In 2014, Nikon brought out its third full-frame DSLR, this time the D750. A lot of people snapped this model up because it offered something special between the cheaper D610 and the superior D810.
You’ve made a good choice. This puppy offers the good points of the D610 and borrows some class elements from the pro-grade D810. The features and ergonomics lean more toward the latter.
My review looks at the 6 best lenses for Nikon D750. Your Digital-SLR is a great all-around camera. The lenses you choose are sure to unleash its full potential.
The Nikon D750 has become a particular favorite camera for wedding photographers, but is a great all-around capable camera. There’s a lot to love, not least the 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor.
The flip LCD screen is a favorite with some and the 6.5 fps continuous shooting with others. I like the face detection, spot metering, and built-in WiFi – but the list could go on.
My guess is that you’re now looking for some competent lenses for your beloved D750. Well, you’re in the right place. I’ve listed six amazing pieces of glass from half a dozen categories.
We have a professional portrait (prime) lens, telephoto (prime), and an all-in-one zoom. There’s also a wide-angle Zoom, an incredible Macro, and a compact telephoto zoom.
Top 6 Lenses for Nikon D750
Ranking | Lens | Type | Aperture | Weight | Focal Length | Filter | Review | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art | Prime Portrait | F/1.4 | 27 oz. | 85mm | 86mm | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#2 | Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II | Telephoto Prime | F/2 | 103 oz. | 200mm | 52mm | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#3 | Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | All-In-One Zoom | F3.5-5.6 | 28 oz. | 28-300mm | 77mm | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#4 | Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC | Wide-Angle Zoom | F/2.8 | 40 oz. | 15-30mm | N/A | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#5 | Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro | Medium Telephoto Macro | F/2.8 | 28 oz. | 105mm | 62mm | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#6 | Sigma 120-300mm F2.8 DG APO OS HSM Sports | Telephoto Zoom | F/2.8 | 104 oz. | 120-300mm | 105mm | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#1. Sigma 85mm F/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens
- Type: Prime Portrait
- Aperture: f/1.4
- Weight: 27.2 oz.
- Focal Length: 85mm
- Filter: 86mm
- The high points: Excellent build quality, sharp, beautiful bokeh, hypersonic motor (HSM)
- The not-so: Quite heavy, not ideal for smaller hands, large filter size
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG Art DSLR lens costs a few hundred bucks less than the Nikon 85mm f/1.4G. The price alone made me sit up and take notice but it’s by no means the only attraction for the D750.
The unconventional filter size caught my eye too but I soon swept that away as a minor issue. Seriously, this is an incredible lens for all kinds of photography—portraiture in particular.
The Sigma 85 Art is fun and easy to use despite its heft. The outstanding optical quality is what we’ve come to expect from a Sigma Art lens. I honestly can’t say enough good things about this one.
With some lenses, you just know you have to be mindful because of their fragile build. That’s not the case here. This chunk of glass feels as though it’ll outlive us all even with constant heavy use.
The autofocus is smooth as well as fast. As for image quality, well, central areas are always sharp as a tack. Corner sharpness remains constantly good too and only a highly critical eye could dispute that.
What Reviewers Say
I always look at real user comments before I add any product to my reviews. There is a lot of amateur and professional feedback for the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens.
Most of the talk is on the incredible sharpness and amazing bokeh effect. And in case you’re wondering, yes, this lens is almost as popular for pet portraiture as it is for people.
There’s a lot of appreciation for the fast AF and next to no chromatic aberration (CA). A lot of users compare the Sigma 85 Art favorably to other lenses they own or have used. That speaks volumes.
There are a couple of gripes that warrant a mention. One is that the lens is fairly big and heavy for its class. I also came across a few complaints about the AF or premature focus locking to be more specific.
What’s Good
There’s more to like than criticize with the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art. It’s well-built and you can feel the quality. There’s a lot of praise for the large focus ring as well yet these things do add to the weight.
Sharpness is a key consideration when buying any lens. This piece of superior glass certainly won’t let you down on that front. And the beautiful bokeh effect takes some beating for portraiture.
