Best Lenses for Nikon D780 in 2023
Looking for the best lenses for Nikon D780 DSLR camera? Here we list all the top recommended lenses for Nikon D780, including portraits, wedding, landscapes, street, macro, videos, sports and wildlife.
The Nikon D780 (Amazon, B&H, Adorama) is an exciting new versatile FX-format DSLR camera that makes vast improvements to the highly-revered D750, while inheriting pro-level features from the powerful D850 and flagship D5. While the Nikon D780 retains the rugged reliability of its predecessor, the Nikon D780 has been turbocharged with a 24.5MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor, the latest EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine, touch operability, advanced autofocus capabilities, extensive video features, a valuable assortment of in-camera creative options and much more. In addition, the Nikon D780 is capable of up to 7 fps continuous shooting with the optical viewfinder or 12 fps in silent live view mode, and UHD 4K video recording up to 30 fps as well as full HD 1080p video recording at up to 120p, along with integrated N-Log Gamma and HLG settings for refined color control. Simply put, the Nikon D780 is a seriously capable camera and offers the distinct advantage of being comfortable in the hands of a photo enthusiast, as well as being a popular pro-grade tool for weddings, wildlife, and production environments.
We know, when it comes to image quality, it is the lenses (and your skills) that make the difference between an average shot and a professional-like shot. So, in order to help you get a professional-like shot, I creat this buying guide: best lenses for Nikon D780, which covers the best choices for portraits, wide-angle, wedding, landscapes, macro, street, wildlife, sports lenses for the Nikon D780 DSLR camera. Just choose the one you need!
Best Lenses for Nikon D780 DSLR camera
To help you decide on the best lens for your intended use, I have categorized the lenses into the following groups. This should hopefully make it much easier for you to find the lens that you are looking for. You can click any of the below links to jump to the type of lens that interests you the most.
Kit Lens | Wide-angle Zoom Lenses | Wide-angle Prime Lenses | Standard Zoom Lenses | Standard Prime Lenses | Travel Lenses | Portrait Lenses | Macro Lenses | All-in-one Lens | Telephoto Prime Lenses | Telephoto Zoom Lenses | Sports and Wildlife Lenses
Nikon D780 Kit Lens:
Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
Possibly the single most versatile lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens spans a useful wide-angle to short-telephoto range and features a constant f/4 maximum aperture for consistent performance throughout the zoom range. With fast and accurate autofocus, compact and versatile 5X zoom with f/4 maximum aperture, as well as VR II image stablization, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens is a great travel and walk-around lens for the Nikon D780 users and perfect for landscapes, portraits, weddings, or distant objects. In addition to its revolutionary image stablization, this 24-120mm f/4G ED VR boosts an exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM), 2 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements, Nano Crystal Coat (N), Super Integrated Coating (SIC) and other features you can’t get from your standard zoom. For about $500 more than the cost of the Nikon D780 camera body alone, you can get a versatile zoom lens with a useful wide-angle to short-telephoto range. The downsides of this lens is the distortion when shooting at the wide and telephoto ends, and the f/4 aperture will be not big enough when in the low light condition. So, if you just want to get a all in one lens for landscapes, portraits, weddings and distant subjects, this is the lens for you. If not, you can see some more attractive lenses below.
Best Wide-angle Zoom Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED
Highly recommended! Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED is one of the best wide angle lenses available and it is an excellent choice for professionals and serious wide-angle photographers. With a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture, it delivers edge-to-edge sharpness, high contrast and is a staple in the kits of advanced Nikon shooters. This lens is rugged, has a consistent f/2.8 wide aperture, and is optically enhanced for the best photos possible using cameras such as the Nikon D850, D810 and D780. Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and three aspherical lenses control chromatic and spherical aberrations and combine to enhance sharpness and contrast even at the widest aperture settings. And it has a quiet autofocus mechanism that’s optimized for HD Video recording.
Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
The Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is an excellent alternative to the 14-24mm F2.8 as a lighter, more affordable ultra-wide angle zoom for Nikon’s full frame DSLRs: Fast, silent autofocus with manual override, very high image quality, excellent build quality with dust and moisture sealing. Its constant f/4 maximum aperture maintains consistent illumination throughout the zoom range and suits working in a variety of lighting conditions. The optical design contains three aspherical elements and two extra-low dispersion elements, which greatly reduce distortion and aberrations for a high degree of sharpness, clarity, and accurate rendering. Covering a versatile array of wide-angle focal lengths, the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is a flexible zoom ideal for landscape, cityscape, and interior photography.
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Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 G2: Excellent lens, superb image quality and performance! The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 lens is a handy and versatile lens designed not only to cover a range of breathtaking ultra wide-angle perspectives but also to capture sharp and clear imagery with its sophisticated optics. It offers great versatility in all photographic situations and can deliver outstanding image quality throughout the entire range from corner to corner. And the f/2.8 maximum aperture performs well in low-light situations, and provides a shallow depth of field for selective focus. Its Vibration Compensation (VC) image stabilization technology reduces up to 4.5 stops of camera shake for sharper images and smoother videos, even when shooting handheld or when utilizing slow shutter speeds. Highly recommended!
Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED: The AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a versatile, affordable wide-angle to standard view FX-format zoom lens and it is a lens well-suited to travel, landscape, and everyday walk-around shooting. Its 18mm wide-angle perspective brings more of what you see into the frame, ideal for shooting indoors or in close quarters, capturing architecture and landscapes as well as group portraits. But zoom all the way in, and you get a natural 35mm perspective that mimics the field of view of our eyes, ideal for just about any photo or video application. This high-performance lens is equipped with two ED and three aspherical lens elements for superior optical performance, yet weighs just 385 g and is compact enough to offer excellent portability. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor enables fast, near-silent autofocus performance, along with full-time manual focus override, to benefit both stills and video applications.
Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 FF: Distinguished by its bright design, the Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 FF for Nikon F-mount is a flexible wide-angle zoom well-suited to landscape, architectural, and astrophotography applications. The f/2.8 constant maximum aperture pairs with the broad field of view range to realize an ideal lens for working in available light conditions and for using shallow depth of field techniques. The optical design incorporates aspherical and low dispersion glass elements, which help to control distortion and color fringing throughout the zoom range in order to produce sharp, clear, and color-accurate imagery. Great lens!
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G ED | Amazon |
Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR | Amazon |
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art | Amazon |
Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 G2 | Amazon |
Tokina opera 16-28mm f/2.8 FF | Amazon |
Nikon 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye | Amazon |
Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED | Amazon |
Best Wide-angle Prime Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED
Highly recommended! Taking the classic wide-angle field of view and pairing it with an impressively fast design, the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED is a versatile lens for a variety of subjects, ranging from landscape to nature to street photography. Notably fast f/1.4 maximum aperture suits working in low-light conditions and also enables greater control over depth of field for selective focus imagery. The optical design features two extra-low dispersion elements and two aspherical elements, which minimize a variety of aberrations and distortions for improved clarity and sharpness. Additionally, the Silent Wave Motor affords fast, near-silent autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Natural wide angle of view, with extreme light gathering capability, delivers extraordinary performance, meeting a broad range of challenging assignments.
Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED
With the ultra-wide view of a 20mm lens, you’re free to capture expansive landscapes and architecture, wedding parties, an entire band on stage, crowd shots and much more. This Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED is a compact, lightweight FX-format lens that combines the ultra-wide perspective of a 20mm focal length, the low-light capabilities and shallow depth of field of an f/1.8 maximum aperture and the superb optical characteristics of an advanced NIKKOR prime lens. At its maximum aperture setting of f/1.8, the AF-S NIKKOR 20mm f/1.8G ED produces beautifully blurred backgrounds in your photos and HD videos and lets you shoot at lower ISO settings to retain high image quality. In low light situations, opening the aperture to f/1.8 will also increase shutter speed to prevent camera shake and motion blur. Great wide-angle lens with excellent performance!
