Best Night Photography Lenses For Nikon Cameras [2024 Review]

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Night photography is, perhaps, one of the trickiest kinds of photography, given the lack of lighting conditions at night. 

Choosing a perfect lens is very important, especially if you are passionate about taking pictures in low light.

For this, you need a perfect lens, and we are here to share some of the best options with you.

Review of the Best Night Photography Lenses For Nikon Cameras

We have picked the top Nikon lenses for night photography so you can come to the final decision easily. Pay attention to the main features, pros, and cons of these lenses, and choose the one that complements your need. Let’s review them one by one.

Brand
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens...
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Lens for Nikon...
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom...
Aperture
35mm
58mm
17-35mm
Focal Length
f/1.8G
f/1.4G
f/2.8D
Brand
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens...
Aperture
35mm
Focal Length
f/1.8G
Brand
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Lens for Nikon...
Aperture
58mm
Focal Length
f/1.4G
Brand
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom...
Aperture
17-35mm
Focal Length
f/2.8D

Best Overall: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens...

PROS

  • Compact and light
  • Image quality is remarkable
  • Budget-friendly, easy on the pocket
  • High-resolution feature draws maximum definition
  • Allows you to capture wide-angle, standard, and medium telephoto

CONS

  • Absence of optical stabilization
  • One might face some barrel distortion

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers have been extremely satisfied with Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G particular Nikon lens. One of them reported that it focuses perfectly, even in low light. Some even complimented its resolution and the fact that it easy to carry. Overall, recent buyers share positive reviews, stating it is a decent lens.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The fact that it has all the outstanding features a lens should have makes it stand out to us. Other than this, it captures high-resolution pictures, making it highly reasonable for the price it comes at. It offers a vast area for its users to play with, so choose this lens if you want to do some quality work.

Who Will Use This Most

Night wedding photographers would be over the moon with this product. It is also a safe, secure, and quality investment for night wedding photographers. In addition to this, as it is lightweight, it is easy to carry. Your shoulder and hands will not hurt after covering an entire wedding function.

Bottom Line

Overall, it is an amazing product. If you are looking for an ideal lens to capture the stellar stars at night or to capture beautiful moments at a wedding, then this is an ideal pick for you. Just make sure it fits and works perfectly with your camera. Other than that, you are good to go.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens...
  • Lens not zoomable; 35 millimeter focal length, Macro Focus Range : 0.25 meter
  • 52.5 millimeter equivalent focal length on DX Format cameras; F1.8 maximum aperture, F16 minimum
  • Ultrasonic type AF motor with full time manual focusing; 58 millimeter filters; Note: Refer the user...

Runner-up: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Lens for Nikon...

PROS

  • Offers excellent bokeh control
  • Comes with some complementary accessories
  • Provides even brightness across the entire frame
  • Capable for clicking pictures or shooting HD videos
  • Takes excellent daytime portraits and nighttime cityscapes

CONS

  • A bit heavy on the pocket

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost all recent buyers have been happy with their Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G purchase. One of them even said they got rid of all of their previous lenses because this one provided new and improved pictures for her work. Other buyers gave multiple compliments to the lens, its low weight, and the fact it provides even and equal brightness all over the frame.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because it is home to many features. It is light in weight, focuses in real-time, and offers a sharp and high contrast. Overall, this is one of the best lenses in the market that’s perfectly suitable for taking portraits. Invest in this and take your business to the next level.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are a wedding photographer, then it is your job to take captivating portraits. Without a doubt, this is the perfect tool to help you with that. In addition to this, if you like to capture landscapes, then you would find this lens extremely useful. Although it is a bit pricey, we assure you, it is worth it. Invest and you won’t be disappointed.

Bottom Line

No matter the kind of photography you prefer, you will enjoy this lens. It is capable of doing a lot, such as taking wedding pictures or capturing the beauty of nature’s landscape. Start saving some money right away and don’t keep yourself away from this technical wonder anymore.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G Lens for Nikon...
  • Excels in low-light and nighttime applications
  • Maximum reproduction ratio: 0. 13x. Exceptionally sharp, evenly lit, high-contrast shots Focus Mode...
  • 9 rounded-blade aperture for excellent bike control

Best for the Money: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom...

