If you’re looking for the perfect way to enhance your photography skills, a Nikon lens for bokeh could be the answer. Bokeh refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur in the background of an image, and a quality Nikon lens can help you achieve this effect. However, before rushing off to buy a Nikon lens for bokeh, there are a few factors you need to consider.
Firstly, what level of photography experience do you have? If you’re just starting out, it may be best to choose a lens that’s suitable for beginners. Secondly, what do you aim to use the lens for? Different lenses have different capabilities, so you need to choose one that suits your specific needs. And finally, what is your budget? Nikon lenses can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before making any purchasing decisions.
If you’re still reading, you may be wondering what makes a Nikon lens for bokeh so special? How can it enhance your photography? Some questions to ask yourself include, what do you want your images to convey? How important is bokeh to you? And how can a Nikon lens help you achieve your creative goals? By carefully considering these questions, you can make an informed decision and choose a Nikon lens for bokeh that is perfect for your photography needs.
10 Best Nikon Lens For Bokeh
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The product is ideal for taking wide-angle and low-light photos with a Nikon camera.
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Ideal for capturing high-quality photos with a shallow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
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The product is ideal for capturing sharp, low-light images with a shallow depth of field.
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This product is ideal for capturing high-quality, sharp images with a narrow depth of field on Nikon DSLR cameras.
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This product is ideal for capturing distant subjects with a Nikon DSLR camera.
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Ideal for capturing wide-angle shots with high-quality and sharp images on Nikon DSLR cameras.
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It is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras and allows for telephoto zooming capabilities.
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This lens is ideal for capturing ultra-wide angle shots with fast focus and high-quality image rendering on Nikon Z mirrorless cameras.
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The product is ideal for Nikon DSLR cameras to capture a range of distances with auto-focus and vibration reduction.
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The product is ideal for capturing distant subjects or wildlife photography with its long focal length and image stabilization.
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1. Sigma 20mm F1.4 Art Dg Hsm Lens For Nikon
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM is an exceptional lens that is designed to resist strong incidental light sources such as backlight. It is perfect for photographers who want to capture sharp and detailed photos, without worrying about chromatic aberration, distortion, and ghosting. This lens is designed to deliver excellent brightness and bokeh, making it an ideal high-speed lens for snapshots. The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM is the culmination of the Art line and F1.4 series, making it a top-of-the-line lens for photographers who want the best.
With its advanced optical design, the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM is highly resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight. This makes it perfect for outdoor and indoor photography, as it can capture stunning photos in any lighting conditions. The minimized chromatic aberration, distortion, and ghosting ensure that your photos are sharp and detailed, with accurate colors and contrast.
The Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM is an excellent lens for photographers who want to capture stunning photos with great bokeh. With its wide aperture of F1.4, this lens delivers excellent brightness, even in low light conditions. The bokeh is smooth and creamy, making it perfect for portrait photography and other creative shots. The lens is also designed to be fast and accurate, making it ideal for high-speed photography and snapshots.
Overall, the Sigma 20mm F1.4 DG HSM is an exceptional lens that delivers excellent performance and image quality. It is perfect for photographers who want the best, and are willing to invest in a high-quality lens that will last for years to come.
- Highly resistant to strong incidental light sources such as backlight
- Minimized chromatic aberration, distortion, and ghosting
- Delivers excellent brightness and bokeh
- Ideal high-speed lens for snapshots
- Smooth and creamy bokeh
- Fast and accurate autofocus
2. 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.
- 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
- – Lens is not zoomable
3. Nikon Af-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8g Lens
Experience exceptional image quality with the fast and upgraded f/1.8 compact FX format prime lens. With a focal length of 50 millimeters and a picture angle of 47 degrees, this lens offers maximum reproduction ratio of 0.15X. Whether you're capturing portraits or landscapes, this lens delivers edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX format DSLRs. The newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element ensures excellent clarity and contrast in your shots.
Equipped with an exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM), this lens provides ultra-quiet and accurate autofocus. The M/A focus mode switch allows quick switching between manual and autofocus modes, making it easier to capture the perfect shot. With a minimum focus distance of 1.48 feet (0.45 meter), you can get up close to your subject and capture fine details with ease. The lens is optimized for both FX and DX format DSLRs, ensuring exceptional performance in any situation.
