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Best Lens For Nikon D7100 For Portraits (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for a lens suitable for your Nikon D7100 camera to take portraits, you’ve come to the right place. The right lens can make all the difference to the quality of your photographs, so it’s essential to select the best one for your needs.

When considering which lens to purchase, there are a few factors to take into account. First and foremost, you need to decide on the focal length – this determines how much of the scene you can capture. For portrait photography, typically, a lens with a focal length of between 50mm and 85mm is ideal. Another crucial factor is the aperture – the wider it is, the more light it can let in. This is important for taking bright and sharp photos, particularly in low-light conditions. Additionally, consider the lens’ image stabilization capability, its weight, and its overall price.

Are you tired of blurry or poorly lit portrait photographs? Do you want to take professional-grade portraits with your Nikon D7100 camera? If so, then you need to invest in a high-quality lens. Choosing the best lens can be daunting, but once you have found the perfect one, your pictures will be sharper and more pleasing to the eye. To help you out, we’ve put together a guide on what factors to consider when choosing the right lens for portraits. Keep reading to help you make an informed decision and elevate your photography skills.

10 Best Lens For Nikon D7100 For Portraits

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
It is an ideal standard prime lens for Nikon DSLR cameras with large aperture and auto/manual focus capabilities.
2
Ideal for portrait photography with its large aperture and manual focus capability, compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras.
3
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
4
The product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras to capture a range of distances with auto-focus and vibration reduction.
5
Ideal for capturing sharp images with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
6
The product is ideal for capturing sharp, high-quality images with a wide aperture and autofocus feature on Nikon cameras.
7
Ideal for portrait photography with full frame Nikon DSLR cameras, offering a medium telephoto focal length and fast aperture.
8
This product is ideal for capturing distant subjects with a Nikon DSLR camera.
9
Capturing detailed and distant subjects with vibration reduction technology, suited for Nikon DSLR cameras.
10
Ideal for long-range zoom photography with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, featuring image stabilization and compact size.
It is an ideal standard prime lens for Nikon DSLR cameras with large aperture and auto/manual focus capabilities.
Ideal for portrait photography with its large aperture and manual focus capability, compatible with Nikon DSLR cameras.
Ideal for capturing high-quality photos with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
The product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras to capture a range of distances with auto-focus and vibration reduction.
Ideal for capturing sharp images with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
The product is ideal for capturing sharp, high-quality images with a wide aperture and autofocus feature on Nikon cameras.
Ideal for portrait photography with full frame Nikon DSLR cameras, offering a medium telephoto focal length and fast aperture.
This product is ideal for capturing distant subjects with a Nikon DSLR camera.
Capturing detailed and distant subjects with vibration reduction technology, suited for Nikon DSLR cameras.
Ideal for long-range zoom photography with Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, featuring image stabilization and compact size.

1. Yongnuo Nikon Lens: Sharp, Fast, & Versatile.

The F1.8 large aperture and 6 blades in 5 groups make this prime lens an excellent addition to the Nikon 12-50mm kit lens. It has 7pcs aperture blades, which produce beautiful bokeh effects. This lens supports both auto focus and manual focus modes, allowing for greater flexibility and control. It is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C format cameras.

The lens features gold plated metal contacts that effectively improve the signal conductivity and corrosion resistance. This ensures that the lens is reliable and durable over time. The lens also supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes, and parameters used to take pictures can be displayed in the EXIF Information.

This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon DSLR cameras, including the Nikon D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D80, D90, D7000, D7100, D7200, D7300, D300, D300S, D500, D700, D800, D800E, D810, D810A, D3X, D4, D4S, and D5. It is a versatile and reliable lens that can be used in a variety of shooting situations.

Pros

  • F1.8 large aperture and 6 blades in 5 groups produce beautiful bokeh effects
  • Supports both auto focus and manual focus modes for greater flexibility and control
  • Compatible with both full-frame and APS-C format cameras
  • Gold plated metal contacts improve signal conductivity and corrosion resistance
  • Supports M/AV/TV/P and other camera shooting modes

Cons

  • – May not be suitable for those who prefer zoom lenses
  • – May not be compatible with all Nikon DSLR cameras

2. Nikon Compatible Telephoto Portrait Lens – Jintu 85mm

The manual lens does not get detected by the camera when mounted, therefore, it is important to switch to MF MODE before use. Before mounting, the user should lock the 'Lock-Open' ring on the lens of the body. To use the lens correctly, follow these tips: 1) Set the mode dial to Manual (M). 2) Enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu. 3) Turn off the Shutter lock option in the camera menu.

