As I use Nikon equipment for my own work, I always have a slight vested interest in Nikon optics when I test them for ePHOTOzine, even though I can’t actually afford to buy any of them. Still, it’s nice to see first hand how these lenses perform, just in case I win the lottery, (without buying a ticket) or if Sad Ken finally romps home to win the Grand National.
I will attempt to keep this page updated and I may even add in some mini-reviews of the old clunkers I use day to day, if I ever find the time.
The following links are reviews of Nikon autofocus lenses I have completed, accompanied with a little personal comment on what I think about how the lens performs…
Nikon DX Zoom Lenses
- Nikon AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
A very nice ultra-wide zoom for DX cameras. A bit soft in the corners at max aperture though. - Nikon AF-S 12-24mm f/4 G ED-IF DX Nikkor
A cracking ultra wide for DX, if you can live with the strange moustache-shaped distortion. - Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR DX
A useful zoom range. Sharpness falls away when zoomed towards 85mm though. - Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
As far as kit lenses go, this one’s pretty good. They can be picked up pretty cheap used also. - Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VRII
Not bad for a superzoom. Quality is compromised at longer focal lengths, as you might expect. - Nikon AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF DX
The original DX kit lens still holds its own and can be picked up very cheap used. - Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR DX Nikkor
This plastic budget lens doesn’t perform too bad for the price. - Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR DX Nikkor
Not the best lens Nikon makes in this range. - Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens Review
You’ll get better results from you’re kit lens and a 70-300mm lens… Just sayin’… - Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Lens Review
This professional standard zoom is still an excellent lens, even after nearly ten years.
Nikon FX Zoom Lenses
- Nikon AF-S 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Nikkor
Possibly the best ultra-wide zoom available today. Nothing else quite matches it. - Nikon AF-S 16-35mm F/4G ED VR
VR isn’t all that useful on such a wide lens in my opinion. Great for those using filters for landscapes. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 G ED VRII
Expensive, but probably worth it depending on the kind of photos you take. - Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR
A nice walkabout lens. However distortions are quite strong at either end of the zoom. - Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED Nikkor
Great performance. The zoom mechanism is a worryingly gritty/flimsy, especially for a pro lens. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
If you own an FX camera, why are you looking for an expensive superzoom lens? You should know better. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Its good… Very good. - Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Nikkor
Not as good at 300mm and f/5.6 as I’d like. - Nikon AF 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR Nikkor
This old clunker is in dire need of an update. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR Lens Review
A nice walkabout lens, especially as a substitute for those who don’t need f/2.8 or can’t afford the 24-70mm.
Nikon DX Prime Lenses
- Nikon AF 10.5mm f/2.8G ED DX Fisheye Nikkor
An excellent diagonal fisheye optic. Shame it’s not an AF-S type lens that will autofocus on entry-level cameras. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G DX
A very, very good prime for DX camera owners. - Nikon AF-S 40mm f/2.8 DX Micro Nikkor
A nice compact DX macro, that isn’t too expensive. - Nikon AF-S 85mm f/3.5G Micro Nikkor ED VR
I’d probably look towards the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 instead of this.
Nikon FX Prime Lenses
- Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VRII
A bit specialised and expensive for most people. However, I wish I could afford one. It’s great. - Nikon 24mm f/3.5D ED PC-E
Tilt-Shift lenses are always a niche thing. Extreme lens movements may result in a loss of sharpness. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED
Expensive, but very, very good. - Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED PC-E Micro
Another Tilt-Shift lens. An outstanding performer, even with extreme lens movements. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G
Very sharp, but focuses slowly. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
£100 dearer than the old ‘D’ version. It’s still a cracking lens though. - Nikon AF-S 60mm f/2.8G ED Macro Nikkor
A good value macro, which is capable of producing stunning results. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G
I’d sell my kidneys for this. However, it probably costs more than my kidneys will fetch. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
A very good performer, and a good value alternative to the pricey f/1.4G 85mm. - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.8G Lens Review
This lens is amazing. So very sharp, lightweight and not overly expensive.
