If you’re looking for the perfect lens to capture outdoor portraits with your Nikon camera, then you’re in the right place. Getting the right lens is essential to create professional-looking portraits that stand out. But with so many options in the market, how do you know which one is the best fit for you?
To make your decision easier, there are several factors to consider before buying a lens. Firstly, think about the focal length you need. A longer focal length can help blur the background and bring attention to your subject, while a wider angle lens can be useful for capturing large groups. Secondly, the aperture or f-stop of a lens can also play a significant role in creating stunning portraits. A wider aperture results in a shallower depth of field, which can help to isolate your subject and create a nice bokeh effect. Finally, it’s important to think about the weight, size, and price of the lens, considering your budget, shooting style, and portability needs.
Are you still unsure of which lens to choose? Have you considered the Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.8G? Or what about the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art? Do you need a zoom lens or a prime lens? What is the best option for low light conditions? These are all valid questions to ask before investing in a new lens. In this article, we will explore some of the best lens options for outdoor portraits with a Nikon camera, so you can make an informed decision and take your portrait photography to the next level.
10 Best Lens For Outdoor Portraits Nikon
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Ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with high clarity, depth, and brightness on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
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The product is ideal for Nikon F-mount DSLR cameras.
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This product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras with full frame or APS-C sensors, and offers a wide aperture and auto focus capabilities.
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This product is ideal for taking portrait photographs with DSLR cameras that have a Nikon F Port.
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The product is ideal for capturing high-quality images with a narrow depth of field and natural-looking background blur.
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Ideal for portrait photography with full-frame Nikon cameras (Z series: Z5, Z50, Z6, Z6II, Z7, Z7II, ZFC, Z30, Z9).
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The product is ideal for capturing sharp images with a shallow depth of field and low light capabilities.
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This product is ideal for Nikon Z mount camera users looking to capture portraits and medium telephoto shots.
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This product is ideal for capturing portrait photographs on full frame Nikon cameras with manual focus abilities.
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10
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The product is ideal for capturing high-quality, sharp images with smooth bokeh in low-light conditions.
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1. Nikon Nikkor Z 20mm F/1.8 S Ultra Wide Angle Fast Prime Lens For Nikon Z Mirrorless Cameras
The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is an exceptional piece of camera equipment that boasts a wide f/1.8 aperture, making it perfect for low-light photography and creating a beautiful bokeh effect. This lens is packed with advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, which work together to deliver stunningly sharp and clear images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
One of the standout features of this lens is its all-new multi-focusing system, which allows for fast and accurate autofocusing. This feature is especially useful when capturing moving subjects or when working in challenging lighting conditions. The lens also has a silent stepping motor, which ensures smooth and quiet autofocus performance, making it perfect for shooting video.
The NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is designed to work with Nikon Z mount cameras, offering seamless integration and optimal performance. It is also compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverter, making it a versatile addition to any photographer's kit.
2. Meike 85mm F1.8 Full Frame Autofocus Lens – Nikon Compatible
This high-quality 85mm full frame lens is an excellent choice for portrait, subject, architecture, and landscape photography. Its wide aperture of f1.8, coupled with 9 diaphragm blades, is designed to produce a super smooth round blur effect, also known as bokeh, which will add depth and visual interest to your photos.
Constructed with 9 elements in 6 groups, this lens boasts a sturdy build quality and is capable of delivering sharp and clear images. It is also compatible with Nikon APS-C frame cameras, providing an equivalent focal length of 127.5mm. This makes it a versatile lens that can be used in a variety of settings and situations.
Additionally, this lens features a micro USB firmware upgrade interface, which enables you to upgrade the lens online. This means you can keep your lens up-to-date with the latest features and improvements, ensuring that you always get the best possible performance.
3. Meike 85mm Full Frame Auto Focus Lens
This lens is the perfect addition to any Nikon F mount full frame mirrorless camera, including popular models such as D610, D750, D780, D810, D850, D3300, D3500, D5100, D5200, D5300, D7100 and D7200, as well as other digital DSLR cameras with a standard stand. With its classic 85mm portrait lens and wide aperture of f/1.8, this lens captures stunning photos with a smooth background blur effect, even in low-light conditions.
Not just limited to portrait photography, this lens is also suitable for a wide range of subjects, including selective architecture, landscapes, short-range sports, and theatre photography. Its autofocus and automatic aperture make it intuitive and easy to use, while the electronic contacts and USB connection allow for easy firmware upgrades.
Constructed with 6 groups and 11 elements, this lens is capable of delivering sharp images with incredible detail. Whether you're a professional photographer or just getting started, this lens is a must-have for capturing stunning images with your Nikon camera.
4. Nikon F Portrait Lens: Sharp And Durable
The lens shell of this product is crafted with high-quality materials, making it sturdy and wear-resistant while still lightweight and durable. For those who prefer manual focusing, this lens supports it, and it also has an adjustable large aperture ranging from f2.0 to f22, providing a wider view and image in full frame.
This lens is an excellent and affordable alternative to more expensive lenses, and it is suitable for various kinds of use, including portraits and scenery. With a length of 35mm and a minimum focusing distance of 0.25m, this wide-angle lens is perfect for shooting both indoor and outdoor still life.
The lens utilizes premium optical glass with multiple coatings, which helps to greatly block unnecessary light and reduce halo and dispersion. This ensures that your images come out crisp and clear, with vibrant colors and excellent contrast.
5. Nikon Af Fx Nikkor 50mm F/1.8d Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras
The autofocus system of this lens is designed to work with select Nikon DSLRs that are compatible with D-type lenses and have an autofocus motor. It is important to note that this lens will not autofocus with D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D40, D40X, and D60. However, these cameras will allow you to manually focus with AF-D type lenses.
This lens has a focal length of 50mm (FX) and 75mm (DX), making it an ideal choice for travel photography and capturing full-length portraits in available light. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to pack and carry with you on your adventures.
With its autofocus system, this lens offers fast and accurate focusing, giving you the confidence to capture the perfect shot every time. Its wide aperture allows you to create a shallow depth of field, blurring the background and making your subject stand out.
In addition to its impressive autofocus system and versatile focal length, this lens is also made with high-quality materials and advanced optics, ensuring that your images are sharp and clear. Its durable construction makes it a reliable choice for frequent use, making it a great investment for any photographer.
6. Nikkor Z-Series 24mm Prime Lens
The AF 24/1.8 Z is a top-quality, auto-focus lens that is specifically designed for use with Z-mount cameras, such as the Nikon Z5, Z50, Z6, Z6II, Z7, Z7II, ZFC, Z30, and Z9. This lens is perfect for a variety of photography styles, including portrait, animal, food, architecture, interior/outdoor scenery, close-up, and professional Vlog videos.
This lens features a 24mm focal length and a maximum magnification of 0.1x, which makes it an ideal choice for close-up shooting. Additionally, the F1.8 large aperture produces excellent defocusing effects and highlights the subject, while also ensuring high-quality images in low-light scenarios.
The lens optical structure consists of 11 elements in 9 groups, including 3 ED low dispersion lenses, 2 aspheric lenses, and 3 high refractive index lenses. These elements work together to greatly reduce the radial glare and accurately display point light sources with clear colors. Furthermore, the nano multilayer crystal coating and new optical design effectively redress dispersion/aberration and reduce ghosting/flare.
The AF 24/1.8 Z has many other impressive features that make it a great choice for photographers. It supports full frame, has dual focusing modes (MF, AF), automatic iris adjustment, 9 aperture blades, inbuilt metal electronic contacts, EXIF information transmission, STM+Lead Screw stepper motor, digital precise drive and linear motion, image stabilization (IS) function, and supports eye focus to automatically track the subject. Additionally, this lens is designed to shoot in low-light environments with higher shutter speed and lower ISO.
The AF 24/1.8 Z has an elaborate design that is not only functional but also appealing. It is lightweight, weighing only 370g/0.82lb, and has a size of Φ70mmx86.7mm(2.76×3.41in). It is mainly made of robust metal alloy with surface plating treatment and has a precise structure. The brass bayonet perfectly fits the camera body, and the lens is designed with a micro Type-C USB port for the latest firmware upgrade from the official website. This ensures that the lens achieves the latest functions and fixes any bugs. The lens hood, lens cap, and rear cap are also offered, making it easier to use and store.
