Recommended Lenses for Nikon D5200/D5300/D5500/D7100 (DX Cameras)

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An overview of the best lenses for crop sensor Nikon Cameras D5200, D5300, D5500, D7100, D7200. These cameras have excellent sensors and produce better images with better lenses.
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[@kennyken7278]

Tried (almost) every mid range lenses out there for DX and these lenses hit the sweet spot between cost and image quality 1. Tamron 17-50 2.8 - for general purpose zoom 2. Nikkor 50mm 1.8G - for portraits 3..Nikkor 35mm 1.8G - for general purpose prime Unfortunately, I cannot recommend any of Nikon's longer zoom DXlenses (and even 3rd parties) because they're too expensive for what they are and the image quality just falls flat

[@atrisharma1184]

Kenny Ken the 85mm blows the 50mm out the water.

[@damonkay4177]

Jungli 999 yeah but expensive

[@Mr_Spock512]

@@atrisharma1184 Agreed, for portraits the 85mm f/1.8G is hard to beat.

[@garthock1]

KEH will sell you a used Nikon DX 18-200 VR super zoom for as little as $130. The one I got is sharp zoomed all the way in to 200 mm. Good walk around one lens does it all.

[@photorectoby]

Thanks - every once in awhile I don't get the audio quite right and don't notice until it is to late or it sometimes seems good enough it is posted on KZbin. Lately I have had it dialed in and been happy. Thanks!

[@Watchthekettle]

for dx i would say = tokina 11-16mm 2.8, 35mm 1.8, 17-55mm 2.8 and 70-200mm 2.8 if possible

[@photorectoby]

Those are all solid lens recommendations that I agree with - the 70-200 is not cheap though! But if you can afford or plan to shoot professionally- it is the way to go.

[@Khorasanpodcast]

can you help me with this DX concept and the other one?

[@photorectoby]

Can I say neither and suggest the Sigma 17-70- gives you no overlap and nice low aperture and image stabilization. The best general purpose walk around prime lens for the D5200 is the 35 f/1.8 - don't have to buy it right away but you will enjoy it in the lower light.

[@william870314]

Thankyou. Your video is awesome. Nikon d5500 35mm f 1.8 :)

[@photorectoby]

Yes - you have to multiple the focal length times 1.5 with Nikon cameras. so a 50mm does become a 75mm. It is not absolutely necessary t o have auto-focus but it is very nice. Really depends on what you are photographing, to manually focus every photo can be a bummer and I think you will quickly find yourself wishing for some AF. The D5200 is a good camera and paired with the 35 f/1.8- excellent. I have another video recommending lenses for the D5200.

[@SeongMoKim]

Hahaha hahahaha "zoom with your feet"

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

Yeah, not only isnt it convenient, often, it isnt possible. I hare that phrase.

[@photorectoby]

Thanks - the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 is one of the best value lenses period and does a great job on the D7100. Some people miss the wider end when using that lens on a crop camera like the D7100 but it offers sharpness across and excellent range for portraits and wedding work.

[@jamesCH3W]

i didnt understand anything :( is there a good lens for landscapes/ shooting the stars and photography??

[@photorectoby]

James Chew Tokina 11-16 f/2.8

[@jamesCH3W]

PhotoRec Toby thank you (:

[@photorectoby]

It is. You could also wait and snag the D5300 body which comes out in a few weeks for some savings. But I do like the D7100 - all depends on what type of photography you are doing? Occasional and just fun - D5300 would be just fine. Slightly more advanced and professional D7100.

[@HertNiks]

50mm is actually 75mm equivalent not 80 something.

[@JacobAvnerPr1mus3]

50mm on these cameras is equal to 80mm. 50x1.6=80.

[@britboy1969]

Jacob Avner On Nikon it is 1.5x 1.6x is for Canon

[@HertNiks]

Jacob Avner On nikon its 75mm

[@JacobAvnerPr1mus3]

Hert Niks Is it only a 1.5 multiplier?

[@dungv1]

Jacob Avner there is a 1.3 crop on d7100 so is 90mm.

