Skip to content
Nikon D3400 lenses

10 Best lenses for Nikon D3400 [2023 guide]

    Are you looking for the best lenses for your Nikon D3400? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered. 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 detailed information about each lens so you can make an informed choice that best suits your needs. Let’s dive right in and get started!

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

    Disclosure: This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy.

    The list of Nikon D3400 lenses

    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.

    Nikon D3400 portrait lenses

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

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 3.1 x 2.9 in / 80 x 73 mm
    • Weight: 12.4 oz / 350 g
    • Filter size: Ø67
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.8
    • Focal length: 85 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Soft bokeh effect
    + Focal length of 85mm
    + Quick focusing

    CONS:

    – No built-in image stabilization

    Which type of lens would be most suitable for portraits? This question’s answer can vary from person to person as the desired outcome is subjective. However, there are typically three primary lenses, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, which are commonly discussed for portrait photography. Due to its impressive features, the Nikon D3400 85mm lens is a popular choice for many.

    Build and handling: With a sturdy plastic exterior and a metallic lens mount, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is engineered to fend off dust and debris easily. 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 of the Nikon D3400 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, the Nikon D3400 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.

    To summarize, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best lenses for Nikon D3400, delivering exceptional outcomes in portrait photography. It generates a creamy background, shallow depth of field, and high contrast. This lens is an excellent option if you want to enhance your portrait compositions.

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

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.1 in / 72 x 52.5 mm
    • Weight: 6.6 oz / 185 g
    • Filter size: Ø58
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.8
    • Focal length: 50 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Lightweight
    + Extremely affordable
    + Fast autofocusing

    CONS:

    – A bit of visual distortion

    This Nikon lens is a great tool for beginners and has similar specifications to the previous 85mm. However, it’s a more reasonably priced alternative that’s worthwhile to have in your camera bag if you’re aiming to save money initially. Despite being budget-friendly, this lens still offers multiple advantages and quality features.

    Build and handling: The Nikon D3400 portrait lens is lightweight, weighing only 6.6 oz (185 g), and contains all the useful 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 exceptional. 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, the Nikon D3400 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 who have 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 who want to experiment with portrait photography.

    Nikon D3400 lens for sports

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

    • Price: Expert $$$
    • Dimensions: 10.2 x 4.1 in. / 260 x 105 mm
    • Weight: 68.1 oz. / 1,930 g
    • Filter size: Ø95
    • Maximum aperture: f/5
    • Focal length: 150-600mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    PROS:

    + Lightweight for superzoom telephoto
    + Built-in image stabilization
    + Affordable price

    CONS:

    – Above 500mm loses a bit of quality

    If you’re in search of a telephoto lens with powerful zoom capabilities for your Nikon D3400, this one is a perfect choice. 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 that 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 lighter weight, it still maintains a professional build quality and has not compromised its performance capabilities.

    Performance: This Nikon D3400 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. Additionally, it excels at capturing intricate details of landscapes.

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

    Nikon D3400 lens for night sky

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

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 78 x 121mm / 3.1 x 4.8in.
    • Weight: 810g / 28.6 oz.
    • Filter size: Ø72
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.8
    • Focal length: 18 – 35 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Large aperture for a zoom
    + Affordable pro-grade gear
    + Excellent in night photography

    CONS:

    – A bit heavy

    The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM lens is a professional-level zoom option for Nikon D3400 users looking 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 Nikon D3400 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 enables you to 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: If you’re looking to capture beautiful night sky photography, this is the lens for you! Its wide-angle field of view would be perfect for shooting the Milky Way, while its fast aperture makes it well-suited for astrophotography as well. It can also be used in other low-light settings such as concerts and events.

    Overall, the Sigma ART 18-35mm f/1.8 is an impressive Nikon D3400 lens for night sky. While it may come with a hefty price tag, its features, and performance capabilities make it worth every penny. It’s sure to help you capture stunning images of the night sky and beyond!

    Best zoom lenses for Nikon D3400

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

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.11 x 3.23 in / 79 x 82 mm
    • Weight: 16.3 oz / 465 g
    • Filter size: Ø72
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 17-70 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    PROS:

    + Focal length from 17 to 70 mm
    + Image stabilization
    + Perfect for everyday use

    CONS:

    – A bit of distortion

    Another Sigma lens for Nikon D3400 is an ideal option for those who are 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’s also capable of capturing stunning macro shots as close as 7.9 inches away from your subject.

    Build and handling: This Nikon D3400 lens is well-constructed with a blend of metal and high-grade plastic materials, providing a professional feel when in use. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling, while its lightweight body makes it easy to carry during long photo shoots.

