10 Best lenses for Nikon D3400 [updated 2024]

This overview will examine 10 of the best Nikon D3400 lenses. From prime to zoom and wide-angle lenses, these lenses will help you get the best out of your Nikon D3400. We’ll also provide an overview of the essential features to consider when choosing the right option.

Each of these best lenses for Nikon D3400 offers something unique – so compare carefully and examine the features before deciding. We’ll provide short but detailed information about each lens so you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs.

Read more: How to Choose a Camera Lens That Fits Your Needs.

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Numerous lenses are obtainable for the Nikon D3400, each presenting distinct characteristics and benefits. To assist you in selecting the most suitable lens for your requirements, we’ve assembled a list of top-performing lenses for the Nikon D3400 based on their adaptability, image quality, performance, and affordability.

The list below comprises lenses that cater to diverse photography genres:

👉 Portraits;
👉 Sports;
👉 Night sky;
👉 Zoom;
👉 Wildlife;
👉 Landscape;
👉 Prime;
👉 Macro.

portrait lenses

1. Nikon AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

Which type of lens would be most suitable for portraits? The answer to this question can vary from person to person as the desired outcome is subjective. However, there are typically three primary fixed lenses, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, commonly discussed for portrait photography. Due to its impressive features, the Nikon 85mm lens is a popular choice for many.

Build and handling: The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is engineered to fend off dust and debris easily with a sturdy plastic exterior and a metallic lens mount. Although it appears large at first glance, this camera is surprisingly lightweight, which makes it a suitable choice for effortlessly carrying around during portrait photoshoots.

Performance: With its wide f/1.8 aperture, the portrait lens is a choice for low-light photography and creates a shallow depth of field. It provides two focusing modes, manual priority AF and manual focus, and is equipped with a fast and silent wave motor.

Best for: As stated earlier, this lens perfectly fits portrait photography. However, due to its features, like an 85mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture, it can be used in various places and photoshoots. It will excel at events, too, when there is enough space, and it would be great for product photography.

It generates a creamy background, shallow depth of field, and high contrast. This lens is an excellent option to enhance your portrait compositions.

2. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

This Nikon lens is an excellent tool for beginners and has similar specifications to the previous 85mm. However, it’s a more reasonably priced alternative if you aim to save money initially. Despite being budget-friendly, this lens still offers multiple advantages and quality features.

Build and handling: This portrait lens is lightweight, weighing only 6.6 oz (185 g), and contains all the valuable features for consumer use. It’s an ideal choice for extended hand-held photography sessions due to its weight and capability.

Performance: With an aperture of f/1.8, this lens produces stunning bokeh, distinct separation of subjects from the background, and exceptional outcomes in low-light situations. Although its autofocus speed may be average, the overall image quality of this lens is decent. The only downside is a slight lack of sharpness in the corners and edges when utilizing wide apertures.

Best for: For capturing flawless indoor portraits, this lens is the optimal choice due to its short focal length and wide f/1.8 aperture, which enables sharp shots even in low-light conditions. It would also be an option to do street photography with some space and travel diaries.

To sum up, for Nikon D3400 users with financial constraints, this lens could be one of the top choices for capturing your models. Its wide aperture, lightweight design, and impressive image quality make it a perfect option for beginners experimenting with portrait photography.

sports lens

3. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM

If you’re searching for a telephoto lens with powerful zoom capabilities for your Nikon D3400, this one is perfect. It offers exceptional quality and performance compared to other lenses in its category, making it an excellent investment for budget-conscious sports or wildlife photographers.

Build and handling: Those familiar with telephoto lenses know they can be quite heavy. Nevertheless, this specific lens, which weighs 68.1 oz (1,930 g), is relatively lightweight compared to others in this class, which can weigh up to 35 oz (1 kg) more. Despite its weight, it maintains a professional build quality and has not compromised its performance capabilities.

Performance: This lens for sports is an exceptional addition to your camera gear, thanks to its wide aperture and professional-grade features. It excels in low light conditions, and its hypersonic motor ensures precise and speedy focusing. Moreover, it incorporates image-stabilization technology to capture stunning outdoor photographs without worrying about shaky hands.

Best for: This telephoto lens is the perfect choice for capturing breathtaking images from a distance. With a maximum focal length of 600mm, it is ideal for photographing wildlife or sports events, especially when used with a tripod to achieve even sharper shots.

To summarize, if your goal is to capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports events, this is one of the best Nikon D3400 lenses. Despite being one of the more expensive options on the list, its features and capabilities provide excellent value for your money.

astrophotography lens

4. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM

The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM lens is a professional-level zoom option to capture stunning images in low light conditions, such as night skies. This lightweight yet well-built lens offers an impressive maximum aperture of f/1.8 and fast autofocus capabilities.