[@photorectoby]

55-300 is a decent zoom lens and that along with the 35 should cover most of your needs. Later on you can add a nice wide angle lens and you will have a focal length for 99% of your needs.

[@carphotography1017]

35mm f/1.8 is great, get one if you dont have one

[@gacs7424]

It is too tele on APS-C sensor. Shame Nikon does not have 23 mm prime on DX.

[@reedteyber5224]

I hate most photography videos on youtube but I like how you keep it about the gear and not about yourself as well as how efficiently you deliver the information

[@photorectoby]

I have not tested these two side by side - I believe the 16-85 is slightly better but the two lenses are very similar. 17-70 gives you better aperture options across the range, better in low light.

[@APixerProductions]

I didn't like the review. sorry. you are suggesting all the primes of similar focal lengths.. don't you think its smarter to buy an 85mm 1.8 instead of 50mm 1.8 when there is already a 35mm.. I think people should buy 35mm, 85mm and maybe a 135mm/105mm.

[@Mr_Spock512]

Those (35mm and 85mm) are the primes I use.

[@hemantabharali]

Keep in mind the crop factor..... 35 becomes 52.5 50 becomes 75 And 85 becomes 127.5

[@photorectoby]

Hi Harold- the value of that feature really depends on the type of video work you plan to do. It is honestly something I don't use- I just don't do enough video beyond these how-to and am happy with the look straight out of my 5D Mark III. But for indie film makers and other serious videographers having that feature in a $700 camera with a good sensor is seriously impressive.

[@photorectoby]

Those are good lenses too - I was trying to keep this list concise and didn't really cover super wide or zoom lenses. Will talk about those in future video.

[@AbrahamDakin]

I love the 35mm 1.8G. When I first started out I couldn't see the positives of having a prime over the convenience of buying zooms. However, now that I own the 35mm, I can't take it off my camera. It's small, light, great for street photography (as you're a little more inconspicuous) and it has fantastic image quality. I can't say enough good things about that lens.

[@photorectoby]

Hi Stacie, in General I am not a fan of these do it all lenses - they make lots of sacrifices to cram that much focal length in one lens. I much prefer the 70-300. D7100 is pretty sweet with 70-300, you have the 2x crop mode which will give you even more zoom and faster burst rate for catching your kids in action.

[@photorectoby]

That is great for tighter portraits and head shots. You may consider the 50 f/1.8 that actually equals 85 on the D5200.

[@photorectoby]

It is a very convenient lens and I know some semi-pro photographers that travel the world using the nikon 18-200 but I personally do not like the amount of distortion and softness at 200 with such a lens. I think you are better off with a nice walk around and a zoom. Not as convenient but better quality. All depends on your purpose for photography.

[@photorectoby]

Those two lenses are very good. you may feel limited by the 35 but it provides excellent quality and images, especially in lower light.

[@photorectoby]

I agree along as someone knows what they are getting into - for folks just trying out a prime the 35 f/1.8 is the way to go. Once you know how awesome primes are lenses like the Sigma 50 f/1.4 are excellent. Thanks!

[@photorectoby]

You can use FX lenses without adapters. D5200 does need AF-S lenses to autofocus with as it doesn't have in body focus motor.

[@photorectoby]

make sure you are comparing the 17-50 to the NEW 17-70 with much better build quality. But you make an excellent point about video, though I don't know many pros that zoom during film.

[@photorectoby]

If you already have that lens it is fine But if you are considering something around that range the newer 18-140 is very good. For self time photos you can prefocus where you will be standing or pt the camera in continuous focus mode to focus on you OR use a remote that also does focus before photo. Last option is best. send me a message on my facebook page and I can provide a link to the remote you want.

[@photorectoby]

Yep - it's a very nice lens. I didn't include it here because I was trying to keep the price down. I will follow this up with a pro lens list soon.

[@photorectoby]

I have not put my hands on one yet. Just going by MTF charts and other reviews. Hope to get one in here soon. 16-85 is a very good lens too.

[@photorectoby]

That was my approach for many years, The difference between 2.8 and 1.8 is pretty amazing in some situations though.

