10 Best Nikon Lenses For D850 2025 in the United States

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for photographers who need a powerful telephoto lens for wildlife, birding, and sports photography. With a focal length range of 200-500mm, it gives you significant zoom capabilities, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects in detail. The fast f/5.6 constant aperture is particularly beneficial for achieving beautiful background blur while also performing well in lower light conditions. This feature can help you'll get clearer images during early dawn or late afternoon shoots.

One of the standout features of this lens is its vibration reduction (VR) technology, which provides 4.5 stops of stabilization. This is especially useful when shooting handheld at high zoom levels, making your images sharper and reducing the risk of motion blur. The lens is also compatible with optional teleconverters, allowing further extension of its reach if needed.

On the flip side, the lens is relatively heavy at approximately 81.2 ounces (about 5.1 pounds), which may be cumbersome for some users, especially during extended shooting sessions. Its size may also require the use of a sturdier tripod for optimal support. Additionally, while the autofocus is generally reliable, some users might find it a bit slow in low light or complex scenes compared to other high-end lenses. Build quality is solid, and while it features weather sealing, it's advisable to take precautions in extreme conditions, especially since high-end outdoor photography can expose gear to the elements. Lastly, the lens is designed primarily for full-frame (FX format) cameras like the D850, making it less appealing for those with crop-sensor (DX format) systems, as the effective focal length becomes significantly longer.

For anyone looking to capture stunning wildlife or sports shots with a Nikon D850, this lens offers excellent performance but consider its weight and handling requirements before making a decision.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G Lens is a great choice for D850 users, particularly for portrait photography due to its ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture. This lens excels in producing beautiful, sharp images with a pleasing bokeh effect, making it ideal for isolating subjects against a softly blurred background. The 85mm focal length is perfect for portraits, allowing ample working distance without distortion. Additionally, the Nano Crystal Coat helps to minimize ghosting and flare, ensuring clearer images in various lighting situations.

Autofocus performance is another strong point, thanks to the internal focus design that provides quick and quiet operation. The M/A focus mode switch allows for easy transitions between manual and autofocus, catering to different shooting preferences. The lens also maintains good image quality across both FX and DX formats, which is beneficial for users with different camera setups.

However, this lens does not feature image stabilization (VR), which could be a drawback for those who often shoot in low-light conditions or at slower shutter speeds. While the build quality is solid, it lacks extensive weather sealing found in some other lenses, which may limit its usability in harsh environments. Weighing in at 1.31 pounds, it’s relatively manageable but could be a bit cumbersome for extended handheld shooting.

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is a solid choice for photographers using the Nikon D850. With a focal length range of 16-80mm, it covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait shots, making it ideal for daily use, travel, and even video shooting. One of its standout features is the maximum aperture of f/2.8-4, which allows for good low-light performance and depth of field control. Plus, the lens incorporates 4 stops of Vibration Reduction, which is particularly helpful for handheld shooting in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

The build quality is commendable, with nonstick protective fluorine coatings that resist water, dirt, and smudges, enhancing durability and ease of cleaning. Weighing only 1.1 pounds, it's also one of the lightest zoom lenses in its class, making it convenient for on-the-go photographers.

On the downside, the lens is designed for Nikon's DX format, which means it may not fully utilize the D850's full-frame capabilities. While it can still produce excellent images, users looking for a lens that maximizes the full-frame sensor may want to consider other options. Additionally, some users might find the price point a bit high compared to other similar lenses in the market.