Using the best Nikon lenses for night photography is the only way to create stunning photographs after the sun has gone down. Our guide lists the 11 best options, ensuring you capture stunning images in low light.
Our top picks include the Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct for its incredible light intake and the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G for its sharp low-light performance. These lenses stand out for their ability to transform night scenes into breathtaking photos.
We also have nine more fantastic Z-mount and F-mount Nikon lenses for night photography. Keep reading to find out more.
What Is the Best Nikon Z Lens for Night Photography?
The best Nikon Z lens for night photography has a wide aperture for maximum light intake but doesn’t compromise on image quality. Each lens on our list excels by balancing light intake, sharpness, and handling, ensuring vivid nightscapes and detailed astro shots.
- Unmatched low light performance with f/0.95 aperture
- Superior sharpness and detail resolution
- Exceptional bokeh for creative portraits
- Durable, weather-sealed construction
- Precise manual focus control
- Ideal for landscapes with minimal distortion
- Excellent sharpness and optical quality
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting
- Durable, weather-sealed for outdoor use
- Quiet autofocus, suitable for video recording
- Wide 16mm focal length for expansive shots
- Bright f/1.4 aperture enhances low light photography
- Compact design, ideal for travel and street photography
- Fast, accurate autofocus with quiet operation
- Superior optical quality with minimal distortion
- Flattering 85mm focal length for portrait photography
- Exceptional f/1.2 aperture for low-light excellence
- Professional-grade build quality and durability
- Outstanding sharpness and bokeh quality
- Fast, precise autofocus system for critical sharpness
- Versatile 35mm focal length for diverse photography
- Bright f/1.8 aperture for low-light shooting
- Exceptional sharpness and optical performance
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for reliability
- Fast, accurate autofocus suitable for video and stills
- Ideal for portraits with natural perspective
- Bright f/1.8 aperture for stunning bokeh
- Robust, weather-sealed build for outdoor reliability
- Razor-sharp imagery across the frame
- Fast, silent autofocus for discreet shooting scenarios
Our Favorite Nikon Z Lenses for Night Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon Z lenses for night photography. Each lens offers unique features to meet the needs of photographers working at night. With options ranging from ultra-wide apertures to telephoto lengths, there’s a lens here for every night scene.
1. Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
2000 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.0
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
58 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is a prime lens that excels in night photography due to its ultra-wide f/0.95 aperture. This feature allows an immense amount of light to reach the camera sensor. This lens is a true night photography specialist.
Using such wide apertures can increase distortion. But the optical quality is so good you get edge-to-edge sharpness even when using the f/0.95 aperture. This is partly due to the special ground aspherical element.
Nano Crystal and ARNEO coatings eliminate lens flare, ghosting, and vignetting. And the outer glass has a fluorine coating to protect against water, oil, scratches, and smudges.
Its manual focus design requires time to learn, especially in low light when focusing can be more challenging. This could limit its use in dynamic night scenes where quick adjustments are necessary.
The lens is heavy, weighing about 2 kg. This is something to bear in mind when preparing your camera backpack for a nighttime shoot.
Compared to the Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S, the Noct offers a significantly wider aperture, providing an advantage in extremely low-light situations. But the 24mm lens is more versatile thanks to the light weight and autofocus.
The Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is the best lens for night photography. And with an incredible f/0.95, it’s the best night lens from any lens brand. It gives you fabulous night cityscapes, portraits, or Milky Way images.
2. Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
450 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
24 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is another great Nikon lens for night photography. The aperture range doesn’t match the Nikon Z Noct, but it’s a versatile lens you can use for any kind of night photography.
A wide f/1.8 aperture still provides plenty of light. And a wider 24mm focal length also brings in more light in darker situations.
An anti-glare Nano Crystal coating on the glass elements also improves light transmission, which helps you make the most of any illumination you have available.
