Nikon manufactures high quality lenses, and the company’s collection of DX (crop-frame) lenses covers all focal lengths with everything from all-in-one zooms to prime lenses (with a fixed focal length). Below are Nikon’s best DX lenses—current for 2013—which are compatible with Nikon DX cameras including common models like the Nikon D7100, D5300, D5200, D3300, D3200. Nikon DX lenses are compatible with Nikon FX (full-frame) cameras but the images with be cropped.
All-In-One Lenses
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II ($849)
The Nikon 18-200mm is a great all-purpose lens for everything from wide-angle to close-ups (many people use it as their only lens). The Nikon 18-200mm captures sharp images throughout its range, has vibration reduction, and a sturdy build. It's also significantly lighter than the Nikon 18-300mm below.
Weight: 19.8 oz.
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Pros: Versatility
Cons: Weight, distortion at the wide end
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II ($997)
Similar to the Nikon 18-200mm above, the Nikon 18-300mm is an exceptionally versatile lens that can serve as the only lens in your bag. Aside from being heavy, the optical performance of the Nikon 18-300mm is solid throughout its zoom range with some distortion and softness near the ends. Overall, this is an impressive all-in-one lens.
Weight: 29.3 oz.
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Pros: Versatility
Cons: Weight, distortion and softness at the ends
Wide-Angle Lenses
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 VR II ($897)
The Nikon 10-24mm is Nikon’s best DX wide-angle lens. It’s wider and sharper than any other comparable lens and excellent for landscape photography and wide-angle architecture and city shots. As is the case with virtually all wide-angle lenses, there is some distortion at the wide end (10mm).
Weight: 16.2 oz.
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Pros: Nikon’s best DX wide-angle lens
Cons: Distortion at the wide end
Mid-Range and Portrait Lenses
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR ($197)
Many kit lenses are cheaply constructed and the optics suffer. The Nikon 18-55mm—available in Nikon kits including for the D5200 and D3200—is an exception. The lens has a plastic mount but is Nikon’s best kit lens, capturing sharp images and featuring vibration reduction (VR). At less than $200, the Nikon 18-55mm is a terrific value.
Weight: 9.4 oz.
Max Aperture: f/3.5
Pros: Low cost, lightweight
Cons: Plastic mount, distortion at the wide end
There aren’t negative things to write about the Nikon 35mm f/1.8. It’s cheap, captures sharp images, has a durable metal mount, and shoots extremely well in low light. You won’t find a better prime lens for travel, portraits, and everyday life.
Weight: 7.1 oz.
Max Aperture: f/1.8
Pros: Low cost, lightweight, excels in low light
Cons: None
Nikon 50mm f/1.8 ($217)
Similar to the Nikon 35mm above, the popular Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is a terrific and lightweight prime lens at a low price. The lens is impressive in terms of sharpness, low-light performance, and fast and accurate autofocus. A 50mm focal length is ideal for people photos, for which the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens far outperforms the 18-55mm kit lens.
Weight: 6.6 oz.
Max Aperture: f/1.8
Pros: Low cost, lightweight, excels in low light
Cons: None
Telephoto Zooms
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR ($399)
The Nikon 55-300mm is the top telephoto zoom for DX cameras. The lens captures sharp images, good colors, and features vibration reduction (camera shake can be an issue with large zoom lenses). For a lighter and cheaper zoom lens with a shorter range, try the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 ($224; 11.8 oz.).
Weight: 18.7 oz.
Max Aperture: f/4.5
Pros: Good value
Cons: Autofocus can be slow
More on Cameras
Our guide to the Best Nikon DSLRs features the top Nikon digital SLR cameras from entry-level to professional full-frame