[@photorectoby]

You must press the depth-of-field preview button to stop the lens aperture down to value selected. Will not show you without pressing that button. It is on front left of camera (when facing camera) I have another video that gives a complete tour of the D7100 and shows this button.

[@photorectoby]

Hi Roberto, I didn't notice any serious issues with the new version of my lens. Certainly a $500 zoom that offers such nice apertures is going to have some issues and likely at the edge but this is one of those things that in real world situations is rarely noticeable if at all.

[@photorectoby]

I recommend the 18-140. You make quality and sacrifices and suffer some distortion when you cram all the focal length into one lens.

[@photorectoby]

If you don't need autofocus the Rokinon/Samyang/Bower wide angle lenses offer excellent value. Otherwise Tokina 11-16 is excellent.

[@austinace8490]

I am a newcomer with a Nikon D5200. I purchased a Sigma DC 18-200 OS HSM zoom with auto focus and I am very happy with it. Especially taking portraits from a less intimidating distance at gatherings. Just a word of caution, when taking videos, DO turn off the OS as the motor makes a lot of noise trying to stabilize in video. No one seems to give this warning either at Sigma or on You-tube. Thanks so much for your very informative videos.

[@photorectoby]

I have found the D5100 to be slightly more responsive and more suited to faster action or even better the D7000. The D5200 provides excellent quality but at times it has these hesitations that are frustrating.

[@photorectoby]

Thanks for those thoughts. I think this is why they have come out with the 18-140 to address the issues with both kit lenses lacking when on these newer bodies. What body are you using?

[@photorectoby]

I have several videos that talk about and show the differences. Watch those though I do agree with everything Dennis said.

[@photorectoby]

The aperture ring should work - it is mechanical and independent of the body you put it on. 50mm D version will not autofocus on D5100 but will work.

[@photorectoby]

It will work. It is DX and you have a D7100 - that is all you need to know to know that it will work.

[@huskyzzaa]

I have a Nikon D7000 camera and recently bought the 35mm f/1.8g lens. It's been working out fantastic for me and it stays on my camera most of my time over my zoom 18-140mm VR lens. Thanks for a great video.

[@photorectoby]

I was on the fence about that because new it is more expensive but I agree it is a better lens and deal if bought used.

[@photorectoby]

D7100 is fantastic for video - quality is excellent, controls are good, battery life is solid. D7100 gets my vote!

[@photorectoby]

The 18-55 really isnt a great lens, I hear from lots of people complaining that their photos are blurry and it turns out it is the lens. Get the T5i with 18-55/18-135 or get the D5200 with 18-105. hope that helps.

[@photorectoby]

Cool - it really is a sweet lens. I wish Canon had something in same price range that offered 35 f/1.8.

[@photorectoby]

That lens is one of the best value wide angle lenses for Nikon or Canon so it gets to thumbs up here!

[@photorectoby]

Fun ? Definitely the 35. Second lens- the 18-200 is certainly the most versatile and Nikon's version is good but you do make some sacrifices when you cram that much focal length into one lens. But, I can't really think of any other lens that I would make a strong argument for other than maybe a nice macro like the 105 or the 180 - that would give you a telephoto and a really good macro. I can keep myself quite entertained with a macro for some time. I am going to share this ? on FB

[@photorectoby]

Those primes - the 50 and 35 are lovely and an awesome value.

[@photorectoby]

review your meta data - was shutter speed fast enough? What aperture? What focus point. Lots of variables that we need to figure out before we can say what the issue is.

[@photorectoby]

How about the 80-400 from Nikon? Probably still pricey to rent that beast but covers all the zoom you need. Or 70-300 VR, those would be my picks. If you know you will be close to the action the 70-200 is excellent, but 200 can feel like small zoom sometimes.

[@01670089747]

am using a D5300 and i wonder which prime will be the best lens for portrait and also for my daily uses like on the street and elsewhere ! will you please help me with that ?

[@PearseXI]

I only have one lens with my D5300 and I love it. I have the 35mm f/1.8, it is so sharp and great in low light. It's focal length is perfect, I get good portraits with my lens, and although the 50 is better for portraits, it's not a huge difference. Also, the 35mm is way more useful for everyday shooting, it is great for street work, sometimes I find the 50 to be too zoomed in.