Sigma uses hyper sonic motor technology in this lens. This helps to improve the focusing speed and reduce the noise level. To put it another way, you get nimbler AF control with enhanced torque.
I think the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art lens is a great bargain considering what it offers for the money. You’ll spend a lot more for the Nikon equivalent but I don’t see the need personally.
What Could Be Better
The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art might be your perfect lens but it’s not a view shared by all. Some people simply find the 27.2 oz. weight too much to bear on all-day shoots.
The size is another concern and that includes the large focus ring. Despite the excellent build, there are some photographers who find this lens too big. It can prove uncomfortable for smaller hands.
Keeping with the “bigger” issues there’s the unconventional 85mm filter thread size. For many it will mean investing in new filters if you use them for effects and protection.
There’s very little else to gripe about other than how the weight and bulk issues bother some folks.
#2. Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II Lens
- Type: Telephoto Prime
- Aperture: f/2
- Weight: 103.2 oz.
- Focal Length: 200mm
- Filter: 52mm
- The high points: Sharp, Vibration Reduction, auto tripod detection, 3 focus modes, well-built
- The not-so: High price tag, heavy
The Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II is a serious lens loved by just about everyone who owns it. The price tag alone told me there was something special about the quality of this product.
Although it’s heavy it’s also quite compact for a Nikon telephoto in its class. The fast f/2 aperture certainly stood out as I reviewed prime telephoto options for action and sports shooting in particular.
This is a lens that creates amazing out of focus backgrounds (bokeh) while freezing movements with fast shutter speeds. These are the eye-capturing award-winning photos we all love so much.
The fast aperture also makes this a great choice for low-light situations. Think wildlife, portraiture, and indoor sporting events as a few examples.
There are a lot of remarkable lenses around today and many of them surpass expectations. But there are not so many that fit into the “mind-blowing” category as is the case here.
Personally, I find it hard to fault the Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II. Before trying it the price was a topic of conversation. After using it the term, ‘worth every single penny’ sprang to mind.
What Reviewers Say
You won’t find endless reviews from thousands of photographers due to the small reach of this lens. It’s not cheap and that means most who buy it have to make the lens work for them.
Semi-pros and professionals who purchase this lens know exactly what to expect before they buy it. And those who do own it talk of how quickly they fall in love with this amazing product.
A lot of photographers who handle this lens for long periods stress the importance of using a monopod or tripod. They’re right too. You can handhold it but you wouldn’t want to do that all day long.
It’s a super-fast lens in its category and has beautiful bokeh. The Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II DSLR lens also begs for wide-open shooting. These are common remarks made by lots of exultant reviewers.
What’s Good
The images are razor sharp and if they weren’t the lens would never make this page. Image sharpness is helped further by Nano Crystal Coat, Vibration Reduction II, and A/M focusing mode.
The ‘A/M’ (autofocus with a manual override) is one of three focus modes. The other two are ‘M/A’ and ‘M’ modes. Combined, these three modes provide the ultimate in focus control and versatility.
Auto tripod detection is an interesting and essential feature for this 103-ounce beast. It works by engaging VR image stabilization once the user mounts the lens to a tripod.
It’s no good having optics of this quality if they’re not well-protected. Nicknamed the “Tank” there are no issues with the Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II. A tough and solid metal body protects the lens.
There’s also a large protective metal hood and a tough grip-friendly focus ring.
What Could Be Better
You won’t find many complaints about this lens. Everyone would love it if the design engineers could somehow make it lighter and more compact. They can’t, though, so it’s a pipe dream more than a con.
The ultra-high price tag is something that wannabe owners complain about. Professional photographers don’t moan so much because it’s a tool of the trade and should pay for itself in no time.
When the only faults you can find with a high-quality lens are its weight and the price, well… you know you’re onto a good thing. This alone justifies the cost for a lot of people.
There are no other cons to report.
#3. Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
- Type: All-In-One Zoom
- Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
- Weight: 28.16 oz.