PROS

  • Provides instant manual focus
  • Comes with a five-year warranty
  • Adds a natural blur to out of focus elements
  • High-speed focusing makes pictures interesting
  • Compatible with most landscape filters and racks

CONS

  • A bit heavy on the pocket

What Recent Buyers Report

Almost all recent buyers of Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D lens have been extremely satisfied with their purchase. One of the buyers even reported that he lost this once and since he was so impressed and satisfied with it, he bought the very same lens again. Other reviewers also complimented its compatibility factor.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The fact that it has instant manual focus and is compatible with most of the filters and racks are reasons it stands out to us. Nikon AF-S is a perfect creation and has been helping photographers take some stunning shots for quite some time now.

Who Will Use This Most

Landscape photographers would find this model very useful. It is capable of portraying the scene as it is, without distorting the image. So if you are a bit experimental, this lens offers plenty of room to play with. Read all the pros and cons and make a wise pick.

Bottom Line

This beautiful lens comes with two types of aspherical lenses, a five-year warranty, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. All these features make it extremely fascinating. In addition to this, it is not that expensive, so it is a fair deal, especially with all the stunning features.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Zoom...
  • Designed for the most precise optical applications used by professional photographers
  • Designed to fit Nikon SLR cameras only
  • Uses 77mm size filters (filters are optional)

Best Lens for Night Sky Photography: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

PROS

  • Offers wide-open sharpness
  • Offers corner-to-corner sharpness
  • Comes with an amazing zoom range
  • Compact and impeccable build quality
  • Ideal for photography in poor lighting conditions

CONS

  • Is a bit heavy
  • As it is made of glass, caution is required

What Recent Buyers Report

One of the recent buyers reported that Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ultra-wide-angle is perfect for low-light photography. It captures the night sky, star trails, light painting, and Milky Way perfectly. Other buyers complimented the fact that the sharpness remains the same throughout the picture. It is a remarkable pick, and investing won’t lead to regret later on.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because it is the very best lens for astrophotography. In addition to this, it has amazing features that bring out the life in the picture. With the help of an adapter, it will work perfectly fine with a Canon camera, as well. Overall, it is a perfect package.

Who Will Use This Most

This is, by far, the most incredible lens for night photography. If you have some money saved up and think of yourself as a night photographer, then ignoring this lens is not an option. So have a look at the pros and cons of the lens and decide wisely.

Bottom Line

Taking pictures of the night sky is always fun, but imagine taking pictures of the night sky with this lens. We are certain those shots would be no less than glimpses of heaven. Its ability to capture the best pictures despite low lighting conditions makes it a great pick.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
  • Focal Length Range: 14 -24 millimeter
  • Minimum focus distance 0.9 feet. (0.28 meter), minimum f/stop 22
  • Lens construction 14/11 (2 ED glass elements, 3 aspherical lenses and 1 Nano Crystal Coat)

Best Lens for Night Sports Photography: Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens, Black...

PROS

  • Fast focus and sharp results
  • Offers brilliant quality image
  • Offers high optical performance
  • Reliable for most weather conditions
  • Comes with super-spectra and air sphere coating

CONS

  • A bit expensive
  • A bit heavy to carry around all the time

What Recent Buyers Report

Most recent buyers reported that they are extremely satisfied with Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L lens. Most of those users are professional sports photographers. As this is a state-of-art lens offering convenience to its users, it has successfully garnered happy customers. A few complained about its weight, but it is worth it with the several exceptional features it offers.

Why it Stands Out to Us

It stands out to us because of numerous factors. It is dust, water, and heat-resistant. The price is slightly higher on this lens, but its features and pros make it worth it. It is extremely efficient and robust, and the very fact that it is compatible with Nikon cameras makes it truly remarkable.

Who Will Use This Most

If you are a professional sports photographer and do photo shoots in the rain, dusty atmospheres, and harsh conditions, this Canon lens is made for you. Not only is it resistant to many external factors, but it is also compatible with many Nikon cameras, as well. So investing in it is a safe option.

Bottom Line

Now that the main features, pros, and cons of one of the best sports photography lenses are in front of you, make a wise decision. If you want our suggestion, we say just go with this one. It does not get better than this!