This lens is not zoomable, but with its compact design and filter thread of 58 millimeters, it's easy to carry and use. The dimensions (approx.) (from the camera lens mounting flange) are approximately 2.83 inches in diameter and 2.01 inches in length. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens is a must-have for capturing stunning photos.
- Fast and upgraded f/1.8 compact FX format prime lens
- Newly developed optical system with an aspherical lens element ensures excellent clarity and contrast in your shots
- Equipped with an exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM), this lens provides ultra-quiet and accurate autofocus
- M/A focus mode switch allows quick switching between manual and autofocus modes
- Optimized for both FX and DX format DSLRs, ensuring exceptional performance in any situation
- Compact design and filter thread of 58 millimeters make it easy to carry and use
- – The lens is not zoomable
4. Nikon Af Fx Nikkor 50mm F/1.8d Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras (Renewed)
The high-speed normal lens is perfect for travel and taking full-length portraits in available light. With its superb resolution and color rendition, this lens produces distortion-free images that are rich in contrast, even at maximum aperture. The lens is compatible with Nikon FX/35mm Film and Nikon DX, and autofocus operation is possible with all Nikon autofocus cameras (except the F3AF). Manual focus is also possible via separate focusing ring with all Nikon SLRs.
This lens is an excellent choice for photographers who demand high-quality optics and versatility in their lenses. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, this lens will help you capture stunning images with ease. Its fast aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions without having to use a flash, which can be especially helpful when shooting portraits or other types of indoor photography.
In addition to its excellent optical performance, this lens is also very durable and built to last. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around with you wherever you go, and its high-quality construction ensures that it will withstand the rigors of frequent use. Overall, this lens is an excellent investment for anyone who is serious about photography and wants to capture the best possible images.
- Produces distortion-free images with superb resolution and color rendition
- Provides high-contrast images even at maximum aperture
- Compatible with Nikon FX/35mm Film and Nikon DX
- Autofocus operation is possible with all Nikon autofocus cameras (except the F3AF)
- Manual focus is also possible via separate focusing ring with all Nikon SLRs
- Fast aperture allows you to shoot in low light conditions without having to use a flash
- Compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around
5. 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.
- 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
- – Compatible with limited Nikon camera models
- – Firmware updates may be required for some compatible cameras
- – Not compatible with several Nikon camera models
6. Nikon Af-S Fx Nikkor 20mm F/1.8g Ed Fixed Lens With Auto Focus For Nikon Dslr Cameras
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lens is a compact and lightweight FX-format lens that is perfect for capturing ultra-wide perspective shots. It features a 20mm focal length, an f/1.8 maximum aperture, and a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.23x. With this lens, users can expect low-light capabilities and a shallow depth of field, making it an ideal choice for capturing stunning photos and videos. The lens is equipped with aspherical lens elements and extra-low dispersion glass elements with Nano Crystal Coat that help combat sagittal flare and chromatic aberration, resulting in superb, sharp rendering across the entire frame. The innovative silent wave motor (SWM) uses ultrasonic waves for fast, accurate, and near-quiet autofocusing as close as 78 inches from the subject. The lens delivers a 20mm, 94-degree angle of view, making it ideal for stills or motion capture. The minimum focus distance is 0.66 feet from the focal plane. Additionally, the lens produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos and lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality at its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8.
If you're looking for a high-quality lens that delivers stunning image quality and is easy to carry around, then the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED lens is a great choice. Its compact and lightweight design make it perfect for travel photography, and its advanced optical characteristics ensure that you get sharp and clear images every time. The lens is also easy to use, thanks to its innovative silent wave motor that provides fast and accurate autofocusing, making it a great choice for both beginners and professionals alike.
- Compact and lightweight design, making it perfect for travel photography
- Advanced optical characteristics ensure that you get sharp and clear images every time
- Innovative silent wave motor provides fast and accurate autofocusing
- Produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos
- Lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality at its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8
7. Nikon Af-P Dx Nikkor 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3g Ed Lens For Nikon Dslr Cameras, Model 20061 (Renewed)
The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR Lens is an excellent choice for an affordable, high-quality telephoto zoom lens. It features Super Integrated Coating Pulse, which reduces ghosting and flare while ensuring accurate color balance. The Stepping Motor AF System allows for ultra-fast and near-silent autofocus, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and other high-speed subjects. Additionally, users can access lens settings in the camera menu for added convenience.
