9 Best Third Party Lens For Nikon
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Third-party lenses come to mind when the official ones seem too pricey. So perhaps, going for third-party lenses is the perfect choice if you want similar spec and quality without going broke. In addition, you get top-grade durability in each of these lenses, which makes it perfect for a wide range of projects.
Fortunately, the best third party lens for Nikon comes with countless varieties to choose from. So, whether you are an interior or a landscape photographer, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. But, you only need a detailed guide to speed up the buying process.
Our in-depth guide will help you evaluate some key aspects of lenses, which will help you walk down the right path to choose the perfect lens. Let’s get the ball rolling.
Let’s start reviewing the best third-party lens, which will give you great performance like any official lens kit. But, first, review each of them to better understand their functionality. It will make the task easier for you.
1. Editor's Choice: Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2
Starting out the countdown with our editor’s choice. The name of the Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC G2 for Nikon FX DSLR. It’s ahead of any other lens we have reviewed on our list. Let’s get right into its review.
The lens is a successor of Model A009 but with a better benchmark for image quality. Because optical performance is improved and polished. In fact, the zooming of the lens is the most consistent throughout different shooting distances.
Compatibility with the TAMRON TAP-in Console makes it popular among photographers. Even so, teleconverters are adaptable to the lens. VC3 mode is available on the camera, making it one of the dynamic lenses to have.
XLD (Extra Low Dispersion) and LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements help prevent the lens from any kind of imaging error. Alongside it, the lens is super effective in avoiding chromatic aberration across different zooming ranges. Fluorine compounds indeed make it a water and oil protective lens.
The only drawbacks to consider about focusing are a bit tricky when starting out. But once you get hold of it, taking photos will be more seamless with the following lens.
2. Best for Macro: Sigma 258306 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
When Nikon F (FX) mounting is your main concern, going for the following lens unit is a must. Specifically, it’s named Sigma 258306 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens. A compact lens that works great with a wide range of Nikon DSLR Cameras.
To start with, It’s a telephoto lens featuring a minimum focusing distance of 142mm. Moreover, it would be easier for macro photography as it has a sharper focus.
Moreover, effective correction of 4 stops makes your image crisper. Finally, because the lens has Sigma’s OS (Optical Stabilizer) to avoid blurry, it makes the lens perfect for a handheld photoshoot and gets a sharper image immediately.
Thanks to Floating, inner focusing helps avoid creating aberrations. Moreover, it makes yet again the lens ideal for spot-on macro photography. Hyper Sonic Motor is so quiet it won’t create any noise while doing insect images.
9 Blade diaphragm of the lens makes nicer blurriness which is great for the bokeh effect. It also creates perfect out-of-focus highlights, even in portrait photos.
But, as the lens doesn’t have Super Multi-Layer Coating, you might have to keep the lens clean often. So that’s a part you need to keep in mind.
3. Best for Affordability: Tokina AT-X PRO DX for digital SLR
The Tokina AT-X PRO DX Lens is a budget lens that matches the official lens’s performance. It’s a lens with sturdy construction and is suitable for long-term usage. F-Mount Lens is suitable for all DSLRs with DX Format mounting.
f/2.8 Maximum aperture makes sure you capture brighter photos even in low light. Aperture count stays consistent across the full zooming range. Superior multi-layer lens coating makes the lens perform even better as it cuts out any flare and ghosting.
Due to the medium-torque focusing ring, focusing while holding the lens on hand is far easier. It is far easier to hold on hand thanks to its ergonomic exterior. One-click focus switching is far easier than switching between manual and auto-focus modes.
Three SD Ultra-Low Dispersion elements of the lens make it resistant to minor scratches. In addition, you get lower distortion and aberrations due to two glass-molded aspherical elements.
9 Blade of the aperture of the lens creates sublime effects when working with a shallow depth field. In addition, the out-of-focus elements will blend in, creating a nicer background composition.
The only trade-off to consider is that it has a bit shorter lens cap, which might not be enough in high exposure. However, it won’t be an issue when doing closure range or indoor photography.
4. Best for Sharper Focus: Irix Firefly 15mm f/2.4-22
Right now, we are reviewing Irix Firefly 15mm f/2.4-22 Ultra Wide Angle Lens. The best part is the lens is compatible with all Nikon camera units with FX mounting. Even so, it comes with a Built-in Chip for EF Digital SLR Wide Angle Nikon cameras as well.
As the lens has an ergonomic focus ring, aiming at any object from a large distance. Features such as focus lock let you take the sharpest focus, even in tricky situations. The anti-focus drifting mechanism offers you consistent shoots with every click.
