10 Best Nikon Lens For Newborn Photography
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Newborn photography is a type of photography that focuses on the first moments of a baby’s life. It is the only type of photography where a photographer’s concern is solely the baby. For a photographer, doing newborn photography is very challenging because it is difficult to catch the perfect expression of a baby on time, but this task could be easy with the Nikon lens.
Nikon lenses offer decent zoom, accurate focal length, and a perfect aperture level with their high-quality lenses. By using a Nikon lens, a photographer can easily click pictures from a maximum distance with sharpness.
In case, someone is searching for the best Nikon lens for newborn photography, then we are here to shorten the task of yours, because after doing research and collecting feedback from users, we have chosen a lens that could be the top pick.
This lens may be the perfect choice because of its quality, price, service, and features. These will undoubtedly meet buyers’ expectations.
Nikon AF-S Fx Nikkor 50mm F/1.4G Lens
To snap a newborn photo, this Nikon AF-S Fx Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G lens could be the best pick of yours. The two best things about this lens are the bokeh and the low-lighting performance. F1.4 is the maximum and F16 is the minimum aperture of this lens, which supports low light or high-speed photography situations, such as baby photography or nature photography.
The ultrasonic-type AF motor with full-time manual focusing of this lens is perfect for clicking the bright picture, but in case of clicking telephoto, then try zooming to 85mm.
Though, in a small room, the user might not be able to include everything he wants in his frame. The 58mm filters on this lens’s minimum focus distance are 0.45m (17.72 inches) and the lens hood is HB-47.
However, this lens takes such beautifully clear pictures, and the bokeh is dreamy. Moreover, it will slightly fit into anyone’s budget. This lens has excellent color rendition and a high contrast level. It is, nevertheless, a lens that is the best shot in manual mode and with complete control by the user.
To be safe, you’ll want to incorporate post-processing distortion and sharpening adjustments. So, whenever possible, shoot in RAW format to get the most out of this lens.
Best Nikon Lens For Newborn Photography: Why Do You Need To Buy?
For baby photos, a macro lens is always ideal, though a prime or zoom lens is also preferable. The most popular lenses for baby photography are mainly 50mm, 35mm, and 85mm, and the focal lengths range from 24 to 135. Moreover, a short telephoto lens that zooms in on the baby could also come in handy. So, after comparing all of these factors, we’ve come up with a list of the top Nikon lenses for newborn photography.
Nikon Af-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8G Lens
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens is a popular lens that is ideal for photographing newborns, grab the lens especially if your concern is the value of your money. The best image stabilization of this lens captures crisp, beautiful, and eye-catching shots even when shooting with the camera in hand. This is an excellent lens for low-light photography.
As a hobbyist photographer, this lens is perfect for everyday shooting because the focal length of the lens is 50 millimeters, the minimum focus distance is 1.48 feet (0.45 meters), and the maximum reproduction ratio is 0.15X. This FX-format compact prime lens’ picture angle is 35mm, so it can focus from less than 1.5 feet.
Searching for a lens that will give the value for your money, then this is the one, but there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as the fact that this is not a zoom lens, so users can not click zoom pictures from a maximum distance. So this lens can be cheap, but the build quality isn’t as good as most Nikon lenses.
Sigma 258306 105mm F2.8
Sigma offers some fantastic lenses for third-party manufacturers, and Sigma 258306 105mm F2.8 is one of them. This full-frame DSLR lens is also compatible with APS-C cameras.
It is quite popular among photographers, particularly portrait fans. When shooting indoors, it truly shines, making it an excellent studio lens choice. If someone is searching for a macro lens for newborn photography, then this is the one. And they can consider it as the best Nikon lens for newborn photography.
This Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras offers advanced performance in close-up photography. The super multi-layer coating of this lens reduces flare and ghosting, providing high-contrast images. The minimum aperture is F22 and the minimum distance is 31.2cm (12.3in), with a maximum magnification of 1:1.
Because of the magnification, losing focus is quite noticeable. The focal length of this lens is about 101 mm, and about 75 mm for the closest focus. This lens has a polymer barrel and a metal mount. As a result, it is quite heavy to use. But to get maximum features within budget, this lens is awesome.
Nikon AF S Nikkor 85mm F/1.8g Fixed Lens
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best Nikon lenses for baby photography. Because the sharpness angle of this lens starts from f/1.8 which is ideal for focusing edges and corners.
But the autofocusing capacity is not very good for this lens. In the case of bokeh, the user’s experience will be excellent because the bokeh is beautiful at f/1.8 through f/2.8.
This macro lens has a few wonderful features, such as the internal focus and focal length of the lens is 85 millimeters, the minimum focus range is 0.80 meters, the pictures are sharp from f/1.8 through f/16, the maximum reproduction ratio of this lens is 0.12 x, the filter-attachment size is 67 millimeters (p=0.75 millimeters), and it stopped down from f/4.5 to f/7.1.
