12 Best Low Light Lens For Nikon

Are you looking for the Best Low Light Lens For Nikon? When it comes to digital photography, low light photography is a difficult challenge. Nikon is renowned for its high quality cameras and lenses and offers photographers a wide array of options to meet their needs for low light photography.

Many photographers are not familiar with the selection that Nikon has to offer, so this article provides a thorough overview of the 12 best low light lenses for Nikon cameras. Each lens is assessed on its features and benefits, as well as any drawbacks that may exist.

1. Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G

The Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G lens is an excellent all-around solution for low light photography with Nikon cameras. The lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for enough light to enter the lens in dark shooting environments. The optics of this lens are also excellent, featuring advanced ED glass with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to ensure clear, crisp images that are free of ghosting and chromatic aberration. Furthermore, the lens includes internal Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus, which makes it fast and accurate to focus.

Pros:

– High-quality optics featuring advanced ED glass and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
– Fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 to allow for enough light to enter the lens in dark situations.
– Internal Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus for fast and accurate focus.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

2. Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85mm F/1.8G

The Nikkor AF-S 85mm F/1.8G lens is optimized for low light shooting with Nikon DSLRs. This lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for more light to enter the lens in darker shooting environments. The lens is also made with high-quality elements including ED and Aspherical glass, as well as a proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to reduce lens flare and ghosting. Moreover, the lens includes a fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus that allows you to accurately lock onto your subject.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 to allow for more light in darker situations.
– High-quality elements including ED and Aspherical glass and Nano Crystal Coat.
– Fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

3. Nikon Nikkor 20mm F/1.8G ED

The Nikkor 20mm F/1.8G ED lens is the perfect choice for low light photography using Nikon cameras. This lens features an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/1.8 to allow for more light to enter the lens in dimly lit scenarios. The optics of this lens are also outstanding, featuring extra low dispersion (ED) glass to ensure sharp, clear images without any chromatic aberration or ghosting. Furthermore, the lens employs Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus for fast, precise focusing.

Pros:

– Extremely fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
– High-quality optics featuring extra low dispersion (ED) glass.
– Fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

4. Nikon Nikkor 24mm F/1.4G ED

The Nikkor 24mm F/1.4G ED is an exceptional lens for low light photography with Nikon cameras. This lens features an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, allowing you to capture more light in dark scenarios. The lens also features high-quality ED glass, along with Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to ensure sharp, clear images free of chromatic aberration and lens flare. Furthermore, the lens includes a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus system to make sure you can lock onto your subject quickly and accurately.

Pros:

– Very fast maximum aperture of f/1.4.
– High-quality optics featuring ED glass and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
– Fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

5. Nikon Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G ED

The Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G ED is an ideal lens for low light photography when using Nikon cameras. This lens features a maximum aperture of f/1.8, allowing for more light to enter the lens in dimly lit environments. This lens also features high-quality ED glass, and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and lens flare. Additionally, the lens utilizes Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus for fast and precise focusing.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
– High-quality optics featuring ED glass and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
– Fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

6. Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 18-35mm F/1.8 DC HSM Art Lens is a great option for those looking for a low light lens with a wide angle of view. This lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/1.8, which allows for more light to enter the lens in dimly lit scenarios. Furthermore, the lens features superior optics, utilizing multiple low dispersion elements to reduce chromatic aberration, as well as a Super Multi-Layer Coating to minimize ghosting and lens flare. Additionally, the lens features a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system for fast, accurate focusing.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/1.8.
– High-quality optics featuring multiple low dispersion elements and Super Multi-Layer Coating.
– Fast and accurate Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

7. Sigma 20mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 20mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is another exceptional high-speed solution for low light photography with Nikon DSLRs. This lens has a fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, and is crafted with superior optical elements, including three FLD and four SLD glass elements, as well as a Super Multi-Layer Coating to ensure crisp images with minimal color distortion and lens flare. Additionally, the lens includes a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system for fast, accurate focusing.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/1.4.
– High-quality optics featuring three FLD and four SLD glass elements, and Super Multi-Layer Coating.
– Fast and accurate Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

8. Nikon Nikkor 30-30mm F/2.8G ED

The Nikkor 30-30mm F/2.8G ED is an excellent all-around low light lens for Nikon cameras. This lens features a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows for more light to enter the lens in darker scenarios. Furthermore, the lens is made with superior optical elements including extra low dispersion (ED) glass, and Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to reduce lens flare and ghosting. Moreover, the lens includes Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus technology for fast and precise focusing.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/2.8.
– High-quality optics featuring extra low dispersion (ED) glass and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
– Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus for fast and precise focusing.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

9. Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD

The Tamron SP 15-30mm F/2.8 Di VC USD lens is another great option for low light photography using Nikon DSLRs. This lens comes with a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, which allows for more light to enter the lens in darker scenarios. Additionally, the lens is crafted with premium optic elements including XR, LD, and GM glass, as well as a proprietary eBAND Coating to minimize ghosting and chromatic aberration. Furthermore, the lens is equipped with a Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) for fast and accurate focusing.

Pros:

– Fast maximum aperture of f/2.8.
– High-quality optics featuring XR, LD, and GM glass, and eBAND Coating.
– Fast and accurate Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

10. Sigma 35mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens

The Sigma 35mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens is a great choice for low light photography with Nikon cameras. This lens has an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for enough light to enter the lens in dark shooting environments. The optics of this lens are also outstanding, featuring three FLD, four SLD and one aspherical element, as well as a Super Multi-Layer Coating to minimize ghosting and chromatic aberration. Moreover, the lens includes a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus system.

Pros:

– Very fast maximum aperture of f/1.4.
– High-quality optics featuring three FLD, four SLD glass, and one aspherical element, and Super Multi-Layer Coating.
– Fast and accurate Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

11. Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm F/4-5.6G ED

The Nikkor 55-200mm F/4-5.6G ED is a great all-around low light lens for Nikon cameras. This lens features an f/4-5.6 maximum aperture, which allows for enough light to enter the lens in darker shooting environments. Furthermore, this lens is crafted with ED glass, and Nikon’s proprietary Nano Crystal Coat to ensure sharp, clear images free of ghosting and lens flare. Additionally, the lens includes Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus system to ensure quick and accurate focus.

Pros:

– Versatile f/4-5.6 maximum aperture.
– High-quality optics featuring ED glass and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
– Fast and accurate Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus.

Cons:

– Price.

12. Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD

The Tamron SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens is an ideal choice for those looking for a low light lens for Nikon cameras with a long zoom range. This lens features a maximum aperture of f/5-6.3, allowing for enough light to enter the lens in darker scenarios. Furthermore, the lens is crafted with premium optical elements including XR, LD, and GM glass, as well as a proprietary eBAND Coating to minimize ghosting and chromatic aberration. Additionally, the lens includes a Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus system for quick and accurate focus.

Pros:

– Versatile f/5-6.3 maximum aperture.
– High-quality optics featuring XR, LD, and GM glass and eBAND Coating.
– Fast and accurate Ultrasonic Silent Drive (USD) autofocus.

Cons:

– Can be expensive.

Final Thoughts On Best Low Light Lens For Nikon

Low light photography with Nikon cameras can be a challenging task, but the right lens makes the job easier. This article has provided an overview of the 12 best low light lenses for Nikon cameras. Each lens is assessed on its features and benefits, as well as any drawbacks that may exist. Whether you are looking for a versatile zoom lens, an all–around solution, or an ultra–fast option, these lenses will help you capture stunning images in any low light situation.