- Focal Length: 28-300mm
- Filter: 77mm
- The high points: Wide range of focal lengths, excellent image quality, Silent Wave Motor, IS
- The not-so: Quite heavy, some vignetting, high price tag
My third pick is an all-in-one lens and another Nikon product. I’d say this is an ideal lens for travel photography with its wide focal range. It’s not too heavy and the build quality is great.
Nikon 28-300mm 10.7x zoom checked a lot of boxes for me aside from its broad focal range. You’re always ready for the perfect shot from near or far with this beauty mounted on the Nikon D750 camera.
I found the autofocus to be fast and accurate and the sharpness impressive. The color correction helps to minimize chromatic aberration at wider apertures. It’s not perfect but it’s not major either.
The spec sheet also caught my eye as it’s as long as your arm. You’ve got vibration reduction, extra-low dispersion (ED) and aspherical lens elements. There’s the impressive Silent Wave Motor as well.
Zoom lock, M/A focus mode switch, internal focus, and the rounded 9-blade diaphragm are a few more. The list goes on and it makes a great read but what do others think? Let’s find out.
What Reviewers Say
I came across hundreds of written reviews on the Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. It was the near perfect feedback that helped me to choose this quality product for the best all-in-one zoom.
A lot of users compare the sharpness and overall image quality on a par with well-known prime lenses. This alone is unusual and made me want to read more.
It seems it’s a lens for all purposes and that’s why it has won such wide-ranging appeal. Whether it’s indoors or outside, in bright sunlight or dark spaces, this puppy seems to please all users.
The Nikon 200mm f/2G ED VR II is not without a few critiques though. One common gripe is that there’s some vignetting but few see it as a major issue. The lens’ weight is another complaint.
What’s Good
There’s plenty of good about the Nikon 200mm f/2G—far too much to pack into a mini review. Its first appeal is the wide range of focal lengths as 28-300mm is a lot of zoom.
There will always be some loss in quality with any compromise lens of course. For what this is, though, the image quality is superb—for a zoom. That last point is important.
The build quality is another key feature and the best way to describe it is solid and tight. You get to appreciate the build more when physically comparing the lens to a plasticky and looser alternative.
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) is definitely worth a mention. It provides fast and accurate autofocus that’s not “silent” per se but it’s pretty darn quiet all the same.
Vibration Reduction is another attraction. It enables handheld photography up to four shutter speeds slower than without it.
What Could Be Better
This lens weighs over 28 ounces. That doesn’t sound much but add another 27 ounces for the Nikon D750 camera body and it can become an issue. The lens’ heft is a common complaint.
Photographers with realistic expectations have few complaints from an image quality perspective. Those who demand perfection find some distortion and vignetting bothersome at faster apertures.
The price seems to come up on the list of things that could be better on most lenses, including this one. It’s not cheap at just short of 1000 bucks but I always say—compared to what?
The “compared to what” question is the reason we have reviews. They help buyers to make better-informed decisions based on individual preferences and expectations.
#4. Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC
- Type: Wide-Angle Zoom
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 40 oz.
- Focal Length: 15-30mm
- Filter: N/A
- The high points: Versatile, vibration compensation, ultrasonic motor, 9 blade round aperture
- The not-so: Heavy, no screw-on filter option, price tag
To sum this lens up in a sentence it would be fast, solid, versatile, exceptional quality, and yes, heavy. It balances beautifully on the Nikon D750 DSLR, but its 40 oz. might pull you down on other cameras.
The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC displays good sharpness and contrast even at wider apertures. That’s great news because it gets even better the more you stop it down.
I love the way this lens feels in the hand despite its weight. I find it incredibly smooth, and the focus is both fast and sharp. Some favor this lens over the legendary Nikon 14-24 and I’m inclined to agree.
Not everyone likes or needs to shoot at such wide angles. Those who do, though, will certainly be happy if they invest in this puppy, of that I’m certain.
As with all lenses I review I like to see what others have to say as part of my shortlisting process. The Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 sells really well and enjoys lots of complimentary reviews.
What Reviewers Say
This Tamron f/2.8 SP 15-30mm Di VC USD is a popular wide-angle zoom lens. A few reviewers had reservations about its weight and bulk. That’s until they discovered how comfortable it sits in the hand.
