This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Nikon D810.
You can never go wrong with the Nikon D810. It’s a powerful camera that has a 36.3MP full-frame CMOS sensor.
It also has everything that you could ask for in a DSLR whether you are looking to start as a pro photographer in a studio or you are looking to use the gear outdoors.
It can shoot up to 6 FPS or even 7 FPS in DX Crop Mode. Plus, it comes with a robust design that makes it handy and almost perfect for every photographer.
And I believe that the best way to enjoy this camera is by having the right type of lens. In this article, we’ve come up with some of the best lenses for the Nikon D810. If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is an F-Mount Lens as that is the lens mount compatible with the Nikon D810.
Also, note that the D810 is an FX camera body but I have also listed DX lenses. If using a DX lens on a full frame, divide by the crop – OR – put in DX mode or crop in. The reason some photographers like to use DX lenses on an FX camera body is for that beautiful vignette effect and sometimes cheaper prices.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Nikon D810
- 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Nikon D810
- 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Nikon D810
- 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Nikon D810
- 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lens for the Nikon D810
- ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Nikon D810
- 💸 Best Budget Lens for the Nikon D810
How to Choose the Best Lens for the Nikon D810?
Image Quality: The D810 has a high-resolution sensor, so it’s important to choose a lens that can produce sharp, detailed images. Examples of high-quality lenses are the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G.
Focal Length: Decide on what type of photography you will be doing and choose a lens with a suitable focal length. For example, a wide-angle lens such as Nikon 16-35mm f/4G is good for landscapes and architecture, while a telephoto lens such as Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is good for portraits and sports.
Aperture: Low-light photography requires a lens with a wide aperture (low f-stop number) such as the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G or Nikon 85mm f/1.4G.
Image stabilization: The D810 doesn’t have built-in image stabilization, so if you plan on using the camera for low-light or handheld photography, look for a lens that has this feature, like Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G VR.
Quality of construction: Look for lenses that are well-built and can withstand heavy use. Lenses like the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G and Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G are made with high-quality materials and are built to last.
Budget: There are many great Nikon lenses, but they can vary greatly in price. Consider your budget when choosing a lens and look for options that offer the best value for your money.
Table of Contents
10 Best Lenses for Nikon D810
1. NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 55–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4 stops claimed)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Weight: 530 g (1.17 lb)
- Diameter: 77 mm (3.01″)
- Length: 123 mm (4.84″)
The best lens for the Nikon D810 is the NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G.
Most of the best lenses for the Nikon D810 will only be applicable in some scenarios. Some would only work in shooting landscapes and portraits.
On the other hand, prime lenses don’t have the ability to switch focal lengths to cover subjects from afar.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 zoom lens is a great option for those who want a lens that can function in virtually all scenarios.
It can function well when shooting landscapes, portraits, or even macro photography (check out the best macro lenses for Nikon).
Consider it as a handy option for those who need to shoot subjects from different distances.
It also comes with VR image stabilization that allows you to shoot with minimal blurry shots.
It even has a silent wave motor perfect for those who want a fast and accurate AF system.
Though it is arguably one of the best lenses for the Nikon D810, this lens is something that you might find difficult to use in low-light scenarios.
With its widest aperture at f4.5, you will need to have artificial light or natural light for this lens to be effective.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With the image stabilization feature
- The fast and accurate AF system
- Versatile for most situations
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well in low-light scenarios
2. NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 155 g (0.34 lb)
- Diameter: 64 mm (2.5″)
- Length: 39 mm (1.54″)
- Sealing: No
The best budget lens for the Nikon D810 is the NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D.
Ask any photographer and they’ll tell you that you can never go wrong with a 50mm lens.
We believe that the Nikon AF FX Nikkor 50mm F1.8D lens is the best budget lens since you don’t need to spend a lot for something versatile and dependable.
It is known for its fast and dependable AF motor. However, the AF motor is not exactly working with the D5000 and the D3000 series.
Fortunately, you can enjoy its functions with the D810. It also provides high contrast images plus a wide aperture perfect for shooting portraits (also check out the best Nikon portrait lenses).
Unfortunately, this lens offers softer results when you decide to get the aperture at f1.8. Some considered it even as a deal-breaker.
