11 Best Nikon Lens For Fashion Photography (Buying Guide)

Glamorous fashion photos represent the pinnacle of aesthetic achievement. The appropriate lens is the only way to achieve perfection. Typically, there will be a wide choice of lenses available. However, it might be challenging to choose the best one for use in fashion photography. With the Nikon camera body, you’ll also need to hunt out lenses made specifically for it.

Instead of you having to do the research, we’ve produced a list of the top 10 Nikon lenses for fashion photography. It seems we have settled on lenses that balance quality and performance. Additionally, a shopping guide has been provided below to make your search for the perfect lens a breeze. See for yourself!

What Lens Do I Need For Fashion Photography

Camera lenses are available in a wide variety, and mostly, the lenses are recognized by their sizes and types lien zoom lenses and prime lenses. Not all sizes are ideal for every kind of photography. Likely, the primes lenses of 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm are primarily used in fashion photography. However, some photographers also prefer to use zoom lenses of 24-70mm when shooting outdoors. 

Therefore, the 50mm lens is the most versatile lens for fashion photography. Also, it is the most preferred by professionals because of its adaptability and portability. In addition, the 50mm price lenses are light in weight and focus quickly, ideal for all lighting conditions.

Though the 50 mm lens is the most versatile one, the 35m prime lean with f/1.4 aperture is my favorite. The wider focusing ability of the 35mm lens offers the most creative angles and ables the photographer to capture the frame with more details. 

On the other hand, the 85mm lenses can capture the sharpest images that are required to get the ultimate details of the fabric textures. Moreover, the 85mm lenses can also capture the bokeh images with a creamy smooth texture.

And, if you do not prefer to carry a set of lenses, then the 24-70mm zoom lens is recommended to get all the fashion photography jobs done. With this mid telephoto zoom lens, you can acquire the range of all three prime lenses we discussed. But, one thing will be essential when using the zoom lens: the proper settings. It is nearly impossible to get the best results without knowing the settings correctly.

Review of 10 Best Lens For Fashion Photography

From hundreds of lenses available, we’ve chosen these 11 lenses for fashion photography. We have prioritized the variations when making this list. And covered every type of lens. So, you will get a wide variety to choose from. So, check them all out and get yours.

Best For Outdoor Photography: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm FL ED VR Lens

This lens is the best 70-200mm telephoto zoom for DX bodies, and it’s even better on FX. The build quality of the lens is exceptional. It feels like the lens was made for the camera, not the other way around.

Also, it’s weather sealed, so you can shoot in rain and snow without worrying about getting the lens damaged. Besides, it also has a dust- and moisture-resistant construction, so you won’t have to worry about it getting damaged while shooting in the field.

Moreover, this lens also has an internal focusing mechanism that makes it much quieter than most zoom lenses. And this lens focuses very quickly. It can autofocus up to 1.4 meters away, which is impressive for such a fast lens.

Therefore, an optical stabilizer works well in low light and when you’re shooting handheld. This lens is excellent for portraits, weddings, landscapes, and nature photography.

On the whole, if you’re looking for a versatile lens for your DX body, get the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR. It’s one of the best Nikon lenses for model photography you can get for your camera, and it’ll make your camera look excellent too.

What We Liked?

• No need for a tripod or monopod.
• Vibration reduction is top-notch.
• Protected from all weather conditions.
• Works with all modern Nikon DSLRs. 

What We Didn’t Like?

• The zoom is placed at the end, which is quite uncomfortable.
• Captured images are not sharp towards the edges.

Editor’s Choice: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm Zoom Lens 

The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 ED VR is a perfect all-around lens for all types of photography. It’s ideal for landscapes, portraits, macros, and pretty much anything in between.

When I first tested this lens, I was impressed with the sharpness and contrast and the ability to get good shots in the corners. I also really liked how the optical design allowed for such an extensive focal range up to 70mm without changing the lens size.

The only real downside to this lens is that it is not weather sealed. So if you’re planning on taking your camera out in the rain, this is something to keep in mind.

It’s also worth mentioning that the autofocus isn’t as fast as I would have liked. However, I was impressed with how quick and accurate it was in the macro mode. And the vibration reduction of this lens offers shake-free shots.

The only other thing to remember is that the lens doesn’t have a built-in filter thread, so you’ll need to use an adapter if you want to use a polarizing filter.

Overall, this is a very versatile lens that will satisfy most photographers. The only real con is that the autofocus isn’t as quick as I would have liked, but this is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of manual focus lenses. 

What We Liked?

• Excellent performance in low light.
• Versatile for taking all kinds of portraits.
• Dirt and debris easily get wiped out from the glass.
• Absolutely no distortions in the images.