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements make sure you get distortion-free images. Chromatic aberration is kept to a minimum, even when you’re wide open at f/1.8
Unlike the 58mm Noct, the 24mm does have an autofocus motor. It’s fast and reliable. And it’s also practically silent, which is always a bonus when working at night.
The 24mm focal length gives you a lovely wide viewing angle. It’s a great option for night street photography or nocturnal cityscapes. But it’s also a great option for astrophotography.
The Nikon Z 24mm f/1.8 S is a versatile prime lens for night photography.
3. Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C for Nikon Z
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
420 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
16 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN | C is an incredible lens for night photography. It’s a wide-angle lens for Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras. And it’s ideal for shooting photography or videography in low light or at night.
A super-fast f/1.4 maximum aperture lets in lots of light. This allows you to keep your ISO at a lower setting, improving image quality.
The lens design minimizes distortion and chromatic aberration, ensuring stars and city lights are tack-sharp in your images. There’s also very little distortion, even when using the f/1.4 aperture. This means lines hold their shape and stars keep their true alignment.
The lens is lightweight, making it easy to carry on long night shoots or hikes into the country to find areas with no light pollution.
It lacks built-in image stabilization. But this is less of a problem when paired with a Nikon Z camera that has in-body stabilization.
The autofocus might not be as useful at night. But the manual focus is smooth and precise, allowing for fine adjustments in low light.
The Sigma 16mm f/1.4 is a solid choice for night photographers looking for a wide, fast lens that delivers sensational quality images. It’s also an affordable lens for night photography and video production.
4. Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1160 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.2
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is the best Nikon lens for night portrait photography. The 85mm short telephoto focal length is ideal for portraiture. And the aperture range and optical quality give you fantastic results in low light.
The main feature for night photographers has to be the super-fast f/1.2 max aperture. A rounded 11-blade aperture diaphragm also gives you better quality bokeh when using a shallow depth of field.
As a prime lens, it delivers superior sharpness to most zoom lenses. The lens’s construction includes elements that reduce chromatic aberration, ensuring that high-contrast night scenes are captured with clarity.
The lack of distortion is particularly beneficial for astrophotography, where preserving the natural shapes of celestial bodies is crucial.
The manual focus ring provides precise control. But the multi-focus system uses dual stepping motors, making it quick and reliable even in low light.
The lens is on the heavy side. But it’s worth it for the optical quality and the low-light performance.
The Nikon Z 85mm f/1.2 S is the best lens for shooting portraits at night, giving you breathtaking optical quality in low light. It’s a pro-grade lens with a pro-grade price tag. And for night portraits, there’s nothing better.
5. Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
370 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
35 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S excels in night photography thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture. This feature is crucial for capturing sharp, detailed images under the night sky or in dimly lit cityscapes. It allows a significant amount of light to hit the sensor, reducing the need for high ISO settings and thus minimizing noise.
Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system also gives you more exposure control in low light. Allowing you to use slower shutter speeds with less risk of blur, it gives you more options with your exposure settings.
The lens design includes specialist elements that reduce chromatic aberration and ensure high-contrast scenes are captured with clarity.
The 35mm focal length makes it a versatile lens, helping you shoot wide urban landscapes to intimate street scenes. Its lightweight design makes it a good companion for photographers on the move, especially those trekking to remote locations under the stars.
The manual focus ring offers precise control. And the lens has a custom control ring, giving you a more personalized experience. It’s also weather-sealed, so there’s no issue using it outdoors.
The Nikon Z 35mm f/1.8 S is a strong option for night photographers looking for a blend of portability, optical quality, and low-light performance. Its wide aperture and sharpness across the frame make it capable of capturing stunning night scenes, while its minimal distortion preserves the natural beauty of the night sky.
6. Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
995 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
135 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is another excellent prime lens for nighttime portraits. The telephoto focal length makes it a good option for shooting detailed close-ups in low light. It’s also a good option for lunar photography when used with a tripod.