If the images are too dark or white, adjust the camera speed or ISO. For white images, use a faster shutter speed, starting from 1/100s to 1/250s to 1/500s until the picture is normal. For dark images, use a lower shutter speed, starting from 1/500s to 1/250s to 1/100s until the picture is normal. It is also advised to use a tripod and remote to keep the image stable.

The 85mm prime lens is perfect for portraits and natural pictures. The lens has a large aperture of F1.8, which provides a virtual background and makes taking photos more fun. The lens is constructed with 6 high-performance glass elements in 6 groups, out of which 1 is Hybrid Aspherical (ASP). The focal length is 85 millimeters, and the closest focusing distance is 3.2 feet. The aperture range is from f/1.8 to f/22.

The lens is widely compatible with various Nikon cameras, including D5, D4S, Df, D4, D850, D810, D800, D800E, D300S, D610, D600, D7500, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5600, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D90, D3400, D3300, D3200, D3100, D3S, D750, D700, D500, D1, D1H, D100, D2H, D1X, D70, D2X, D50, D70s, D2Hs, D200, D80, D2Xs, D40, and D40X.

The lens has HD, super multicoated optics that provide sharper images. It has an all-metal solid construction, and the natural angle of view and perspective make it ideal for portraits and natural images.

Pros

  • Large aperture of F1.8 for a virtual background and fun photography.
  • All-metal solid construction.
  • Compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras.
  • HD, super multicoated optics for sharper images.
  • Ideal for portraits and natural images.

Cons

  • – Manual lens may require some technical knowledge to use.
  • – May not be compatible with non-Nikon cameras.

3. Nikon Af-S Dx Nikkor 35mm F/1.8g Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras, 2183, Black

The F mount lens/DX format is a high-quality lens that is perfect for any Nikon DX format camera. With a picture angle of 44 degrees and a 52.5-millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent), this lens is great for capturing stunning photos. The lens features rear focusing and manual focus override, making it easy to use in any situation. The aperture range is F/1.8 to 22, giving you the ability to adjust the depth of field to your liking. The lens measures approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeters, making it compact and lightweight. The silent wave motor AF system ensures that your photos are in focus and sharp. The lens accepts screw-on filters, allowing you to further customize your shots. The lens construction consists of 8 elements in 6 groups, ensuring that your photos are of the highest quality. The lens is compatible with DX and FX in DX crop mode, making it versatile and adaptable to any situation. The maximum reproduction ratio is 0.16x, allowing you to capture even the smallest details. Please note that this lens is not zoomable, but its many other features more than make up for it.

Pros

  • High-quality lens that is perfect for any Nikon DX format camera
  • Rear focusing and manual focus override for easy use in any situation
  • Aperture range of F/1.8 to 22 for adjusting the depth of field
  • Compact and lightweight, measuring approximately 70 x 52.5 millimeters
  • Silent wave motor AF system ensures that your photos are in focus and sharp
  • Accepts screw-on filters, allowing you to further customize your shots
  • Compatible with DX and FX in DX crop mode, making it versatile and adaptable
  • Maximum reproduction ratio of 0.16x, allowing you to capture even the smallest details

Cons

  • – Lens is not zoomable

4. Renewed Nikon Zoom Lens With Vibration Reduction

The Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is a versatile all-in-one lens that is perfect for capturing great snapshots and videos in almost any situation. It is designed to deliver top-notch performance from Nikon's latest high-resolution image sensors. With its compact design, this lens is easy to carry around, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography.

Equipped with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, this lens ensures that your photos and videos remain sharp and steady even in low-light situations and when taking telephoto shots. You can also get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject and then zoom in for stunning macro-style close-ups.

The NIKKOR optics and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass in this lens provide superior contrast and color accuracy, while Nikon's Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures ultra-fast and super-quiet autofocusing. Whether you are shooting landscapes, portraits, or action shots, this lens delivers exceptional image quality every time.

Pros

  • Versatile all-in-one lens that is perfect for capturing great snapshots and videos in almost any situation
  • Compact design makes it easy to carry around, making it ideal for travel and outdoor photography
  • Equipped with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology that ensures sharp and steady photos and videos in low-light situations and when taking telephoto shots
  • Allows you to get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject and then zoom in for stunning macro-style close-ups
  • NIKKOR optics and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass provide superior contrast and color accuracy
  • Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures ultra-fast and super-quiet autofocusing

5. Nikon Af Fx Nikkor 50mm F/1.8d Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras

The Autofocus system of this lens is designed to be compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support 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 still allow for manual focus with AF-D type lenses. With a focal length of 50mm (FX) and 75mm (DX), this lens is great for travel and shooting full-length portraits in available light.

