Best Nikon FX zoom lenses

After exploring many camera lenses, I am now discussing the Best Nikon FX zoom lenses. I have previously explored Nikon macro lenses and now zooming into something new.

Best Nikon FX zoom lenses can help you take different pictures with your Nikon camera. In this guide, I will explore these zoom lenses and determine which ones are the best. Whether you like wide scenes or want to get closer to things far away, these lenses have you covered.

So, if you’re into landscapes or capturing wildlife, stick with me to discover the top choices for your Nikon FX camera.

Quick list of best Nikon FX zoom lenses

Here, I am sharing a quick list of the Best Nikon FX zoom lenses.

1. Nikkor AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 VR
2. Nikkor AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR
3. Nikkor AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED
4. Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED
5. Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
6. Nikon 20mm f/1.8G
7. Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR
8. Nikon 50mm f/1.8
9. Nikon 85mm f/1.8

 

Detailed analysis of best Nikon FX zoom lenses

Let’s now have a detailed analysis of the Best Nikon FX zoom lenses.

1. Nikkor AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 VR

• The maximum aperture of the Nikkor AF-P DX 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens ranges from f/4.5 to f/5.6, depending on the zoom setting.
• It has a filter size of 72mm, which represents the diameter of the filters or lens attachments that can be used with it.
• The highest magnification of this lens is 0.17x.
• Because it is not weather-sealed, care should be taken when using it in inclement weather to prevent the lens from damage.

 

Brand	Nikkor.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	F mount.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.22 m.
Weight	230 g.
Adjustment	AF-P stepper motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Compact and lightweight
• Wide-angle coverage
• Vibration Reduction (VR)
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid: 

• Variable aperture
• Limited low-light performance

 

2. Nikkor AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR

• The maximum aperture of the Nikkor AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR lens ranges from f/4.5 to f/6.3, depending on the zoom setting.
• It has a filter size of 58mm, which refers to the diameter of the filters or lens attachments that can be used.
• The greatest magnification of this lens is 0.22x.
• The lens is sealed to keep dust and water droplets out. It is not weather-resistant.

 

Brand	Nikkor.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 m.
Weight	415 g.
Adjustment	Stepping motor controls autofocus; separate focus ring for manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Affordable telephoto zoom
• Lightweight and portable
• Vibration Reduction (VR)
• Versatile focal range

Reasons to avoid: 

• Limited low-light capabilities.
• It may lack advanced features.

 

3. Nikkor AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED

• The maximum aperture of the Nikkor AF-S 24mm f/1.8G ED lens is f/1.8.
• It has a 72mm filter size.
• The highest magnification is 0.2x.
• The lens mount is made of metal and has a rubber weather-sealing gasket.

 

Brand	Nikkor.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	F mount.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	12 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.23 m.
Weight	355 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide maximum aperture (f/1.8)
• Excellent for low-light photography
• Compact and lightweight
• High-quality optics.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length.
• Limited zoom capabilities.

 

4. Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED

• The Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED lens has a wide maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• Its filter size is 58mm.
• The lens has a maximum magnification of 0.16x.
• The Nikkor AF-S 35mm f/1.8G ED lens is not weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Nikkor.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F.
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	11 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	25 cm.
Weight	305 g.
Adjustment	AF system. Silent wave motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Maximum aperture (f/1.8) is quite large.
• Excellent for low-light photography.
• Lightweight and portable.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length
• Limited zoom capabilities

 

5. Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR

• Throughout its zoom range, the Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens features a fixed maximum aperture of f/2.8.
• The filter size of the lens is 77mm.
• The greatest magnification of this lens is 0.21x.
• It is weather-sealed to some extent and resists dust and moisture, making it more durable in harsh environmental circumstances.

 

Brand	Nikkor.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Digital SLR Cameras Nikon D750 and Nikon D600.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	22 elements in 18 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 m
Weight	1430 g.
Adjustment	The lens has autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) capabilities.

Reasons to buy: 

• The aperture is fast and consistent (f/2.8).
• Outstanding low-light performance
• Excellent optics
• Flexible telephoto zoom range
• The lens has image stabilization.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Expensive.
• It is heavier and bulkier than other lenses.

 

6. Nikon 20mm f/1.8G

• The Nikon 20mm f/1.8G lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• The lens has a filter size of 77mm, indicating the diameter of filters or lens attachments that can be used.
• It has a maximum magnification of 0.23x.
• It is not weather-sealed, so use caution in inclement weather.

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	13 elements in 11 groups.
Lens construction	7 blades.
Minimum focus distance	20 cm.
Weight	355 g.
Adjustment	The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) employs ultrasonic waves for fast, accurate, and nearly silent autofocusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• Maximum aperture (f/1.8) is quite large.
• Ideal for low-light photography.
• Lightweight and portable.
• Excellent for wide-angle pictures.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length
• Limited zoom capabilities.

