Throughout its history, Nikon has (effectively) never changed its lens mount; a Nikon F2 produced in the ’70s has the same mounting ring as the new D5 digital SLR. That makes the Nikon F-mount, first introduced in 1959, the only SLR mounting system that is over 50 years old.
While some restrictions do exist — due to the changing of autofocus mechanisms, aperture adjustments transitioning from manual to automatic and shutter mechanism compatibility — most vintage Nikkor lenses work perfectly well with new Nikon DSLR bodies. Over the years, a number of Nikon’s best lenses have been discontinued, yet they can still be bought in vintage camera shops or garage sales around the globe. Or you can find them on eBay, like the lenses below.
Before you get yourself a new Nikkor lens, we recommend checking out this comprehensive guide to double-check that your camera body and new lens are compatible.
28mm f/1.4D AF
Even wide open, at f/1.4, Nikon’s 28mm (produced from 1994 to 2006) is extremely sharp — even in the corners. There are newer versions of the lens produced today, but none compare to this vintage, ultra-smooth autofocus version. True, prices on the 28mm are steep, but that comes with the territory of supreme quality.
Nothing really compares to the optical quality of a prime lens, and the 50mm f/1.8 D is one of the best primes Nikon ever made. And they still make it today. Versions are available all the way back to 1978, with the autofocus D lenses being the most desirable. And loads can be purchased at an affordable price.
Though Nikon still produces an autofocus version of this lens, the manual-focus version (which was axed in 2006) has far superior optical quality. When used as a portrait lens, the 85mm f/1.4 AI-S produces beautiful bokeh and is a favorite lens of many loyal Nikon shooters.
The Nikkor 13mm f/5.6 was one of Nikon’s best and rarest lenses ever made. It’s extremely wide at 13mm, but produces no distortion — which is a thing of beauty. When shooting a horizon, the horizon line stays perfectly straight (provided your composition was level at the time of shooting). Minuscule numbers of these lenses were made, and they had to be special ordered from the Nikon factory where they were custom made. Prices can reach as high as $25,000 for these lenses, which is why they’re so rare. But the Nikkor 13mm f/5.6 is fine demonstration of Nikon flexing its muscles, even if it’s more for show than profit. Learn More
135mm f/2 DC
The 135mm f/2 DC comes with what Nikon called “defocus control.” Defocus control isn’t soft focus; rather, it is a mechanism to adjust the bokeh in your images. The lens also opens all the way to f/2, making for a very shallow depth of field.
The 80-200 f/4.5 is an extremely affordable tele zoom lens; it can range from $30 to $100 dollars. And its sharpness is consistent throughout the entire aperture range (f/4.5 to f/32). For those looking to dabble in sports photography, but don’t want to shell out for a newer autofocus lens — like the Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED lens ($1,222) — the 80-200mm is a good choice.
This was Nikon’s first internal-focusing 300mm f/2.8. And, when it comes to optics, it’s still the gold standard in Nikon’s 300mm line. It was also the first super-fast telephoto lens that was actually practical to use in the field, shooting indoor and outdoor sports equally well.
Goldwin's Mac Coat is made from Gore-Tex Paclite – which is lightweight, waterproof, breathable, packable and doesn't compromise on a soft handfeel. Get 15 percent off one of your own by signing up for the brand's newsletter.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
When it comes to keeping temperature, ThermoWorks is elite. The brand is a leader in humidity trackers, pH monitors and meat probes, but its marquee product is the humble Thermapen. If you don't believe us, ask chefs and grillmasters everywhere.
Huckberry teamed up with the squad at GORUCK to make a pared-back version of GORUCK's flagship GR1 backpack that still packs a solid punch. Made with 500D Cordura, it is tough but not overdoing it with super thick fabric. One of its coolest features is the laptop compartment, which sits higher against your back so that it is protected if the bag gets dropped.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
This is your new go-to for spring. Whether you're headed to the gym, lounging around the house or pairing it with a button-down shirt, this heather crewneck will get the job done. Todd Snyder sure knows how to outfit the American man.
If you want a mask with more protection and versatility than a simple cloth mask, check out this one from Outdoor Research. It has adjustable straps to keep your fit dialed and comes with three replaceable filters that block out 95 percent of particles.
Casio's legendary G-Shock line is not only a utilitarian achievement but is also just super stylish. You can find G-Shocks everywhere, from space to the street. This one is a bit pared back compared to others, which makes it an excellent addition to any fit any time.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
This desk lamp is packed with features that will make you wonder how you lived without it. Aside from its lighting, it utilizes RavPower's groundbreaking HyperAir technology for ultra-fast wireless charging and has a USB port for any other devices you might have.
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
This is our pick for the best big and tall office chair, but that doesn't mean it won't work for those of us that are more vertically challenged. The ergonomics on this chair are excellent, ensuring that you stay comfortable for the long haul.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
If you have trouble waking up, especially in the winter, getting an artificial light to simulate sunrise is a great option. This alarm clock features nature sounds to wake you up, tap snooze and an auto-dimming display.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