The fast f/1.8 aperture enhances its ability to capture detailed images in low light conditions, minimizing the need for high ISO settings. Its optical design, which includes elements to combat chromatic aberration, ensures that even high-contrast night scenes are rendered with clarity.
The smooth manual focus ring provides precise control, which is crucial for fine-tuning focus in dimly lit environments. The barrel also has an assignable function button.
The Nikon Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena is a powerful tool for night photographers seeking quality and performance. Its combination of a wide aperture, exceptional sharpness, and minimal distortion makes it capable of producing stunning nighttime images.
What is the Best Nikon F Lens for Night Photography?
This section focuses on the best Nikon F lenses for night photography. These lenses were chosen for their wide apertures and optical prowess.
Each lens is evaluated on its ability to capture detailed, sharp images in challenging light conditions. Any Nikon DSLR user will be able to take stunning after-dark images with these Nikon F lenses.
- Exceptional low-light performance with f/1.4 aperture
- Ideal for portraits with natural perspective
- Superior sharpness and beautiful bokeh quality
- Quick, accurate autofocus in various conditions
- Durable, weather-sealed construction for outdoor use
- Wide-angle lens perfect for landscapes and cityscapes
- Superior optical quality with minimal distortion
- Fast f/1.4 aperture for stunning low-light shots
- Durable, weather-sealed build for outdoor adventures
- Exceptional sharpness and clarity across the frame
- Unmatched sharpness for detailed street and portrait photography
- Art series quality ensures professional-grade images
- Fast f/1.4 aperture excels in low light
- Robust build with dust and splash resistance
- Minimal distortion, ideal for precise compositions
- Ideal for portrait photography with flattering compression
- Exceptional low-light capability with f/1.4 aperture
- Produces beautiful, smooth bokeh for subject isolation
- Fast, accurate autofocus for capturing fleeting moments
- Solid build quality with professional-grade performance
- Unrivaled sharpness for sports and wildlife photography
- Fast f/2.8 aperture ensures brilliant low-light shots
- Robust build with comprehensive weather sealing
- Vibration Reduction for steady shots at slow speeds
- Fast, precise autofocus captures action flawlessly
Our Favorite NIkon F Lenses for Night Photography
Let’s take a closer look at our favorite Nikon F lenses for night photography. Each lens offers unique features to meet the needs of various photographers. Whether you’re capturing the vast night sky or the intricate details of urban landscapes in at night, there’s a Nikon lens here for you.
1. Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
280 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
50 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G is the best Nikon night photography lens for DSLR cameras. The fast aperture and sharp optics make it the best place to start if you want to take photos after dark.
The super-wide f/1.4 max aperture allows a significant amount of light to reach the camera’s sensor. This reduces the need for high ISO settings that can lead to digital noise.
A 50mm focal length gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes to composition and style. You can use it for night portraits, cityscapes, or night sky photography.
The lens lacks image stabilization, which isn’t a deal-breaker since most night photography is done on a tripod. But it does present limitations when shooting from hand.
Compared to the Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.4E ED, the 50mm f/1.4G is lighter and more compact. This makes it a good option for photographers who travel or hike to remote locations for night shoots. Both lenses perform well in low light, but the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G offers a more standard focal length, suitable for a variety of subjects and styles.
2. Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.4E ED
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
645 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
28 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.4E ED is a beautiful wide-angle prime lens that’s a great option for night photographers.
The wide 28mm focal length is great for capturing wide scenes like cityscapes or broad night sky images. And thanks to the ED glass elements, you get corner-to-corner sharpness.
The impressive f/1.4 maximum aperture takes in lots of light. And with an aperture like that, you can even snap sharp nighttime shots without a tripod. However, it does not have built-in stabilization, so you might need a tripod for certain shots.