This lens is fully compatible with D5600, D5500, D5300, D3400, D3300, D500, and later models. However, a firmware update may be required for D5300 and D3300. It is also compatible with limited functions on D5, D810 series, Df, D750, D7200, D7100, D5200, and Nikon 1 series with the FT1. Unfortunately, it is incompatible 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 also features a rounded 7-blade diaphragm, which provides a natural-looking, creamy bokeh effect in out-of-focus areas. With a 70-300mm super-telephoto zoom power, users can bring faraway subjects within reach with phenomenal clarity and precision. The superb optics and telephoto field of view are perfect for stills and HD video, making this lens a great investment for any photography enthusiast.
- Super Integrated Coating Pulse reduces ghosting and flare for accurate color balance
- Stepping Motor AF System allows for ultra-fast and near-silent autofocus
- Access lens settings in the camera menu for added convenience
- Rounded 7-blade diaphragm provides natural-looking bokeh effect
- 70-300mm super-telephoto zoom power brings faraway subjects within reach with phenomenal clarity and precision
- Superb optics and telephoto field of view are great for stills and HD video
- – Incompatible with certain Nikon camera models
8. 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 a versatile and high-quality lens that is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos. With a wide f/1.8 aperture, this lens is great for low-light photography and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects. The lens also features advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, which help to reduce flare and ghosting and produce sharp and clear images. The lens incorporates an all-new multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing, making it great for capturing fast-moving subjects or for shooting in challenging lighting conditions.
The lens is designed with a Nikon Z mount and is compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverters, allowing you to use it with a wide range of Nikon cameras. The lens is also built with a durable and weather-resistant construction, making it ideal for outdoor use. Whether you're a professional photographer or an amateur enthusiast, the NIKKOR Z 20mm f/1.8 S lens is a great choice for capturing stunning and high-quality images and videos.
- Wide f/1.8 aperture is great for low-light photography and achieving shallow depth-of-field effects
- Advanced Nikon technologies, including ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat, help to reduce flare and ghosting and produce sharp and clear images
- All-new multi-focusing system for fast, accurate autofocusing
- Compatible with over 360 F-mount Nikkor lenses and Teleconverters
- Durable and weather-resistant construction
9. 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.
- 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
10. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary Dg Os Hsm Lens For Nikon
The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM / C is a top-quality zoom lens from the Contemporary line designed for professional photographers. With a minimum focusing distance of 280 cm/110.2 inches and a focal length of 150-600mm, it is perfect for capturing distant subjects with ease. The lens features 9 diaphragm blades that produce smooth and beautiful bokeh, enhancing the visual appeal of your images.
The lens is lightweight and compact in construction, which makes it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. Additionally, it is dustproof and splashproof, ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The mount has a 95mm filter, which helps to protect the lens from dust and scratches.
The Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM / C comes with a water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element, making it easy to clean and maintain. It has a weight of 1930g/ 68oz, which makes it easy to handle and use for long hours without causing fatigue. It is compatible with the Sigma teleconverter TC-1401 and TC-2001, which are specifically designed for teleconverter lenses. However, it cannot be attached to a camera or lens whose mount is different. Moreover, the teleconverter should not be used on top of another Sigma teleconverter or any other kinds of converters.
- Top-quality zoom lens from the Contemporary line designed for professional photographers
- Minimum focusing distance of 280 cm/110.2 inches and a focal length of 150-600mm makes it perfect for capturing distant subjects
- 9 diaphragm blades that produce smooth and beautiful bokeh
- Lightweight and compact in construction, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods
- Dustproof and splashproof, ensuring that it can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Water and oil repellent coating on the front glass element makes it easy to clean and maintain
- – Cannot be attached to a camera or lens whose mount is different
- – The teleconverter should not be used on top of another Sigma teleconverter or any other kinds of converters
Best Nikon Lens For Bokeh FAQs
Are there any Nikon lenses specifically designed for bokeh or portrait photography?
