photography gear I use | canon cameras & lenses | nikon cameras & lenses | lighting gear & modifiers
camera & lighting support | bags & cases | photographic accessories | computers & tech
NIKON GEAR LIST | CAMERAS & LENSES
Although I don’t use my Nikon gear as often as my Canon gear, I still use it a few times a month for personal projects and commissions outside of my day job. The image quality coming off the Nikon sensor is amazing, especially as high ISOs. These cameras and lenses are really made for photographers.
In my personal work, I mix things up with natural light, artificial light or both. So in addition to this Nikon gear, I have a list of the lighting gear and modifiers I use.
Support this site by purchasing photography gear from B&H using the links on these pages. These affiliate links give me a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support!
Nikon Camera Bodies
Nikon D600
This camera got a lot of bad press due to debris on the sensor and was quickly replaced by the D610. I did have to get it cleaned, but other than that, it is a great camera. It’s relatively small and lightweight while still providing the benefits of a full frame sensor. If I wasn’t a working photographer, I’d go with with this level of camera.
This model has been replaced by the Nikon D610.
BUY THE NIKON D610 >
Nikon D800E
This is actually a loaner from my father-in-law who is a wildlife photographer. This is a great camera the delivers incredible files. From everything I’ve read, the D810 is even better.
This model has been replaced by the Nikon D810.
BUY THE NIKON D810 >
Lenses for Nikon Cameras
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
Since I don’t do as much landscape photography as I used to, I don’t use this lens a lot. That said, when I do use it I think it’s great. It’s lightweight for a zoom and I don’t generally see myself needing an aperture larger than f/4 at these focal lengths.
BUY THE NIKON 16-35MM F/4 LENS >
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
This has been a great lens for me. Fast focusing, nice and sharp – what more can one ask? A 24-70 f/2.8 is always a great lens to have in the bag for commercial work. My father-in-law swears that my version is sharper than his, so there may be some variation in these?
There is a newer version of this lens (with VR) that is available.
BUY THE NIKON 24-70MM F/2.8 LENS >
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR I
I bought this lens right before they launched version II of this lens. Although I could have upgraded, there isn’t as much focus breathing on this model and it’s plenty sharp for me. I’m a big fan of this zoom as it’s great for many uses.
This model has been replaced by version II of this lens.
BUY THE NIKON 70-200MM F/2.8 II LENS >
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G ED
This is my second favourite lens at the moment for lightweight traveling and personal work. I’m a big fan of shooting shallow depth of field and I find this lens does what I need it to do at a reasonable cost. I would definitely recommend this lens.
BUY THE NIKON 35MM F/1.8 LENS >
Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D
This was one of two lenses I bought when I first made the jump to DSLRs. I would argue that everyone should have a 50mm f/1.8 “nifty fifty” lens in their bag for two reasons. One is that it is the best lens for the money in any manufacturers lineup and you don’t have to worry about losing or breaking it because it’s so cheap. Secondly, I think that having a prime lens is a great way to develop your photography because you’re forced to move and therefore change the perspective of your shot.
Note this lens will not work will all Nikon gear. This model has been replaced by the AF-S version of this lens that is compatible with all current Nikon DSLR bodies.
BUY THE NIKON 50MM F/1.8 LENS >
Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED
This was the first lens that my wife bought when she decided to pursue food photography and she swears by this lens (and the 105mm). Even though her work isn’t “macro”, never having to worry about being to close to focus is huge. I haven’t used this lens myself, so I can’t speak from experience.
BUY THE 60MM MICRO-NIKKOR LENS >
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
Love, love, love this lens. My favourite recent addition to my kit. Much lighter than the f/1.4 version, this 85mm is fast focusing and has beautiful bokeh. Even if the f/1.4 has nicer bokeh, I think this lens is a much better choice for most users.
BUY THE NIKON 85MM F/1.8 LENS >
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
This is the other lens that my wife uses all the time in her food photography. Whenever she needs a more restrictive background, this is her go-to. I know that she’d have a hard time deciding between this and a 90mm Tilt-Shift if she was buying from scratch. I use this lens from time to time when I need a macro.
BUY THE 105MM MICRO-NIKKOR LENS >