13 Best Nikon Lenses for Portrait Photography (F & Z) in 2024

Selecting the right Nikon lenses for portrait photography can transform your images. With the perfect portrait lens, you can capture sharp, detailed portraits with beautiful background blur. Our guide lists the 13 best Nikon portrait lenses. We included both AF and Z mounts to help you find the ideal match for your camera and style.

Our top picks include the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S for its sharpness and versatility, and the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G for its low-light performance. With 11 other Z-Mount and F-Mount lenses reviewed, you’re sure to find the perfect lens for your portrait work.

What Is the Best Nikon Z-Mount Lens for Portrait Photography?

To find the best Nikon Z-mount lenses for portrait photography you need to consider focal lengths, apertures, and optical performance. Our curated list features lenses that excel in creating sharp, beautifully blurred backgrounds, and offer robust builds for professional use. Each Nikon lens ensures every portrait stands out with clarity and depth.

Our Favorite Nikon Z-Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography

Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon Z-mount lenses. Each one offers unique features to suit the diverse needs of portrait photographers. From prime lenses with stunning bokeh to versatile zooms, there’s a perfect match for every style and situation.

The Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S earns its top spot due to its telephoto focal length and wide max aperture.

At 105mm, it offers a flattering compression for facial features and good separation from the background. The longer focal length also allows you to shoot from further away, helping to make your subjects more comfortable.

The f/2.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, isolating subjects from the background with a pleasing bokeh. 

The bokeh quality is enhanced by a well-designed circular diaphragm. And while the Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S also delivers beautiful bokeh, the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S offers macro capabilities, making it more versatile for detailed close-ups.

This lens outshines others with its sharpness and minimal chromatic aberration. Its optical construction, including aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion glass, ensures edge-to-edge clarity. 

Autofocus is quick and silent, helping you shoot both stills and video. The effective image stabilization is a boon, especially for handheld shots in low light.

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S may be faster at f/1.8, but the Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S provides the added macro function and stabilization, proving more useful in a wider range of shooting scenarios.

The Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S prime lens excels in creating sharp, detailed images. Its f/1.8 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, making it easy to shoot portraits with soft backgrounds. This lens is also a strong performer in low light, capturing clear photos indoors or at night without a flash.

Optically, the lens stands out with its two aspherical elements that reduce distortions for crisp edge-to-edge sharpness. It’s a good choice for professional work where clarity is key. And the stepping motor ensures the autofocus is both quick and quiet.

While it lacks built-in stabilization, the lens benefits from the in-body stabilization of Nikon Z cameras. This pairing helps you shoot sharp images when shooting from hand.

For photographers who need a reliable, high-quality lens for everyday use, the Nikon Z 50mm f/1.8 S is a good option. It perfectly combines performance with simplicity and value.

The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is a portrait photography gem. Its 85mm focal length offers a flattering compression for subjects, making it a go-to for professionals.

The f/1.2 aperture allows for shooting in low light, giving you more exposure control. And the fast aperture creates a shallow depth of field, ideal for highlighting subjects against a soft, blurred background.

The lens combines metal and high-quality plastics, ensuring it can handle professional demands. It’s weather-sealed too, so you can shoot outdoors without worry.

The lens’s optical design includes aspherical elements that reduce aberrations, delivering sharp images even when you have the aperture wide open.

Autofocus is quick and precise, with a quiet motor that’s perfect for video work. While it lacks built-in stabilization, Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras do have sensor-shift stabilization.

Portrait photographers will love this lens because of it’s build quality, fast aperture, and optical performance. 

The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena stands out for its sharpness and exquisite bokeh. Its 135mm focal length is ideal for tightly composed portraits. And the magnification is also useful for indoor sports and wildlife, providing enough reach to capture details without disturbing the scene.

The f/1.8 aperture helps you in low light and creates a shallow depth of field. Sensational optical design gives you rich, dreamy bokeh. The blur is soft and smooth, and you get clear bokeh shapes. It adds a bit of magic to your portraits. 

Built to last, the lens is made with high quality materials throughout. It’s weather-sealed, too, offering peace of mind in unpredictable conditions.

Featuring aspherical elements and extra-low dispersion glass, the optical design minimizes aberrations and maximizes resolution. The outer elements also have special protective coatings. They reduce glare and improve light transmission. And the glass is protected against water and grease. 

The lack of built-in stabilization is disappointing. But you will have help from your Nikon mirrorless’s in-body image stabilization system.

A custom control ring gives you advanced, hand-on control over settings. You can make changes to ISO, aperture, or shutter speed by turning the ring manually. You don’t need to venture into the camera’s menu system. 

