This is a guide covering the best Nikon lenses for sports photography.
Sports photography is heavily dependent on powerful lenses and a powerful camera. With Nikon, you’ll never run out of options.
But sometimes, you can easily get confused if you find yourself browsing a variety of Nikon sports lens options.
What does the best Nikon lens for sports photography look like? That’s highly subjective since it will depend on several factors.
You should consider available lighting, your distance from your subject, plus, whether you are taking videos or photos. All these things can affect which lens you should pick.
When choosing a lens, pay attention to the lens mount and the one that is compatible with your camera. I have listed Nikon F-Mount and Z-Mount lenses to accommodate both types so make sure to check and pick the one according to your camera type.
In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:
- ⭐ Best Overall Nikon Lens for Sports Photography
- ⚾ Best Nikon Lenses for Mid-Distance Sports Photography
- 🏈 Best Nikon Lenses for Long-Distance Sports Photography
- ⛳ Best Nikon Lenses for Macro-Distance Sports Photography
- 💸 Best Budget Nikon Lenses for Sports Photography
How to Choose the best Nikon Lens for Sports Photography?
Focal Length: A lens with a longer focal length will allow the photographer to capture action shots from a distance, which is important for sports photography. For example, a lens like the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR or the NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR are great choices for sports like football, soccer, and wildlife photography.
Aperture: A wide aperture (low f-stop number) will allow the photographer to capture fast-moving subjects in low light conditions and will create a shallow depth of field, which can help to isolate the subject from the background. For example, the NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S is a great lens for sports photography as it has a wide aperture and a versatile zoom range.
Image stabilization: Image stabilization can help to reduce camera shake, which can be especially useful when shooting in low light conditions or at longer focal lengths. For example, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX AF-P ED and Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR are both equipped with image stabilization features.
Auto-focus: A lens with a fast and accurate auto-focus system is essential for capturing fast-moving subjects. For example, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR both have fast and accurate autofocus systems.
Budget: A photographer should also consider the cost of the lens and weigh it against their budget. For example, the Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF is a good budget option for sports photography.
Table of Contents
10 Best Nikon Lenses for Sports Photography
1. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–85 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F2.8–4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 545 g (1.20 lb)
- Diameter: 79 mm (3.09″)
- Length: 83 mm (3.25″)
- Sealing: No
Sports photography isn’t just all about shooting portraits.
Ask any professional photographer and they will tell you that they will also need to capture the venue and things that go on behind the scenes.
This is also the reason why sports photographers always have a wide-angle lens on standby. What if you can have everything in one package?
The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 24-85mm F2.8-4D IF zoom lens is a handy option for different scenarios.
Though it may not be able to take photos of subjects from afar, you can still get some decent shots when you use the 85mm focal length of this lens.
The aperture is also not too bad at F2.8. This can create beautiful bokeh and still perform well in low-light situations.
However, the problem with this lens is that you will also need to have proper lighting since you can’t use F2.8 in the entire range of the zoom lens.
As far as results are concerned, you get sharp results and an easier time adjusting to what type of subject you’re trying to shoot.
Some prefer to use this as their walk-around lens since it acts as a wide-angle lens, portrait, and even a macro lens.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp results
- Practical for different situations
- The widest aperture creates beautiful bokeh
My Cons With This Lens:
- Aperture is not uniform across the zoom lens’s range
2. Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–4.5
- Minimum aperture: F22–29
- Weight: 420 g (0.93 lb)
- Diameter: 73 mm (2.87″)
- Length: 76 mm (2.97″)
- Sealing: Yes
Finding a starter-friendly pick when you’re in the market for the best Nikon lens for sports photography might feel like a challenging task.
For this category, we’ve picked the Nikon 18-70mm F3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX zoom lens.
This lens is a practical choice if you’ll have to shoot wide-angle shots for portraits.
If you’re a bit close to where the action is, then this could even work as the ideal lens.
It comes with a quick and accurate AF, coupled with optics that can produce minimal chromatic aberration and low distortion making it easier for you to edit your shots during post-production.
Since its motor runs quietly, some are using this to cover sports events. It is a good pick if you want to create video content.
As for the downside, the results are not as sharp as other high-end lenses. Also, the build is not something that feels sturdy.
But overall, it’s still a great lens to have in your bag in case you are going to cover sports events.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
- Great range
- Does a good job producing wide-angle shots
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t feel sturdy
- Doesn’t give you the sharpest results
3. NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 24–70 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Maximum aperture: F4
- Minimum aperture: F22
- Weight: 500 g (1.10 lb)
- Diameter: 78 mm (3.07″)
- Length: 89 mm (3.5″)
- Sealing: Yes
The best Nikon video lens for sports photography is the NIKON NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S.
So what if you’re one of those who also need to create video content?
