile zoom lens for travel and everyday photography.
This standard zoom lens features a variable zoom range that goes from 24 to 70mm. It is ideal for capturing architecture and landscapes as well as portraits and indoor photography.
Meanwhile, it has a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 to ensure high image quality in nearly any light condition. It can also create a narrow depth of field that makes the subject stand out from the background.
Furthermore, this Nikkor lens has both Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Internal Focus (IF) to provide accurate and quiet autofocus function.
On top of all these benefits, it boasts a rugged, weather-sealed construction that protects it against dust and moisture.
Most customer reviews for this essential workhorse lens were positive. However, it is quite heavy and lacks image stabilization. Some users also reported that the AF system was slow and did not offer sharp images when shooting at the widest aperture.
Nevertheless, the NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is still among the best lenses for Nikon D810. It is an excellent alternative to the NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G if you do not need a super-telephoto zoom lens.
Pros:
- Variable wide-angle focal length ideal for landscape photography and everyday shooting
- Great in low-light conditions
- Accurate and near-silent AF system
- Durable and weather-sealed construction
Cons:
- Heavy lens
- No Vibration Reduction (VR) to minimize camera shake
- Some users said that autofocus was slow
6. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM – Best Telephoto Lens for Nikon D810
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM is a super-telephoto lens that is ideal for action, sports, and wildlife photographers. It offers a very tight frame to bring distant subjects up close.
This ultra telephoto lens also has a variable maximum aperture of f/5-6.3. It is not the fastest lens on the market, but it can create distinct background blur to keep subjects in focus.
There is even a quiet and optimized autofocus system, owing to the improved Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM).
Moreover, the new Optical Stabilizer (OS) with an accelerometer to deliver improved panning photography and superb image quality.
Finally, it has a dustproof and splash-proof mount. This durable telephoto zoom lens can withstand outdoor conditions without a problem.
However, like most super telephoto zoom lenses, this Sigma model is extremely bulky and heavy. Some users were also disappointed with the slow autofocus, causing them to miss out on the subject in several instances.
With that said, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is hard to beat, especially for the features it offers at less than $1000. It is one of the best telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon D810.
Pros:
- Super-telephoto lens captures subjects in very far distances
- Relatively affordable
- Optical Stabilizer (OS) minimizes camera shake when panning
- Dustproof and splash-proof construction
Cons:
- Extremely bulky and heavy
- Maximum aperture not wide enough for low-light situations
- Slow autofocus
7. Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR – Best Macro Lens for Nikon D810
If you want to photograph small subjects in accurate detail, the Nikon AF-S Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR might meet your needs.
It features a 105mm focal length that offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio. It enables the camera sensor to capture subjects of their same size in real life. Thus, this lens is ideal for close-up or macro photography where rendering details is of utmost importance.
Meanwhile, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 creates a distinct bokeh to isolate the subject from the background. It also ensures high-quality results, even in low-light situations.
Furthermore, the new Vibration Reduction II technology makes handheld shooting possible. It minimizes camera shake for dramatically sharper photos.
However, some users said that the VR motor produces a loud sound. The lens also hunts focus.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though.
For this reason, we chose the Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR as one of the best macro lenses for Nikon D810.
Pros:
- 1:1 reproduction ratio designed for close-up and macro photography
- Impressive low-light performance
- Stunning bokeh
- VR II technology reduces camera shake
Cons:
- Loud image stabilization
- The AF system can be slow and inaccurate
How to Choose the Best Lens for Nikon D810
When shopping for the best lens for Nikon D810, you need to focus on the following considerations to ensure that your chosen product meets your needs.
Focal Length
Focal length is perhaps the first thing to consider when looking for the best lens for the Nikon D810. Ask yourself how much of the scene you want to capture or determine the kind of photos you want to take.
Do you want a broad perspective? If so, get a wide-angle lens with a focal length of less than 35mm. It is ideal for taking photos of architectural structures, landscapes, and groups of people.
If you are into portraits or travel photos, a standard lens might suit your needs better. This type of lens has a focal length of 35-75mm to offer a natural perspective without distortion.
Finally, if you need something that enables you to capture faraway subjects, consider a telephoto lens. It can bring distant objects closer, suitable for sports and wildlife photographers.
Aperture
Another factor to consider is the maximum aperture of the lens, which is measured by f-stops or f-numbers. It determines the quality of the background blur and how much light enters into the camera’s sensor.
The smaller the f-stop, the larger the opening of the lens.
Thus, a lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.8 or f/2.8 is better in low-light situations than those with an f/5 or f/6.3 opening. It also creates a narrower depth of field, suitable for portraits or close-up photography.
Image Stabilization
The Nikon D810 lacks in-body image stabilization, which affects image quality during handheld shooting.
You may want to consider a lens with built-in optical stabilization to compensate for this. It can help minimize camera shake and result in sharp photos, even when shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds.
Weight
As a full-frame camera, the Nikon D810 is already heavy by itself. And if you add a bulky lens on top of that, you may have difficulties carrying your camera gear for extended periods.
Thus, it is essential to consider the weight of the lens before buying it. Make sure the combined load of the lens and the camera is something that you can bear for everyday shooting.
Cost
There is a wide range of lenses—both cheap and high-end—available for the Nikon D810.
If you have the means, expensive lenses are often worth the cost. They can provide advanced features and the highest quality results that will take your photography game to the next level.
But if you are on a budget, you can still find lenses that offer impressive results at a lower price.
Warranty
Finally, you may want to consider a lens for the Nikon D810 that has a warranty. You can easily ask for a refund or repair should the lens stop working within the specified period.
Conclusion
There you have it—the best lenses for the Nikon D810!
Each of our recommendations is among the top lenses in every category. But if we can only suggest one, we chose the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G. At less than $1000, you can get a versatile focal range that is suitable for any kind of photography. Plus, it includes a built-in image stabilization and a fast autofocus system to compliment the Nikon D810’s robust features.