Other comments mention how much cheaper it is than Nikon’s own 14-24mm f/2.8G ED. And in case you’re wondering, that difference is in the neighborhood of $700 at the time of writing.
Most reviewers don’t consider the higher cost of the Nikon lens justifies the extra. There’s a lot of love for the Tamron f/2.8 wide-angle zoom with its build, ease-of-use, feel, image quality and function.
Some write about a little distortion and softness along the outer edges at the wider apertures. But then this is a wide angle zoom after all. It’s a non-issue really and doesn’t deter people from buying it.
What’s Good
A good wide-angle zoom like the Tamron SP 15-30mm f/2.8 is a must-have lens for any gadget bag. It offers photographers a lot of versatility for all kinds of photographic conditions.
The image quality is consistent throughout the range and doesn’t disappoint. The wide f2.8 aperture is perfect for controlling shallow depth of field (DOF). It provides truly selective focus opportunities.
The wide aperture performs equally well in those lower-light situations, without flash. The amazing creative photography choices this lens offer has few limits.
Image sharpness is helped further by the lens’ vibration compensation. The Ultrasonic Silent Motor or USM is another worthy feature that provides faster and quieter focusing.
Round apertures are a firm favorite with bokeh lovers. This Tamron wide-angle zoom has a 9-blade rounded aperture. It guarantees amazing out-of-focus background effects loved by so many.
What Could Be Better
There are three main gripes with this lens. The first is the lens’s weight—yes that old chestnut again. It’s around 40 ounces and you’ll want to add another 27 ounces for the Nikon D750 body.
Another complaint—also shared by a lot of wide-angle lenses—is the absence of a regular front filter thread. There are some clumsy ways around this but most people don’t seem to bother.
Finally, there’s the price. Although it’s not cheap it’s a much cheaper alternative to Nikon’s wide-angle zoom. It will probably meet your needs too and for a lot less money. Only you can decide.
#5. Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro
- Type: Macro (Medium Telephoto)
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 28 oz.
- Focal Length: 105mm
- Filter: 62mm
- The high points: Silent Wave Motor, Vibration Reduction, tack sharp, amazing bokeh
- The not-so: A little bulky, heavy too, AF hunting
There’s something special about shooting at ultra-close distances. It makes photography even more enjoyable when the macro lens is versatile enough to use for other photographic situations.
The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED VR Micro checks all the above. It’s an amazing piece of glass for macro photographic needs. Nikon’s new VR II vibration reduction technology is another pleasing feature.
I don’t have any complaints about image quality. It’s clean and sharp, enhanced by the ED glass elements and Nano-Crystal coat. I didn’t experience any serious chromatic aberrations or lens flare.
The internal focus (IF) is essential for close-up work that requires patience and persistence. Think bugs. There’s no sudden change in the lens’ physical length and the AF remains fast and quiet.
Nikon has a lot of confidence in their lenses and this one’s no exception. The 5-year extended warranty option shows how confident the company is in their product. That’s always a good sign.
What Reviewers Say
Nikon’s 105mm f/2.8 Micro (Macro) is another lens from the giant brand that continues to sell well. Reviewers can’t wait to share their satisfaction for this quality close-up lens.
You can feel the elation as people talk about the sharpness, colors, and the beautiful bokeh. We expect all these things from a quality Nikon telephoto macro but it’s still good to hear them from real users.
Photographers love the quality feel, the versatility, and solid build of this piece of glass. A lot of folks seem surprised at how brilliant it serves as a portrait lens too.
You’ll certainly find far more compliments than complaints. There are some negatives though. They’re the old familiar gripes such as AF hunting, weight, and too bulky for smaller hands.
What’s Good
This lens sports a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that’s more quiet than silent. Fast and quiet autofocussing is something of a Nikon trait. And switching over to manual focus (M/A & M) takes a nanosecond.
Vibration Reduction (VR) is another great feature. It’s not so important for extreme close-up work but it comes in handy for portraiture and other handheld shooting styles.
Sharpness is one of the lens’ features people can’t praise enough. They’re right too. This 105mm f/2.8 telephoto lens is what some might say is as sharp as the legendary tack.