If you need a Nikon lens that can come for video content, then you’d want to consider using the Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F4/S standard zoom lens.
What makes it a good choice?
For starters, it’s a lens for mirrorless cameras. Between DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, the latter produces less noise, easier to carry when you don’t have a tripod.
Aside from the fact that it can be paired with a lighter camera, it comes with a 5-axis dual detect optical VR.
It also runs smoothly when taking videos, and you also have a new customizable control ring.
This lens is also known for producing sharp results regardless if it is taking photos or videos.
What’s not to like?
If you’re particular about the construction of your lenses, this lens is made mostly of plastic.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With 5-axis dual detect optical VR
- Runs smoothly on video
- With a new customizable control ring
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- Made mostly of plastic
4. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR
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 most common concern when picking a sports photography lens is its ability to take steady shots.
The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED vibration reduction zoom lens can minimize wasted shots.
With its vibration reduction feature, it’s easy to take photos of moving subjects whether it’s an athlete or a car.
It also comes with a great zoom range making it an all-around lens that you can carry around in the venue.
The results are also sharp in the entirety of the lens’s range. The colors are also pretty accurate making it a favorite even by professionals.
It could easily be the best Nikon lens for sports photography if not for a few flaws.
For instance, beginners might find it too complicated to use especially in low-light.
Plus, it is still bulky and heavy.
My Pros With This Lens:
- With vibration reduction
- A great range for multiple scenarios
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- Bulky and heavy
5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 18–140 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (VR)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F3.5–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–38
- Weight: 490 g (1.08 lb)
- Diameter: 78 mm (3.07″)
- Length: 97 mm (3.82″)
For those who find 18-300mm a bit too overkill for their sports photography gig, then you could settle with the shorter Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED vibration reduction zoom lens.
Though it’s a slightly shorter pick, it can still be a contender for the best Nikon lens for sports photography. It can even be used when shooting nature.
This lens is an ideal pick if you don’t have a tripod. With its vibration reduction capability, it can lessen shaky shots and even allow you to shoot moving subjects without a tripod.
When it comes to its results and functionality, it’s understandable why some professional photographers consider this lens a top contender for the best Nikon lens for sports photography.
This lens produces sharp results, offers a versatile range, and is equipped with fast and accurate autofocus.
What’s not to like? If you are expecting a lens that can produce beautiful bokeh, then you’d want to look for other lenses.
It’s not something that you want if you are looking to shoot portraits. It doesn’t open wide enough to give you a bokeh effect.
Also, the zoom control has a bit of resistance when you are doing manual focusing.
But overall, it produces pro-level shots.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Versatile range
- With vibration reduction
- Sharp results
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t produce bokeh since the lens doesn’t open wide enough
6. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: 35mm FF
- Focal length: 200–500 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (4.5 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
- Maximum aperture: F5.6
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 2300 g (5.07 lb)
- Diameter: 108 mm (4.25″)
- Length: 268 mm (10.55″)
- Sealing: No
Are you looking for a lens that can give you the advantage to take superb photos even when you are keeping a great distance from the subject?
There are instances when sports photographers can’t get close to the action. In this scenario, you’d need to have a zoom lens that can get the job done.
That’s where the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200mm-500mm F5.6E ED vibration reduction zoom lens comes in handy.
It’s a practical pick for serious sports photographers, nature photographers, and even for those who are doing surveillance.
The only thing that is not good about this lens is that it works well when you use it outdoors or in a venue that has good lighting.
If not, then that will be a problem. But considering the quality of the shots, functionality, and ability to take steady shots, it’s something that you want to invest in.
It can be considered by pros as their go-to lens, and potentially the best Nikon lens for sports photography especially if you are at least 50 meters away from your subject.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Perfect for shooting from a distance
- Can take steady shots
- Sharp results
- Accurate colors
My Cons With This Lens:
- Doesn’t do well if the subject is not well-lighted
7. NIKON NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 50–250 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes
- Lens mount: Nikon Z
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F16
- Weight: 405 g (0.89 lb)
- Diameter: 74 mm (2.91″)
- Length: 110 mm (4.33″)
- Sealing: No
The Nikon Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 lens is a perfect choice if you’re looking to take portraits in well-lighted situations.
It is built with superb optics that can provide users with sharp results. It gives a decent range for those who are looking to shoot portraits.
Plus, it is also something that videographers love to use. It can produce smooth results, with no noise from its AF motor.
The VR image stabilization can offer up to 5 stops. It means that you can easily use it without a tripod.
You can have it hand-held considering its weight and get good results out of it.
Now, what’s not to like? It’s a perfect camera if you have a full-frame mirrorless Nikon camera like a Z6 or Z7, then it is probably a top pick for the best Nikon lens for sports photography.
