Best Nikon lens for wedding photography

I’m an extreme photography enthusiast, so I am looking for the best Nikon lens for wedding photography. After doing in-depth research, I have compiled a list of the top Nikon options for wedding photography.

Many hours of research led to the creation of this article. I have researched the Best camera lens for event photography, and this time, I am here with the best Nikon choices for weddings.

Your lovely memory could be saved or lost depending on your chosen lens. It may be the difference between witnessing incredible moments and missing them entirely. The lens selection procedure has been made simpler in this tutorial.

Now, let’s explore the lens options to discover which will enhance your wedding photos.

 

Quick list of best Nikon lens for wedding photography 

Here is a quick list of the best Nikon lens for wedding photography. 

1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens
2. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens
4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED
6. Nikon 85mm f/1.4G and 85mm f/1.8S
7. Nikon AF-S FX 105mm f/2.8 ED Lens
8. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens
9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED

 

Detailed analysis of the best Nikon lens for wedding photography 

Here, I give a detailed analysis of the best Nikon lens for wedding photography. 

1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens

• The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR Lens has an aperture maximum of f/2.8, which ensures superb low-light performance and attractive background blur.
• Its maximum magnification varies with focal length but is typically around 0.21x.
• The filter thread size is normally 77mm, allowing various filters to be attached.
• This lens is weather-sealed, providing dust and moisture resistance, making it a good choice for various shooting circumstances, including outdoor weddings.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon Z.
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization up to 4 stops.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	22 elements in 18 groups.
Minimum focus distance	1.1 m.
Weight	1430 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Excellent low-light performance with fast f/2.8 aperture.
• Flexible 70-200mm focal length.
• Effective image stabilization.
• Fluorite and ED glass lenses for clean images.
• SWM for rapid, quiet autofocus.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Expensive.
• Heavy.

 

2. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

• The maximum aperture of the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens is f/2.8.
• It has a maximum magnification of about 0.27x, allowing detailed close-ups.
• The filter thread size is 77mm, making it compatible with many filters.
• Furthermore, the lens is weatherproof.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	15 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.38 m.
Weight	900 g.
Adjustment	Autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus are available.

Reasons to buy: 

• Flexible 24-70mm focal range.
• Very fast f/2.8 aperture for low-light performance.
• Premium optics with ED glass elements for clear pictures.
• Durable and skilled construction.

Reasons to avoid: 

• It may not be as sharp at the extreme ends of the focal range.

 

3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens

• The maximum aperture of the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens is f/1.8.
• The greatest magnification is around 0.15x.
• The filter thread is 58mm in diameter.
• This lens is weatherproof.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	FX format.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	6 elements in 5 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	185 g.
Adjustment	Exclusive Nikon silent wave motor, new optical system with aspherical lens element.

Reasons to buy: 

• Very fast f/1.8 aperture for creative depth of field.
• It’s compact and lightweight.
• Cost-effective compared to other wide-aperture lenses.
• Good image sharpness and clarity.

Reasons to avoid: 

• No image stabilization.
• Bokeh, maybe not as creamy or smooth as pricey lenses.

 

4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

• The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens has an f/2.8 continuous maximum aperture.
• It has a maximum magnification of about 0.20x.
• The filter thread is 77mm in diameter.
• This lens is weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	DX format.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 10 groups.
Minimum focus distance	36 cm.
Weight	755 g.
Adjustment	Silent Wave Motor, M/A mode for fast autofocus/manual operation switching.

Reasons to buy: 

• Metallic elements.
• Good image sharpness.
• Beautiful blurry backdrop.
• Fast daylight autofocus.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Most crop cameras have poor balance.
• Troublesome zoom wheel.
• Average glare reduction.

 

5. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED

• Maximum aperture of f/1.8 for excellent low-light performance and gorgeous bokeh.
• The maximum magnification for this is 0.23x.
• The filter thread size is 77mm, allowing for the use of various filters.
• Except for a thin rubber gasket near the mounting, the lens has no weather sealing.
• Extra-low dispersion Glass for chromatic aberration correction
• The Nano Crystal Coating minimizes ghosting and glare.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Wide angle lens.
Lens format coverage	FX format.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (DX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	13 elements in 11 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.2 m.
Weight	355 g.
Adjustment	Silent Wave Motor for precise, fast, and quiet autofocusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide f/1.8 aperture for low-light performance and artistic depth of field.
• Lightweight for travel and on-the-go shooting.
• This 20mm focal length works well for landscape, architecture, and astrophotography.
• Premium optics with ED glass elements for clear pictures.
• SWM for rapid, quiet autofocus.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Zoom lenses may have limited compositional flexibility due to fixed focal length.
• No image stabilization.

 

6. Nikon 85mm f/1.4G and 85mm f/1.8S

• The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.4.
• The filter thread size is 67mm.
• The lens is not properly weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	FX, DX, FX in DX crop mode.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	7 blades.
Lens construction	9 elements in 9 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.85 m.
Weight	350- 595g.
Adjustment	Focus Mode M/A switch allows for rapid switching between manual and autofocus operations.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wider aperture improves low-light performance.
• Creamier portrait backdrop blur.

Reasons to avoid: 

• More inexpensive.
• A Nikon premium lens.