All this makes the Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena a good option for professionals who need a reliable, high-performing lens for portrait photography.

The Nikon Z 70-180mm f/2.8 offers a broad focal range, making it a good option for photographers appreciate versatility.This lens is well-suited for capturing everything from portraits to fast-paced sports, thanks to its ability to isolate subjects and freeze motion.

Its f/2.8 aperture is constant throughout the zoom range, giving you better control over your exposure settings at any focal length.

Built to professional standards, the Z 70-180mm f/2.8 combines durable materials with a design that balances well on Nikon’s Z-mount cameras. Its weather sealing is helpful for shooting in unpredictable conditions, ensuring the lens’s longevity.

Optically, the lens is designed to deliver sharp, high-quality images with minimal aberrations. And its nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing bokeh, which is great for creating images with a smooth, out-of-focus background.

The autofocus system is quick and precise, ensuring sharp images in various scenarios. That’s another reason this zoom lens is so versatile. You can use it for anything from videography to high-level portrait photogaphy. 

The Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S has a wide focal range, ideal for photographers who need to quickly adapt to changing scenes.

Its constant f/4 aperture offers a balance between light intake and maintaining a manageable size, making it a good option for travel. While not as wide as some prime lenses, the f/4 aperture still allows for decent performance in low light and provides a smooth background blur that’s pleasing for portraits.

Specialized elements that reduce aberrations help the lens produce sharp images throughout the zoom range. The lens has a sturdy build, with weather sealing that makes it a reliable outdoor lens.

Unfortunately it lacks built-in stabilization. But this is less of an issue with Nikon’s Z series cameras, which offer effective in-body stabilization.

For those who shoot a variety of subjects and like to carry one lens, the Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S is a strong performer. It’s well-suited to everything from wide landscapes to detailed portraits. It’s one of the most versatile lenses on the list. And it’s a great option if portraits are one part of a wide photography repertoire. 

The Nikon DX Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR ‘s wide zoom range makes it another versatile option for portrait lovers. It’s optimized for Nikon’s APS-C mirrorless cameras. And the 18mm to 140mm zoom range allows you to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups.

The Vibration Reduction (VR) is very useful, offering up to 5 stops of stabilization. This is great for handheld shooting in low light or at long focal lengths.

At the wide end, the f/3.5 aperture lets in a decent amount of light. But at f/6.3 on the telephoto end, it isn’t well suited to darker environments.

The lens construction gives you durability with a lightweight feel. It’s a practical choice for travel and day-to-day photography. And it won’t add to much heft to your camera backpack.

The lens delivers sharp images, especially at the wide to mid-range focal lengths. Chromatic aberration and distortion are minimal. And the seven-blade diaphragm produces pleasing bokeh backgrounds. 

What is the Best Nikon F-Mount Lens for Portrait Photography?

Transitioning from the sleek Nikon Z-mount lenses, we now explore the best Nikon F-Mount options for portrait photography. These lenses, including Nikon’s own and Sigma’s offerings, were chosen for their sharpness, bokeh quality, and low light performance—key factors for capturing stunning portraits.

Our Favorite Nikon F-Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography

Let’s take a closer look at these Nikon lenses, each offering unique features to suit the diverse needs of portrait photographers. From the classic 50mm to the versatile 24-70mm zoom, there’s a lens for every style and situation.

Whether you’re capturing intimate close-ups or full-body shots, these lenses promise to improve your portraits with their optical quality and performance.

The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is the best F-mount Nikon lens for portraits. At 50mm, it offers a natural perspective, flattering for portraits without distorting facial features.

The f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, creating soft, out-of-focus backgrounds that highlight the subject. It also gives you excellent low-light performance, allowing you to shoot without a tripod more often. 

The AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is a standout prime lens. It delivers sharp images, especially when stopped down to f/2.8. And it controls chromatic aberration effectively, giving you edge-to-edge sharpness.

The nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a smooth bokeh, a key strength for portrait lenses. While it lacks image stabilization, the fast aperture compensates and allows you to use faster shutter speeds.

Comparing it to the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A, the Nikon is slightly more versatile in low light. The Sigma, however, may offer a bit more in terms of edge-to-edge sharpness.

For portrait photographers working in varied lighting or aiming for a dreamy bokeh, the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is a strong choice.

The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art stands out for its exceptional sharpness and optical quality. Its 40mm focal length offers a natural perspective, making it a good fit for street and environmental portrait photography.

The f/1.4 aperture offer incredible low-light performance. And it allows you to shoot with a shallow depth of field, helping you create a soft bokeh background that looks fantastic. 