My Pros With This Lens:
- High contrast image
- Good bokeh
- Fast and accurate AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- Softer results when the aperture is at f1.8
- The motor may not work on other DSLRs
3. NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–300 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (VR II)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 550 g (1.21 lb)
- Diameter: 79 mm (3.11″)
- Length: 99 mm (3.9″)
- Sealing: No
The best zoom lens for the Nikon D810 is the NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G.
What makes a good zoom lens? It should be something that can be used for different scenarios. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens can be your all-in-one lens.
It is arguably the best zoom lens for Nikon D810 because it can be used for different scenarios whether you are shooting group shots, landscapes, macro photography, or even sports photography.
It comes with vibration reduction capability allowing you to shoot more photos even when you don’t have a tripod with you.
Its optics are also known for producing superb photos.
And because it comes with a quiet motor that allows fast and accurate autofocus, it is also handy when you decide to shoot photos using the Nikon D810.
Though we considered it the best zoom lens for Nikon D810, it’s not exactly perfect.
Using full zoom is an issue for some photographers saying that it produces “soft” photos.
My Pros With This Lens:
- All-around lens for most photographers
- Great optics
- With Vibration reduction capability
My Cons With This Lens:
- Soft photos when going full zoom
4. NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 50 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.4
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 290 g (0.64 lb)
- Diameter: 74 mm (2.89″)
- Length: 54 mm (2.13″)
- Sealing: No
The best prime lens for the Nikon D810 is the NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G.
Naming the best prime lens for Nikon D810 is quite difficult considering the wide array of choices in this category.
But after careful consideration, we believe that the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G lens takes home the title for the best prime lens for Nikon D810 in this list.
Our list of best lenses for Nikon D810 may have other prime lenses but nothing compares to the versatility that the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm F1.4G lens offers.
For starters, it has a wide aperture that comes in handy in both indoor and outdoor locations.
You can use this lens when shooting in low-light scenarios or when you want to shoot portraits and need to blur the background of your subject.
And since it is a 50mm lens, it makes it easier for the user to compose using his or her eyes.
It also features a silent wave motor that can help in high speed and accurate focusing of subjects.
It also comes with a curved non-spherical lens that reduces aberration that usually comes from lenses.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Offers great performance in both indoor and outdoor scenarios
- Great bokeh
- Silent wave motor that can focus without annoying sounds
- Compact and lightweight
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
5. NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 900 g (1.98 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Length: 133 mm (5.24″)
- Sealing: Yes
The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8G ED Zoom Lens is another great option for those who love taking portraits and landscapes (check out the full list of the best Nikon lenses for landscape photography).
It has a wide-angle option that gives you the chance to capture beautiful cityscapes and nature.
It can also be used to shoot portraits and even maintain distance from your subject.
It comes with an F2.8 aperture. And though it doesn’t give you the beautiful aperture of F1.8 prime 50mm or 35mm lenses, it can still function even indoors.
It is a favorite among pros with its professional-grade dust and moisture-resistant design. As for the optics, it comes with an ED glass element and precision glass mold aspherical lens that enhances the quality of the shots.
Its AF is also worth mentioning since it made use of Nikon’s silent wave motor known for accurately finding subjects and doing it without too much noise.
Unfortunately, many are hesitant to invest in this lens despite being considered even by top photographers as one of the best lenses for the Nikon D810.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Perfect for landscapes and portraits
- Silent motor
- High-quality shots
My Cons With This Lens:
- n/a
6. NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 28 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 330 g (0.73 lb)
- Diameter: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Length: 81 mm (3.17″)
- Sealing: No
The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 28mm f1.8G compact wide-angle prime lens can be considered a handy tool for those who are shooting group shots indoors such as at weddings and events.
It is also the type of lens that you can bring with you when you decide to go outdoors.
With its f1.8 aperture, you can also use it as a portrait lens creating magnificent bokeh, blurring the background, and accentuating the subject.
But unlike the 50mm lens, this gives you the chance to include the subject from head to foot.
Because it made use of Nikon’s silent wave motor, it allows the user to focus without the noise coming from the lens.
This is the reason why it’s a favorite even by video content creators.
Though it is undoubtedly one of the best lenses for the Nikon D810, it is made of plastic. Manual focus is also a bit gritty compared to other lenses that we’ve tried.