What We Didn’t Like?

• The filter size is pretty unusual.
• Get fuzzy with the high-end objectives.

Best for Indoor Photography: Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm Fixed Focal Length Lens 

It’s another one of Nikon’s legendary lenses, but this time around, it’s an update to the original 35mm f/1.4. It’s one of my favorite lenses for portrait photography and a must-have for any fashion photographer.

Additionally, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is an update of one of Nikon’s most respected and popular NIKKOR lenses and combines a natural yet versatile 35mm perspective with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture. Subsequently, the f/1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot handheld in low light and provides dramatic separation between the subject and a softened background. 

Alongside this, this great addition to the NIKKOR lineup is ideal for shooting high-quality still photographs or video capture using Nikon’s D-Movie feature. Moreover, it is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLRs DX-format D-SLR; the angle of view is equivalent to a focal length of 52.5mm in FX/35mm format. 

In addition, the M/A Focus Mode Switch Enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation, now enhanced with a refined MF driving mechanism. 

The Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) Adequately enhances light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare. In addition, the rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm Renders a more natural appearance to out-of-focus image elements.

So it’s an excellent alternative to the 50mm f/1.8G. It’s a great all-around lens for indoor fashion portraits, weddings, architecture, travel, and other uses.

What We Liked?

• Portraits captured are so crisp and smooth.
• Provides the maximum angle of view.
• Lowest minimum focus distance.
• Nicely balanced for sudden clicks.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Micro-adjustment from the D800 is impossible to fit.
• The motor inside is loud.

Best Low-Budget Telephoto Lens: Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon

If you’re looking for a long-reach zoom lens that’s very light and compact and want to take it on the go, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is the one to get.

Apparently, this lens has an APS-C sensor, so it’s small and light enough to be portable, and it can reach up to 600mm in the telephoto position. It also has a 5-6.3 magnification range and features Sigma’s Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for quick and quiet autofocusing.

However, the lens doesn’t have an aperture ring, but you can still change the aperture by pressing the zoom lock button. You can also use the MO switch to focus the lens manually.

In terms of image quality, it’s not the sharpest, but it’s more than good enough for most general photography. And since it’s small and light, it won’t weigh you down, either.

And if you want to upgrade to a better lens within a reasonable price range, the Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary is compatible with Sigma’s USB dock. With the pier, you can update the firmware, adjust the autofocus, and make other adjustments.

What We Liked?

• Completely dust and splash-proof.
• Superior coating helps to remove oil and water easily.
• Longer focal length captures far away objects.
• Very strong built quality.

What We Didn’t Like?

• The weight is so heavy.
• Not so good for close shots.

Best For Jewelry Photography: NIKON NIKKOR Z 24mm Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens 

The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is a fantastic lens for Jewelry photography, and I’ve used it to shoot some of my favorite jewelry. This lens is small and light, but it’s still a great performer. Also, its wide angle of view is good enough for portraits.

Likely, it’s a prime lens, so it doesn’t have the depth of field of a zoom lens. As a result, you’ll need to be very close to your subject or be aware of where your background will be to get the desired effect. It also has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, so you’ll need to use a tripod or camera bag to stabilize it, especially when shooting in low-light conditions.

If you’re planning on shooting action, this might be too small for you. It’s also not ideal for macro shots due to the shallow depth of field. That being said, this is an excellent option for landscape photography. I’ve had it mounted on my Nikon D7200, and it’s worked perfectly.

You’ll be able to take stunning photos with this lens, and you’ll be able to enjoy them without having to worry about the lens’s limitations. So I’d recommend it to photographers who want to get the best jewelry shots and want something small and light.

What We Liked?

• The operations are pretty silent.
• Compatible with the Z mirrorless cameras.
• So light in weight.
• Easy to mount and dismount.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Not so a versatile lens.
• It only made for close shots.

Best For Macro Shots: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24mm ED Fixed Lens 

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED is a great wide-angle lens for people who want to shoot outdoors, and it’s also an excellent portrait lens for people who want to create beautiful high fashion photos and videos, especially at night.

Relatively, it’s one of the best wide-angle lenses in the Nikon lineup, and it’s cheaper than other wide-angle lenses. The 24mm f/1.8G ED is an excellent option for both macro and portrait photography, and it makes images look nice when used with a wide-angle setting on the camera.

Also, the wide-angle view of the 24mm f/1.8G ED means that you can shoot from further away than you can with a standard lens. Besides, this allows for some interesting perspectives and gives you extra creativity. Moreover, this is an excellent option for street photography and nature photography.