Canon EF 400mm f/2.8L is III USM Lens, Black...
  • Revised Optics for a lighter Super telephoto EF L Lens
  • Continues strong tradition of image quality associated with L-Series lenses
  • Super spectra coating (ssc) and Air sphere coating (asc) minimizes ghosting and flare

Comparison of the Best Night Photography Lenses For Nikon Cameras

Perks of Getting a New Lens for Night Photography

If you are a professional photographer, then it is acceptable to continue using the same lens for both day and night photography. However, once you get your hands on a great night photography lens, you will experience a significant difference. To convince you to get a Nikon lens for night photography, let us highlight some more of its perks:

One-Time Investment

One perk of having a new Nikon photography lens is that you won’t have to buy a new one every year, making it a one-time investment. So make sure you choose one that is best for what you do – night photography. Treat and use it well, and it will last long enough.

black nikon af-s lens with white background

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

Saves Money 

As you know, a good lens comes with excellent focal length and aperture. So, even if you are having trouble adjusting with low light, your new lens will be able to take care of the low-light adjustments. This way, you save a lot of money by not having to invest in extra light panels.

Excellent Results  

Perhaps, the most important perk of getting a new Nikon lens is that your audience will love your work. They might spread a good word about you, and in the end, you will be able to gain larger audiences, eventually resulting in more profit.

How Do I Choose a Night Photography Lens?

Once you go into the market, you will see that you have a wide range of photography lenses to choose from. So make sure you know everything about a perfect night lens. Since photographers who love to capture night skies are mostly looking to invest in a decent night photography lens, here are some factors to ensure the perfect pick. 

High Quality 

Don’t ever compromise on this factor. A high-quality lens will last for a long time. To assess its quality, ask the following questions:

  • Is it easy to focus manually in the dark with this lens?
  • Are the details sharp enough?
  • Do most of its users share good reviews about this product?
  • Does this lens perform well when minimizing?

Price

Manufacturers create lenses to cater to the needs of diverse groups. Not everyone in the group can afford to spend thousands of dollars on a lens. So make sure to get a quality product within your budget.

Compatibility

Always make sure the particular lens you are interested in is compatible with your camera and aperture settings. The next thing you have to be certain about is that it works perfectly with all your camera’s filters. It goes without saying, but make sure it fits perfectly with your camera.

Benefits of Investing in a Quality Lens

No matter how expensive your camera is, without a fancy and appropriate lens, it is a job half done. Therefore, investing in a good, quality lens is a must! Plus, this one-time investment provides multiple benefits, which include:

Increase in Profits

Good, quality pictures are equivalent to good business. So, even if you are second-guessing your decision because of the high price tag, know that you will end up making more money than the actual price of the lens. To enhance the quality of your art, invest in a quality lens.

Offers Longevity

A good lens will last a long time, so instead of purchasing a mediocre lens and having to keep changing it again and again, invest in a quality lens. In the long run, you will end up saving enough money.

Impact on the Scene

A good, quality lens adds extra value to the frame. Sure, a camera adds burst rate, but a good lens controls your background blur, depth of field, and adjusts sharpness.

People Also Ask

Here are some concise answers to some frequently asked questions. To use a device to its full capability, it is better to ask a lot of questions and know every minute detail about its structure and function. So scan through the following questions and maybe you’ll also find the answer you’re looking for. 

Is 50mm Lens Good for Night Photography?

Yes, the 50mm lens is extremely good for night photography. Its remarkable focal length is perfect for framing constellations. If this is your niche, then a 50mm lens will be the tool that helps you hone your skills. 

What Settings Should I Use for Night Photography?

Each picture demands different settings. For night photography, the ideal setting is a high ISO. Along with that, you must opt for an open aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4. You can calculate the longest shutter speed by following the 500 or 300 rule. These are settings that are mostly used by most professional photographers. 

What is the Best ISO for Night Photography?

To capture the best photos at night, the most ideal ISO is 1600. So keep it on that, and you will click some quality photographs.

What Aperture Should I Use at Night?

To keep your photography top-notch, adjusting the aperture setting is a must! For night photography, you must keep the settings on an open aperture.

Conclusion

When did you last update your camera lens? If you can’t recall, then it is time to upgrade. Night photography can be tricky, but the right lens can make the job relatively easier. So, choose any one of the above lenses and enhance the quality of your art. Remember, it is not an expense, it is a fruitful investment.