Yes, Nikon has several lenses that are specifically designed for bokeh or portrait photography. One of their most popular lenses for this type of photography is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens. This lens is known for its beautiful bokeh, which is achieved through its large f/1.8 maximum aperture and nine-blade rounded diaphragm. Another great option for portrait photography is the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED lens. This lens has a wider aperture of f/1.4, which allows for even shallower depth of field and more beautiful bokeh. Additionally, Nikon offers several zoom lenses with wide maximum apertures that are great for portrait photography, such as the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR lens. Ultimately, the best lens for bokeh or portrait photography will depend on your individual needs and shooting style, but Nikon offers several excellent options to choose from.
Can I create bokeh with a Nikon kit lens or do I need a specific lens?
Yes, it is possible to create bokeh with a Nikon kit lens. Bokeh is the out-of-focus area in a photograph, and it can be achieved by using a wide aperture. Many Nikon kit lenses have a maximum aperture of f/3.5 or f/4, which may not be wide enough to produce a significant bokeh effect. However, by zooming in on your subject and moving closer to it, you can increase the background blur and create a bokeh effect.
If you want to create more pronounced bokeh, you may want to consider investing in a prime lens with a wider maximum aperture, such as the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 or the 85mm f/1.8. These lenses offer a larger aperture, which allows for more light to enter the lens and creates a shallower depth of field, resulting in a more noticeable bokeh effect.
Ultimately, whether or not you need a specific lens to create bokeh depends on the desired effect and the limitations of your current lens. With some creativity and experimentation, you can achieve bokeh with any lens, but having a lens with a wider maximum aperture can make the process easier and more consistent.
How do I adjust the aperture on my Nikon lens to achieve the desired bokeh effect?
To adjust the aperture on a Nikon lens and achieve the desired bokeh effect, follow these steps:
1. Set your camera to aperture priority mode (A or Av) or manual mode (M).
2. Look for the aperture ring on the lens and turn it to the desired aperture value. If your lens does not have an aperture ring, use the camera's control dial or menu to adjust the aperture.
3. A lower aperture value (e.g. f/1.8 or f/2.8) will result in a shallower depth of field, which can create a creamy, blurred background.
4. Experiment with different aperture values and distances from the subject to find the perfect balance of bokeh and sharpness.
Keep in mind that the type of lens you use also affects the bokeh effect. A lens with a wider aperture (lower f-stop) and longer focal length can create a more pronounced bokeh. Additionally, the distance between the subject and background, as well as the distance between the camera and subject, can also impact the bokeh effect. With practice and experimentation, you can achieve stunning bokeh in your photos.
What is the minimum aperture I need to achieve good bokeh with a Nikon lens?
The minimum aperture you need to achieve good bokeh with a Nikon lens depends on various factors such as the lens focal length, distance to the subject, and size of the aperture. Generally, a wide aperture such as f/1.8, f/1.4, or even wider can help you achieve good bokeh. These wide apertures allow more light to enter the lens, creating a shallow depth of field and a soft, creamy background blur. However, the wider the aperture, the shallower the depth of field becomes, which means you need to be careful with focusing. You may need to use a smaller aperture such as f/2.8 or f/4 if you want to have more of the subject in focus while still achieving a decent bokeh. Overall, the best aperture for achieving good bokeh with a Nikon lens will depend on your specific needs and the lens you are using.
Which Nikon lenses are best for achieving bokeh in my photography?
When it comes to achieving bokeh in your photography with Nikon lenses, there are several options to consider. One of the most popular choices for portrait photography is the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G lens, which offers a wide aperture for beautiful depth of field and creamy bokeh. Another great option is the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR II lens, which allows for versatile zooming capabilities while still providing a wide aperture for bokeh.
For those on a tighter budget, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D lens is a fantastic choice. It offers a wide aperture and is lightweight, making it easy to carry around for everyday use. Additionally, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR IF-ED Micro lens is a great option for achieving bokeh in macro photography.
It's important to keep in mind that achieving beautiful bokeh in your photography is not solely dependent on the lens you use. Factors such as lighting, distance from your subject, and camera settings can all play a role in creating stunning bokeh.