Best Nikon Lens for Jewelry Photography In 2024

Are you in the market looking for a new lens for jewelry photography? Then the lenses by Nikon are some great choices. With amazing features and high quality, these lenses are able to get you the perfect shot every time.

But, which one to buy? No worries! We got you. We have searched around the market and sorted some of the best Nikon lenses for jewelry photography. You will get to know in detail about the lenses on your scroll. Have a look!

What is The Right Lens For Jewelry Photography?

When photographing jewelry, it’s choosing the right lens for the job is important. For general photography, a 50mm f/1.8 or a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is ideal. And, for close-up work like jewelry and other little things, a 100mm f/2.8 or 200mm f/2.8 lens can be used. For macro photography, a 100mm f/2.8 or 200mm f/4 lens is ideal. 

A macro lens is a lens that allows the photographer to focus at closer distances than the camera’s average focusing distance (for example, when photographing jewelry). A wide-angle lens is used to take pictures of objects relatively close to the camera. 

Macro lenses can be single-focal length or double-focal length. The difference is the minimum distance a lens can focus at and the maximum magnification an image can show. For example, a double-focal macro lens focuses at close distances but magnifies the image. 

7 Best Nikon Lenses for Jewelry Photography

Here are the best-performing Nikon lenses for jewelry photography we’ve sorted. From high budget to the affordable range, this list contains lenses for all. Also, we didn’t only focus on macro photographic lenses, but there are also versatile lenses for multiple usages. Let’s check them all out!

1. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens

Nikon has released the AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f 2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR cameras. The lens offers photographers a compact and lightweight alternative to more popular NIKKOR lenses, such as the AF-S NIKKOR 60mm f 2.8G ED lens. 

Besides, this close-up lens features a focal length of 40mm, making it perfect for capturing detailed images of small subjects or areas. And the lens is a low-dispersion (LD) glass, which reduces the amount of chromatic aberration and distortion, resulting in high-resolution images with minimal color fringing. 

Additionally, this lens’s 9 elements lens construction offers a larger-than-average image circle, which you can use to correct distortion, vignetting, and perspective problems. 

The lens also features a built-in lens hood for protection against stray light and the AF-S DX MC-36 Focus Control (available separately) for accurate manual focus focusing. 

The minimum focus distance of 0.53 feet is close. The lens’ minimum focusing distance is 0.53 ft., enabling the use of high-quality close-up and macro photography. With a screw-on, bayonet-style Nikon Mount (N) filter mount, this lens will accept 77mm filters. All in all, this lens is the best Nikon lens to shoot jewelry.

Pros 

• Has a faster aperture of f/2.8G.
• Silent wave motor offers vibrationless shots.
• Ensures perfect magnification for macro.

Cons

• No zoomable lenses, so only close shots.

2. Nikon COOLPIX P900/P950 High Definition Lens 

The Nikon COOLPIX P900 and P950 are 10x high definition 2-element close-up (macro) lenses that offer improved image quality over their predecessors. 

Also, this lens can capture clear images up to 1.3 inches (3.2 cm) wide at a distance of up to 10 feet (3 meters). This lens is perfect for photography enthusiasts who want to take close-up shots of flowers, insects, jewelry, and other small objects. 

Furthermore, this lens is designed for use with the Nikon D3200, D3100, D3200, D3300, and D3500 digital SLR cameras. Moreover, the anti-reflection coating of the lens makes you click shots without reflective glares.

Whether you’re looking to take images of jewelry or flowers for a wedding or simply want to take amazing close-ups of your favorite pet, Nikon’s COOLPIX P900 and P950 Lenses will give you the results you need and deserve.

Pros 

• Beveled design of the lenses gives crystal clear images.
• Focusing gets easier with the autofocus option.
• Comes within an affordable price range.

Cons

• Not a multifunctional lens.

3. Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens 

The Nikon 18-55mm f 3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens is a versatile lens that offers a wide range of focal lengths and a quiet autofocus system. 

Also, it is perfect for capturing photos and videos from close-up to faraway perspectives, making it an ideal choice for both photography enthusiasts and videographers. 

The lens features a vibration reduction system that helps reduce camera shake for sharper footage. It also has an ED glass element that helps reduce chromatic aberration and enhances color accuracy. 

Moreover, it delivers superior image quality with a 27-82.5mm focal length equivalent range providing a wide variety of focal lengths to capture landscapes and close-ups. 