However, there are some downsides to the 24mm f/1.8G ED. The lens is not weather-sealed, so it is not the best option for rainy days or winter. The AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED is also not very versatile. It’s not great for traveling or sports and has no extra features.

What We Liked?

• Functions properly with all high-resolution DSLRs.
• Offers beautiful bokeh shots.
• Amazing low-light performances.
• Absolutely no distortion or virtual ghosting.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Lens is a bit hard to AF fine-tune.
• The rendering lacks character.

Best for Studio Photography: Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 28mm Compact Wide-angle Prime Lens

Your quest for an ideal Nikon lens for studio photography ends here with this 28mm prime lens. This is the latest and greatest 28mm f/1.8 prime lens from Nikon. It’s the best wide-angle lens they make and one of the best for photography.

Accordingly, this lens is compatible with both Nikon FX and DX DSLR cameras and comes with a full warranty. It’s also super fast when it comes to autofocus, and that’s what makes it unique. 

Additionally, it has a fast aperture of f/1.8, which is ideal for low-light and night photography. You can also use it in bright sunlight, although you may need to switch to the slower f/2.8 or f/4 aperture.

Moreover, The lens is made from magnesium alloy and has a weatherproof construction. It’s resistant to dust, moisture, sand, and snow and can survive temperatures ranging from -10°C to +60°C. It’s also designed to be water-resistant and won’t fog up when underwater.

One of the best things about this lens is its quietness. You won’t hear any clicking when you’re focusing, and it’s so smooth that it’s practically silent. As a result, this lens is an excellent choice for beginners, and it’s a good upgrade for existing users.

What We Liked?

• Fit for any light condition.
• Able to capture the smooth blurry background.
• Captures every detail of the subject.
• Makes no sound when in operation.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Lens construction is not satisfactory.
• Chromatic aberration doesn’t just feel right.

Best Fixed Focus Lens: Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm Fixed Lens 

A compact, lightweight, fast, and sharp lens. It’s the lens that will suit a wide variety of photography. You get a great deal of flexibility with this lens. Its fast aperture allows you to use it for low-light shots and portraits. It’s also useful for macro photography.

The aperture is variable and can be set between f/1.8 and f/4.0. That gives you much freedom to choose what type of shot you want. In addition, it has a silent wave motor (SWM) that allows for smooth focusing. That makes it ideal for portrait shooting.

As for the build quality, the lens feels sturdy. The lens barrel has a rubber coating, which makes it easier to handle. The lens hood can be attached or removed as desired. You can use it for both still photography and video. It’s also suitable for video recording at night.

The lens is a joy to use, with a weight of only 1.4 ounces. It’s comfortable to hold, and the focus ring is smooth and responsive. The lens is ideal for both still photography and video. It’s versatile, and it’s excellent value for money.

What We Liked?

• Captures close shots very beautifully.
• Very reasonable price range.
• Performs well in low light conditions.
• Quieter operations with the silent wave motor.

What We Didn’t Like?

• The external plastic construction feels cheap.
• Edges fall off when shooting on an FX body.

Best Zoom Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is an incredible zoom lens suitable for many types of photography. It is an ideal lens to use for shooting events and candid portraits.

Apparently, this lens offers many features and benefits that will please even the most demanding photographers. And its significant features include a zoom range of 18 to 140mm, a 7.8x zoom ratio, f/3.5 to 5.6 maximum aperture, a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.23x, internal focusing, and autofocus.

Moreover, this lens comprises 9 elements in 11 groups, one of the few with a super integrated coating. It also has a minimum focusing distance of 1.48 feet (45cm), a hood that can be attached to the lens for protection, and a filter thread size of 67mm.

You’ll get sharp, crisp images when you use this lens. The closest focusing point is just one inch away from your subject. So even if you are shooting at the edge of the frame, you will still be able to get crisp photos.

However, the lens does produce some noticeable amounts of optical distortion. Therefore, if you are serious about using this lens for shooting, it’s essential to test it thoroughly. Otherwise, you might end up with some unexpected results.

What We Liked?

• Absolutely no chromatic aberration. 
• The color consistency is superior.
• Versatile for close shots.
• Reduced flare and distortion.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Not satisfactory built quality.
• The zoom ring gets loose after using a while.

Best Nifty Fifty Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm Lens with Auto Focus 

Nikon’s AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8D lens is a fantastic prime lens for portraits. It’s a perfect choice for fashion portraits. It comes with a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 and is exceptionally lightweight.

Also, this prime lens has a strong and sturdy body and a large aperture that lets in plenty of light for photos and videos. And it features a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, making it a good choice for portraits.

Moreover, this lens is compatible with Nikon’s FX and DX-format DSLR cameras and can produce sharp photos and videos. In addition, It is equipped with an in-camera auto-focus system that makes it possible to capture sharp pictures and videos.