Also, be sure to check out the full list of the best Nikon wide-angle lenses.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great bokeh
- Perfect for shooting group shots
- Perfect for landscape photography
- Fast and accurate autofocus
My Cons With This Lens:
- Made of plastic
- Manual focus feels a bit gritty to use
7. NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 20 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F1.8
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 355 g (0.78 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.25″)
- Length: 81 mm (3.17″)
- Sealing: No
If you feel that 35mm or 28mm still doesn’t give you a wide enough look when shooting photos or videos, then you might want to check the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 20mm f/1.8 ED Fixed Lens.
This lens is known for vibrant shots, super wide-angle, and the ability to be used for different situations including shooting group shots indoors such as weddings and corporate gatherings.
It has a compact and handy design making it a great option for professional photographers. It is a bit more of an investment which is somewhat expected for a prime lens with this focal length.
The good news is that you can still use it for portraits as well since it has the ability to blur the background and focus on the subject.
Just like the 28mm F1.8 that we previously featured in our list of best lenses for Nikon D810, this lens has a silent wave motor responsible for fast and accurate autofocus.
Is this the best prime lens for Nikon D810? If you are looking for sharpness, the 50mm version still offers the best results.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great for shooting landscapes and group shots
- Wide aperture perfect for indoors
- Has the ability to shoot great portraits
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not as sharp as 50mm prime lens
8. NIKKOR 35mm f/2D
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 35 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F2
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 205 g (0.45 lb)
- Diameter: 65 mm (2.56″)
- Length: 45 mm (1.75″)
- Sealing: No
Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D Lens makes a great option for those who plan on shooting landscapes and cityscapes.
It also performs well even indoors with its f/2 aperture. It is wide enough to not give you a hard time getting the right exposure but it might not give you the proper bokeh that you expect from a portrait lens.
If you are traveling, this might be a great lens of choice given its lightweight construction. It also provides good color balance thanks to its optics, not to mention fast and accurate autofocus.
Overall, though it is good and worthy to be included as one of the best lenses for the Nikon D810, it is not exactly great.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good all-around lens
- Great for landscapes and even for portraits
- Vibrant colors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Lacks the depth of field of a prime portrait lens
9. NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 16–35 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction (VR II) up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 685 g (1.51 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.25″)
- Length: 125 mm (4.92″)
- Sealing: Yes
If you are likely to travel to places and you don’t want to stuff your bag with a bunch of other lenses, then you might like the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G Lens on your D810.
It gives you the same experience as having a variety of wide-angle lenses.
Plus, the quality of the image is also superb considering its optics.
It also comes with vibration reduction capability allowing you to shoot confidently even if you have shaky hands and you don’t have a tripod with you.
The biggest drawback is that it has some distortion around the edges.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Good replacement for prime wide-angle lenses
- Superb image quality
- Has a vibration-reduction feature
My Cons With This Lens:
- Distortion around the edges
- Doesn’t have a wide aperture
10. Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Prime lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 105 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction (VR II) up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F2.8
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 720 g (1.59 lb)
- Diameter: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Length: 116 mm (4.57″)
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens allows you to take photos of subjects from afar.
It comes in handy for sports photography, or even for shooting portraits if you want to give your subject space he or she needs to feel more comfortable.
It can also be used for macro photography giving you superb details of the subject you are shooting.
This lens is easy to use even if you don’t have a tripod thanks to its vibration reduction capability.
However, the downside is that it is difficult to use when you are dealing with moving objects.
My Pros With This Lens:
- High-quality image
- Great for macro photography
- With vibration reduction
My Cons With This Lens:
- Not exactly meant for moving subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lens Mount is the Nikon D810?
The Nikon D810 has a Nikon F lens mount, which is a type of lens mount that is compatible with lenses made by Nikon and other manufacturers.
Can You use a DX Lens on a Nikon D810?
Yes, you can use a DX lens on a Nikon D810 camera. The D810 is a full-frame camera, but it also has a DX crop mode which allows you to use DX lenses. When using a DX lens on a full-frame camera, the camera will automatically switch to DX crop mode and will only use the center portion of the sensor.
Is the D850 That Much Better Than the D810?
The Nikon D850 is considered to be an upgrade to the D810 in terms of its features and capabilities. It has a higher resolution sensor, faster continuous shooting speed, improved autofocus system, and additional video features.
Concluding Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best lenses for the Nikon D810.
The Nikon D810 may be considered “old” by today’s standards but it is still something that can be dependable even for pros.
However, you will need to have the right lens to maximize its capacity. Be sure to know your needs and compare the lenses that we’ve featured on our list.
Also, check out the full list of the best Nikon lenses.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.