The Nikkor Zoom Lens is perfect for close-up shots as it offers a wide angle of view and a fast maximum aperture of f 5.6. With all the features like a vibration reduction system and faster aperture, this lens is perfect to keep your shots smooth, even when handheld.

Pros 

• Sparkfast aperture of f/3.5-5.6.
• Vibration-free clear shots.
• Good enough for closer shots.

Cons

• The mechanism is not smooth.

Related: Best Nikon Lenses For Indoor Photography

4. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f 2.8G IF-ED lens is a compact, lightweight, versatile optic that offers advanced image quality for both stills and video. 

The 105mm focal length is also perfect for general shooting applications, including landscape and wildlife photography. In addition, the VR function provides smooth, low-latency autofocus with accurate tracking even in moving subjects. 

Moreover, this VR lens has a minimum focusing distance of 1m and an f/2.8 maximum aperture, enabling it to produce sharp images at all focal lengths. 

The lens is also compatible with the AF-S DX VR Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f 2.8G IF-ED, as well as the AF-S DX VR Micro-NIKKOR 35mm f 1.8G IF-ED. 

In addition to its optical performance, the AF-S DX VR Micro-NIKKOR 35mm f 1.8G IF-ED is designed for use with the Nikon D7100, D7000, D5200, and D5300 cameras. 

Pros 

• Manual focusing override function for perfect focusing.
• Offers superior vibration reduction.
• Vast working range for more efficiency.

Cons

• Build quality is not so strong.

5. Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED Fixed Zoom Lens

Nikon’s latest AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f 3.5G ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens is designed to provide image stabilization and accuracy when shooting video or stills with a Nikon DSLR camera. 

The lens features a 10-blade circular aperture and offers autofocus capability, making it easy to take great photos and videos without continuously touching the camera. 

Moreover, the vibration reduction feature of this fixed zoom lens offers fast, quiet autofocus with a 3D tracking mode that keeps the subject in focus even after it has moved behind or out of the frame. 

Also, this zoom lens with Auto Focus is designed for Nikon DSLR cameras that offer advanced image stabilization to reduce camera shake and provide sharp, clear photos and videos. And help you take great pictures and videos without having to fumble around. 

This zoom lens is excellent for taking photos and videos under low light conditions. In addition, this lens features a wide aperture that lets in more light to produce brighter pictures and video. 

Pros 

• High definition sharp, and clear images.
• No distortion.
• Compact one to carry.

Cons

• The price is too high.

6. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR F/4D IF-ED 300mm Fixed Zoom Lens

Nikon’s AF-S FX NIKKOR F/4D Fixed Zoom Lens is a versatile lens that offers superb image quality, autofocus performance, and weather sealing. This lens is perfect for photographers who demand the best optics and photo quality. 

Alongside its fixed focal length and aperture setting of f/4, this lens is excellent for capturing landscapes, portraits, or general photos. Additionally, the autofocus function ensures that your photos are taken correctly every time. 

Therefore, the weather sealing is an excellent addition to this lens, as it ensures that your photos are not damaged by rain or snow. In addition, the 4D IF technology allows for extra sharpness and a faster lens speed at 1/4 of a second.

Accordingly, this lens is also great for video use, as it is fast enough for capturing fast-paced action scenes. So, for your jewelry photography catalogue and to make a professional standard shoot, this lens is perfect.

Pros 

• Very sharp and beautiful images.
• Has superior build quality.
• So much sharp and lightweight.

Cons

• The price is not affordable enough.

7. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens Base Bundle

If you’re in the market for a new Nikon lens for photographing jewelry, and you may try out the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f 2.8G IF-ED lens, this is the bundle for you! This bundle includes the lens itself, as well as a mount and battery for it. 

Besides, it is a high-speed lens that offers superior image quality and has a built-in lens hood and focuses motor, making it easy to use. Plus, because it’s an AI-enabled lens, you can take advantage of all the features and benefits of Nikon’s AI autofocus system. 

Additionally, this lens is an excellent option if you’re looking for a telephoto lens that can take stunning photos with minimal distortion. Finally, a telephoto lens provides a longer-than-normal focal length range, which can be useful for capturing faraway subjects. 

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens is also great for low-light photography. Moreover, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, this lens is specifically designed for Nikon DX-format cameras. Second, it’s compatible with the Nikon D3300 and D3200 cameras, but not the D4 or D5 cameras. 

Finally, because this lens is designed for digital SLR cameras, it requires an AI-enabled camera body.

Pros 

• The nanocrystal coating for super clear images.
• Comes in a bundle with every essential.
• Blade aperture design gives smooth blurs in the background.

