The Best Nikon DX Lenses Worth the Money

Summary

This video provides an in-depth guide to Nikon’s APS-C DSLR lenses, comparing them with Canon’s offerings. It covers lens acronyms, compatibility issues, and provides recommendations for the best value lenses in different categories like primes, zooms, telephotos, and macros. The guide includes budget-friendly options for those starting out, with suggestions for lenses like the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.8G, and various kit zooms. It also addresses common pitfalls when purchasing used lenses, and highlights the significant value in Nikon's extensive F-mount system for APS-C bodies.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nikon and Canon have long competed in the APS-C lens market, with Nikon offering a greater variety of lenses but Canon releasing more versions of popular models like the 18-55mm kit lens.
• 😀 Nikon's 36 APS-C models are compatible with FX (full-frame) lenses, giving users extra reach with telephoto lenses thanks to the 1.5x crop factor, though it’s not ideal for wide-angle lenses.
• 😀 Lenses with the 'AFP' acronym should be avoided due to limited compatibility, as they only work with a few Nikon camera bodies and lack manual switches for autofocus and VR.
• 😀 AFS lenses are the most compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras and provide fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus using Nikon's Silent Wave Motor.
• 😀 VR (Vibration Reduction) is essential for clearer images, especially in low light and for telephoto lenses, as it provides optical image stabilization.
• 😀 DX lenses are designed for APS-C bodies and will crop when used on FX cameras, leading to reduced resolution and compatibility issues with future full-frame upgrades.
• 😀 The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G lens is one of the best value options for portraits and low-light situations, and it has a wider aperture for improved bokeh compared to other budget options.
• 😀 The 18-55mm kit lens is a great value, often available for under $60 on eBay, but buyers should ensure they don’t accidentally purchase non-VR or AFP versions.
• 😀 For telephoto zooms, the 55-200mm lens offers excellent value, especially when purchased with VR, making it a solid second lens for wildlife and sports photography.
• 😀 Wide-angle lenses like the Sigma 10-20mm and Tokina 11-16mm offer great value for less than $150 and are ideal for architecture and landscape photography.
• 😀 For telephoto reach, the 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AFS VR lens is the best value, offering a versatile zoom range and the ability to work with both DX and full-frame cameras.

Q & A

What is the main difference between Nikon and Canon's APS-C lens offerings?

Nikon has released 36 different APS-C lenses, offering more variety compared to Canon's fewer offerings. Nikon's lineup provides more choices for different photography needs, though some compatibility issues may arise with certain lenses.

What does the 'AF-P' acronym stand for, and why should you be cautious about it?

AF-P stands for 'Auto Focus-P', which uses a stepper motor. These lenses are incompatible with most Nikon camera bodies and often lack essential physical features like manual focus and VR switches, providing a poor user experience.

What is the benefit of Nikon's 'AF-S' lenses compared to other types?

AF-S lenses use Nikon’s 'Silent Wave Motor', which offers fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. These lenses are more versatile and compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, making them ideal for most users.

How does Nikon's 'VR' (Vibration Reduction) help photographers?

VR (Vibration Reduction) is Nikon’s optical image stabilization system, which helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, particularly useful in low-light conditions, sports photography, or when using telephoto lenses.

What does the 'DX' label on Nikon lenses mean, and how does it affect image quality on full-frame cameras?

DX lenses are designed for APS-C sensor cameras (crop sensor). While they can be used on full-frame cameras, they crop the image, reducing resolution and making them unsuitable for full-frame use if you plan to upgrade in the future.

Why should you avoid Nikon 'G' lenses for older film cameras?

The 'G' designation means the lens lacks a physical aperture ring, which can cause issues for older Nikon film cameras that require manual aperture adjustments. However, for digital cameras, this is generally not a concern.

What is the best value lens for photographers on a budget looking for a versatile prime lens?

The Nikon 35mm F/1.8G is an excellent budget option. On an APS-C sensor, it provides a 50mm equivalent field of view, ideal for portraits, indoor, and low-light photography, all at an affordable price.

How does the Nikon 50mm F/1.8G lens perform on APS-C sensors compared to full-frame bodies?

On an APS-C sensor, the Nikon 50mm F/1.8G gives a field of view similar to a 75mm lens, which makes it perfect for portrait photography. On a full-frame camera, it performs as a classic 50mm lens, offering beautiful bokeh and sharpness.

What should you consider when purchasing an 18-55mm kit lens for a Nikon APS-C camera?

Make sure to avoid the AFP versions (which lack autofocus motors) and lenses without VR (Vibration Reduction). These lenses are often sold at a very affordable price, but compatibility issues should be checked before buying.

What makes the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 lens stand out for low-light and portrait photography?

The Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 offers a constant aperture of F/2.8, which is great for low-light environments and helps create a shallow depth of field for beautiful portraits. It's also priced under $150, offering great value for its performance.

What are the key considerations when choosing a telephoto lens for wildlife or sports photography?

For wildlife or sports photography, consider lenses like the Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6G VR or the Tamron 150-600mm G2. Key factors include lens reach (zoom range), image stabilization (VR), and overall lens weight, as telephoto lenses can be heavy for long shooting sessions.