Using the 11.02″ minimum focusing distance, you could go on to take better composition in wide-angle shots. The lens offers a Hyperfocal distance scale which shows the real-time depth of field information.
With the help of a built-in Rear gelatin filter slot, you get a proper color correction on your images. In addition, the lens is compatible with Irix Edge ND gel filters and is available to buy separately.
Weather sealing of the lens is up to the mark and withstands outdoor weather. The lens even offers you a Blackstone version which is completely sealed from each possible side.
But, one thing to consider is that its focus infinity doesn’t always work as expected. Moreover, you might get slight differences in aperture depending on the DSLR lens.
5. Best for Low-Light: Rokinon Cine DS DS85M-N 85mm
Let’s talk about one of the most recognizable lenses from Rokinon. It’s the Rokinon Cine DS85M-N 85mm Full Frame Cine Fixed Lens. It’s a full-frame cine-fixed lens with a huge aperture window. Like it offers you a T1.5 – T22 aperture range, to be specific.
Coming into the angle of view, it’s 28.3 degrees by default. On the other hand, it’s 19.1 on the APS-C camera gear.
The lens works great in low light situations. Thanks to its higher range of apertures, it brightens the whole picture. The aperture gear of the lens is aligned so that you won’t get any issues when working with different sorts of lenses.
3.6′ (1.1m) Focusing length makes it ideal for portrait and indoor photography. The lens features 8 diaphragm aperture blades to make low portrait light shots amazing. Having a higher number of blades leads to a better bokeh effect.
To be fair, the lens is quiet with a declining aperture. Perhaps, it’s great to do photography without creating any noise. However, internal focusing does add up to avoid creating noise while doing photography sessions.
One thing to consider is it’s a fixed lens; you can’t perform zooming options on the mentioned lens unit. So instead, placing the lens in the correct place would be the way to go.
6. Best for Close Range: Samyang SY14MAE-N 14mm F2.8 Ultra
With over 14 elements in 12 groups, the Samyang SY14MAE-N Wide Angle Lens is one of the favorites. Each of the lens elements is sturdy and ready for longer usage.
Moreover, the minimum focusing distance of the lens is 0.9 ft. It makes the lens perfect for close-range shots. You could take product photography on it without any issues at all. The lens kit features a petal-type lens hood. Which strategically blocks lights while allowing capturing wide-angle shots.
The lens has a so-called multi-layer coating which is essential for lenses. It offers better protection against dust and water. Regarding compatibility, the following lens works with Canon EOS, Nikon, Sony Alpha, Pentax & Olympus 4/3. Due to its higher compatibility, it’s also one of the best third-party lenses to consider.
Even though the lens is great in closer-range shooting, it does feature a bit of distortion in long-range images. Like, it can have slight aperture alteration such as 0.1 points.
7. Bower SLY650N Long-Range 650mm-1300mm f/8
Right now, we are going to explain features and other aspects at once. In the following section, we are talking about Bower SLY650N Long-Range Telephoto Zoom Lens. So, as its name suggests, it features a 650mm-1300mm focal length zoom range.
In addition, the lens features a High index, low-dispersion multi-coated optical glass lens material, which is suitable for sharper images. Better coating and glass elements ensure better protection against dust and water.
With a filter thread of 95mm, make sure you fit all sorts of filtering gear. It helps you to get different sorts of output using a wide range of filters. Apart from the thread, the exterior of the lens is agronomic with dotted patterns. The focusing ring is located in the correct place.
It’s an f/8 aperture lens which is great for landscape and sports photography. Moreover, the T-mount lens is great for a significant number of camera nits. But, a T-mount adapter is required for Nikon SLR cameras.
As a plus, monopod, tripod, or chest supports to make sure you get a stable base no matter where you are doing photography.
Apart from all of the benefits, one drawback of the lens is it’s front heavy, which is why it’s hard to capture images when the lens is on hand.
8. Best for Portability: YONGNUO YN35mm F2N Lens
Let’s review the YONGNUO YN35mm F2N Lens 1:2 AF/MF Wide-Angle Fixed/Prime Auto Focus Lens. It’s one of the compact lenses weighing less than 180g. Perhaps you have the luxury to take it to any location you want.
Further, chrome high precision metal bayonet ensures the lens has a sturdy construction of all time. Moreover, it ensures the lens doesn’t get any corrosion even after long usage.
The lens supports full-frame and APS-C format cameras from Nikon. Along with that, it even works great with modes such as the M/AV/TV and others. Hence, it’s a great sign for you to be convinced about its compatibility.
