12 Best Nikon Lenses for Wedding Photography [updated 2024]

Having the right gear is crucial when capturing the precious moments of a wedding day. One of the most important investments for any wedding photographer is a high-quality lens that can capture stunning images with clarity and precision. And when it comes to Nikon lenses for wedding photography, the options can be overwhelming.

Thankfully, we’ve researched for you and compiled a list of the best lenses for wedding photography. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur looking to capture beautiful memories, these lenses will deliver exceptional results without breaking the bank.

From versatile zoom lenses to fast prime lenses with wide apertures, this list covers a range of options that will suit any shooting style or budget. We’ve also included each lens’s key features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Read more: How to Choose a Camera Lens That Fits Your Needs.

Disclosure: This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy.

The list of Nikon wedding lenses:

• Nikon 85mm f/1.8G
• Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G
• Nikon 16-35mm f/4G
• Nikon 50mm f/1.4G
• Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G
• Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G
• Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G
• Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
• Nikon 85mm f/1.4G
• Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro
• Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED

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1. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G

Features:

• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to reduce flare and ghosting.
• Rounded 7-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh.
• Compact and lightweight design for easy portability.
• It is ideal for portrait and low-light photography.

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is an excellent lens for photographers who want to capture stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh and smooth backgrounds. With its wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens allows you to create shallow depth-of-field effects and capture sharp, detailed images even in low-light conditions.

The lens is designed with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that provides fast and quiet autofocus, allowing you to capture candid moments and sharp portraits without disturbing your subjects. Super Integrated Coating (SIC) helps to reduce flare and ghosting, resulting in clearer, more vibrant images.

This lens is also compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and perfect for on-the-go shooting. The rounded 7-blade diaphragm creates a smooth, natural-looking bokeh, and the 85mm focal length is ideal for portrait photography.

Whether you’re shooting a wedding, family portraits, or just capturing everyday moments, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is an excellent choice for photographers who want a high-quality, affordable lens that delivers stunning results.

2. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G

Features:

• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Vibration Reduction (VR II) to minimize camera shake.
• Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare.
• Super Integrated Coating (SIC) for better color and contrast.
• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements for sharp and clear images.
• M/A mode for quick switching between autofocus and manual focus.

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is a versatile zoom lens popular among professional photographers for its excellent image quality and wide range of features. With a focal length range of 70-200mm, this lens can be used for various photography styles, from portraits to sports and wildlife.

One of the standout features of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is its wide maximum aperture of f/2.8. This allows for great low-light performance and the ability to achieve shallow depth-of-field effects, ideal for creating beautiful bokeh in portrait photography. The lens also features a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that provides fast and quiet autofocus, which is great for capturing action shots.

The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is also equipped with Vibration Reduction (VR II) technology, which helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, mainly when shooting at slower shutter speeds or with longer focal lengths. The lens also features a Nano Crystal Coat and Super Integrated Coating (SIC), which help reduce ghosting and flare while improving color and contrast.

Inside the lens are ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass elements that help reduce chromatic aberration and produce sharp, clear images. The lens also features a M/A mode that allows for quick switching between autofocus and manual focus, which can be helpful for fine-tuning focus or making adjustments in difficult shooting situations.

In terms of construction, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is built to last. It is made from high-quality materials and is weather-sealed, which means it can withstand harsh conditions and is ideal for outdoor photography. The lens also has a sturdy tripod collar that provides stability when using a tripod.

One downside of the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is that it is a large, heavy lens weighing 54.3 ounces (1.54 kg) and measuring 3.4 x 8 inches. This can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods or to use for handheld shooting.

Another downside is the lens’s price, which is relatively high compared to other lenses in its class. However, for professional photographers who require a high-quality zoom lens with advanced features, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is well worth the investment.

Overall, the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G is a versatile, high-performance lens with excellent image quality and a wide range of features. While it may be too large and heavy for some photographers, it is an ideal choice for those who require a durable and reliable lens for professional-grade photography.

3. Nikon 16-35mm f/4G

Features:

• Wide-angle zoom lens for Nikon FX-format (full-frame) DSLRs.
• ED and aspherical elements for high resolution and contrast.
• Nano Crystal Coat reduces flare and ghosting.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Internal Focus (IF) design for smoother focusing and better balance.
• Weather-sealed construction for protection against dust and moisture.

Its focal length range of 16-35mm makes it ideal for capturing large groups of people, the wedding venue, and the surrounding landscape.