For people who want to do an outdoor newborn shoot, this lens is best for them. To get a better picture, consider a 50mm distance. This lens is quite slow, but overall, the lens could be the best choice according to the picture quality, budget, and lens condition.
Nikon Nikkor Z 24-70mm F/2.8 S
Looking for a newborn photography lens, then try the Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 mirrorless lens. This is the most versatile lens in the Z series. The camera stabilization of this lens is five-axis.
The compact mid-range zoom is 24-70mm f/2.8, the mount diameter is 55mm and the focal length is 24mm. This is the best zoom lens at a mid-range price.
To begin with, it is razor-sharp in the case of focal lengths. Secondly, during a shoot, the function ring allows the user to easily modify the exposure or aperture. Finally, it’s significantly lighter and smaller than the F-Mount 24-70.
The only drawback to this lens is its price, which is easy to justify when the user realizes that he receives prime-lens quality across the focal length and gets an outstanding baby picture.
The quick focus of the lens helps a photographer capture the eye-catching moment of a newborn kid because the lens is faster than f/4.0. The image quality, sharpness, contrast, and color of this lens are better than any f-mount Nikon prime and far better than the 24-70 f4 S kit lens. The F/2.8 version of the lens is great to have when you need a zoom lens with a higher aperture.
The excellent build quality and the sharpest zoom range of this lens make it more user-friendly. But the aperture ring is quite frustrating for this lens.
Nikon Af-S Nikkor 35mm F/1.8G
As a photographer, using a Nikon lens for baby photography can be a serious quest. Because snapping a fabulous click of a baby is not an easy task. This lightweight lens is perfect for newborn baby photography.
A photographer who shoots all day long with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G. A fast-focusing lens is perfect for them. The 35-millimeter focal length and 0.25 meter macro focus range of this lens create amazing picture quality.
This DX-format camera has a 52.5-millimeter equivalent focal length. This is a great focal length for everyday family shots or baby shots. Anyone can use this lens for light painting and long exposures at night because the maximum aperture of this lens is F1.8 and the minimum F16.
Moreover, the lens speed is pretty much accurate, but f/1.8 to f/2.0 is not enough to be a deal-breaker. This lens performs best with a full aperture, resulting in a sharp and noise-free image. To get a better picture, take a wide-angle shot.
However, this lens is best for getting a tight shot indoors and getting close to your subjects to capture some amazing detail. So grab this lens at a great price.
Nikon AF-S Fx Nikkor 24-120mm F/4G
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G is a Nano Crystal Nikon lens. With any aperture or focal length, this 5x standard (24mm) to telephoto (120mm) zoom lens will produce a superb image.
If someone is working with raw images to ensure the authenticity of a picture then they have to use Lightroom or Photoshop, because the lens will not give super service to the raw picture. The lens body is extremely small and compact because the flexibility of this lens is over 24-70/2.8. The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is a versatile and affordable standard zoom lens, especially for FX-format users.
This Nikon lens for child photography will be enhanced with its four shutter speeds. To click a landscape photo of a baby, lower the lens to 8-11. because this lens is not a dedicated macro lens.
The maximum reproduction ratio of the lens is 0.24x. The focal length range is 24 to 120 millimeters and the maximum focus distance is 15 feet. photo filter thread size of 77mm. This lens is best for indoor and outdoor weddings, nature, or newborn shoots. Moreover, if someone travels a lot, this lens will be worth their money.
Nikon AF FX Nikkor 35mm F/1.4G
This Nikon AF FX Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G is a fixed focal length lens that’s sharp and captures bright pictures, but it’s quite expensive. The focal length of this lens is 35mm and the minimum focus distance is 1.0 ft, but to get a better picture, use a 24mm focal length.
This lens offers a nanocrystal coat with optimized edge sharpness in both FX and DX formats. The maximum angle of view is 44°, which is perfect for doing kid photography.
This could be an example of the best Nikon lens for kid photography. Though this lens doesn’t focus as fast as any of Nikon’s pro zooms, it is fast enough for most purposes of focus tracking for fast-moving subjects like kids or pets because the maximum angle view of this lens is 63°.
On the other hand, 0.3 meters operating distance push to do continuous AF works well and captures an accurate picture, even no Af adjustment is needed for D800/D700/D3.
This wide-angle lens is perennially a great lens because a 35mm lens could be considered an everyday lens. This semi-macro lens is also perfect for landscape photography, and the bokeh is also appreciated.
Nikon Af-S Fx Nikkor 85mm F/1.4G Lens
For professional baby photographers, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens could be the best choice. To look for an indoor baby photography lens, then this lens is the one.
This 85mm lens is well built and balanced. It is a fatter lens, but everyone will feel pretty good after taking it in their hand.
After a short period of use, the user will notice large debris appear inside the lens elements, which is attributed to the internal lens movement for focusing, that pumps air, and thus traps the debris, though the 105DC has some debris as well. And user will also be pleased by the weather-sealing design of this lens. But do not buy this lens in case you are not a pro photographer.