Built to endure, the lens’s weather-sealed construction makes it reliable in adverse conditions. And the tactile precision of the focus ring aids in manual adjustments, enhancing accuracy and user experience.

The lens minimizes chromatic aberration and distortion thanks to its advanced optical design. The bokeh is smooth, benefiting portrait work. While lacking image stabilization, the fast aperture compensates with better exposure control. For those prioritizing image quality and build over stabilization, this lens is a handy choice for portrait photographers.

The Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is one of Nikon’s most beloved portrait lenses. Its 85mm focal length is ideal for many types of portraits, including headshots or more full-body compositions.

The f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, which is perfect for isolating the subject and achieving a dreamy bokeh that makes portraits stand out. This lens is particularly good in low light, capturing sharp images with minimal noise.

Built to satisfy professionals, the lens combines high-quality materials with a comfortable ergonomic design. It’s weather-sealed, too, which means it can handle a variety of outdoor shooting conditions. Optically, the lens delivers with minimal chromatic aberration and distortion, ensuring that images are clear and true to life.

While it lacks image stabilization, the fast aperture compensates by enabling quicker shutter speeds to avoid camera shake. This lens is a solid choice for portrait photographers who prioritize image quality and bokeh over the versatility of a zoom or the convenience of stabilization.

The Nikon AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED has a reputation for sharpness. Combine that with a wide max aperture, and it’s a go-to for portrait photographers.

Its 105mm focal length offers a flattering compression for portraits. And the f/1.4 aperture allows for a shallow depth of field, creating soft, out-of-focus backgrounds that highlight the subject.

This lens is not just about the bokeh. It’s also about precision in low light, where it allows for faster shutter speeds to capture crisp images without the need for high ISOs.

Built to a professional standard, the lens’s construction is robust with weather sealing that ensures even outdoors.

The lens features ED glass and a Nano Crystal Coating. These minimize aberrations and flare, contributing to the lens’s ability to produce clear, high-contrast images. While it lacks image stabilization, the fast aperture and superior optical quality compensate.

The AF-S 105mm f/1.4E ED’s manual focus override is ideal when precise focusing is needed. It’s the perfect lens for seasoned portrait photographers who love staying in control. 

The Nikon AF-S 24-120mm f/4G IF-ED VR is a practical choice for photographers seeking a single lens solution. Its 24-120mm zoom range covers wide to telephoto, ideal for landscapes at 24mm and portraits at 120mm.

The constant f/4 aperture, while not as wide as some primes, still allows for good low-light performance and subject separation. This lens is particularly useful for travel photography, where you want to carry as few lenses as possible. 

The durable build quality ensures durability without excessive weight. It’s comfortable for handheld shooting, thanks to its balanced weight. Weather sealing adds confidence for outdoor shoots, though caution is advised in extreme conditions.

Optically, the lens delivers sharp images throughout the zoom range. The VR system effectively compensates for camera shake, extending handheld shooting into lower light scenarios. While not a macro lens, the 0.24x magnification is sufficient for close-up shots of larger subjects.

The Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED is a workhorse for professional photographers, offering a versatile zoom range paired with a fast, constant aperture. Its 24-70mm focal length caters to a broad spectrum of subjects, from expansive landscapes to intimate portraits.

The f/2.8 aperture across the zoom range is a boon for photographers needing consistent exposure control and the ability to create images with a shallow depth of field.

Built to withstand the demands of daily professional use, the lens’s robust construction is complemented by comprehensive weather sealing. This ensures reliability in diverse shooting conditions, from dusty streets to misty landscapes.

The lens’s optical design, featuring ED glass and aspherical elements, delivers sharp, clear images with minimal aberrations. The glass has also been treated with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coating, improving light transmission and reducing glare.

Autofocus is quick and precise, courtesy of Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor. While the lack of VR might challenge handheld shooting in low light, the f/2.8 aperture allows for faster shutter speeds. This lens is a popular choice for pros who value optical quality and versatility.

Conclusion: The Best Nikon Z-Mount Lenses for Portrait Photography

Selecting the right Nikon lenses for portrait photography can make a significant difference to the quality of your portraits. The 13 lenses reviewed offer a range of focal lengths, apertures, and features to suit various styles and situations.

From the sharpness and versatility of Z-mount lenses to the classic appeal of F-Mount options, photographers have a wealth of choices to bring their creative visions to life.

Our top picks, the Nikon Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S and Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G, stand out for their exceptional qualities. the Z MC 105mm for its macro capability and image stabilization. And the AF-S 50mm for its natural perspective and low-light performance. These lenses are just the beginning, with 11 other options offering unique advantages to enhance your portrait photography.