One of the key features of the Nikon 16-35mm f/4G lens is its advanced optical design, which includes ED and aspherical elements to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration. This makes it a great option for capturing sharp, clear images throughout the frame.

The 16-35mm lens is relatively compact and lightweight. It measures 3.2 x 4.9 inches and weighs 680g. The lens’s filter size is 77mm, a standard size that makes it easy to find compatible filters.

With a focal length range of 16-35mm, it can be used for a variety of shots, from capturing large group shots to intimate portraits. The lens also has a fast and accurate autofocus system, essential for capturing candid moments and moving subjects.

Another advantage of the Nikon 16-35mm f/4G lens is its affordability. Despite its advanced optical design and features, it is relatively affordable compared to other high-end Nikon lenses. This makes it an ideal option for wedding photographers looking for a quality lens that won’t break the bank.

One of the cons of this lens is that its maximum aperture of f/4 is not as wide as other lenses, which may limit its performance in very low-light conditions. Another is that it is not weather-sealed, which means it may not be ideal for shooting in inclement weather.

In conclusion, the Nikon 16-35mm f/4G lens is one of the best and most affordable options for wedding photography. Its advanced optical design, versatile focal length range, and affordability make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning images of the big day.

4. Nikon 50mm f/1.4G

Features:

• Fast maximum aperture of f/1.4 for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quick and quiet autofocus.
• There are two focus modes: M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus).
• Aspherical lens element to reduce distortion and spherical aberration.
• Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare.

Its maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows for stunning bokeh and low-light performance, making it a perfect choice for capturing portraits and candid moments during a wedding. This lens has a 50mm focal length, which is standard for portrait photography, and offers a natural-looking perspective.

The Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is also lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around during a wedding shoot. Its compact size doesn’t compromise image quality, as it features a high-quality optical design that produces sharp and clear images. Additionally, the lens features a Silent Wave Motor that provides fast and quiet autofocus, allowing you to capture spontaneous moments without disrupting the wedding atmosphere.

One significant advantage of the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is its affordability compared to other lenses with similar features. It’s an excellent option for photographers on a budget who want a lens that can deliver professional-level image quality. The lens is versatile enough for various other photography genres, making it a great addition to any photographer’s kit.

One potential downside of the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G is that it lacks vibration reduction (VR) technology. This means photographers may rely on steady hands or a tripod when shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the lens doesn’t have weather sealing, which may limit its usage in harsh environments.

Its fast maximum aperture, lightweight design, and sharp image quality make it popular among wedding photographers.

5. Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G

Features:

• Versatile zoom range for different shooting situations.
• Two extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical lens elements for improved image quality and reduced aberrations.
• Zoom-lock switch to prevent lens creep when not in use.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Vibration Reduction (VR) for up to 4 stops of image stabilization.
• Weather-sealed construction for added durability.

Nikon lenses are known for their exceptional quality and reliability, making them an excellent choice for wedding photography. Among the best and most affordable Nikon lenses is the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G. 

This versatile lens has a broad focal length range, making it an excellent choice for capturing various wedding moments, from candid shots to formal portraits. Weighing in at 28.2 oz (800g) and measuring 3.3 inches (83mm) in diameter, it’s pretty standard in this class but might feel heavy in hand after some period of hand-held shooting.

One of the key features of this lens is its vibration reduction (VR) technology, which helps reduce camera shake and produce sharper images, even in low light conditions. The lens also boasts a maximum aperture of f/3.5, which allows for beautiful bokeh and excellent depth of field.

With a filter size of 77mm and a 10x zoom ratio, this lens can capture a wide range of scenes and subjects, making it ideal for wedding photographers who need to be ready to capture anything at a moment’s notice.

This lens’s optical construction consists of 19 elements spread across 14 groups, including three Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three aspherical elements. These help reduce aberrations and produce sharp, clear images.

It offers a versatile focal length range, excellent VR technology, and a compact design. Whether you’re capturing candid moments or formal portraits, this lens is an excellent choice for any wedding photographer.

6. Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G

Features:

• Compatible with Nikon F-mount cameras.
• Smooth and quiet autofocus.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Super Integrated Coating to reduce ghosting and flares.

This lens offers a broad focal range, perfect for capturing close-up and distant shots of the wedding ceremony and reception.

This lens is also lightweight and compact, weighing only 15.3 oz (435g) and measuring 4.6 inches (116mm) in length. This makes it easy to carry around and use throughout the wedding day.