Lens elements are Multi-coated, so you could take on any photographic project without issues. It’s a must-have feature, so you get better performance. More so, the 35mm Focal Length offers you the perfect settings to take images from a distance.
Aperture blades up to 7 pieces ensure a nicer blend in the portrait mood. It’s highly effective to blend out any harsh lighting in the background. However, while doing portrait photos, the lens offers you an Auto/ Manual Focus setting for perfect image capture.
Even though the focus is to-the-point, you may need to alter the existing settings of the DSLR. These settings can differ according to the DSLR unit you currently have.
9. Best for Contemporary Photos: Helios 44-2 58mm F2
Helios Lens is one of the best units to work on contemporary photography. Because the lens is popular among contemporary photographers due to its performance in image capturing.
If you are a fan of the angle of view, it becomes narrower with APS-c systems and offers greater perspective, which is why the lens is popular for working with innovative ideas. The lens also has a pure color reproduction feature to make your image pop out.
Smooth background blur is one of the upsides of using the following lens. You could make contrast shadow transitions softer, getting a unique aesthetic to your pictures.
Focusing range from 0.5m to 20m to infinity offers you the perfect option to do all sorts of photography projects. From product photography to astrophotography with infinity focus, it’s seamless with the lens.
But, sometimes, the adapter might be tricky to adjust, so it’s better to spend some time learning the controls. It will help you start using the lens faster.
Things to Consider When Choosing Out Third Party Lens For Nikon
Let’s get into some of the points you should consider while choosing the third party lens for Nikon. Keeping these points in mind will let you get into the best buying decision possible. It’s a must for a lot of reasons.
Pricing Range
Even though the pricing range doesn’t matter on other lenses, when it comes to third parties, it’s crucial because It’s a lot easier to get along with the high pricing even though it’s a third party. This is why you must dig deeper to know more about real pricing.
Third-party lenses with proper pricing can be your only way to go because it lets you achieve better performance without breaking the bank. You experience a similar quality, and the cost stays the same.
Compatibility
Within our photography experience, we get to see a lot of lenses with compatibility issues regarding mounting and other stuff. You must accept not every lens will fit into your camera. This is why it’s better to check the mounting capability and whether it fits with the DSLR unit you are working in.
For example, lenses compatible with Nikon FX mountings may not suit other DSLR units. Perhaps, you must go through the mounting for a compatibility check. Depending on your current camera, it might require an adapter to fit in. In such cases, a lens adapter might cost you around $25 or so.
Focal Point Length
Most photographers undermine the value of focal point length. But in reality, it lets you determine whether it’s suitable for long or short-range shoots. Like, lenses with 35mm are the best lenses for indoor photography.
On the other hand, lenses with 70mm and above focal point will be great for wildlife or long-range photography. These lenses will allow you to aim focus from a long distance. That’s why you must consider the focal point length of any lens you want to buy.
Grip on Lens
If you want to capture photos by hand, go for better grips. Unfortunately, not all lenses come with an ergonomic design. Some are front-heavy, and others might be too slippery for you. But lenses with a gripping surface will provide you with a better experience.
To be specific, an ergonomic design lets you hold the camera in shape. It has become crucial for weddings, wildlife, and portrait shootings. With better grip comes the finest pictures that stun everyone.
What Are The Best Third-Party Lenses For Nikon Z Mount?
New lenses such as the Meike 10mm f/2.0 wide-angle manual focus APS-C lens can be your choice because it offers you a Z mount that goes with Nikon camera gears. It’s a third party lens but decent in output quality and focusing.
Which F Mount Lenses Are Available For Nikon?
AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is one of the great lenses with an F Mount. As these lenses come from Nikon, you could have faith in them. In addition, the lenses have VR stabilization features to avoid shaky pictures.
Why Are Third-Party Lenses Popular Among Photographers?
Among the reasons, the first one comes with affordability. Third-party lenses are way lower priced than similar lenses from Nikon or Canon. So photographers get to experience the same sort of spec without spending much out of their pocket.
Conclusion
It’s far more widespread than the best third party lens for Nikon can give you an edge. It will offer you fantastic shoots without getting broke. It’s such a nice path for anyone who is beginning their photography career. Later on, you might consider upgrading your gears.
Till now, countless contemporary photographers have been using third-party lenses. They get to capture almost the same quality photos without compromising the budget. It’s affordable, offers the same specification, and runs a long way. A perfect combination for photo shooting projects.
Bordie Capron
Author
“Bordie Capron is a Sr. Content Maker who is working in The Clipping Path Service an US-based image and video post-production company for over 7+ years. She completed her degree in graphic designing and worked as a graphic designing expert for several years. She always loved writing”
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