Nikon F (DX/FX) lenses [309 listed]

The Nikon F Mount, with its DX and FX formats, is one of the most flexible and long-lasting lens systems ever created. First introduced in 1959 with the Nikon F SLR, this mount has supported decades of photographic innovation. Whether you’re a beginner exploring the DX format or a professional relying on FX for maximum quality, the Nikon F Mount offers a unique combination of heritage, adaptability, and modern performance.

As a photographer who has used this mount extensively in both formats, I can say it’s a system that delivers in every scenario, from casual shooting to professional work.

Table of Contents

What Is the Nikon F Mount?
DX Format: Compact and Accessible
FX Format: Full-Frame Brilliance
Lens Compatibility: A Photographer’s Dream
My Experience with the F Mount
Challenges of the Nikon F Mount
Why the Nikon F Mount Still Matters

What Is the Nikon F Mount?

At its core, the Nikon F Mount is a bayonet-style lens mount designed for Nikon’s DSLR and film cameras. Its 44mm diameter and 46.5mm flange distance make it highly versatile, supporting everything from ultra-wide-angle lenses to powerful telephotos.

The mount supports two sensor sizes:

DX Format: Nikon’s APS-C sensor (approximately 24x16mm) with a 1.5x crop factor.
FX Format: Nikon’s full-frame sensor (36x24mm), equivalent to the size of 35mm film.

Both formats use the same mount, which means DX lenses can be used on FX bodies (with some limitations) and FX lenses can be used on DX bodies (with a crop factor). This flexibility is one of the system’s greatest strengths, allowing photographers to build a lens collection that works across multiple camera bodies.

DX Format: Compact and Accessible

Nikon’s DX format was introduced in 1999 with the Nikon D1, marking the brand’s entry into digital SLRs. Designed for smaller APS-C sensors, the DX format is ideal for photographers who want a lightweight, affordable system without sacrificing image quality.

The compact size of DX cameras, like the Nikon D7500 or D5600, makes them perfect for travel, wildlife, and everyday shooting. Paired with DX-specific lenses, these cameras offer excellent reach due to the 1.5x crop factor. For example, a 200mm lens on a DX body provides an effective focal length of 300mm—perfect for capturing distant subjects.

One of my favorite DX lenses is the Nikon AF-S DX 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR, a versatile zoom that’s sharp, lightweight, and great for both landscapes and portraits.

FX Format: Full-Frame Brilliance

The FX format, introduced with the Nikon D3 in 2007, brought full-frame sensors to Nikon’s digital lineup. FX cameras like the Nikon D850, D6, or D780 deliver stunning image quality, with better low-light performance, dynamic range, and shallower depth of field compared to DX.

The FX format is perfect for professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand the best. Whether you’re shooting weddings, landscapes, or commercial work, FX cameras and lenses deliver exceptional results.

One of my go-to FX lenses is the Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR, a fast and sharp zoom lens that’s a workhorse for many types of photography.

Lens Compatibility: A Photographer’s Dream

One of the greatest strengths of the Nikon F Mount is its backward compatibility. You can mount lenses from the 1960s onto modern DSLRs, and they’ll still work (with some limitations in metering and autofocus). This makes the F Mount a treasure trove for photographers who enjoy experimenting with vintage glass.

Nikon offers lenses for every type of photographer:

DX Lenses: Compact and designed specifically for APS-C sensors. These lenses are lightweight and budget-friendly.
FX Lenses: Optimized for full-frame sensors, offering the best in sharpness, bokeh, and low-light performance.
Legacy AI and AI-S Lenses: Manual focus lenses with beautiful rendering and robust construction.

Some standout lenses include:

DX: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX – A fast, affordable prime for portraits and low-light shooting.
FX: Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR – A professional telephoto zoom with unparalleled sharpness and performance.
AI-S: Nikon 105mm f/2.5 – A classic portrait lens beloved for its dreamy bokeh.

My Experience with the F Mount

Over the years, I’ve used both DX and FX cameras extensively, and what I love most about the F Mount is its adaptability. As my photography evolved, I could upgrade from DX to FX while still using the same lenses. The mount’s compatibility has allowed me to explore a wide range of lenses, from modern zooms to vintage primes, each offering its own unique character.

The DX format was my starting point, offering a lightweight kit that I could take anywhere. As I moved into more professional work, the FX format became my go-to for its superior image quality and flexibility. What stands out is how seamless the transition was—no need to start from scratch with new gear.

Challenges of the Nikon F Mount

While the F Mount is incredibly versatile, it’s not without its limitations. Autofocus performance on older lenses can be slow compared to modern mirrorless systems, and the optical designs of some legacy lenses may not match the sharpness of newer glass. Additionally, the weight of some FX lenses can be a challenge for those prioritizing portability.

With Nikon’s shift to the Z Mount for its mirrorless cameras, the F Mount’s future is uncertain. However, the FTZ adapter ensures F Mount lenses can be used on Z cameras, extending the life of this legendary system.

Why the Nikon F Mount Still Matters

Despite the rise of mirrorless systems, the Nikon F Mount remains a cornerstone of photography. Its extensive lineup of lenses, reliable build quality, and backward compatibility make it a system that appeals to both new photographers and seasoned professionals.

For me, the F Mount isn’t just a lens system—it’s a legacy. It’s a bridge between generations of photography, a testament to Nikon’s commitment to excellence. Whether you’re shooting on a DX body or an FX powerhouse, the F Mount has something to offer, delivering the tools you need to create stunning images.

If you’re looking for a system that combines heritage with performance, the Nikon F Mount is a choice you won’t regret.

Nikon F (DX/FX) Lenses List

Hartblei Superrotator 40mm F4 IF TS

Hartblei Superrotator 80mm F2.8 IF TS

Hartblei Superrotator Macro 120mm F4 TS

Irix 11mm F4

Irix 15mm F2.4

Irix 45mm F1.4

NIKKOR 180-400mm F/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR

NIKKOR 70-200mm F/2.8E FL ED VR

Nikkor AF-S 300mm f/4E PF ED VR

Nikon AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D ED-IF

Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D

Nikon AF Nikkor 105mm f/2D DC

Nikon AF Nikkor 135mm f/2D DC

Nikon AF Nikkor 14mm f/2.8D ED

Nikon AF Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D IF ED

Nikon AF Nikkor 180mm f/2.8D ED-IF

Nikon AF Nikkor 20mm f/2.8D

Nikon AF Nikkor 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF

Nikon AF Nikkor 24mm f/2.8D

Nikon AF Nikkor 28mm f/2.8D

Nikon AF Nikkor 35mm f/2D

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

Nikon AF Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G

Nikon AF Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED VR

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D

Nikon AF-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm F4.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-6.3G VR

Nikon AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 40mm F2.8

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G ED-IF

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm F2.8-4E ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm F1.8G

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm F2.8G IF-ED VR

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 60mm F2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm F1.4E ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 120-300mm F2.8E FL ED SR VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm F4G ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-500mm F5.6E ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED VR II

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200mm f/2G ED-IF VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 20mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm F4G ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm F2.8E ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24-85mm F3.5-4.5G ED VR

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm F1.8G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR