Last Updated on August 11, 2021 by PixelPluck
Nikon DX cameras refer to the crop sensor cameras from Nikon which are aimed at photography enthusiasts and serious hobbyists. When paired with the right camera lens these DX cameras can perform to the best potential. In this article, you will find the Top Recommended Lenses for the DX Nikon DSLR Camera. The kit lens that comes with the DSLR package is just above average in terms of professional performance. If you are looking for better quality in terms of sharpness, fast autofocus, and rich details then you must upgrade your kit lens to a prime lens. Nikon’s DX DSLR lineup constitutes of the entry-level DSLR camera the Nikon D3500, mid-entry-level DSLR camera the Nikon D5600, and the top of the DX line DSLR the Nikon D7500.
If budget is not an issue then Nikon D7500 fantastic camera for any photographer who wants maximum performance inside a crop sensor DX body. DX bodies are crop sensor bodies which means the sensor inside is smaller than the full-frame FX bodies. They are cheaper than Full frame cameras because of the smaller sensor size and lesser professional features. You can read in detail about the difference between a crop sensor DX camera and a Full Frame camera in this post: Crop Sensor DX vs Full Frame Camera Explained.
Nikon DX DSLR Camera List
The complete list of Nikon DX cameras is as following: Nikon – D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5400, D5500, D5600, D90, D7000, D7100, D7200 and the D7500. The lenses listed below pair well with all these Nikon DX DSLR cameras.
Nikon D7500 is a 21.5 megapixels mid-range, enthusiast-focused DX DSLR.
Nikon DX cameras are compatible with AF NIKKOR lenses, including type G, E, and D lenses. Other than these Nikkor lenses they are also compatible with many other lens brands like Tamron, Sigma, and others. Check out the list of top recommended lenses for crop sensor Nikon DSLR in the table below. For the benefit of our readers, we have not included expensive professional lenses like the Nikon 24-70mm, 70-200mm, etc. The table below includes the best affordable and recommended lenses for all kinds of photography needs. Read more for detailed explanations.
Top Recommended Lenses for DX Nikon DSLR Camera
The best lenses for a crop sensor Nikon DSLR camera are the following:
1. Nikon 50mm f/1.8G
50mm is the first lens that most photographers invest in after their kit lens. It gives professional-quality results at an entry-level price. 50mm f1.8G is an inexpensive option and delivers sharp photos. The aperture opens wide at f1.8 and sucks in all the available light which helps to produce great images in low light. The sharpness is comparable to professional lenses in most cases, especially at f4. 50mm lens will give you fantastic bokeh/background blur and is a lens of choice for portraits. The only limiting factor is the fixed focal length of 50mm which means you will have to move near or far from the subject as you can not zoom in or zoom out.
2. Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 Art Lens
This lens has been a revolution for advanced amateurs as well as professionals. A constant aperture of f1.8 is something that is drooled for. The lens is one of the dream lenses for any photographer. The best thing about this lens is its price which is quite affordable compared to the expensive offerings from Nikon.
3. Nikon 85mm f1.8 Lens
The 85mm is perfect for fashion photography and full-body portraits. It melts the background compared to a kit lens and gives tack sharp results.
4. Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 Lens
This lens has a constant aperture of f2.8 throughout which means great under low light as well as fantastic bokeh from 17mm to 50mm. This is a must-have lens if you are looking for a great walk-around lens with fantastic quality. The wide range of focal lengths means that you can use it for landscapes as well as portraits. Zoom in a little with this lens it will give fantastic bokeh too at f2.8 aperture. The Sigma version is sharper than the Tamron version.
5. Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX
Those who want a wider lens that makes taking group portraits easier may settle for this 35mm lens. This also opens wide at f1.8 and is a great light sucker meaning great low light images and fantastic bokeh. However, the quality of bokeh & background blur will be just below the 50mm f1.8 lens. 35mm is a lens of choice for street photographers and those who mostly shoot in cramped spaces or indoors.
6. Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
This lens is an inexpensive option for shooting wildlife. It gives you the freedom of distance and you can zoom in or out between 55mm to 300mm. It is not as sharp as the 70-300mm VR version but a great value for money. If budget is an issue and you still want to shoot wildlife images then settle with this 55-300mm lens. Note that the maximum aperture is f4.5 which means that you may have to boost up the ISO in low light conditions such as late evening. In good lighting conditions, there will be no problem.
7. Tamron 150-600mm Lens
The Tamron 150-600mm is a fantastic choice on a DX body. The final zoom ratio is greater than 600mm because of the crop factor. It is the best value for money that any photographer can get for dedicated wildlife and bird photography. The wide range of 150mm to 600mm makes it ideal for sports photography too. Tamron 150-600mm Lens is one of the most loved lenses among the photography community. If bird photography and wildlife are your genres then blindly go for this lens.
8. Nikon 50mm f/1.8D Version
This is the same as the 50mm f1.8 G version except that there is no internal focus motor. This means the DSLR should have an inbuilt autofocus motor or otherwise, only manual focusing will work on it. Cameras like D7000, D7200, D7500 do have a built motor while D3500, D5200, etc lack it. If you have anything lower than D7000 then prefer the G version. There is a slight price difference between the two. The D version is cheaper than the G version.
9. Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G VR II
The 70-300mm has a broad zoom range between 70mm to 300mm. It’s a great option for wildlife and sports without breaking your bank. The Vibration Reduction (VRII) mechanism minimizes the effects of camera shake to produce sharper images even at longer end for focal length. A nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural. The closest focusing distance is 4.9-feet. It weighs around 750gm and may look bulky on entry-level cameras like D3500. If you do some serious wildlife and sports photography and looking for an upgrade at a reasonable price then this should be the lens of choice.
10. Tamron 90mm f2.8 Macro
Tamron 90mm f2.8 lens is a dedicated macro photography lens. It comes at an affordable price and takes sharp macro photographs. Tamron 90mm is also used as a close-up portrait lens to get the details in the eyes or on the face. There are many ways to get creative with this fantastic macro lens. This is the top-recommended macro lens for any photographer who is on a budget.
Conclusion
For those who are on a tight budget, the 50mm lens is an excellent choice. It is the cheapest lens that you can get for maximum performance. A 50mm is ideal for portraits and headshots. Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 Lens is a perfect allrounder and an excellent investment for the long term. Wildlife enthusiasts can get either the Nikon 70-300mm or the Tamron 150-600mm if budget permits.
Also Read: 10 Best Lenses to upgrade from the KIT LENS
Which one is your next lens? If you found this article on the top-recommended Lenses for DX Nikon DSLR Camera useful then let us know in the comments below. Share your views on the best affordable lens that others must have in their kit.
I have the 18-140 Nikon on my D500. In is phenomenal. The 55-200 was not sharp. My experience.