7. Nikon Af Fx Nikkor 35mm F/1.4g Fixed Focal Length Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras
Introducing the ultra-fast classic wide-angle lens, designed for both FX and DX-format D-SLRs. This lens boasts a focal length of 35 mm and a minimum focus distance of 1.0 ft. Its Nano Crystal Coat ensures edge to edge sharpness, while the aspherical lens element and rear focus (RF) provide maximum clarity and precision.
Whether you're an amateur or professional photographer, this lens is a must-have for capturing stunning landscapes, architecture, and portraits. Its maximum angle of view is 44° for DX-format and 63° for FX-format, making it ideal for a variety of shooting scenarios.
The lens is optimized to provide superior image quality with both FX and DX-format D-SLRs. Its Nano Crystal Coat reduces glare and ghosting, resulting in crystal clear and vibrant images even in bright light conditions. Meanwhile, the aspherical lens element and rear focus (RF) work together to minimize distortion and aberration, ensuring maximum sharpness and detail in every shot.
8. Portrait Pro: Meike 85mm Auto Focus Stm Lens
Introducing the perfect tool for capturing stunning portraits, subjects, architecture, and landscapes – the Standard 85mm full frame lens. With its wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades, this lens is designed to produce an unparalleled, super smooth round blur effect known as bokeh.
This lens supports AF, electronic aperture adjustment, and EXIF information transmission, providing you with a hassle-free photography experience. It is also equipped with an STM stepping motor, which ensures silent and smooth focusing, allowing you to capture your subjects with ease.
The Standard 85mm full frame lens is designed to be compatible with Nikon Z Mount Cameras Z50, Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6II, and Z7II. Its micro USB firmware upgrade interface enables you to upgrade the lens online, so you can always stay up to date with the latest features and functionalities.
Invest in the Standard 85mm full frame lens for portraits, subjects, architecture, and landscapes, and take your photography to new heights. With its impressive parameters, specifications, and features, this lens is perfect for both amateur and professional photographers alike.
9. Nikon Portrait Lens: Lightdow 85mm F1.8
Attention photographers! If you're looking for a lens that offers full manual focus operation and produces high-quality images, then this manual lens may be the perfect fit for you. Please note that this lens does not have electronic contacts, so it won't be detected by your camera when mounted. To use this lens correctly, simply switch to MF mode on your camera and follow these easy tips:
First, set your camera's mode dial to Manual (M). Then, enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu to ensure proper functionality. Finally, turn off the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to allow for use without a lens.
This lens is compatible and can be used as a replacement for a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, D700, D610, D300, and many more.
Featuring 8 pieces of circular aperture and smooth, large focus rings, this lens allows for complete manual focus operation on your DSLR camera. It is important to note that this lens is not recommended for SLR beginners, as it requires excellent experience in equipment to use correctly.
The lens also includes internal focusing (IF) and hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), as well as an ultra-multi coating (UMC) to ensure high-quality images. With a large aperture and pleasing bokeh quality, this lens is perfect for enhancing shallow depth of field images.
10. Sigma 85mm F/1.4 Dg Hsm Art Lens For Nikon F (321955)
The Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG HSM Art is a top-notch addition to the Sigma Global Vision Line. This lens comes equipped with a newly designed hyper-sonic motor (HSM) that provides nimble AF control, making it 1.3 times better than its predecessor in terms of torque. This lens is compatible with both the Enthusiast APS-C Nikon D7100, D7200, D500, and D3100, D3200, D3300, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500 DSLR Cameras, as well as the Nikon Full-Frame DF, D600, D610, D750, D800, D810, D4, and D5.
The Sigma 85mm 1.4 DG HSM Art boasts a minimum focusing distance of 33.5 inches and a maximum magnification ratio of 1:8.5. With an angle of view of 28.6° (35mm), this lens is perfect for capturing stunning portraits and other close-up shots.
Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiast, this lens offers exceptional image quality with sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. It is perfect for shooting in low-light conditions and produces beautiful bokeh, making it ideal for portrait photography.
Best Lens For Outdoor Portraits Nikon FAQs
Are there any budget-friendly options for outdoor portrait lenses?
Yes, there are several budget-friendly options for outdoor portrait lenses. One option is the Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens, which is a popular choice among portrait photographers and is priced at around $125. Another option is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens, which is a versatile and lightweight lens priced at around $200. The Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro lens is another affordable option for outdoor portraits, priced at around $350. Additionally, there are third-party lenses available from brands such as Sigma and Tokina that offer budget-friendly options for outdoor portraits. It's important to keep in mind that the quality of the lens will affect the overall quality of the portrait, but with a bit of research, it's possible to find a budget-friendly lens that can produce great results.