However, if you have a DX camera, then you’d be dealing with a cropped version of your shots, which could mean a bit of adjustment on your end.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp results
- With vibration reduction of up to 5 stops
- Takes smooth videos
My Cons With This Lens:
- Cropped when used in DX cameras
8. Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G DX AF-P ED
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 70–300 mm
- Image stabilization: No
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F4.5–6.3
- Minimum aperture: F32
- Weight: 400 g (0.88 lb)
- Diameter: 72 mm (2.83″)
- Length: 125 mm (4.92″)
- Sealing: No
If you are using a DX camera and you have to shoot photos of your subjects from a distance, then we’d highly recommend that you check the Nikon 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G DX AF-P ED zoom lens.
It gives users crisp and sharp results. The colors are accurate as well thanks to its superior-quality optics.
On top of that, it comes with an accurate AF motor. However, one thing that you might not like about this lens is that the AF motor tends to pulsate when it tries to find the subject.
At times, you could miss out on some moments because of this.
Unfortunately, it’s more of a beginner sports photography lens than a pro lens.
Despite its reputation as a novice sports lens, it can still be considered a top pick for the best Nikon lens for sports photography.
However, it’s something that we don’t recommend as your main lens.
It’s a good addition to your gear bag in case you need a backup lens for your work.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Great range
- Sharp results
- Accurate AF
My Cons With This Lens:
- AF motor tends to pulsate lagging when it comes to finding moving subjects
9. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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″)
We find prime lenses in sports photography a bit difficult to use. However, with the right preparation, prime lenses can come in handy in different situations.
If you already know how far you are going to be from your subject, then this can come in handy and even do better than your zoom lenses.
If you’ll notice the Nikon AF-S VR Micro Nikkor 105mm F2.8G IF ED lens, comes with a wide aperture that most lenses don’t offer.
Expect beautiful bokeh with this lens. Plus, you also get to have sharp results, cool tint, and reduced chromatic aberrations.
The focus is also fast and accurate minimizing times when you miss picture-perfect moments.
It also weighs around 279 ounces which makes it a decent lens to carry around.
We tried using this lens without a tripod and it didn’t disappoint. Its vibration reduction feature does a good job of minimizing shakes.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Fast and accurate AF
- Beautiful bokeh
- Sharp results
- Cool tint
My Cons With This Lens:
- Single focal length that will only allow you to take photos in one spot
10. Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor
Lens specifications:
- Lens type: Zoom lens
- Max Format size: APS-C / DX
- Focal length: 55–200 mm
- Image stabilization: Yes (vibration reduction up to 4 stops)
- Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
- Maximum aperture: F4–5.6
- Minimum aperture: F22–32
- Weight: 300 g (0.66 lb)
- Diameter: 71 mm (2.8″)
- Length: 83 mm (3.27″)
- Sealing: No
The Nikon 55-200mm F4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor zoom lens is a common gear found on bags of different photographers.
It’s a good pick if you want a highly versatile lens that you can use to shoot photos of subjects from different positions.
Since it can be used in different situations, it is a candidate for the best Nikon lens for sports photography.
The lens is known to produce crisp and sharp images, minimal ghosting, and flare, plus an AF that can capture the subject accurately.
However, the autofocus tends to be a bit slow which can be a bit problematic if you are going to use it for sports. But on most occasions, it can get the job done.
My Pros With This Lens:
- Sharp images
- Minimal ghosting
- Minimal flare
My Cons With This Lens:
- Slow AF motor
FAQ
Do You Need an Expensive Nikon Lens for Good Sports Photos?
Expensive Nikon lenses can certainly be beneficial for sports photography, as they often have longer focal lengths, wider apertures, and more advanced autofocus systems. These features can help to capture fast-moving subjects in low light conditions and create a shallow depth of field. However, a more expensive lens is not necessarily required to take good sports photos.
What Focal Length is Good for Sports Photography?
Generally, a longer focal length is better for sports photography, as it allows you to capture action shots from a distance. For most sports such as Football, Soccer, Basketball, and so on, a focal length range between 70mm to 300mm is good.
Final Remarks
Hope you enjoyed this buyer’s guide on the best Nikon lenses for sports photography.
If you are looking for the best Nikon lenses for sports photography, it is important to consider the reason behind the purchase.
Are you looking for a portrait lens? Are you looking for something that performs well in low-light scenarios and produces great bokeh?
Or maybe, you want something that can take wide shots? Next, be sure to compare the lenses that we’ve featured to get the best bang for your buck.
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Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California and is also a photography author for Photofocus.com. When he is not photographing clients he is creating educational photography content that he publishes on his website as well as his YouTube Channel. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a search engine of educational creators. Learn more about me here → https://www.natetorresphotography.com/about/