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art: Excellent ultra-wide! Both fast and wide, the Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art lens is the world’s first F1.8, ultra-wide, full-frame prime lens designed to produce high-resolution, well-corrected imagery. Boasting outstanding image quality from center to edge, the 14mm F1.8 Art features the largest glass mold (80mm) in the industry, offering photographers an ultra-wide prime with virtually no distortion, flare or ghosting. Ideal for shooting architecture, astrophotography, documentary and landscapes.
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: With a focal length of 20mm and F1.4 aperture, this lens delivers outstanding large-aperture brightness and bokeh. The combination of advanced optics and optimized lens power distribution minimizes spherical aberration, axial chromatic aberration and field curvature, producing outstanding image quality. The wide angle and outstanding image quality make this lens great for seascape, cityscape, and astrophotography, as well as for photos in low light, indoor photography, portraits, and event and wedding photography.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 24mm f/1.4G ED | Amazon |
Nikon 20mm f/1.8G ED | Amazon |
Sigma 14mm f/1.8 DG HSM Art | Amazon |
Sigma 20mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Amazon |
Best Standard Zoom Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Highly recommended! This lens’ versatility and image quality has made it an essential workhorse lens for every type of shooter: great for everything from landscapes and studio work to weddings and press events. The f/2.8 constant aperture allows for faster shutter speeds to freeze fast action, renders a beautiful bokeh blur and performs brilliantly in low light. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR improves upon nearly every aspect of its acclaimed predecessor sharpness, speed, consistency, control and durability plus Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology and the results are stunning. From studio work to field assignments, environmental to events, stills to HD video, when chasing the decisive moment, you’ll always know which lens to grab.
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Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2: Excellent lens! Offering impressive optics, effective autofocus and image stabilization systems, and drip-proof construction, Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD delivers a very useful range from 24mm true wide-angle to 70mm short telephoto, useful for landscapes, interiors, portraits, street photography and much more. It is suggested for enthusiast and semi-professional photographers looking for a high quality fast zoom for full frame cameras.
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED: The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is a fast aperture and very popular standard zoom lens designed for photojournalism and general photography with wide-angle to portrait length perspectives. With a continuous wide aperture of f/2.8, quiet autofocus, and updated lens coating technologies, this lens is considered a workhorse for professional photographers and videographers thanks to its fine resolution and natural, accurate color representation.
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art: Excellent lens! A versatile zoom for everyday shooting, this all-new Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 Art lens covers a useful wide-angle to portrait-length range of focal lengths to suit shooting in a variety of environments. Featuring a brand new OS and highly efficient and fast AF system, the revamped 24-70mm F2.8 Art embodies all the technical qualities and finesse that define the high-performance Sigma Global Vision Art series. The 24-70mm F2.8 Art aspherical elements use Sigma’s groundbreaking thicker center glass design and highly precise polishing process, delivering stunning images and bokeh effects.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR | Amazon |
Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2 | Amazon |
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Art | Amazon |
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED | Amazon |
Best Standard Prime Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is small, light, inexpensive and super fast for low light and it is a perfect lens for portrait, travel, event, environmental and general photography in a wide variety of conditions, with superb optical formula and an ultra-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture. Characterized by its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture, this lens is adept in difficult lighting conditions and also excels at isolating subjects using selective focus and shallow depth of field techniques. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor provides fast, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Brilliant for portrait photography, general use (focuses as close as 1.5 feet) and video recording, this high quality lens produces tack sharp images and conquers low light environments with ease.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G: Corresponding to the natural field of view, the 50mm focal length with a fast f/1.8 aperture allows you to capture stunning images with a shallow depth-of-field, letting your subjects stand out from their backgrounds and it is well-suited for a wide variety of subjects, including everything from landscape, portraiture to everyday use. The f/1.8 design suits working in difficult lighting conditions and also enables controlling the focus position for using shallow depth of field techniques. Additionally, the Silent Wave Motor affords fast, quiet, and precise autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.
Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: The Sigma 50mm F1.4 DG HSM Art is a pro-level performer for full-frame DSLRs and is ideal for many types of videography and photography, including portraits, landscapes, studio work and still-life. It has been redesigned and re-engineered with SLD glass and has been optimized for rich peripheral brightness, with improved large aperture performance by positioning wide elements into the front groups. With a large 1.4 aperture, the Sigma 50mm 1.4 prime lens is a pro level performer for shooting everything including portrait photography, landscape photography, studio photography and street photography. A Hyper Sonic AF Motor, along with an optimized AF algorithm, produces quiet, smooth, and fast autofocus performance that benefits this lens’ use in a wide variety of situations.