 

7. Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR

• Throughout its zoom range, the Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR lens has a maximum aperture of f/4.
• It has a 77mm filter size.
• Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR has a maximum magnification of 0.25 times.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	29 cm.
Weight	680 g.
Adjustment	The lens has autofocus (AF) and manual focus (MF) capabilities.

Reasons to buy: 

• Versatile wide-angle to standard zoom range.
• Vibration Reduction (VR).
• Excellent for landscapes and architecture.
• High-quality optics.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed aperture of f/4.
• Moderate low-light performance.

 

8. Nikon 50mm f/1.8

• The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens features a maximum aperture of f/1.8.
• Its filter size is typically 58mm.
• This lens has a maximum magnification of 0.15x.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	7 elements in 6 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	185 g.
Adjustment	Silent wave motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide maximum aperture (f/1.8)
• Excellent for low-light photography
• Compact and lightweight
• Great for portraits and general photography.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length.
• Limited zoom capabilities.

 

9. Nikon 85mm f/1.8

• The Nikon 85mm f/1.8 lens has an f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it ideal for low-light situations and generating a beautiful background blur (bokeh) effect.
• Its normal filter size is 67mm.
• It has a max magnification of 0.12x.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.8 m.
Weight	350 g.
Adjustment	Silent wave motor.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide maximum aperture (f/1.8).
• Excellent for low-light photography.
• Compact and lightweight.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Fixed focal length.
• Limited zoom capabilities.

 

What to look for in the best Nikon FX zoom lenses

1- Aperture 

Consider your photography style for the best Nikon FX zoom lenses with the best aperture. A lower f-number, like f/2.8, allows more light in, which is useful for low-light photography and creative depth of field. f/4 or f/5.6, on the other hand, provides outstanding image quality while being more cost-effective.

Your choice and budget determine the aperture you choose. Investigate the top Nikon FX zoom lenses to find options with the aperture that best meets your photography demands, whether for low light or versatility in your shots.

2- Sharpness 

Prioritize optical quality when looking for sharpness in the best Nikon FX zoom lenses. Look for lenses with aspherical or ED elements to decrease aberrations and improve sharpness. To evaluate performance, read reviews and see example photographs. Additionally, image stabilization lenses can help to reduce blur and ensure sharp results.

Consider the lens’s reputation for edge-to-edge sharpness, as this is critical for landscape and architectural photography. Focus on optical design and user input while researching the best Nikon FX zoom lenses to provide clear, detailed photographs that bring your subjects to life.

3- Weight and size 

Consider your shooting style and portability requirements when assessing the weight and size of the top Nikon FX zoom lenses. Smaller, lighter lenses are great for travel and on-the-go photography. Larger lenses, on the other hand, may provide higher optical quality for professional work.

Based on your planned use, balance these elements. Explore the top Nikon FX zoom lenses to find a fit that meets your photographic needs, keeping weight and size in mind to ensure they complement your camera and shooting preferences.

4- Focal length 

When choosing the best Nikon FX zoom lenses, focal length is an important factor to consider.

Examine your photographic requirements: broader focal lengths (e.g., 16-35mm) are ideal for landscapes and architecture, while mid-range zooms (e.g., 24-70mm) offer adaptability.

Telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-200mm) are ideal for sports or wildlife photography.

Your shooting style and subject matter determine the best option. Investigate the top Nikon FX zoom lenses to find a focal length range that matches your photographic objectives, guaranteeing you capture the moments you want.

Best Nikon FX zoom lenses FAQs

1- What does FX mean on a Nikon lens?

“frame-size image sensor”
Nikon FX is a camera format used by Nikon to describe Nikon cameras with a 36x24mm full-frame picture sensor. Nikon FX cameras are around the same size as conventional 35 mm cameras. The Nikon DX vs FX comparison goes beyond image quality to include camera usability and lens options.

2- What is the difference between Nikon FX and DX lenses?

Nikon DX lenses are often smaller and lighter than Nikon FX lenses because less glass and a smaller lens barrel are required to give a comparable field of vision on a DX camera, such as the Nikon D5300 and D3200 series, when compared to a full-frame camera.

3- Is the Nikon F mount the same as the FX?

It will “fit” since Nikon uses the same Nikon-F bayonet mount that hasn’t changed since 1959! As a result, all lenses are compatible with film SLR, DX, and FX bodies.

4- Is the Nikon d750 FX or DX?

One of the key constraints is that image quality may decrease toward the frame’s boundaries. Because the lens is designed to cover a greater sensor area, the lens’s edges may not be optimum for use with a DX camera.

Conclusion

I wrap up my discovery here about the best Nikon FX zoom lenses. I have shared all the information you need to make a smart choice. These lenses are like tools in a toolbox, each with its unique job. Now, it’s your turn to pick the right tool for your photography needs. Whether you’re into big, wide shots or zooming in on faraway subjects, all lenses are for you.

If you’re new to this, check out my beginner’s guide for buying camera lenses. It’s like having a helpful friend to guide you. So, get ready to capture amazing moments and make your choice with confidence.