Build and handling: This Sigma lens is solidly constructed with a metal and thermally stable composite blend. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip, and its compact size makes it easy to carry in your camera bag. Additionally, this lens features an inner focusing system that allows for quiet operation, making it ideal for shooting video.

Performance: This lens is ideal for capturing stars, moonlit landscapes, and other night sky photography. Its fast autofocus system lets you quickly capture fleeting moments in the dark, while its large f/1.8 aperture allows plenty of light into your photos. Furthermore, it incorporates an advanced Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) for silent and fast focusing.

Best for: Its wide-angle field of view would be perfect for shooting the Milky Way, while its fast aperture makes it well-suited for astrophotography. It can also be used in other low-light settings, such as concerts and events.

While it may come with a hefty price tag, its features and performance capabilities make it worth every penny. It will help you capture stunning images of the night sky and beyond.

zoom lenses

5. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM

Another Sigma lens for the Nikon D3400 is ideal for those looking for a versatile zoom option. This lightweight, high-quality lens offers a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and features image stabilization capabilities. It can also capture stunning macro shots as close as 7.9 inches away from your subject.

Build and handling: This lens is well-constructed with a blend of metal and high-grade plastic materials, providing a professional feel. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while its lightweight body makes it easy to carry during extended photo shoots.

Performance: Despite its compact size, this lens can capture sharp images with excellent color accuracy. Its fast autofocus system ensures quick and precise focusing, while its image stabilization technology reduces camera shake when shooting handheld shots.

Best for: This zoom lens is perfect for photographers needing a versatile zoom option to handle various shooting situations. Its wide-angle field of view makes it great for landscapes and street photography, while its macro capabilities make it worthwhile for close-up shots. It’s also a great choice for videographers due to its image stabilization capabilities and fast autofocus system.

Its versatile focal range makes it a great all-rounder capable of capturing sharp images in various shooting situations. Its lightweight body and weather-sealed construction make it ideal for travel and outdoor photography.

6. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED

This lightweight yet well-built lens features an impressive maximum aperture of f/2.8 and offers image stabilization capabilities. It also incorporates Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for near-silent autofocus performance.

Build and handling: This lens features durable construction with metal parts and a plastic exterior. It also comes with rubber gaskets that help keep moisture and dust out of the lens for reliable performance in any condition. Furthermore, its ergonomic design makes it comfortable, while its lightweight body makes it easy to carry around.

Performance: This lens offers sharp images and accurate color reproduction. Its fast autofocus system ensures focusing accuracy, while its maximum aperture of f/2.8 allows plenty of light into your photos. Furthermore, its image stabilization technology helps reduce camera shake when shooting handheld shots.

Best for: This travel lens is ideal for those who need a versatile wide-angle zoom that can handle various shooting situations. Its wide-angle field of view makes it great for landscapes and street photography. Also, its image stabilization capabilities make it great for capturing sharp videos with smooth movement.

Overall, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to capture stunning wide-angle shots with their Nikon DSLR camera. Its impressive performance, versatile zoom range, and durable construction make it a great all-rounder for any shooter.

wildlife lens

7. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED

This lens for wildlife is lightweight but well-built, offering an impressive focal range of 70-300mm and featuring image stabilization capabilities. It also incorporates Nikon’s Pulse Motor (AF-P) for fast, near-silent autofocus performance.

Build and handling: With a lightweight build of just 14.7 oz (415 g), this lens offers effortless clarity when capturing handheld shots. Boasting an uncomplicated yet robust design, this consumer-level option from Nikon is neither extraordinary nor underwhelming.

Performance: This lens may be challenging to photograph in low-light settings due to its f/4.5 aperture, yet the Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology compensates for it. For optimal imagery quality results, a tripod should take advantage of slower shutter speeds without sacrificing clarity.

Best for: With its lightweight design, this lens is the perfect companion for capturing wildlife and nature. Its portability makes it easy to take on hikes and capture moments on the go. Additionally, its lightness allows you to shoot handheld – a significant advantage when chasing those fleeting shots of animals in the wild.

Overall, this lens for the Nikon D3400 is an excellent option for those looking to take high-quality photos of birds, animals, and other wildlife on a budget. Its impressive range, image stabilization capabilities, and lightweight design make it perfect for outdoor photography.

landscape lens

8. Tokina AT-X PRO 11-16mm F2.8 DXII Lens

This Tokina lens is ideal if you want clarity and precision in your low-light photography situations. This ultra-wide-angle zoom lens has an f/2.8 aperture that brilliantly captures images with accuracy from all distances, making it perfect both indoors and outdoors.