Cons

• Not perfect for long shots.

Camera Settings for Jewelry Photography

To get the perfect shots in jewelry photography, it is essential to know the right settings. And, to ease your task to set the camera up to the proper settings, we have prepared this guide on camera settings for jewelry photography. Meanwhile, we use the Nikon D850 for our tasks, so these settings are based on that device. You might notice a difference if you use a different camera. But the fundamentals will be the same. Let’s begin.

Step 1: Set Up The Camera

Set your camera on a tripod as it is essential to keep it steady when shooting small objects. Then, set up the camera in manual mode. Holding the camera in a manual mood is required because so many functions need to be changed during product photography. If you use other moods, then you can’t customize the settings.

Step 2: Set Up The Menu

After you set up your camera in a steady position, the most vital part comes, and it is the menu settings. Firstly, the first menu will appear in the playback menu, and this menu needs no change. Then, switch to the photo shooting menu. You must make significant changes to this menu as you take close shots. Follow the instructions below to set the menu up:

• The first option you have to look for is the SD card option. In my suggestion, no SD card is required. Keep your camera connected to other devices like a PC or laptop. It has multiple benefits like you can see the output better along with the team, and the tethering process will be smoother.
• Select the image area option and set it to FX (36 x 24). It will help to get the whole frame.
• Keep the image quality to RAW. And then set the RAW file size too large (8256 x 5504) to get the full details possible.
• Select the NEF (RAW) recording and turn off the compression option. Also, set the bit depth to 14-bit.
• Set the white balance to the Kelvin scale of 4350. When you set up the white balance manually, you will get accurate results from the camera.
• Now set the Picture control mode to Neutral.
• Set the Color Space to Adobe RGB to get the widest possible color gamut.
• Finally, turn off all these settings Active D-Lighting, Long Exposure NR, High ISO NR, Vignette Control, Flicker reduction, Auto Bracketing Set, Multiple Exposure, Interval Timer Shooting, Silent Live View Photography. And you are all set to move to the next step. 

Step 3: Set The Custom Settings Menu

After you are done with the photo shooting menu, now it will be the best option to make some custom settings of your own. And here’s what we use as our custom menu settings for jewelry photography.

• Set the Exposure Delay Mode in 3 seconds. It will delay the exposure for 3 seconds and reduce the vibration by a mirror slap.
• Keep the Electronic Front Curtain Shutter mode on, which will reduce the vibration caused by the shutter itself.
• Remember to keep the camera in quiet mode or mirror lockup mode. The mirror lockup mode helps to lock up the position when you click the first shutter. Then on your second click, it will take the final shot. However, here’s a say, the quiet mode is good enough because the exposure delay is already on, and it will lock up the position automatically. Finally, other settings remain unchanged, and the custom menu is set.

Step 4: Set The Camera Settings Up

Camera settings for jewelry photography are general. All you have to do is, 

• Set the aperture at F11.
• Keep the shutter speed at 1/160.
• Finally, set the ISO at 64.

Note: In high-speed/high-action liquid shots, the shutter speed remains the same because it is not the shutter speed that freezes the motion but the flash duration.

Factors To Consider When Choosing The Best Lens Jewelry Photography

When it comes to jewelry photography, the right lens is essential. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right lens for your needs, including focal length, aperture, and field of view. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best lens for your jewelry photography needs:

1. Consider the right focal length. A wide-angle lens will give you more coverage in a given area, while a telephoto lens will focus on one specific object or subject. 

2. Check the aperture up. A wide-open lens will allow more light to enter the camera, which can help to create a brighter image overall. Conversely, a narrow aperture, or f-stop, will keep the lens from letting much light in and make your pictures darker.  

3. Consider the depth of field. The depth of field is the range of “in-focus” areas in a scene within the same blur circle. 

4. Think about your focal length. A short focal length, like a wide-angle lens, will have a significant depth of field and may have a lot of background blur.

Conclusion

The journey about the best Nikon lens for jewelry photography ends here. Getting the best lens is essential to get the perfect shot with enough details. And, you have to always consider the focal length, aperture, and field depth at their best. 

If you are a bit puzzled about which one to choose from the options we’ve given, we prefer the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens. This is a close-up lens within budget with the best review and extraordinary features like 9 elements in 7 groups, a Close-range correction system (CRC), a Silent wave motor (SWM), etc. 

Also, this camera offers the best resolution jewelry photos. And, investing in this one wouldn’t be a decision to regret.