Of course, it is an entirely new camera with no other connections to old-style pieces except for the looks. Besides a full-frame sensor, it has an ISO range from 100 to 25,600, a maximum of 5,5FPS continuous shooting, and a 39-point autofocus system.

Below you will find our top picks with Nikon DF lens compatibility in the plan, meaning that every single lens will fit perfectly for your Nikon DF lenses.

Best Prime Lens for Portraits

Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is a lens of fantastic quality—the depth of field and bokeh effect with smooth transition between subjects and background.

It is, by far, the best around f/2 for achieving smooth bokeh and sharp sections separately. I did go lower to f/1.4, but the difference was barely noticeable.

It is incredible to see how much light this lens can absorb, even at large apertures. I didn’t face any problems photographing my subjects indoors, even with dim light.

Color rendition is much better compared to other lenses I tested this time. I overlooked issues indoors and outdoors in terms of autofocus.

Some users reported autofocus issues from time to time. However, during extensive testing, I didn’t face any trouble whatsoever. It focused quickly and accurately every time.

Speaking of design, it has stable quality and solid ergonomics, and it resembles the G prime lens series.

Let’s start with ergonomy. Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 is a beast in the world of lenses. It is heavy and massive, much more than Nikon and Tokina’s competition. It balances nicely between size and smooth operation. It packs nice zoom and focusing rings that move with precision.

Markings are an excellent cut, from 15 to 30 mm, so choosing a desired focal length is easy. In terms of shutter speed, it is a tremendously usable f/2.8, and it has an excellent performance in edges and corners, with no vignetting nor chromatic aberrations.

Tamron lens showed the best results in terms of distortion, even with maximum focal length and excellent vibration image stabilization.

Also:

It provided high sharpness, even at f/2.8, so all of the images I took proved to be rendered in high-quality, with very sharp lines.

Also, taking shots in different focal ranges turned out to be great since I didn’t face any focus issues at any given focal length, which I was delighted to see.

My favorite all-around lens for this occasion is Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G. The first image I took with it looked good on the LCD screen, so I had to put it on my PC screen.

It was still a stunning photo, extraordinarily sharp and with no aberrations. I have switched everything from as low as 24 to as high as 120 mm, and I was thrilled with the picture quality.

I would dare say it is a perfect choice for wanderers since it is a great all-around lens if you accept it as a heavy lens. They deliver crisp, sharp images paired with a beautiful bokeh effect, especially at 120 mm and f/4. Due to its low-light focus performance, it is a versatile lens, and it can be used as a concert or indoor lens.

It is a fantastic piece of optical manufacture. Pictures come out sharp and have a beautiful color palette and range of tones which I like. The downside is the size of the lens. It is heavy, and you won’t notice the difference between this and some 300 mm lenses, which can discourage many buyers.

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 incorporates an optical stabilization function manufactured by Sigma, covering a focal length from 70 mm to 200 mm.

It comes with an aperture of f/2.8. Optical stabilization makes shooting portraits and sports a piece of cake since it offers a shutter speed around four stops lower than possible without it.

Lens also comes with a built-in hypersonic motor, which ensures the autofocus is quiet and manual focus capability at all times. Glass elements in this Nikon DF lens provide excellent correction of any aberrations. I second this because I didn’t face any aberration-related issues. The pictures come out sharp and crisp, even at the highest zoom.

The selling point of the lens is the constant f/2.8 across the whole zoom range. I took great photos with it, even with just an ambient light long after dusk.

Also:

My praises go to the bokeh effect as well, the details are superb, and the transition is smooth. The only downside is size and weight. But, considering all the pros, it is a con you’ll have no problem dealing with.

• Lens Type: Normal
• Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
• Focal Length Range: 40mm
• Minimum Focus Distance: 0.162 m
• Weight: 0.52 pounds
• Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches

Nikon AF-S 40mm f/2.8G performed the best out of all macro lenses. Dust and waterproof sealing mount in any lens is a plus, especially for macro, since I love to go out in the rain and capture raindrops close-up.