Build and handling: The Tokina lens is constructed with a resilient plastic casing, and its rubberized ring ensures a secure, comfortable grip for easy handling. Nine aperture blades provide beautiful bokeh effects that look incredibly smooth and precise. Inside the lens are two Super Low Dispersion glass elements and two aspherical elements that reduce chromatic aberration, increasing contrast and clarity. Additionally, advanced multi-layered coatings minimize surface reflections while ensuring superior optical performance.

Performance: The internal motor of the autofocus system works efficiently and quietly, producing crisp images without any observable edge blurring. When you shoot in bright settings, slight chromatic aberration or fringing may appear on the corners of your photos. However, this can easily be rectified when processing them afterward.

Best for: This might be the option if you’re looking for an expansive field of view to capture images in tight spaces, like a real estate property or indoor gathering. It has an impressive aperture, and broad capabilities allow you to take grand photos of landscapes or large groups while never leaving anyone out.

Overall, it has a generous and constant aperture across its zoom range and phenomenal optical performance. It’s a great choice if you want to take well-defined images in low-light settings or expansive photos with a wide field of view.

prime lens

9. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens

With your DSLR camera, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens is perfect for capturing sharp, vivid images in low-light situations.

Build and handling: This lens is lightweight yet robust and constructed from metal and plastic. It also has a rubberized focusing ring and manual aperture ring, which offers comfortable handling. Additionally, its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) provides quick and quiet autofocus results with precision.

Performance: Its fast f/1.4 maximum aperture permits you to take photos in challenging lighting conditions, while its 9 rounded aperture blades produce beautiful bokeh effects. Moreover, the lens’s super Multi-Layer Coating on its elements reduces flare and ghosting to ensure high image quality.

Best for: If you want to get pin-sharp images in low light environments or create stunning shallow depth-of-field shots, this prime lens is the ideal option. Also, this lens is quite often used in portrait photography.

It’s an excellent choice if you need pin sharpness in low light conditions or want to create stunning shallow depth-of-field shots.

macro lens

10. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens is an excellent option if you’re looking for a versatile macro lens for your Nikon D3400. This lens provides superior sharpness and an impressive aperture that allows you to capture incredible close-up shots of small subjects.

Build and handling: It measures 4.6 x 3.3 inches (116 x 83 mm) and weighs 27.9 ounces (790 grams). A black composite material creates an ergonomic rubberized grip around the manual focus ring. There are toggle switches for easy access to autofocus or manual mode operation.

Performance: Boasting Silent Wave Motor technology and an Internal Focusing system, this lens delivers a seamless autofocus experience that transitions effortlessly between automatic and manual focus. Furthermore, the advanced Vibration Reduction II feature guarantees sharp images even when shooting at four stops lower than usual shutter speeds.

Best for: This should be on your list if you want to capture stunning macro photography. Its 105mm focal length and f/2.8 aperture make it perfect for capturing close-up shots of small subjects, like insects or flowers, with razor-sharp detail.

Overall, it has a bright and fast aperture that allows you to take amazing macro photography without the need for flash lighting. It’s a versatile option for capturing stunning close-up shots of small subjects.

How do you choose the best lens for Nikon D3400?

When choosing the best lens for Nikon D3400, it’s essential to consider a few factors. First, decide on the type of photography you want and then narrow down your selection based on what kind of lens best suits that type of photography. It’s also important to consider your needed features, such as autofocus speed, image stabilization, and aperture.

Focal length: Focal length is the distance between the center of a lens and its focal point. Do you want to capture wide landscapes or tight close-ups? Depending on what type of photography you’re looking to do, narrow down your selection based on which lenses have the right focal lengths for that type.

Maximum aperture: The maximum aperture is the widest f-stop a lens can open up to. This will affect how much light enters the lens and how much background blur you can achieve. Lenses with larger maximum apertures, such as f/1.4 or f/2.8, allow more light into the lens and create beautiful bokeh effects when shooting with a shallow depth of field.

Image stabilization: Image stabilization is an important feature to consider if you’re shooting in low light conditions or trying to capture sharp images while handholding your camera. Some Nikon lenses offer built-in image stabilization, which can help reduce blurriness when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Lens type: Do you want to capture wide landscapes or close-up shots? Different lens types, such as prime and zoom lenses, are better suited to various kinds of photography. Prime lenses offer superior image quality but generally have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses provide more versatility in focal length range.

Additionally, consider the lens’s size and weight to ensure it’s comfortable for extended use. Lastly, read customer reviews to ensure other photographers have had a good experience with the lens. With these tips in mind, you should be able to choose the best lens for your Nikon D3400.

Conclusion

When choosing the best lenses for the Nikon D3400, consider factors such as focal length, maximum aperture, image stabilization, and lens type. Additionally, read customer reviews to ensure that other photographers have had a good experience with the lens. Considering these factors, you can choose the best option for your Nikon D3400 and capture stunning photos.

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