Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 20mm f/1.8G ED

83.6 Score
20mm f/1.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.8 maximum aperture and inclusion of two ED and two aspherical elements deliver sharp, low-light performance with minimal aberrations. The relatively lightweight 355g build and Nano Crystal Coatings enhance handling and reduce flare for a versatile prime. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a wide, fast prime for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras.

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Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Sigma Art 35mm F1.4 DG HSM A- for Nikon

77.6 Score
35mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture enables excellent low-light performance and a very shallow depth of field for portraiture. The lens delivers Sigma's renowned Art-series optical quality with sharpness and color rendition that rival more expensive first-party options. This 35mm prime is best for portrait photographers and videographers who prioritize a fast aperture and consistent optical performance over features like weather sealing or macro capability.

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Rokinon 85mm f/1.4

75.8 Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and hybrid aspherical element deliver sharp portraits with beautiful background blur. The lens is also relatively lightweight at 481g for its class and features a 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic focal length with modern autofocus on Nikon F-mount cameras.

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Samyang AF 85mm f/1.4 F

72.6 Score
85mm f/1.4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and 85mm focal length provide excellent subject isolation and low-light performance for portraits. The lens offers a compelling combination of a bright aperture and relatively lightweight build at 481g, making it a more portable option than many competitors. This lens is best for portrait photographers seeking a classic focal length with a very shallow depth of field on a budget.

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Sigma 50mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM

75.5 Score
50mm f/1.4 Nikon F (FX)
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture provides excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for portraiture. The ring-type ultrasonic AF motor offers fast, quiet autofocus with the convenience of full-time manual override. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters seeking a classic portrait focal length with professional-grade optics on a budget.

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Rokinon AF 14mm f/2.8

73.6 Score
14mm f/2.8 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its 14mm f/2.8 prime design offers a wide field of view and solid low-light capability for Nikon F-mount full-frame cameras. The optical construction, featuring one extra-low dispersion and two aspherical elements, helps control distortion and aberrations for a sharp image. This lens is best for landscape and architectural photographers needing a reliable, wide-angle prime on a budget.

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IRIX 45mm f/1.4

71.7 Score
45mm f/1.4 Nikon F Weather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and inclusion of one aspherical and four HR elements deliver sharp, controlled images with beautiful bokeh. The robust, manual-focus design with a focus lock mechanism provides precise tactile control for deliberate shooting. This lens is best for portrait photographers and cinematographers who prioritize optical quality and manual operation over autofocus convenience.

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Laowa 60mm f/2.8 2X Ultra-Macro

71.4 Score
60mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2:1 magnification ratio allows for extreme close-ups, while its 14-blade aperture contributes to smooth bokeh. The lens is a dedicated tool, offering a 90mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras for comfortable working distances. This lens is best for photographers specializing in scientific imaging or product photography requiring greater-than-life-size reproduction.

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Tamron Di II Auto Focus 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 SP LD Aspherical

71.1 Score
10-24mm f/3.5 Nikon F IS
Why we recommend this

Its versatile 10-24mm focal range provides an ultra-wide 15-36mm equivalent on APS-C cameras, paired with built-in image stabilization for handheld shooting. The lens accepts standard 77mm filters and uses a micromotor autofocus system, though it lacks full-time manual override. This lens is best for APS-C Nikon and Canon photographers needing a stabilized, wide-angle zoom for landscapes or interior photography on a budget.

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Lensbaby Velvet 56mm f/1.6

67.4 Score
56mm f/1.6 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its fast f/1.6 aperture and unique optical design produce a distinct soft, glowing effect at wide apertures, ideal for creative portraiture. The lens is a dedicated creative tool rather than a general-purpose optic, offering a specific look that software cannot fully replicate. This lens is best for portrait photographers and artists intentionally seeking a dreamy, ethereal aesthetic in their imagery.

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Samyang 16mm f/2.0 ED AS UMC CS

66.4 Score
16mm f/2 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/2 maximum aperture and 24mm equivalent focal length make it a strong, fast wide-angle prime for Nikon APS-C DSLRs. The lens is notably heavy at 572g, which impacts its portability despite the useful focal length. This lens is best for photographers needing a bright, wide-angle option for environmental portraits or close-up detail shots on a crop-sensor Nikon body.

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Laowa 25mm f/2.8 2.5-5X Ultra Macro

61.9 Score
25mm f/2.8 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its standout 2.5:1 to 5:1 magnification range, enabled by a 25mm focal length, allows for extreme close-up photography far beyond standard macro lenses. The inclusion of an extra-low dispersion element helps control chromatic aberration at these high magnifications. This lens is best for scientific photographers, product detail specialists, and artists needing to capture microscopic textures and structures.

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Tokina 10-17mm f/3.5-4.5 AT-X 107 DX AF Fisheye

57 Score
17mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its 1:2.56 maximum magnification and 140mm minimum focus distance make it a capable macro lens for close-up work. The autofocus system and relatively compact 349g weight offer practical handling for a dedicated macro tool. This lens is best for photographers specializing in detailed macro subjects who use a Nikon APS-C camera body.

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Rokinon Tilt-Shift 24mm f/3.5 ED AS UMC

55.8 Score
24mm f/3.5 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its +/- 8.5º tilt and shift capabilities provide extensive perspective and focus control for architectural and product photography. The 24mm focal length and full-frame coverage offer a versatile wide-angle perspective for creative compositions. This lens is best for photographers specializing in architectural, real estate, or tabletop product photography requiring precise perspective correction.

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Laowa Zero-D 14mm f/4

50.8 Score
14mm f/4 Nikon F
Why we recommend this

This 14mm f/4 lens stands out for its specialized optical design, featuring two aspherical and two extra-low dispersion elements to minimize distortion for architectural and landscape work. Its relatively compact 360g build and 1:3.33 maximum magnification offer surprising versatility for a wide-angle prime, allowing for close-focus detail shots. It is best for Nikon F-mount photographers needing a rectilinear, distortion-corrected ultra-wide angle for real estate interiors or detailed landscape foregrounds.

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