Subsequently, mounting this lens is not even a hassle with the Nikon f-mount. And the built-in focus mode selection dial is user-friendly and convenient. Furthermore, a focus mode dial on the lens barrel makes it easier for users to adjust the focus while shooting. 

Therefore, this lens also features a minimum focusing distance of 1.48 ft. and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15x, which is perfect for fashion photography. Beforehand, the standard screw-on filter thread accepts screw-on filters. The AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8D lens is an excellent choice for your camera and a great addition to your photography equipment.

What We Liked?

• Very affordable price range.
• Gets every detail in close shots.
• Easy to mount on every Nikon camera.
• Offers a wider aperture range.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Makes noises during shoots.

Best For Versatility: Nikon 70-300mm ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

The Nikon 70-300mm ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is a versatile lens that you can use for various purposes. It has a powerful zoom range of 70mm to 300mm, and it’s compatible with the FX-format (FX, FX, DX, DX in Crop Mode, 35mm Film) and the DX-format cameras.

This versatile lens offers many options such as telephoto, wide-angle, zoom, macro, fisheye, and close-up. You can also use it for taking both portrait shots and landscape pictures.

It has a sturdy body made up of magnesium alloy, and it also comes with a hood, an external focusing ring, and an adjustable diopter.

In addition, this lens is made up of a total of 17 elements that ensure better image sharpness. The optical design is also equipped with a Super Integrated Coating, and it has 9 blades for the aperture diaphragm.

The lens also has an internal focusing system, enabling you to set a precise focus point while shooting. Furthermore, this lens has a vibration reduction feature that minimizes camera shake while taking photos.

It can be easily focused when using both the automatic and manual modes. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 4.9 feet. Moreover, you can use this lens for both indoor and outdoor activities, and you can also use it for taking both macro and regular photos.

Overall, the Nikon 70-300mm ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is versatile and will provide the best photo-taking experience.

What We Liked?

• The resolution and contrast are top-notch.
• No shaking problems at all.
• The extended focal length offers more zooming capabilities.
• Beautiful color combinations.

What We Didn’t Like?

• Autofocus speed is not so fast.
• Not so quiet operations.

What To Look For In the Best Nikon Lens For Fashion Photography?

Perfection is what fashion photography demands. And the key to achieving perfection in every shot is the right lens. So, there are several factors you have to consider when choosing a lens for fashion photography. The type, focal length, and aperture are the essential factors. Besides, additional features like AF and VR are also a must. Therefore, the guideline below will help you to understand the features more. 

Lens Type

The lens type is the first and foremost factor when choosing the Best Nikon for fashion photography. Mostly, the subject remains still when taking fashion shots, as sometimes it is on a model and sometimes on a dummy. Meanwhile, you may have to take multiple shots at once when the model keeps changing its poses. So, fixed focal lengths or prime lenses are the ideal types. Moreover, zoom lenses are required when shooting outdoors to get a better hold and depth of field.

Focal Length

Focal length means the size of the lens. In fashion photography, the focal length is the main feature. Most professionals prefer the 35mm, and 50mm fixed focal length for better shots and a wide angle of view. Likewise, the 50mm prime lenses are known as the nifty fifty because of their versatility among the community. 

Aperture Range

After the type and focal length comes the aperture range of the lens. When choosing a lens to shoot fashion photographs, ensure the lens has a minimum aperture range of f/1.4G-f/4G because f/4G is the recommended optimal aperture range for fashion photography.

Mount Type

When choosing lenses for a camera of a specific brand and particular work like fashion photography, the mount type of the lens plays a crucial role. If the mount type is incorrect, working with the lens will turn into a total mess. Therefore, as you are in the quest to get the Nikon lens for fashion photography, make sure the lens you get has a Nikon f-type mount. The f-type mount lenses fit in all Nikon camera bodies.

Additional Features

Last but not least comes the additional features of the lens. Lenses nowadays come with plenty of additional features. Not all of those features are very important. Especially for fashion photography, vibration reduction and autofocus are the most vital features to look for. The VR features increase the stabilization when shooting, and the autofocus helps take multiple shots without blurring.

Conclusion

Nikon lenses are not hard to be found. But finding someone to do a particular job like fashion photography is challenging. However, we’ve taken over the hassle for you and provided you with this list of the best Nikon lenses for fashion photography. Our list has every possible fit to get the job done. 

Yet if you are feeling a bit puzzled over the numbers, we suggest you go for the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm Zoom Lens. This lens is versatile for all kinds of indoor and outdoor photography jobs. Also, it has a wide aperture range of f/2.8E with sturdy and robust built quality.