Capturing the moon’s intricate details requires a lens that can handle the task. Thankfully, Nikon lenses for moon photography are among the best options available.
Our guide highlights the seven best Nikon lenses for moon photography, ensuring you find the perfect match for your night sky adventures.
Our top two picks are the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. They stand out for their exceptional clarity and magnification, helping you shoot the moon from your backyard. We have five more Z-mount and F-mount Nikon lenses to choose from, so there’s a lens for any moon photography enthusiast.
What Is the Best Nikon Z Lens for Moon Photography?
To find the best Nikon Z lens for moon photography, focal length, sharpness, and light management are the key features you need to consider. These lenses offer the clarity and versatility needed to capture the moon’s intricate details, ensuring photographers can achieve stunning lunar images.
- Superior sharpness, even at widest aperture
- Effective image stabilization up to 5.5 stops
- Quick, accurate autofocus with dual STM motors
- Lightweight design enhances portability
- Robust weather sealing for outdoor use
- Versatile zoom range for dynamic framing
- Robust build with comprehensive weather sealing
- Impressive sharpness and clarity across zoom range
- Quick, silent autofocus ideal for wildlife photography
- Effective Vibration Reduction for stable handheld shots
- Compact and lightweight for easy portability
- Versatile zoom range for diverse shooting scenarios
- Quick, silent RXD motor perfect for video
- Affordable option for Nikon Z-mount users
- Minimal chromatic aberration for clear images
Our Favorite Nikon Z Lenses for Moon Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon Z lenses for moon photography. From impressive zoom lenses to ultra-sharp primes, there’s a lens here to meet the needs of every lunar photographer.
1. Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1160 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.5
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
400 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is the best lens for moon photography if you have a Nikon mirrorless camera.
The 400mm focal length is key for capturing detailed images of the moon. Its optical design features ED and Super ED glass elements that reduce chromatic aberration. This means the moon’s edges are crisp against the dark sky and free from color fringing.
The lens’s sharpness across the frame is a major advantage. Edge-to-edge clarity is crucial for moon photography, where every crater and sea should be defined. The lens’s performance here is superior, capturing the moon’s texture in great detail.
The lens coatings also play a big role in minimizing glare, ensuring the moon’s surface details are clear and not washed out by stray light.
A f/4.5 aperture isn’t the fastest. But it’s more than sufficient for lunar photography as you’ll have the camera mounted on a tripod. You also have the Vibration Reduction (VR) system, but you probably won’t need it for this type of photography.
Weighing in at 2.74 pounds (1.2 kg), this lens is relatively light for its class. This makes it easier to manage on a tripod or even for handheld shots, reducing the risk of camera shake that can blur those lunar details.
There’s a 95 mm filter thread, so you can use a light pollution filter to improve clarity. And the barrel has a custom control ring that gives you more hands-on control, helping you keep your eye on the viewfinder.
A stunning telephoto prime lens, the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S is the perfect lens for detailed lunar images. It’s the best option for Nikon mirrorless users.
2. Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1355 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
100-400 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S is the best telephoto zoom lens for moon photography. A wide 100-400mm focal range allows you to find the perfect composition for your lunar images.
Featuring low dispersion elements, the optical design sharply cuts down chromatic aberration. This means clearer, more detailed shots of the moon’s surface.
The lens’s coatings also help reduce glare, ensuring the moon’s features are visible against the night sky.
Weighing 3.16 lb (1.4 kg), this lens is relatively light considering the telephoto capabilities. This makes it easier to manage on a tripod or when shooting from hand.
The variable aperture isn’t ideal. It means you’re limited to f/5.6 when fully zoomed in at 400mm. Thankfully, the built-in VR system gives you additional stops of exposure compensation.
A custom control ring and custom function button give you a more personalized user experience. Weather sealing allows you to work outdoors. And a fluorine coating protects the glass against oil, scratches, and smudges.
The Nikon Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S offers flexibility, magnification, and image quality. It isn’t cheap, but it’s worth the price if you want breathtaking images of the moon.
3. Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD for Nikon Z
| Brand |
Brand
Tamron
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
580 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
70-300 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is a lightweight and versatile zoom lens, making it a practical and affordable choice for moon photography.
Its zoom range allows photographers to capture detailed images of the moon at 300mm. Sharpness is good at the center, with some softening towards the edges, which is common for lenses in this category.
The lens’s low dispersion elements help reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring the edges of the moon are sharp and free from color fringing. This is crucial for highlighting the moon’s intricate details against the dark sky.
The variable aperture of f/4.5-6.3 is not a significant limitation for moon photography, given the moon’s brightness. But you will need to use a tripod.
Weighing 1.27 lb (577 g), this lens is lightweight and easy to handle, helping you keep the camera steady for longer. Its compact size also makes it convenient for photographers who value mobility. However, the lack of built-in image stabilization means users will need to rely on their camera’s stabilization system or use faster shutter speeds to avoid blur.
The Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD is a good option for those looking for an affordable and portable lens for photographing the moon.
What is the Best Nikon F Lens for Moon Photography?
This section focuses on the best Nikon F lenses for moon photography. Chosen for their long focal lengths and optical quality, these lenses ensure sharp, detailed moon images. Their design features, like image stabilization and chromatic aberration reduction, make them ideal for capturing the moon’s intricate details.