This lens is a great option for photographers who want to take advantage of the autofocus system, as long as they have the compatible camera models. Additionally, the focal length is perfect for capturing stunning portraits and the compact size makes it easy to pack for travel.

Overall, this lens offers great value for its price point and is a reliable option for capturing high-quality photos.

Pros

  • Compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses and have an autofocus motor
  • Great for travel and shooting full-length portraits in available light
  • Compact size makes it easy to pack for travel
  • Offers great value for its price point

Cons

  • – Will not autofocus with certain Nikon DSLR models
  • – Limited focal length options

6. Nikon Lens For Stunning Full Frame Portraits

The Manual Lens for Nikon Cameras is a great choice for photographers who are looking for a high-quality lens that offers a full manual focus operation. This lens is compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and many more.

One of the key features of this lens is its 8 pieces of circular aperture, which allows for a smooth and pleasing bokeh quality in shallow depth of field images. Additionally, the lens features large focus rings and internal focusing (IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), which provide excellent image quality.

It's important to note that this is a manual lens, which means that there are no electronic contacts. This means that the camera will not detect the lens when mounted, and users will need to switch to MF mode in order to use the lens correctly. Additionally, this lens requires complete manual focus operation on DSLR cameras, so it may not be suitable for SLR beginners. It's recommended for photographers with excellent experience in equipment.

To use the lens correctly, users should set the mode dial to Manual (M), enable the Release w/o Lens option in the camera menu, and set the Shutter lock option in the camera menu to Off: no lens.

Pros

  • 8 pieces of circular aperture, smooth and large focus rings internal focusing(IF) hybrid aspherical lenses (H-ASP), ultra multi coating(UMC).
  • Compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the D850, D810, D800, D750, and many more.
  • Large Aperture with a pleasing bokeh quality to further enhance shallow depth of field images.

Cons

  • – Manual focus operation may not be suitable for SLR beginners.

7. Nikon Af-P Dx Nikkor 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3g Ed Vr Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED lens is designed for F-mount and DX-format cameras. It has a filter-attachment size of 58mm with a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.22x. This compact and lightweight lens has a focal-length range of 70-300mm and an aperture range of f/4.5-6.3 to f/32, making it a versatile option for photography enthusiasts. The lens features Nikon VR image stabilization that reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images. Users can access lens settings in the camera menu, giving them more control over their shots. The lens is fully compatible with Nikon D7500, D5600, D5500, D5300, D3400, D3300, D500, and later models. However, firmware updates may be required for some compatible cameras. The lens is also compatible with other Nikon models but with limited functions. It is not compatible with D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, and film cameras.

The lens has one ED glass element that helps in achieving satisfactory optical performance, resulting in high-quality images with minimal lens aberrations. The 4.3x telephoto zoom lens has a 35mm equivalent of 105-450mm, making it suitable for capturing distant objects. The lens is easy to use and provides excellent results, making it an ideal choice for photographers looking to upgrade their kit.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
  • Nikon VR image stabilization reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images
  • One ED glass element helps in achieving satisfactory optical performance
  • Versatile focal-length range and aperture range suitable for various photography styles
  • Easy to use with Nikon cameras that are compatible with the lens

Cons

  • – Compatible with limited Nikon camera models
  • – Firmware updates may be required for some compatible cameras
  • – Not compatible with several Nikon camera models

8. Nikon Af-P Dx Nikkor 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3g Ed Vr Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras (Renewed)

The F-Mount Lens/DX Format 105-450mm (35mm Equivalent) is a versatile lens that can handle a variety of shooting situations. It has an aperture range of f/4.5-6.3 to f/32, making it suitable for shooting in low light conditions. The lens is equipped with one extra-low dispersion element which helps to reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing for greater clarity and color accuracy. Additionally, the lens features a super integrated coating that minimizes flare and ghosting for improved contrast and color neutrality. The pulse stepping motor AF system ensures smooth and quiet focusing performance, making it ideal for both stills and video shooting. The Nikon VR image stabilization helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting. The lens settings can be accessed directly from the camera menu, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly. The rounded 7-blade diaphragm creates a pleasing bokeh for more creative control over depth of field.

Pros

  • Wide aperture range for shooting in low light conditions
  • One extra-low dispersion element for greater clarity and color accuracy
  • Super integrated coating to minimize flare and ghosting
  • Pulse stepping motor AF system for smooth and quiet focusing performance
  • Nikon VR image stabilization for sharper handheld shooting
  • Lens settings can be accessed from camera menu
  • Rounded 7-blade diaphragm for creative control over depth of field

9. Nikon Z Dx Long Zoom Lens: Ultra-Compact & Stabilized.

The 50-250mm zoom range of this lens is equivalent to a 75-375mm lens in 35mm format. This makes it an excellent choice for shooting distant subjects such as wildlife, sports, and landscapes. The lens is equipped with built-in VR image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake up to 5 stops. This helps produce sharp and clear images even in low light conditions or when shooting handheld. One of the standout features of this lens is its assignable control ring. This ring can be customized to control various camera settings such as aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO. This provides quick and easy access to frequently used settings, making it easier to adjust settings on the fly and capture the perfect shot.