[@01670089747]

+PSA Photography thanks for the help ! appreciate it :-)

[@photorectoby]

Paul- I have heard similar reports, especially paired with the D5200 and it is a real shame. I would try contacting Nikon and see if they will test/calibrate for you.

[@ratmeister69]

I bought an 80-400 used locally for $750.00 and have captured some beautiful pictures with it. It is a very versatile lens and as long as there is some good light you will be very pleased with what it can do. Bonus is that it is fairly compact and not hard to carry.

[@Irishkilt67]

I do own a D7100 and a D5200 and I must agree that the 35mm 1.8 is really awesome on both. Every beginner photographer should own a prime lens. Great advice Toby!

[@photorectoby]

You have perfect coverage there - nicely done. Tamron can offer great value.

[@kiwious]

I recently got a Nikon D5100 and most of the time I just have my 35mm/1.8 on it. I love it!

[@nemac23]

I think the 17-50 is a good choice and what I am planning to go with. Two reasons - fixed aperture and build quality. Fixed aperture is crucial for video if you plan to zoom in, especially on the D7100 since the live view doesn't show change in aperture. The Ex line is their top range and has better optics. The 17-70's extra range may come at a price (while the 17-50 is already within a great general-purpose range) and it does have a 22cm min focus distance. Price is the same. Easy choice.

[@michealdharrell]

The thing you have to look out for when buying from independent lens makers is compatibility both forward and backward. Just because it works with your current camera doesn't mean It'll work with your next one.

[@photorectoby]

It is a very nice lens. Gives you a good wide option on a crop sensor like the D7100. in short - I am positive on it :)

[@photorectoby]

You see how popular that video was? and it went up on a Friday - Fun. Thanks so much!

[@photorectoby]

A lens that covers a very wide range is typically not as good as a lens that doesn't. It is convenient to have that much range in one lens - you don't have to switch often but for me the decreased image quality is not worth the convenience. The 18-140 is a very good compromise between convenience and quality.

[@AceDancePavilionMcwhite]

I have a Nikon D5200 with prime lens Nikkor 35mm 1.8G 90% of the time. Great for shooting parties with low lights and great for movie modes too.

[@photorectoby]

35 is best value. You could go with the 50 but I find it less versatile as it is more narrow.

[@photorectoby]

Yep - that lens does nicely too.

[@photorectoby]

Pricey it is! How about the SIgma 17-70? Offers same basic quality with better low light performance.

[@moneybagzz]

I use a Nikkor 16-85 on a D300S (which I intend to upgrade to a D7100 at some point in the future) and I love it. It has VR; it is on my camera 85% of the time. I also use a Tamron 90mm Macro, but not as frequently as the 16-85.

[@DominiqueKooper666]

This is really helpful, thank you. I think I'm going to buy myself the nikon D5300 with the 18-55 lens first, then see what between these digits fits me most, and get a prime lens to match that. Thank you so much for these videos, it's really helping me making a decision.

[@photorectoby]

Glad I could help!

[@photorectoby]

Sigma 18-35 f/1.8 - I reviewed it a few weeks ago.

[@thytonen]

I have following setup (with Nikon D7100) and I've been very happy with it so far: Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM Tamron 70-300mm F4,0-5,6 DI VC USD Covers all my bases, Sigma is my walk-a-round lens, Tamron for good light nature shots and Nikon for low light or if I want to travel light.

[@photorectoby]

Toni Hytönen Very nice!

[@photorectoby]

Yep - that is the way to go. 18-105 is better. Even better these days is the 18-140 lens.

[@photorectoby]

I'd take the Sigma over the Nikon for most photography. Only get the Nikon if you really want the extra convenience of having a little more zoom and you are willing to sacrifice low light capabilities because that sigma offers nice wide open apertures.

[@photorectoby]

Those cheaper alternatives are not as good. I don't know how close you need to get - the 140 might not give you quite the range you want. The 55-300 should do a better job but if light levels are low neither is going to be excellent. Nikons 70-200 f/4 is very good and may be better if your budget can afford.