Can I use a teleconverter with my outdoor portrait lens?
Yes, you can use a teleconverter with your outdoor portrait lens, but there are a few things to consider. First, a teleconverter will magnify the image, which can be beneficial for outdoor portrait photography where you want to capture distant subjects. However, it also reduces the amount of light that reaches the camera sensor, which can impact image quality and autofocus performance.
Additionally, using a teleconverter can affect the aperture and depth of field of your lens. For example, a 1.4x teleconverter will reduce the maximum aperture of a lens by one stop, while a 2x teleconverter will reduce it by two stops. This means that you may need to adjust your exposure settings and depth of field accordingly.
Overall, using a teleconverter with your outdoor portrait lens can be a useful tool for capturing distant subjects, but it's important to understand the potential impact on image quality and aperture before making the decision to use one.
How can I achieve a blurred background (bokeh) with my outdoor portrait lens?
Achieving a blurred background or bokeh effect in outdoor portrait photography can add depth and visual interest to your images. There are a few techniques you can use to achieve this effect with your lens.
1. Use a wide aperture: One of the easiest ways to achieve bokeh is to use a wide aperture. A lens with a low f-stop number (such as f/1.8 or f/2) will produce a shallow depth of field and blur the background. However, keep in mind that a wide aperture can also make your subject's face less sharp, so you may need to focus carefully.
2. Use a longer focal length: Longer focal lengths, such as 85mm or 105mm, can also help to create a blurred background. These lenses are often used in portrait photography because they can create a flattering compression effect and separate the subject from the background.
3. Position your subject farther away from the background: Another way to create bokeh is to position your subject farther away from the background. This will create more distance between the two and make it easier to blur the background.
4. Use a lens with a fast autofocus system: If your lens has a fast autofocus system, you can use it to quickly and accurately focus on your subject while keeping the background blurred.
By combining these techniques, you can create stunning outdoor portrait images with a beautiful bokeh effect.
How do I choose the right focal length for outdoor portrait photography?
When it comes to outdoor portrait photography, choosing the right focal length is crucial in achieving the desired look and feel for your photos. The focal length determines the perspective and compression of the image, as well as the amount of background blur (also known as bokeh) you can achieve.
For a more traditional portrait, a focal length between 85mm to 135mm is recommended. These focal lengths provide a flattering compression of facial features and a shallow depth of field for a beautiful bokeh effect.
On the other hand, if you want to capture the subject in their environment, a wider focal length of 35mm to 50mm is a better choice. This allows you to include more of the surroundings in the frame while still maintaining a pleasing perspective on the subject.
Ultimately, the choice of focal length depends on the look and feel you want to achieve in your photos. Experiment with different focal lengths and see which ones work best for your style and vision.
How important is image stabilization for outdoor portrait photography?
Image stabilization can be a crucial feature for outdoor portrait photography, especially when shooting in low light or with a slower shutter speed. It helps to reduce camera shake and blur, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
When shooting outdoors, there are various factors that can contribute to camera shake, such as wind, uneven terrain, and handheld camera movement. Image stabilization can compensate for these movements, allowing you to capture sharper and more focused images.
In addition, image stabilization can also provide greater flexibility in terms of camera settings. It allows you to shoot at slower shutter speeds without worrying about the effects of camera shake, which can be particularly useful when shooting in low light conditions.
Overall, image stabilization can make a significant difference in the quality of your outdoor portrait photography. While it may not be necessary in all situations, it is certainly worth considering if you want to capture the best possible images.
What are the best Nikon lenses for outdoor portrait photography?
When it comes to outdoor portrait photography with a Nikon camera, there are a few lenses that stand out as the best options. One of the most popular choices is the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G lens, which is known for its exceptional sharpness and beautiful bokeh. This lens is perfect for capturing portraits with a shallow depth of field and a creamy, blurred background.
Another great option is the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens, which offers a versatile zoom range and excellent image stabilization. This lens is ideal for outdoor portrait photography because it allows you to capture subjects from a distance, while still maintaining a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh.
Finally, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens is a great choice for outdoor portrait photography because of its affordability and versatility. This lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on outdoor shoots. It also offers excellent image quality and a wide aperture for capturing beautiful portraits with a shallow depth of field.
Ultimately, the best Nikon lens for outdoor portrait photography will depend on your specific needs and shooting style. Consider factors such as focal length, aperture, and image stabilization when choosing a lens for your next outdoor portrait shoot.
What are the key features to look for in a lens for outdoor portrait photography?
When it comes to outdoor portrait photography, choosing the right lens can make all the difference in capturing stunning images. Here are some key features to look for in a lens for outdoor portrait photography:
1. Focal Length: A lens with a focal length between 50mm to 85mm is ideal for portrait photography. This will help you capture a natural-looking image without any distortion.
2. Aperture: A lens with a wide aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.8 will help you achieve a shallow depth of field. This will make your subject stand out and create a beautiful bokeh effect in the background.
3. Image Stabilization: Outdoor photography can be unpredictable, and image stabilization can be a great feature to have. It will help you capture sharp images even in low light conditions without the need for a tripod.
4. Weather Sealing: If you plan on shooting in different weather conditions, it's important to have a lens with weather sealing. This will protect your lens from dust, moisture, and other elements.
5. Quality of Glass: The quality of the glass used in the lens will determine the sharpness and overall quality of your images. Look for lenses with high-quality glass and coatings to minimize lens flare and ghosting.
By considering these key features, you can choose a lens that will help you capture stunning outdoor portraits.
What are the pros and cons of using a full-frame vs. crop-sensor lens for outdoor portraits?
The choice between a full-frame and a crop-sensor lens for outdoor portraits depends on various factors. Let's look at the pros and cons of both:
Full-frame lenses offer a wider field of view, which is great for capturing more of the environment in outdoor portraits. They also tend to have wider apertures, which allows for more background blur and better bokeh. Additionally, full-frame lenses generally have better low-light performance, resulting in sharper and more detailed images in low-light conditions.
On the downside, full-frame lenses can be more expensive and heavier than crop-sensor lenses. They also require more skill and technique to use effectively, as the wider field of view can make it challenging to isolate the subject from the background.
Crop-sensor lenses, on the other hand, are typically smaller, lighter, and more affordable than full-frame lenses. They also offer a more "zoomed-in" perspective, which can be beneficial for portraits that require a tighter composition.
However, crop-sensor lenses may not perform as well in low-light conditions and may not produce as much background blur as full-frame lenses. They also have a narrower field of view, which can be limiting in certain outdoor portrait situations.
Ultimately, the choice between a full-frame and crop-sensor lens for outdoor portraits depends on the photographer's individual needs and preferences.
What is the ideal aperture range for outdoor portrait photography?
The ideal aperture range for outdoor portrait photography depends on various factors such as lighting conditions, the distance between the subject and the photographer, and the desired depth of field. However, a general rule of thumb is to use a wide aperture between f/1.8 to f/5.6 for outdoor portrait photography.
Using a wide aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, which helps to separate the subject from the background and create a beautiful bokeh effect. Additionally, it helps to blur out any distracting elements in the background, which can be particularly useful when shooting in busy or cluttered locations.
However, it is important to note that using a wide aperture can also make focusing more challenging, especially when shooting portraits at close distances. Therefore, it is recommended to use a narrower aperture if you want to maintain sharp focus throughout the subject's face and body.
Ultimately, choosing the ideal aperture range for outdoor portrait photography requires some experimentation and practice, so don't be afraid to try out different settings until you find the one that works best for your style and preferences.
Which is better for outdoor portraits – prime or zoom lenses?
Both prime and zoom lenses can be used for outdoor portraits, but the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and shooting style.
Prime lenses typically have a wider maximum aperture, which allows for a shallower depth of field and better low-light performance. They also tend to be smaller and lighter, making them more portable and easier to handle. Additionally, prime lenses are often sharper and have less distortion than zoom lenses.
On the other hand, zoom lenses offer more flexibility and convenience, allowing you to quickly adjust your composition without needing to physically move closer or farther away from your subject. They can also have a longer focal range, which is useful for capturing both wide-angle and telephoto shots in a single lens.
Ultimately, the choice between prime and zoom lenses for outdoor portraits comes down to your personal preference and shooting style. Consider your budget, shooting conditions, and the type of portrait you want to capture before making your decision.