Compared to the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G, the 28mm f/1.4E ED offers a wider view, perfect for capturing expansive night skies or cityscapes. Both lenses let in a lot of light, so it’s a matter of finding the focal length that suits you.
The Nikon AF-S 28mm f/1.4E ED is on the pricey side for a DSLR lens. But it’s a good investment if you want super-sharp nighttime photographs.
3. Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A for Nikon F
| Brand |
Brand
Sigma
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
1200 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
40 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Sigma 40mm f/1.4 DG HSM | A is another superb prime lens for night photography. Some people might be put off because it’s a third-party lens. But as this is lens comes from Sigma’s Art line, you can be sure the optics can compete with Nikon lenses.
The wide f/1.4 aperture is the biggest benefit for night photography, letting in plenty of light even when there isn’t much available.
Its sharpness across the frame ensures that every detail is captured with clarity. You’ll be able to shoot anything from the bright lights of a cityscape to the delicate patterns of the night sky with pristine detail.
The lens’s weight might be a drawback for photographers who need to move quickly or carry their equipment over long distances. Despite this, the lens’s optical performance, with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration, makes it a powerful tool for capturing the night.
Compared to lighter lenses, the Sigma 40mm f/1.4 might be less convenient for travel. Yet, for those prioritizing image quality in their night photography, its performance is hard to beat. Its build quality and weather sealing also make it reliable for shooting outdoors.
4. Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
595 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 1.4
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
85 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
|
The Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G is the best DSLR lens for night portraits.
The wide f/1.4 aperture allows for significant light capture, which is essential for reducing grain in low-light shots. The glass elements also have a Nano Crystal coating that improves light transmission, helping efficiency in low light.
Its prime lens design ensures images are sharp from center to edge. This sharpness is vital for capturing the intricate details of night scenes, from the textures of urban architecture to the delicate gradations of a twilight sky.
The lens’s lack of image stabilization means photographers must rely on tripods or higher ISO settings in very dark conditions. Despite this, the quality of bokeh and the ability to isolate subjects with a shallow depth of field make it a favorite for portrait photographers working in varied lighting.
The Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G has to be the top choice for portrait photographers working at night. Its performance in low light and the natural compression effect of the 85mm focal length offer incredible creative control, even when shooting at night.
5. Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Lens Weight |
Lens Weight
2900 g
|
| Maximum Aperture |
Maximum Aperture
f/ 2.8
|
| Focal Length Range |
Focal Length Range
300 mm
|
| Image Stabilization |
Image Stabilization
 |
The Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is the best telephoto lens for night photography. A telephoto prime isn’t the most versatile type of lens. But you can use this one for detailed shots of the moon. Or you can use it for wildlife photography early in the morning or late at night.
Its f/2.8 aperture allows for significant light capture. And the special ED elements within the barrel give you tack-sharp, distortion-free image quality.
We have seen faster apertures than this f/2.8. But the aperture has backup in the form of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system. This gives you even more flexibility with your exposure settings, allowing you to use slower shutter speeds with less blur.
Given its specialized focal length and fast aperture, the Nikon AF-S 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II is a great option for shooting lunar, sports, and wildlife photography after dark. Its robust build and weather sealing also make it reliable for outdoor nighttime adventures. It isn’t cheap, but quality like this rarely is.
Conclusion: The Best Nikon Lenses for Night Photography
Finding the best Nikon lenses for night photography is guaranteed to improve your low-light photography. The article reviewed 11 lenses, highlighting their strengths in capturing stunning images in dark environments.
Each lens was evaluated for its aperture, weight, and other specific features that make it suitable for night photography. From wide angles to telephoto options, the variety ensures there’s a lens for every type of night scene.
The Nikon Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct was an easy choice for the best Nikon Z lens for night photography. Its incredible f/0.95 aperture gives you unparalleled low-light performance. The Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.4G won in the F-mount category for its balance of light capture, versatility, and portability. These lenses are ideal for those prioritizing sharpness and detail in their night photography.