Best Travel Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
Highly recommended! This lens’ versatility and image quality has made it an essential workhorse lens for every type of shooter: great for everything from landscapes and studio work to weddings and press events. The f/2.8 constant aperture allows for faster shutter speeds to freeze fast action, renders a beautiful bokeh blur and performs brilliantly in low light. The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR improves upon nearly every aspect of its acclaimed predecessor sharpness, speed, consistency, control and durability plus Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology and the results are stunning. From studio work to field assignments, environmental to events, stills to HD video, when chasing the decisive moment, you’ll always know which lens to grab.
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G
Incredibly versatile despite being a prime lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G lens is a general wide-angle lens well-suited for everyday shooting, and it is the choice of pro and serious photographers for landscapes, night scenes, interiors, weddings, photojournalism, astrophotography and more. Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture is ideal for working in low-light conditions and also offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subject matter. Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Rear Focusing (RF) enables fast, smooth, accurate and quiet autofocus operation, and a convenient Manual/Autofocus switch (M/A) allows for seamless override of the autofocus system. A truly versatile high-performance lens, highly recommended!
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART is a high-quality prime wide-angle lens that has a fast, floating inner focusing system and Hyper Sonic Motor for fast and accurate focus, advanced optics and pleasing bokeh, and a bright f/1.4 maximum aperture. It is especially well-suited for professional photographers and discerning photography enthusiasts for low-light photography, night photography, landscape photography, photojournalism, events, and wedding photography. And this Sigma 35mm f/1.4 art lens gets 89% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview – With fast silent focusing and solid build, its lower price makes it a compelling alternative to the camera manufacturers’ equivalents if you don’t need weather-sealing.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G | Amazon |
Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Amazon |
Tamron SP 35mm f/1.8 Di VC USD | Amazon |
Best Prime Portrait Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G
Highly Recommended! Often described as the ideal lens for portraiture, this Nikon 85mm f/1.4G mid-range telephoto lens delivers incredibly sharp images and its fast f/1.4 aperture ensures a bright viewfinder image as well as beautiful background blur. Its ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture with a rounded nine-blade diaphragm creates beautiful, natural background blur and enables shooting in dramatic low-light situations. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor affords fast and precise autofocus capabilities along with full-time manual focus control. Its medium-telephoto angle-of-view is ideal for portraits and general photography in the studio or in the field.
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Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art: Highly Recommended! An ultimate portrait lens that offers attractive booked effect and precise focus is possible to achieve to focus on the pupils of subjects eyes while blurring the eyelashes. This Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens achieved an impressive 93% overall score and Gold Award from the experts at DPReview. And Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art Nikon version received the highest DxOMark score ever! Ideal for professional photographers and discerning photography enthusiasts for portrait photography, low-light photography, night photography, landscape photography, photojournalism, events, and wedding photography.
Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD: An ideal portrait-length prime, this Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD lens delivers edge-to-edge viewfinder brightness for ease of composition and superior low-light performance. Fast f/1.8 maximum aperture benefits working in low-light conditions and also affords extensive control over focus placement for greater separation of subjects from the background, as well as the ability to produce selective imagery. VC (Vibration Compensation) image stabilization is incorporated into the lens’ design to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 3.5 stops for sharper handheld shooting in low-light conditions.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G: Budget option with great performance! A highly desirable focal length for portraiture, the AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens offers high image quality, and the perfect balance of subject sharpness and bokeh, producing stills or HD video of people with attractive skin tones and beautiful background blur. Its fast f/1.8 aperture is ideal for taking stills or D-Movie HD video in low light or for portraiture where it excels in rendering softly focused backgrounds. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) affords quick, quiet, and precise autofocus performance along with full-time manual focus override. Great option for landscape, low light, night, and portrait shooting!
