Last Updated on February 3, 2023
Newborn photography is an art form all its own, and capturing those fleeting first days and weeks of life is a challenge that requires both skill and the right tools. One of the most important tools in a newborn photographer’s kit is the lens, and Nikon offers a wide range of options to suit different needs and preferences.
So, what is the best Nikon lens for newborn photography? The answer ultimately depends on several factors, including your preferred shooting style, the type of images you want to create, and your budget. However, there are a few standout options that are worth considering, and we’ll explore those in more detail in this blog post.
Whether you are starting your professional newborn photography career or you have a baby of your own you wish to photograph it is important to get a lens made for the task at hand. But it does not have to be overwhelming, if you invest in one of the recommended lenses you are sure to be happy with the images you get.
What to Look For in a Baby Photography Lens
The first thing you need to determine is the way you want to shoot your photos. Some people are looking for a happy and candid moment that will reflect the true joy of welcoming a baby into the family, while others are more interested in posed shots. Whatever your preference is, it will help you decide on which lens to purchase.
Typically, macro lenses are best suited for close up or intimate photography where as wide-angle lenses can capture movements or offer a more panoramic view of the scene. The next thing to consider is frame size, how the lens shape will fit into your photo. The most common lenses are 50mm, 35mm and 85mm; the focal length differs from 24 to 135 mm. You may also want to consider a short telephoto lens that zooms in on the baby.
Best Nikon Lenses for Newborn Photography
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G
The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is a very popular lens that is perfect for newborn photography. It provides top in class image stabilization making it easy to get clear and striking images even when shooing in hand. This lens also provides you with built in vibration reduction to further improve image quality. This can be achieved when shooting in lower f stops meaning it is an exceptional lens for shooting in low light too.
That is not the end of great features, you additionally have a Silent Wave Motor at your disposal. This creates an autofocus that is extremely quiet and fast which is perfect for taking photos of sleeping babies (nothing will wake a sleeping baby during a photo session quicker than a loud autofocus). You also get Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat and ED Extra Low Dispersion Glass which improves image quality dramatically.
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Key Attributes
- Offers Zoom Focal Length
- Full Frame Lens Format
- Offers a Max Aperture of f/2.8
- Macro SLR Lens Type
- Provides Continuous Focus
- Features VR II Vibration Reduction
- Offers Extra Low Dispersion Glass Element
- Built In Focus
- Front is Non Rotating
- Has a Silent Wave Motor
Nikon 85mm f/1.4G
This Nikon lens is one of my favorite all around lenses for portrait shots. It will allow you to capture images with clarity from edge to image edge with vibrant color and even a beautiful bokeh effect. And whether you want to shoot in manual mode or in full autofocus this lens has you covered. With the M/A Focus Mode switch you can go between manual and AF quickly. You also get the Nikon Silent Wave Motor for essential silent autofocusing that is also quick and accurate.
Features you will love include the SWM, Nikon Nano Crystal Coat, and Super Integrated Coating. You will enjoy ghosting and flare free images with exceptional color contrast and realism.
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Key Attributes
- Full Frame Camera Format
- Offers a Max Aperture of f/1.4
- Medium Telephoto / Telephoto SLR Lens / And Portrait SLR Lens
- SWM, Silent Wave Motor
- Nano Crystal Coat
- Manual and Auto Focus Mode
- Built In AF
- Super Integrated Coating
- Rounded 9 Blade Diaphragm
Nikon 35mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR
If images that emulate what is seen with the human eye is the goal, then the Nikon 35mm f/1.4G is the lens for you. You get truly gorgeous and realistic images with this lens and it works wonderfully in low light while maintaining stunning image quality. This lens is particularly great for the parent photographer as it’s versatility and ability to handle varied lighting makes it great for shooting shots daily without needing to own multiple lenses. It also offers a durable build making it capable of handling frequent use without breaking down.
You get a fast max aperture and the ability to create amazing bokeh backgrounds. The feature list includes great performance enhancements like Nano Crystal Coat and Aspherical Lens Element to eliminate any flare or ghosting or image aberrations. This is a great value lens that is great for the parent or professional newborn photographer.
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Key Attributes
- Zoom Focal Length
- Full Frame Camera Lens Format
- Offers Max Aperture of f/1.4
- Wide Angle SLR Lens
- Features Nano Crystal Coat
- Provides Image Sharpness from Edge to Edge
- N and AS Element
- Aspherical Lens Element
- Silent Wave Motor
- Rear Focusing
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR
This is an amazing all around Nikon lens for newborn photography. It provides exceptional versatility in a well designed, lightweight package. You will love the ultrasonic motor that provides quiet and fast autofocus that works perfectly every time. This aspherical lens is great for the parent or photographer who does not want to invest in a bunch of lenses to achieve great image quality. It performs well under most lighting situations including low light which makes shooting outdoor or indoor possible.
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Key Attributes
- Zoom Focal Length
- Full Frame Lens Format
- Offers a Max Aperture of f/1.8
- Standard SLR Lens Type
- Has Silent Wave Motor
- M/A Switch for Quick Change from Auto to Manual Focus
- FX Format Prime Lens
- Offers Pro Digital 58mm Multi Coated UV Filter
- Features AS Effective Aberration Correction to Prevent Flare and Ghosting
Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM ART Lens
Sigma produces some amazing lenses for a third party maker and the 24mm f/1.4 is one of those great lenses. This full frame DSLR lens can also be used on an APS image sensor camera. It is very popular with photographers including portrait enthusiasts. It really shines when shooting indoor making it a great studio lens option.
But it also does well in low lighting and can provide you with stunning image quality and bokeh backgrounds. It features a Low Dispersion FLD glass and Special Low Dispersion glass which will minimize flare and ghosting in your baby images. This lens also comes in at a very reasonable price making it a great all around value.
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Key Attributes
- Zoom Focal Length
- Full Frame Lens Format
- Offers a Max Aperture of f/1.4
- Wide Angle SLR Lens
- Designed for Full Frame Cameras but can Be Used with APS Sensor Models
- Offers FLD and SLD glass
- Provides Optimized Power Layout
Conclusion
I’ve shot newborn photography with my Nikon cameras for long enough to understand the importance of shooting with a lens designed for the particular needs of newborn photography. The right lens will provide beautiful images of your baby under any lighting conditions while being durable enough to stand up to frequent use. The top rated lenses on this list will provide you with performance, durability, and value worth investing in for creating the best image quality possible.
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