I also love SWM for its fast, ultra-quick performance, which comes in handy in quiet environments when photographing insects.

First and foremost, I noticed the possibility of a quick switch between manual and autofocus modes. Sometimes I saw little trouble focusing on the subject if I was too close to it, but I solved the issue by manually choosing and letting the autofocus do the rest. I wasn’t disappointed with the image quality.

At the minimum distance from the subject, this Nikon DF lens can cause some unwanted shadows, so you might consider using a flash or artificial light to avoid it. F/2.8 showed excellent results in low-light conditions, such as rain, while I was deep into the woods shooting raindrops.

It is an excellent choice and can be used as a portrait lens.

Getting the Most Out of Your Nikon Df: Practical Advice for Beginners

The Nikon Df is a unique blend of classic design and modern digital photography. Its compatibility with a wide range of lenses means the possibilities are vast, but it can also be overwhelming for beginners. Here are some practical tips to help you make informed decisions and enhance your photography experience with the Nikon Df:

• Understand the Basics of Lens Focal Lengths: Different focal lengths offer different perspectives. Wide-angle lenses (like 24mm) are great for landscapes and architecture, while telephoto lenses (like 70-200mm) are better for wildlife or sports. A mid-range zoom like a 24-120mm can be very versatile for everyday shooting.

• Consider the Aperture: The aperture affects depth of field and low-light performance. Lenses with wider apertures (lower f-numbers) allow more light, which is beneficial in dim conditions and for achieving a blurred background, or ‘bokeh’.

• Experiment with Prime Lenses: Although zoom lenses offer convenience, using a prime lens (a lens with a fixed focal length) can improve your composition skills and often provide superior sharpness and light performance.

• Factor in Size and Weight: The Nikon Df is designed for portability and ease of use. Consider the size and weight of the lens to maintain the camera’s handling advantages. A heavy lens may require a tripod for stability, which could limit your mobility.

• Image Stabilization is Key: For handheld shooting, especially in low-light conditions or with longer focal lengths, look for lenses with Vibration Reduction (VR). This feature helps to minimize camera shake and can be a lifesaver in challenging shooting scenarios.

• Budget Wisely: While it’s tempting to go for high-end lenses, remember that more expensive doesn’t always mean better for your needs. Assess what type of photography you’ll be doing most and invest in lenses that suit those scenarios.

• Prioritize Durability for Outdoor Photography: If you plan to shoot in various conditions, consider lenses with weather sealing to protect against dust and moisture.

• Learn About Lens Compatibility: While the Nikon Df can use virtually any Nikon F-mount lens, older lenses may not support all the camera’s features, such as autofocus and metering. Ensure any older lens you consider is AI (Automatic Indexing) compatible.

• Keep Maintenance in Mind: Protect your investment by learning how to clean and store your lenses properly. This will ensure they last longer and perform at their best.

By incorporating these tips into your practice, you’ll be better equipped to select lenses that match your photography style and make the most of the Nikon Df’s capabilities. Remember, photography is about creativity and exploration, so don’t be afraid to try new things and grow your skills.

Best lenses for Nikon Df – Wrapping Up

Nikon DF is a great camera in terms of technical capabilities. It will serve everyone, but it is aimed at those who want the retro style but still wish to achieve high-end performance with a full-frame sensor.

DF is generally one of the most beautiful cameras you will encounter, and with the Nikon Df lenses I recommended, you will take your retro Nikon to new heights in terms of photo quality.

Hopefully, this guide helped you make the right decision. If so, kindly share it with your friends using the buttons below.

Other articles on our site are related, such as the Nikon Z6 lens tutorial and Guide for Nikon D50 lenses.

Enjoy your new lens!

More Nikon D Series guides:

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• Nikon D4 lenses
• Nikon D5 lenses
• Nikon D600 lenses
• Nikon D610 lenses
• Nikon D700 lenses
• Nikon D750 lenses
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