This f/1.4 ultra-fast classic portrait lens with its nanocrystal coat makes this lens more user-friendly. The lens’ focal length is 85 mm, the minimum focus distance is 3.0 ft. (0.85m), and the compatible format(s) is FX or DX, with optimized edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX cameras.
The closest focusing distance for this lens is 0.85 m. The internal focusing of this lens is also good. This lens focuses faster on F5 than on D700. To get a clear picture of your baby ower the ISO to less than 50, to click on a clear day
Nikon AF-S Vr Micro-Nikkor 105mm F/2.8G
The image quality of this lens is fantastic. Searching for the best Nikon lens for newborn photography, then I can say this macro lens can fulfill anyone’s desire.
But the only thing that needs to consider is that this lens is not zoomable. I know that for kid photography, zooming is important, but if anyone compares it with the other features of this lens, then they will get the actual review of the lens. In the comparison of the image quality with the price, this lens is a beast.
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G lens is the best for its internal focusing. To do a newborn shoot, anyone may buy this lens. The maximum angle of view of this lens is 23°20′. The minimal focal length of this lens is 105mm. The minimum focus distance is 1.03 ft (0.03 m).
The nanocrystal coat and ED glass features enhance the overall image quality of the lens. If you focus on internal focusing, then one thing that should be noticeable is the 70-200mm f/2.8 zoom of this lens is awesome.
Just not for macro photography, this lens is also good for telephoto work as well because 105mm distance is appropriate for telephoto and portrait too.
Things to Consider When Purchasing a Newborn Photography Lens
The Type Of Lens
Before buying a lens, do not forget about the subject, which is a newborn. Nikon is offering macro, zoom, and prime lenses. So be accurate about which lens you want. To be interested, click a kid picture, so 50mm prime and macro shots should be your priority. But for someone who wants to choose a zoom lens for Nikon, then choose a 50 mm 35mm, or 85mm prime, macro, or zoom lens to do the newborn shoot.
Focal Length
Focal length mainly measures how close the photographer is to his subject. The focal length of a lens is combined with the sensor size of the camera. The focal length range of a zoom lens and a prime lens is different. For a zoom lens, it should be 24-70mm.
On the other hand, a lens that is not zoomable has no range, such as a non-zoom lens focal lens should be 50mm. To do the best baby photography, the focal length should be at least 24mm. So check the lens’s focal length before buying.
Aperture
To-Do any kind of photography, an aperture is important because when someone clicks a picture, how much light is passing through his lens is important to know. Maybe anyone is planning to do a baby shoot, then the aperture level should be f/4 or lower. A few zoom and macro cameras have a higher aperture effect; make sure to check the lens’s aperture level before grabbing it.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization mainly allows a snapper to click sharp images with a maximum slower shutter speed, even in low light, such as two, three, four, or the slowest possible. Smooth performance while using longer focal length lenses is one of the benefits of lens stabilization. The first is camera-based, while the second is lens-based.To get a sharp image, users should slow the speed by 1/500 seconds. Shutter speed for a 300 mm lens should be 1/300 sec, 1/50 sec for a 50 mm lens, and 1/20 sec for a 20 mm lens.
When clicking a baby picture, keep your shutter speed at 1/50 or 1/20 because a 50mm, 35mm, or 85mm lens is better for this type of picture.
Focus
To get a razor-sharp baby click, focus distance can not be underestimated. To click a close picture of a subject, the focus should be f/2.8 and the blurred background focus should be f/4. When you are planning to buy a lens, just try every focus distance and check the sharpness of the photo. The AF and IF of a lens should also be highlighted.
What’s the best time of day to take newborn photos?
Ans: The ideal time for taking newborn photos is usually early in the morning to mid-morning, with shortly after nap time or the time when the baby is close to sleep again. A newborn nearly always brightens up the morning, as every mother knows, and taking photographs around this time captures an infant at the best.
Which studio lighting to use for newborn photography?
Ans: For baby photoshoots, natural light or ambient light is the greatest option. It's a natural, mellow light that looks like sunlight coming in through a nearby window. Though, constant white studio lights are also a good choice because they won't make the baby's skin red and extra lighten.
What is the best shutter speed for newborn photography?
Ans: The shutter speed best to start at or above 1/160. To get a better photo shutter speed at least 1/250 is required for crawling babies. Photographers can utilize even faster shutter speeds if there is lots of light in the scene. The blurriness of the background and foreground is determined by the lens aperture.
Are 2 weeks too old for newborn photos?
Ans: newborn photography sessions are generally held within the first two weeks after the birth of the baby, and Mommy Baby portrait sessions are usually held within the first month after the baby is born.
Final Verdict
To summarize, a baby photographer should use a Nikon lens to enhance his newborn photography session, as Nikon offers a bunch of lenses for this type of photography. And we’ve just put together a list of the best Nikon lenses for newborn photography, which should help to pick.
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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