While the maximum aperture of f/4.5-6.3 may not be ideal for low-light situations, this lens compensates for it with its built-in vibration reduction technology. This helps to minimize camera shake and produce sharper images, even in challenging lighting conditions.

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G is also compatible with a range of Nikon DSLRs, making it a versatile addition to your photography gear. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive option for photographers on a budget.

Overall, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G is a reliable and practical choice for wedding photographers who want a lens that offers versatility, affordability, and quality.

7. Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G

Features:

• Versatile zoom range for various shooting situations.
• Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare.
• Weather-sealed design for durability in various weather conditions.
• Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh.

This lens has a versatile focal range, making it an excellent choice for capturing various shots at a wedding.

One of the significant advantages of this lens is its fast maximum aperture of f/2.8. This allows you to shoot in low-light conditions without sacrificing image quality, making it perfect for indoor weddings or dimly-lit receptions. The lens also features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, providing fast and quiet autofocus performance. 

Weighing in at 2.35 lb, the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G is not the lightest lens on the market, but it’s still a manageable weight for a professional lens. Additionally, its weather-sealed construction ensures durability and reliability even in challenging shooting conditions. 

The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G is an excellent investment for wedding photographers looking for a versatile lens that delivers stunning image quality. While it may not be the lightest or most compact option, its performance and durability make it a great choice for capturing beautiful wedding day memories.

8. Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

Features:

• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for smooth, quiet autofocus.
• Aspherical lens element for high image quality.
• Compact and lightweight design.
• Suitable for both DX and FX-format Nikon cameras.

This lens is a favorite among wedding photographers for a reason. Its affordable price point and lightweight design make it accessible for photographers on a budget, while its high-quality optics produce stunning images that will last a lifetime. The 50mm focal length is ideal for capturing intimate moments, such as the exchange of vows and the first dance, while the wide aperture of f/1.8 allows for beautiful bokeh and natural-looking portraits. 

Everyone understands the importance of having a photographer who can capture the special day’s emotions. The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens excels, producing sharp images even in low-light situations. For those who want to capture video alongside their photos, the lens has a silent wave motor that allows for smooth and quiet autofocus. 

Of course, no lens is perfect, and the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G is no exception. Its fixed focal length means that photographers may need to switch to another lens to capture broader or tighter shots, and the lack of image stabilization can make handheld shooting a bit more challenging. However, these are minor drawbacks compared to the lens’s overall performance and value. 

The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens is a top choice for wedding photographers and couples. Its affordability, quality, and versatility make it a valuable addition to any photographer’s kit. Its ability to capture emotions will ensure your wedding memories last a lifetime.

9. Nikon 85mm f/1.4G

Features:

• FX-format prime lens for portrait photography.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare.
• Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh.
• Internal Focus (IF) system for smooth focus operation.
• M/A focus mode switch for quick changes between autofocus and manual focus.

Investing in the right Nikon lens can make all the difference in capturing stunning images if you are a professional or budding wedding photographer. The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is a prime lens with fast autofocus and a large maximum aperture of f/1.4. 

While the price tag may seem steep, this lens is worth the investment. Its 85mm focal length is perfect for capturing intimate shots of the bride and groom and candid moments during the ceremony and reception. It is well-built and lightweight and produces crisp, clear images with stunning bokeh.

One of the biggest advantages of this lens is its maximum aperture of f/1.4, which allows for exceptional low-light performance and stunning depth of field. This is particularly important when shooting indoor weddings, where lighting conditions can be challenging.

The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is also incredibly versatile, with its shallow depth of field making it ideal for portrait photography. The lens is easy to handle and operate, making it a great option for professionals and amateurs looking to improve their photography skills.

Its fast autofocus, large maximum aperture, and 85mm focal length make it one of the best lenses for portraits that will deliver special moments of your client’s wedding day.

10. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro

Features:

• VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization.
• Nano Crystal Coat.
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM).
• Internal Focus (IF) system.
• Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements.
• M/A Focus Mode Switch.

This lens is specifically designed for macro photography, making it an ideal choice for capturing the details of flowers, rings, and other intricate details that make a wedding special.

With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens can capture sharp, vivid images even in low-light conditions. Its 105mm focal length provides enough working distance to capture subjects without disturbing them. The lens also features built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, allowing you to shoot handheld with slower shutter speeds and capture sharp images.

This compact, lightweight lens is portable and easy to carry, even during long wedding shoots. Its filter size of 62mm ensures that you can easily find affordable, high-quality filters to enhance your photography further.

The lens also boasts Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, ensuring smooth and silent autofocus. This makes it ideal for capturing precious moments without distracting noise.