Pros

  • 50-250mm zoom range is excellent for shooting distant subjects
  • Built-in VR image stabilization compensates for camera shake up to 5 stops
  • Assignable control ring can be customized to control various camera settings

Best Lens For Nikon D7100 For Portraits FAQs

Can I use a zoom lens for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100, and which ones are recommended?

Yes, you can definitely use a zoom lens for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100. However, it is important to choose the right type of lens that will produce the desired results. When it comes to portrait photography, the most commonly used lenses are prime lenses with focal lengths of around 50mm or 85mm. These lenses are great for producing sharp, focused images with a nice depth of field.

That being said, if you prefer to use a zoom lens, there are still great options available for you. One popular choice is the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, which is a high-quality zoom lens that is great for portrait photography. It has a wide aperture range, which allows you to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background, highlighting your subject. Another great option is the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD, which is a third-party lens that is known for producing sharp, clear images with excellent bokeh.

Ultimately, the choice of lens will depend on your personal preferences and shooting style. It is always a good idea to try out different lenses and see which one works best for you. Keep in mind that the most important thing in portrait photography is to capture the essence and personality of your subject, so don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your equipment.

What are the advantages of using a prime lens for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100?

There are several advantages of using a prime lens for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100. Firstly, prime lenses have a wider aperture, which means they can produce a shallower depth of field and blur the background, creating a more dramatic and professional-looking portrait. Secondly, prime lenses tend to be sharper and have better image quality than zoom lenses, which is important when capturing fine details in portraits. Thirdly, prime lenses are lighter and more compact than zoom lenses, making them easier to carry around and handle during a portrait shoot. Finally, prime lenses are generally less expensive than zoom lenses, which can be a big advantage for photographers on a tight budget. Overall, using a prime lens for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100 can help you achieve better results, with sharper images, better depth of field, and a more professional look.

What are the best lenses for Nikon D7100 for portrait photography?

When it comes to portrait photography, choosing the right lens can make all the difference in creating a stunning image. For Nikon D7100, there are several lenses that are ideal for portrait photography. One of the best lenses is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens, which is known for its sharpness, speed, and ability to create a beautiful bokeh effect. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens is another great option as it offers amazing image quality and low light performance. Additionally, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G lens is also a popular choice among portrait photographers due to its sharpness, clarity, and affordability. Finally, the Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD lens is a versatile option that allows you to zoom in and out to get the perfect shot. Ultimately, the best lens for portrait photography depends on your personal style and preferences.

What are the differences between Nikon's DX and FX lenses for portrait photography on the D7100?

The main difference between Nikon's DX and FX lenses is the sensor size they are designed for. DX lenses are specifically designed for use with Nikon's APS-C sized DX format sensors, while FX lenses are designed for use with full-frame sensors. The D7100 features an APS-C DX format sensor, so both DX and FX lenses can be used with the camera. However, using an FX lens on a DX camera will result in a narrower field of view and a crop factor of 1.5x.

When it comes to portrait photography, the choice between DX and FX lenses depends on personal preference and shooting style. DX lenses tend to be smaller, lighter, and more affordable, making them a great option for those just starting out with portrait photography or those on a budget. FX lenses, on the other hand, generally offer better image quality, wider apertures, and shallower depth of field, which can be useful for creating a more professional and artistic look in portraits.

Overall, both DX and FX lenses can produce great portrait photos on the D7100, but it's important to choose the lens that best fits your needs and shooting style.

Which focal length is ideal for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100?

The Nikon D7100 is a great camera for portrait photography, and choosing the right focal length is essential to capture stunning portraits. The ideal focal length for portrait photography on the Nikon D7100 is between 50mm to 85mm. This range is perfect for capturing portraits with a shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. The 50mm lens is also known as the “nifty fifty” and is a popular choice among photographers for its versatility and affordability. The 85mm lens is ideal for close-up portraits and provides a flattering perspective that enhances the subject's features. It is important to note that choosing the right focal length depends on the photographer's style and preference. Some photographers prefer wider lenses for environmental portraits, while others prefer longer lenses for more intimate portraits. Ultimately, it is up to the photographer to experiment and find the perfect focal length for their portrait photography on the Nikon D7100.

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