[@zygrel2800]

I've had my D5200 for about a month now and use the 50mm f/1.8 AF-D most of the time. For landscape I have a sigma 10-20mm wide angle, which gives just a monster field of view. And a sigma 70mm macro for my bug pics.

[@photorectoby]

It is a very good lens and would perform well on the D7100.

[@cycledublin]

My 50mm f/1.8D is my workhorse for portraits (on my D90). I absolutely love it. I find the 35mm f/1.8G is a little less sharp but still good. I have a 28-75 Tamron and while it can be beautifully sharp it's a little temperamental. It misses focus quite a lot. One you didn't mention is the 18-70 f/3.5-4.5 which can be found VERY cheaply second hand and is a significant step up from the 18-55 kit lens.

[@TobiasGelston]

The Tamron can also be slow to focus, especially in lower light but I still find it an excellent value. Thanks for throwing the 18-70 in there too - I hadn't really considered that but it too is a good value.

[@photorectoby]

The Tamron can also be slow to focus, especially in lower light but I still find it an excellent value. Thanks for throwing the 18-70 in there too - I hadn't really considered that but it too is a good value.

[@photorectoby]

Yes it does and yes it would.

[@gerGoPrint3D]

:-) 5 years ago I got my D60 with the 18-105VR, still using it after 4 bodies on the D7100. My second lens was the 70-300VR, then 35mm/F1.8 and 50mm/F1.8/D (with the aperture ring) just as you recommend. For a fifth I would recommend everybody to get a wide angle lens, it turned out to be a Tokina 12-24mm/F4.

[@DennisdeJong]

depends what you want, I have the d5200 but I also shot with a friends 650d and loved it. if you want a user friendly camera take the canon, if you like the little edge that the nikon has. then you should take the Nikon (higher pixel count, 39 point AF, bit better image quality which is hard to distinguish) there is no better camera in general as the image quality will depend on the lens and on your capabilities as well.

[@BikeTour07]

If you are planning to buy the 70-300 then be sure to get the AF-S VR one, VR is a must on that focal length. I have it and I am lucky to have a very good copy. With wide angle, I haven't tried the sigma 10-20 but I do have the Tokina 12-24 F4, love that lens, super sharp even wide open and it stays on my camera body more than the 50mm though it was a bit heavy because of its built quality.

[@photorectoby]

It is a sharper lens. Significantly sharper. . . at some apertures but it isn't an amazing difference and one that probably isn't noticeable until you zoom/pixel peep your images.

[@PaulRosberg]

Thank you very much Toby. I'll see what I can do about getting a calibration. The backfocus seems so slight (20% of the time it seems dead on, 80% of the time it seems slightly backfocused, now that I've looked at more images I've taken). I hope a small adjustment will be a quick and easy process. It leaves me wishing they could release a firmware update that incorporates lens calibration features on the D5200... you'd think that wouldn't be too difficult to do.

[@photorectoby]

I personally don't think that lens is better than the newer Sigma 17-70. 17-70 gives you a useful range and more consistent quality in their newer line of lenses.

[@photorectoby]

Thanks! I think you were my 5800 like! Will be interesting to see the results.

[@photorectoby]

D7100 is almost as good as that full frame 6D. And you save money. But if doing lots of lower light work the 6D would be better option. I haven't used the Black Magic stuff so I can't say.

[@ezyernie]

I use the Nikon 18-105. It works extremely well with the D5200. I use a Sigma 10-250. Not much noticable loss of detail at the 250mm end. I actually use the kit 18-55 for panorama shots. AF on the D5200 is often slow and imprecise and is much worse in low light situations. Those faster fixed lenses seem like a great idea. My wallet says 'wait!' so it will be a while.

[@photorectoby]

Yes - that is another good option.

[@jshaw6600]

For landscape and travel. 10-24, 18-300 or 18-200 (nikon version), 35 f/1.8 are the best choices. Nowadays, newer zooms are much better than they used to be and can be just as sharp as primes when stopped down to about f/8.