- Versatile zoom range for dynamic compositions
- Excellent sharpness across focal lengths
- Effective Vibration Reduction for stable shots
- Quick, silent autofocus with manual override
- Weather-sealed design for outdoor reliability
- Compact, lightweight design for easy transport
- Sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration
- Fast, silent autofocus with manual override
- Effective Vibration Reduction for stable imagery
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability
- Super-telephoto reach for wildlife and sports
- Constant f/5.6 aperture across zoom range
- 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction stability
- Sharp, high-contrast images with minimal aberration
- Durable, weather-sealed for outdoor shooting reliability
- Exceptional 10x zoom range for unmatched versatility
- Optical stabilization for sharp images at 600mm
- Fast, accurate autofocus with HSM technology
- Durable build with weather-resistant features
- Excellent image quality across focal lengths
Our Favorite Nikon F Lenses for Moon Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon F lenses for moon photography. Each lens offers unique features to meet the needs of lunar photographers. Whether you’re seeking versatility, reach, or sharpness, there’s a lens here to suit your requirements.
1. Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1570 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
80-400 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is the best DSLR lens for lunar photography. With a wide zoom range and impressive magnification at 400mm, it allows photographers to fill the frame with the moon, highlighting its surface detail.
The lens’s optical construction includes 4 ED glass elements and 1 Super ED glass element. These elements reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring sharp, clear images of the moon’s surface.
However, the lens’s variable aperture of f/4.5-5.6 might be seen as a limitation for some astrophotography scenarios. But for moon photography, smaller apertures like f/11 are often used to achieve sharpness across the frame.
The lens’s weight is manageable. It balances well on most tripods, aiding in stable, long-exposure shots of the moon.
Compared to the Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR, the 80-400mm offers more flexibility in framing due to its zoom capability. This is particularly useful for quickly adjusting compositions without changing your position.
The Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a brilliant piece of equipment offering framing flexibility, magnification, and sharp optics. That’s why it’s our top choice as the best F-mount lens for photographing the moon.
2. Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1460 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
500 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is a prime lens that shines in moon photography due to its 500mm focal length. This allows for close-up shots of the moon, capturing its details with clarity.
The lens’s construction includes Phase Fresnel (PF) and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements. These reduce chromatic aberration, making the edges of the moon crisp against the dark sky. Its coatings also cut down on glare, ensuring the moon’s surface is well-defined in your photos.
Weighing 3.2 lbs (1.4 kg), this lens is lighter than many super-telephoto lenses. This makes it easier to manage, especially when attached to a tripod for stable moon shots.
The fixed f/5.6 aperture is not a drawback for moon photography, where smaller apertures are used to keep the moon sharp across the frame.
Autofocus isn’t crucial for moon photography, as manual focus is often preferred. However, the lens’s quick and silent autofocus can be helpful for initially finding the moon in the viewfinder before switching to manual focus.
The lens’s edge-to-edge sharpness and aberration control make it a good option for capturing the moon’s intricate details. That’s why the Nikon AF-S 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR is the best prime lens for Nikon DSLRs.
3. Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
2300 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 5.6
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
200-500 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR lens is a standout choice for moon photography thanks to its long telephoto zoom range. This range allows photographers to capture detailed images of the moon from 200mm to 500mm, making it versatile for both close-up shots and wider lunar landscapes.
The inclusion of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements is key to reducing chromatic aberration, ensuring the moon’s edges are sharp. The lens delivers sharp images throughout the zoom range.
The lens’s constant f/5.6 aperture isn’t the fastest. But it is suitable for moon photography where a smaller aperture is often used to achieve depth. It’s also constant through the zoom range, meaning you get consistent exposure from 200mm to 500mm.
The lens’s Vibration Reduction (VR) feature gives you 4.5 stops of effective shake reduction. this is particularly useful for those rare occasions when you’re shooting the moon from hand or in windy conditions.
Weighing around 5 lb (2.3 kg), this lens is on the heavier side. This might make it challenging for handheld shooting over long periods. However, when mounted on a sturdy tripod, it becomes an excellent tool for capturing the moon’s intricate features.
For moon photography enthusiasts looking for flexibility and quality, the Nikon AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR has to be a top option. It’s also one of the more affordable lenses on our list.
3. Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S for Nikon F
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
2700 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 6.3
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
60-600 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S is a highly versatile lens. And the excellent magnification makes it perfect for moon photography.
Its extensive zoom range allows photographers to capture detailed images of the moon at various sizes, from a wider view to detailed close-ups.
The lens’s optical design features several low-dispersion elements, ensuring sharp, clear images with minimal chromatic aberration.
The variable aperture of f/4.5-6.3 is suitable for moon photography, where a smaller aperture is typically used to ensure sharpness across the frame. And its built-in Optical Stabilizer (OS) helps reduce camera shake, which is beneficial for handheld shots or when conditions make using a tripod challenging.
Weighing about 6 lbs (2.7 kg), this lens is relatively heavy. You’ll definitely need a tripod for this lens.
With exceptional magnification, sharp image quality, and incredible versatility, the Sigma 60-600mm f/4.5-6.3 DG OS HSM | S is a great option for moon photography with a Nikon camera.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Lenses for Moon Photography
Choosing the right Nikon lenses for moon photography can significantly improve your lunar images. The article provided a detailed overview of seven lenses that are well-suited to meet the demands of moon photography.
From the sharpness and clarity offered by these lenses to their ability to minimize chromatic aberration and glare, each lens has unique features that make it suitable for moon photography. The importance of focal length, aperture, and image stabilization was also highlighted, showing how these factors contribute to capturing stunning moon shots.
Our top two choices are the Nikon Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S and the Nikon AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. And they both stand out for their specific strengths in moon photography. These lenses offer a blend of quality and functionality that can meet the needs of both amateur and professional lunar photographers.