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G | Amazon |
Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art | Amazon |
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G | Amazon |
Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD | Amazon |
Nikon PC-E Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D Tilt-Shift | Amazon |
Best Macro Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro
Flagship Macro Lens! Featuring the built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization and its ultra-fast, ultra-quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM), the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is optimized for close-up and macro photography yet versatile enough for all photographic situations, even handheld shooting! A Silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording, which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring. Further contributing to producing sharp imagery, VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization compensates for the effects of camera shake by up to three shutter speed steps. The longer focal length offers ample working distance when shooting close-ups of flowers, insects and other small wildlife. It’s medium-telephoto angle-of-view even creates beautiful portraits. Stunning sharpness and outstanding close-up performance!
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro: Incredible lens! The SP 90mm F/2.8 Di MACRO VC (Model F017) redefines the best in advanced features and succeeds a legacy of superior optical performance. Offering a life-size maximum magnification ratio of 1:1, this lens benefits working with small and nearby subjects and employs a Floating System for maintained image quality throughout the 11.8″ to infinity focusing range. “Very sharp, auto focuses quickly and quietly, and shows very little noticeable chromatic aberration, much less any distortion at typical apertures”.
Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro: Being light-weight, compact, performing high resolution, fast aperture, low distortion, low falloff and beautiful soft bokeh, this Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro lens is extremely attractive tool for macro, portraits, landscapes, street art, commercial and general purpose shooting. The Tokina atx-i 100mm F2.8 FF Macro is a versatile mid-range auto-focus telephoto lens with excellent close focusing capabilities reaching life-sized (1:1) reproduction at 11.8 inches (30cm) from the sensor plane. The fast f/2.8 aperture makes it easy to focus in low light and renders soft beautiful bokeh, making it an excellent choice for portraits, landscapes, video, and small world photography.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro | Amazon |
Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Macro | Amazon |
Tokina atx-i 100mm f/2.8 FF Macro | Amazon |
Best All-in-one Lens for Nikon D780
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Extremely versatile and a good value! Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is currently the only all-in-one lens for FX-format Nikon DSLRs. This versatile 10.7x zoom Lens with ED Glass and VR II IS can offers a broad focal length range that’s perfect for travel, landscapes, portraits and distant subjects. And it offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture setting. It is well-suited for both professional photographers and enthusiasts, especially thanks to its next-generation Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, which adds approximately 3.5 stops of blur-free handheld shooting. Additionally, a Silent Wave Motor is used to provide fast and precise autofocus performance, along with full-time manual focus override.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | Amazon |
Best Telephoto Prime Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED
An excellent performer for available light, the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is the world’s fastest, brightest 105mm full-frame lens that can deliver “smooth and beautiful bokeh and edge-to-edge rendering”. Its f/1.4 maximum aperture and nine-blade diaphragm produce a superior bokeh effect with large, smooth spheres with gradual alteration, making it an ideal optic for available light – recommended for portraiture or indoor sports. Maintaining clarity and sharpness throughout the aperture range, the optical design utilizes extra-low dispersion glass to minimize chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and a Nano Crystal Coat has been applied to reduce flare and ghosting in strong lighting. It is capable not only of impressive portraits and photos of still subjects that beautifully utilize the large and smooth bokeh characteristics, but also daytime, evening, and night landscapes that exhibit superior resolution all the way to the edges of the frame, and excellent reproduction of point images.
Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II
Built for speed, the AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II is a fast medium telephoto lens well-suited for photographing portraiture, wildlife, sports, and other fast-moving subjects. Characterized by its bright f/2 maximum aperture, this lens is an apt performer in low-light conditions and also is ideal for using shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques. One Super ED element and three extra-low dispersion elements greatly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy. Incorporating the superior optical design and features of its predecessor plus Nikon’s second generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) imagestablization system with tripod detection mode, Nano Crystal Coat (N) for minimal ghosting and lens flare and much more, the AF-S NIKKOR 200mm f/2G ED VR II is the lens of choice for serious photographers who want to produce razor-sharp images under the most demanding conditions.
Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR: Lighter and more rugged than its acclaimed predecessor, the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR frees professionals and passionate shooters to capture the thrill of sports, action and wildlife with staggering clarity and precision, even when shooting handheld in challenging lighting conditions. A fast f/2.8 maximum aperture paired with Nikon VR technology delivers exciting new low-light capabilities and beautiful bokeh, while a specialized diaphragm maintains consistent exposure during high-speed shooting. Pro-grade dust- and moisture-sealing and a fluorine coated front meniscus glass element protect the lens’ superb NIKKOR optics on tough assignments while Nikon’s advanced lens technologies give you every advantage for catching the shots that matter.
Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR: With brilliant optical performance, improved AF tracking, a high-speed electromagnetic diaphragm that keeps pace with Nikon’s fastest DSLRs plus VR image stabilization, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR is a game-changer for outdoor, sports, action and nature photographers or anyone looking to get the most out of their current DSLR. And you will sincerely appreciate the weight reduction of the lens which allow for extended shooting, even into overtime. A Silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording, which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 105mm f/1.4E ED | Amazon |
Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II | Amazon |
Nikon 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II | Amazon |
Nikon 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 500mm f/4E FL ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 600mm f/4E FL ED VR | Amazon |
Best Telephoto Zoom Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR
Highly recommended! Spanning a versatile range of longer-than-normal focal lengths, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR is a portrait to telephoto zoom offering a bright f/2.8 constant maximum aperture, intuitive handling controls, and a sophisticated optical construction. Constant f/2.8 maximum aperture offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and also benefits working in difficult lighting conditions and using selective focus techniques. Six extra-low dispersion elements combine with one fluorite element and a high refractive index element to significantly reduce chromatic aberrations and color fringing, as well as increase contrast, clarity, and apparent sharpness for a richer image quality. Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake by up to four shutter speed stops to better enable handheld shooting in low-light situations. All these features make it an ideal lens for for low-light, sports, wildlife, concerts, weddings, portraits and everyday shooting.
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Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR: Excellent lens with affordable price. The Nikon AF-P 70-300mm VR lens strikes an outstanding balance between size, zoom power and Vibration Reduction, making it a great choice for handheld photos and videos of sports, action, concerts, weddings, wildlife and more. Its versatile 70–300mm focal length range is great for everything from portraits to close-ups of nature and wildlife. Noteworthy for this lens is the AF-P designation, which indicates the use of a pulse stepping motor that offers notably quiet, fast, and precise autofocus performance to benefit both stills and video applications. Additionally, Vibration Reduction image stabilization compensates for up to 4.5 stops of camera shake for sharper handheld shooting.
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2: Excellent lens with stellar image quality and performance. The Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI VC USD G2 is a large-aperture telephoto zoom lens for professional photographers and advanced photography enthusiasts. It features a fast f/2.8 wide aperture throughout the zoom range and it can deliver leading-edge image quality in a body. The lens has a quiet autofocus mechanism, rounded diaphragm for pleasing focus fall-off, and special lens elements for high-quality images. Well-suited for portrait photography, event photography, photojournalism, wildlife and sports photography.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Amazon |
Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD G2 | Amazon |
Nikon AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 70-200mm f/4G ED VR | Amazon |
Best Sports and Wildlife Lenses for Nikon D780
Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Remarkable versatility and performance! The ultimate medium to super-telephoto zoom lens! If you’re looking for a compact, versatile telephoto zoom lens that handles portraiture as well as it handles long-distance wildlife and action photography, look no further than the AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. With the broadest focal length range in our super-telephoto zoom line-up, it reduces the number of lenses you need to carry into the field; and expands your handheld shooting capabilities, thanks to Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) technology. The AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR covers the broadest focal length range of any NIKKOR super-telephoto zoom lens. At 80mm, its an ideal medium-telephoto portrait lens. Create stunning portraits with a medium telephoto perspective and softly blurred backgrounds. At 400mm, its a powerful super-telephoto lens suited to wildlife and action photography, with or without a tripod. For dazzling close-ups with macro detail, get as close as 5.7 feet from your subject and zoom in to 400mm—you’ll be amazed by the results!
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
Lightweight, compact super telephoto zoom with very affordable price! The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is a compact super-telephoto zoom lens that is ideal for bringing distant subjects closer, including birds, sports, wildlife and motorsports. For those photogs looking to get versatility and reach into their kit without spending a fortune, as many super telephotos require, this is the right lens. Three extra-low dispersion elements greatly reduce color fringing and chromatic aberrations in order to produce greater clarity and color accuracy. This lens also features Nikon’s Electromagnetic Aperture for consistent exposures, as well as VR with 4.5 stops of image stabilization. Additionally, the VR features Sport Mode, which is well-suited for capturing vibrant, sharp images of distant subjects at high frame rates or when panning with fast-moving action. A silent Wave Motor AF system produces fast, near-silent focusing performance that suits both stills shooting and movie recording which can instantly be manually overridden by simply turning the manual focus ring.
Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR
Best “Fast” Telephoto Zoom Lens! The all-new AF-S NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR is a versatile, professional lens that is ideal for sports, wildlife and portrait photographers seeking a bright and fast telephoto lens that offers sharp image quality across a wide range of focal lengths. Thanks to its extensive 120-300mm focal range, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 provides users with a pro-level single lens solution, replacing the need to carry multiple lenses. And you will appreciate the constant f/2.8 aperture which offers incredible low-light capability and depth of field that draws emphasis to a subject. The impeccably sharp image quality, beautiful bokeh and enhanced AF performance of the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 offer speed and sharpness reminiscent of a prime. With Nikon’s reliable weather-sealed construction, the NIKKOR 120-300mm f/2.8 is equipped to handle any shooting scenario whether on the sidelines or in the wilderness. Well-suited for fast-moving subjects such as wildlife, nature, aviation, racing, and other similar situations. Highly recommended!
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Nikon 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR: Comprising both length and flexibility, the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR is a medium to super telephoto zoom characterized by its advanced optical design, internal teleconverter, and host of handling assets to suit photographing fast-moving subjects. Distinguishing itself among most zooms, this 180-400mm features a built-in 1.4x teleconverter to allow for on-the-fly switching to an effective 252-560mm f/5.6 lens for greater reach. A constant f/4 maximum aperture is also a key feature for realizing consistent illumination throughout the zoom range and for producing shallow depth of field and selective focusing imagery. A Nano Crystal Coat, along with a Super Integrated Coating, has been applied to lens elements to minimize surface and internal reflections for a marked reduction in lens flare and ghosting. Vibration Reduction image stabilization helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake for up to four shutter speed stops, benefiting this lens’ use in low-light conditions. So, this Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR super-telephoto zoom lens is ideally suited for photographing sports and wildlife with astounding speed and clarity.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports: The Best Value Super Telephoto Zoom Lens! Boasting 2 FLD glass elements (performance equal to fluorite) and 3 SLD glass elements, the new Sigma 150-600mm Sport produces incredibly sharp images through the entire zoom range. Complementing the optics is a Hyper Sonic Motor that provides especially fast and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override. An updated optical stabilizer (OS) features an accelerometer for improved panning photography both horizontally and vertically, essential for birding, wildlife and motorsports photography – Extremely well built and solid, with a splash – and dust – proof construction, ideal for those serious about wildlife, nature, sports or other telephoto-centric outdoor subjects.
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2: Great value with excellent performance! The SP 150-600mm G2 (Generation 2) ultra-telephoto lens with upgraded optical performance enables handheld shooting with remarkable definition: better overall optical performance and faster AF speed, VC enhancements, plus Euori1e Coal, FLEX ZOOM LOCK and tele converter. AF speed is significantly improved from current model, and it enables accurate high-speed focus even when capturing moving subjects. Suiting handheld shooting situations, Vibration Compensation (VC) is a 4.5-stop-effective image stabilization mechanism that helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake for sharper results when working with slower shutter speeds. It is really a versatile, powerful super-telephoto zoom that’s perfect for sports and wildlife shooting.
Lens | Buy Now |
Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR | Amazon |
Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR | Amazon |
Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports | Amazon |
Nikon 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR | Amazon |
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Sports | Amazon |
Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 | Amazon |