[@photorectoby]

How large an auditorium? The newish 18-140 would be ok. So might the 55-300 or golden 70-200 f/4. How much movement on stage? Can you use tripod or handheld.

[@photorectoby]

Yep - that is the one you want.

[@photorectoby]

Which of which? You asking about a lens or camera?

[@andreashun]

Also worth to mention are the Tamron 60mm f2 macro and the Tamron 70-300 vc, both really good and cheap!

[@datalaforge]

For my D5100 my only autofocus lens is a 35mm f1.8. I also have an old manual 50mm F1.8 and I'm thinking about getting a used 18-70mm f3.5-4.5. If I had money I'd get that sigma 18-35m f1.8 and leave it on all day.

[@philipae27]

Great video, 35mm 1.8g is my go to lens the vast majority of the time for all around use. It was on there 90% of the time until I got my Nikon 10-24mm which is slowly gaining favor for landscapes/architecture.

[@bjarnechristensen9495]

I have the Tamron 28-75 XR 2.8 - this is a fullframe lens and I use it on both my D7200 and D800 - great option to have. I also love my 50mm 1.8D great value. A bit long on the D7200 for allround work but perfect on the D800. For the D7200 the 35mm 1,8 will give about the same field of view.

[@husnadahlia]

(Sorry owner, im responding to newbies down there, not to be consultant here..) It depends on what object or subject u wanna shoot, what quality that u expect and how handy u wanna be. U cannot get it all in one stuff. For low cost equipment setup for excellent quality, I will suggest 35mm/1.8, 50mm/1.8 18-55mm/5.6 and 55-300mm/3.5-5.6. These are all cheap for nikon freaks mid-pro. The most handy lens i got with good pic quality is 18-300mm/3.5-5.6. somehow 18/300 can produce a great and excellent outcome if u know how to play with source of light (natural/equipment). U know what, I just use D5200. D7000+ is really handy but u cannot challenge urself with too handy stuff unless you are really pro where every seconds u spend shall be calculate as loosing dimes. Expensive stuff is also worth when u need ability to custom more without moving your eyes from viewfinder, as at that time, you need to spend more time on getting product quality rather than spending time to setup this and that. As a mid pro enthusiast, that concern about COST and image QUALITY, I used nikkor 35mm/1.8, 50mm/1.8 and 55-300mm/3.5-5.6 with D5200. I also have 18-55mm/3.5-5.6 in my bag as a backup as sometimes it is usefull. I found that 18-55 quality is far more better than 18-105 in term of sharpness. Thats a cheap body and 4 lenses that doin great for me. Its not really handy, but good for those who got time to get and set object/subject. I got fren who use cheap Sigma that produce excellent product. Im not good at sigma, so im not gonna say somethin bout sigma. U know what, I still using my 4+1 CHEAP sets even i got a more handy sets now (but quite heavy). I can move lightweight with it and shoot almost anything perfectly from multiple range. Using them will challenge u more to enhance ur understanding of other that ur machine cannot do. Thats where u start climbing up. You must not search only about machines. Its just 30%. Learn photography.

[@Ali-fl5mb]

A lens I like to use sometimes is an old Nikon 28-80mm 3.5 - 5.6D. It's not great for low light and it has no autofocus on cameras lower than the D7xxx but it actually gets very sharp and punchy images for such a cheap lens.

[@photorectoby]

Great. I'd appreciate it if you used my links for B&H or Amazon above. And I am always happy to answer questions.

[@gerichaney4114]

You have been very helpful for my new D5200. Trying to get some versatile lenses for not a lot of money. Thanks. I just bought the 35 F 1.8 from your recommendation, I have a 50 F 1.8D and of course, the 18-55 kit lens. Had the camera for a couple of months and I am learning.

[@photorectoby]

It is a good lens but older and as a result you got some issues with quality control on those older Sigma lenses.

[@vincent663]

I used to have the standard 18-105 on my D5200 but changed to the bit more expensive 24-120... wow, many doors opened! Now i'm thinking about replacing my camera for the D7100 or 7200 :)