 

7. Nikon AF-S FX 105mm f/2.8 ED Lens

• The Nikon AF-S FX 105mm f/2.8 ED lens has an aperture maximum of f/2.8.
• In close-up photography, the highest magnification is roughly 1:1, allowing for life-size replication of subjects.
• The filter thread is 62mm, making it compatible with many filters.
• This lens is weather-sealed.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Telephoto lens.
Lens format coverage	Full frame.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	14 elements in 12 groups.
Minimum focus distance	31.4 cm.
Weight	720 g.
Adjustment	Includes an internal focus for quick and silent auto-focusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• 105mm focal length is versatile.
• Ideal for macro photography.
• A large f/2.8 aperture allows for good low-light performance.
• ED glass for high-resolution photos.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Relatively high price.
• Heavier compared to some alternatives.

 

8. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

• The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens has an aperture maximum of f/1.4.
• The greatest magnification is roughly 0.15x, which allows for some close-up photos.
• The filter thread size is 58mm, making it compatible with many filters.
• However, it should be noted that this lens is not weather-sealed, so use caution in inclement weather.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	FX and DX DSLR.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	No image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	8 elements in 7 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	280 g.
Adjustment	AF motor of ultrasonic type with full-time manual focusing.

Reasons to buy: 

• Wide f/1.4 aperture for low light.
• The 50mm focal length suits many photography techniques.
• The image quality and price are good.

Reasons to avoid: 

• It may have chromatic aberration.
• Build quality is decent but not tough.

 

9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED

• Throughout its zoom range, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED lens has a constant maximum aperture of f/4.
• The greatest magnification is usually approximately 0.24x, allowing for some close-up work.
• The filter thread size is 77mm, making it suitable for many filters.
• Although this lens is not completely waterproof.

 

Brand	Nikon.
Type	Standard lens.
Lens format coverage	DX-format DSLR camera.
Compatible Mounting	Nikon F (FX).
Image Stabilization	The lens has image stabilization.
No.of diaphragm blades	9 blades.
Lens construction	17 elements in 13 groups.
Minimum focus distance	0.45 m.
Weight	710 g.
Adjustment	The lens has both autofocus and manual focus.

Reasons to buy: 

• Variable 24-120mm focal length.
• Continuous f/4 aperture for performance.
• ED glass improves images.
• Suitable for many photography techniques.

Reasons to avoid: 

• Heavy and big.
• Faster lenses may have more bokeh.
• Expensive than other zoom lenses.

 

What to look for in the best Nikon lens for wedding photography 

1- Aperture 

Focus on the aperture while looking for the best Nikon lens for wedding photography to expand your creative options. A lower f-number indicates a wider aperture, which allows more light in, resulting in superb low-light performance and lovely background blur.

For excellent bokeh and the ability to capture the mood of wedding settings, look for lenses with apertures of f/1.4 or f/1.8. A lens with a larger aperture also allows faster shutter speeds, which is essential for capturing candid situations.

To summarise, Nikon lenses with wide apertures will help boost your wedding photography by allowing you to play with light and composition for unforgettable photos.

2- Autofocus 

Prioritize advanced Autofocus (AF) systems while looking for the best Nikon lens for wedding photography. For covert shooting during ceremonies, look for lenses with fast and precise AF, especially with silent or near-silent operation.

A sensitive AF system ensures that spontaneous moments are captured precisely, critical in dynamic wedding scenarios. Consider lenses with Nikon’s most recent AF technology, which improves tracking and subject identification.

Additionally, look at reviews and user experiences to understand real-world performance in various wedding circumstances. Combining a sharp lens with dependable Autofocus will allow you to capture the magical moments of a wedding day effortlessly.

3- Image stabilization 

Prioritise image stabilization when looking for the best Nikon lens for wedding photography, especially in dynamic shooting settings. Choose lenses featuring Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to ensure handheld steadiness.

Choose lenses with good image stabilization for adaptable wedding coverage, boosting your ability to record sharp and clear moments during the event. In conclusion, prioritize Nikon lenses with VR technology for exceptional image stability in various wedding circumstances.

4- Focal length 

Consider the focal length for the best Nikon lens for wedding photography to obtain interesting photos. Choose a versatile zoom lens with a range suited for both group pictures and close-ups.

A Fixed focal length produces excellent pictures with lovely background blur. Combining both can be beneficial for well-rounded wedding photography equipment.

In conclusion, prioritize Nikon lenses with varied focal lengths to cover a range of compositions and ensure you capture the spirit of every moment on your wedding day.

Best Nikon lens for wedding photography FAQs 

Which lens is best for wedding photography?

For wedding portraits, most wedding photographers use a 50mm or 85mm prime lens. With these focal lengths, you can capture sharp, high-quality images of the bridal party and guests. Prime lenses have larger apertures as well. Most can achieve f/1.8, with some going as low as f/1.4 or f/1.2.

What is the 50mm lens used for at weddings?

I enjoy taking bridal photographs with the 50mm before our bride leaves for the First Look or ceremony. It’s also ideal for photographing the bride with some of her treasured objects, such as her bouquet.

What aperture should I use for my wedding?

As an illustration, when photographing a wedding, an aperture of f/2.8 will often provide more than enough depth of field to keep both the bride and groom in focus, whereas an aperture of f/5.6 is great for photographing larger groups of people. You don’t need to shoot above ISO 400 if the lighting is good.

Do wedding photographers use zoom lenses?

The 24-70mm zoom lens’s adaptability is crucial in tight quarters. A tea ceremony, for example, is typically held in a living room during a Vietnamese wedding. The 70-200mm would be too cramped for this circumstance, and the 50mm would not be versatile enough because there isn’t much room for mobility.

 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, carefully considering some factors is necessary when you select the best Nikon lens for wedding photography. The best Nikon lens for wedding photography captures the essence and beauty of your event, so your wedding photos will be truly amazing.

In case you’re new to the world of photography. In this situation, I recommend reading “Beginner’s Guide for Buying a Camera Lens,” which will establish the framework for understanding camera lenses.

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