The bokeh (background blur) is amazing too. I mention this because all fast lenses produce bokeh but it’s not all equal and it’s not all breathtaking.
What Could Be Better
If you’ve read all these reviews you would have noticed some common disadvantages. Among these usual gripes are size, weight, and also AF hunting. This lens suffers from all three.
When it comes to well-built lenses the makers use high-quality plastics and metals. Better quality means a more solid construction and a heavier lens. It’s one of those unfortunate tradeoffs.
The lens is fairly bulky too. This isn’t an issue for people with average sized hands. It’s something to think about for those of you with smaller hands, especially if you intend to use it for long periods.
I found this lens a bit frustrating in low light conditions because of the AF hunting. It’s the same with macro work. I rarely use AF in close-up shots so that’s not an issue for me and my style.
#6. Sigma 120-300mm Fast F2.8 Sports – DG APO OS HSM
- Type: Telephoto Zoom
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Weight: 104 oz.
- Focal Length: 120-300mm
- Filter: 105mm
- The high points: Sharpness, bokeh, flexibility, Optical Stabilization (OS), fast focus
- The not-so: Big and heavy, huge front element, expensive
The Sigma 120-300mm is a fast F2.8 DSLR lens perfect for sports, action, and wildlife photography. Sigma aims it at the semi-pro and professional photographers—people who can justify its high price tag.
The first thing I noticed about this lens was its size and bulk. I knew the specs before I even saw it but it turned into a real beast once mounted onto the Nikon D750.
I had to resort to a harness after a while. This helped to ease the discomfort and allowed me to focus more on shooting. Weight aside, though, this is a remarkable chunk of glass that doesn’t disappoint.
This lens has Optical Stabilization or OS. And the focus is responsive and razor-sharp even when wide open. The bokeh effect is beautiful and creates that impressive subject-to-background separation.
The front of the lens is huge and doesn’t come with a protective UV filter. It does come with a pretty decent lens hood that shields the front element when not in use.
What Reviewers Say
There are those who love to photograph from afar. Sometimes, capturing sports, action, and wildlife needs a lens that extends past 200mm. Sigma’s 120-300mm F2.8 Sports fits the bill.
This is another costly piece of high-quality glass. That means fewer sales and reviewers than there are with less expensive optics. But those who do take the time to write couldn’t be happier.
It’s funny to read how so many people were reluctant to invest so much money in a third-party lens. Those who took the plunge haven’t looked back. They love the sharp images and smooth bokeh effect.
Sport’s and wildlife photographers (including low-light shooters) love what this lens delivers. The bulk and heft gets a few mentions but no one really expected it to be lighter or more compact.
You can tell real users love this quality glass by the high word count of their glowing reviews.
What’s Good
The sharpness is incredible for a third-party zoom. Professionals who buy this lens don’t have any complaints about image sharpness. It may lose a little on distant objects but nothing significant.
Out-of-focus backgrounds (bokeh) are essential for isolating in-focus objects. The bokeh effect produced by this lens gets plenty of praise. Good bokeh can make or break an image.
The focal range of the Sigma 120-300mm gives photographers plenty of flexibility. It’s great for tracking moving objects getting nearer or traveling out of frame. The AF looks after the rest.
Optical stabilization (OS) is handy when you’re not shooting with tripod support. It’s important because without OS you risk losing otherwise great shots ruined by blur.
The lens autofocus (AF) is fast though it can waver a little if there’s lots of clutter near to the main object. It’s not enough to get any widespread complaints though.
What Could Be Better
It’s big and it’s heavy. It has to be because it’s a 120-300mm f2.8 telephoto sports zoom lens. I still have to list the obvious as negatives as these are still key buying considerations for some people.
There’s a huge front element too with an unconventional filter size of 105mm. If you don’t already own filters of this size you can buy them easily enough but they’re not cheap.
A lot of people moan about the price of the Sigma 120-300mm Fast F2.8 Sports – DG APO OS HSM. These are usually those who can’t afford the price or justify the cost. To professionals it’s all relative.