The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro lens has a robust build quality that can withstand heavy use, making it a reliable choice for wedding photographers. The lens also provides excellent bokeh, creating a beautiful blur in the background while keeping your subject in sharp focus.

Overall, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro is an affordable and versatile lens that is a must-have for photographers who want to capture stunning macro images of intricate details. Its excellent performance in low-light conditions, reliable autofocus, and sturdy build quality make it one of the best choices for wedding photography. 

11. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Features:

• Fast and versatile DX-format lens.
• Designed for Nikon DX-format DSLRs.
• Ideal for low-light, indoor, and outdoor photography.
• Features three aspherical lens elements to reduce distortion.
• It is equipped with Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus.
• Includes a Nano Crystal Coat to reduce ghosting and flare.
• Comes with a durable, weather-sealed magnesium body for reliable use in harsh conditions.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED is an excellent choice for a versatile and affordable lens for wedding photographers. Its focal length range of 17-55mm is ideal for capturing various shots throughout the wedding day, from wide-angle group photos to more intimate portraits. With a maximum aperture of f/2.8, this lens provides excellent low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.

One of the standout features of this lens is its advanced optical design, which includes three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical lens elements. This helps to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, resulting in sharp and clear images. Additionally, the lens features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, providing fast and quiet autofocus.

Regarding dimensions and weight, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED is relatively compact and lightweight compared to other lenses in its class. It also has a 77mm filter size, which is a standard size and easy to find accessories for.

Its versatile focal length range and fast aperture make it a great all-around choice, and its advanced optics ensure that you’ll capture sharp and stunning images every time. 

12. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED

Features:

• Advanced optics for exceptional sharpness, contrast, and color rendition.
• Nikon’s Nano Crystal and Super Integrated Coatings reduce flare and ghosting.
• Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet autofocus.
• Weather-sealed design for durability in harsh conditions.
• Compatible with both FX and DX-format Nikon cameras.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a premium lens with outstanding performance and stunning image quality, making it an ideal choice for wedding photography. Its large maximum aperture of f/1.4 allows for beautiful bokeh and low-light shooting, while its advanced optical design ensures sharpness, contrast, and color accuracy in every shot.

With a focal length of 105mm, this lens is perfect for capturing intimate moments and details during weddings, such as the bride’s jewelry or the groom’s expression as he sees his bride for the first time. The lens also features advanced technologies such as Nano Crystal and Fluorine coatings that reduce ghosting, flare, and fingerprints.

Weighing in at 985g and measuring 94.5 x 106mm, the lens is portable for on-the-go shooting. At the same time, its rugged construction ensures durability and reliability, even in harsh weather conditions. The lens has a filter size of 82mm, making it compatible with a wide range of filters.

One downside of this lens is its price, which may need to be within reach for some photographers. However, its exceptional performance and image quality make it a worthwhile investment for those who want the best results for their wedding photography. 

It offers outstanding performance, versatility, and durability. While it may be more expensive, its exceptional quality makes it a worthwhile investment for photographers who demand the best.

What to keep in mind

A good lens is essential for capturing the big day’s special moments, from the first look to the final dance. Various factors must be considered when selecting the ideal lens, including focal length, aperture, image stabilization, and price.

Choosing a versatile lens to handle different lighting conditions, distances, and angles is essential. The lens should also be compatible with your camera body and provide high-quality images. Ultimately, the lens choice will depend on the photographer’s style, preferences, and budget.

But even the best lens can’t do it all by itself. You may also need wedding photo retouching, a vital part of the process. Wedding photo retouching is the skill of editing and improving photos to make them look their best. It can enhance the quality and appeal of your pictures by highlighting details and emotions, correcting flaws and inconsistencies, and creating a uniform and professional look for your whole album.

By carefully considering all of these factors, photographers can ensure they select their best lens for weddings, creating stunning and timeless images that will be treasured for years to come.

To Summarize

It is important to consider the specific needs of your photography style, such as the desired focal length and maximum aperture, as well as the budget. Each lens has unique features, advantages, and drawbacks, so it is crucial to evaluate them carefully before deciding. Ultimately, the ideal Nikon lens for wedding photography will depend on personal preferences, shooting style, and budget. 

However, with the right choice of lenses, capturing those unforgettable moments on a couple’s special day will be much easier and more enjoyable. So, take your time, research, and invest in wedding photography lenses to help you create stunning and timeless images for years.

Find out more: Nikon lenses.

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