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

    Best for: This zoom lens for Nikon D3400 is perfect for photographers who need a versatile zoom option that can handle a variety of shooting situations. Its wide-angle field of view makes it great for landscapes and street photography, while its macro capabilities make it useful 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 a variety of shooting situations. Plus, 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

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.1 x 3.3 in / 80 x 85.5 mm
    • Weight: 16.1 oz / 480 g
    • Filter size: Ø72
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 16-80 mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    PROS:

    + Great build quality
    + Built-in vibration reduction
    + Perfect for traveling

    CONS:

    – Has some distortion

    This Nikon D3400 lens is an excellent choice for those looking to shoot with a wide-angle zoom. 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 to use, while its lightweight body makes it easy to carry around.

    Performance: This lens offers excellent performance with 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 for Nikon D3400 is ideal for those who need a versatile wide-angle zoom that can handle a variety of 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 D3400 DSLR camera. Its impressive performance, versatile zoom range, and durable construction make it a great all-rounder for any shooter.

    Nikon D3400 lens for wildlife

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

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 3 x 4.6 in. / 76.2 x 116 mm
    • Weight: 15.3 oz. / 435 g
    • Filter size: Ø62
    • Maximum aperture: f/4.0
    • Focal length: 70-300 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Very cheap telephoto zoom
    + Quite lightweight for this class
    + Decent image quality at shorter focal lengths

    CONS:

    – No Vibration reduction system

    This Nikon D3400 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), the Nikon D3400 lens offers effortless clarity when capturing handheld shots – perfect for wildlife photography on the go! Boasting an uncomplicated yet robust design, this consumer-level option from Nikon is neither extraordinary nor underwhelming. It’s exactly what you would expect and need to take photos of your subjects with ease.

    Performance: This lens may be challenging to take photographs 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, the use of a tripod would be recommended to 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 that might otherwise be missed! 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 Nikon D3400 is an excellent option for those looking to take high-quality photos of birds, animals, and other wildlife with their DSLR. Its impressive range, image stabilization capabilities, and lightweight design make it perfect for outdoor photography.

    Nikon D3400 lens for landscape

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

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.3 in / 89 x 84 mm
    • Weight: 19.4 oz / 550 g
    • Filter size: Ø77
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 11-16 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Ultra wide-angle
    + Fast autofocusing
    + Impressive build quality

    CONS:

    – No image stabilization

    If you are looking for clarity and precision in your low-light photography, the Tokina lens for Nikon D3400 is an ideal choice. 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 work together to 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 with efficiency and silence, producing crisp images without any observable edge blurring. When you shoot in bright settings, some slight chromatic aberration or fringing may appear on your photos’ corners. 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. This wide-angle lens for Nikon D3400 has an impressive aperture and broad capabilities that 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. This Nikon D3400 lens is a great choice if you want to take well-defined images in low-light settings or expansive photos with a wide field of view.

    Nikon D3400 prime lens

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

    • Price: Budget $
    • Dimensions: 2.9 × 2.5 in / 74.2 × 63.3 mm
    • Weight: 15.3 oz / 435 g
    • Filter size: Ø62
    • Maximum aperture: f/1.4
    • Focal length: 30 mm
    • Image stabilization: No

    PROS:

    + Wide aperture
    + Solid build quality
    + Smooth autofocusing

    CONS:

    – Lack of weather sealing

    With your DSLR camera, the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens is the perfect choice for capturing sharp, vivid images in low-light situations. Its fast aperture and excellent optics make it one of the best prime lenses for Nikon D3400.

    Build and handling: This lens is lightweight yet robust and constructed from a combination of 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’ Super Multi-Layer Coating on its elements reduces flare and ghosting to ensure high image quality.

    Best for: If you’re looking to get pin-sharp images in low light environments or create a stunning shallow depth of field shots, this prime lens for Nikon D3400 is the ideal option. Also, this lens is quite often used in portrait photography too.

    Overall, this Sigma lens for Nikon D3400 provides impressive performance, with sharp images and beautiful bokeh effects. It’s an excellent choice if you need pin sharpness in low light conditions or want to create stunning shallow depth-of-field shots.

    Nikon D3400 macro lens

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

    • Price: Average $$
    • Dimensions: 3.3 x 4.6 in. / 83 x 116 mm
    • Weight: 27.9 oz. / 790 g
    • Filter size: Ø62
    • Maximum aperture: f/2.8
    • Focal length: 105mm
    • Image stabilization: Yes

    PROS:

    + Large aperture for low-light conditions
    + Focal length of 105mm
    + Built-in image stabilization

    CONS:

    – A bit heavy for hand-held shootings

    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 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: The Nikon D3400 macro lens provides both quality and convenience. It measures 4.6 x 3.3 inches (116 x 83 mm) with a weight of 27.9 ounces (790 grams). A black composite material creates an ergonomic rubberized grip that wraps around the manual focus ring. Additionally, 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: If you’re looking to capture stunning macro photography, then this Nikon D3400 lens should be at the top of your list. 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, this Nikon D3400 lens 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 those looking to capture stunning close-up shots of small subjects.

    How to choose the best lens for Nikon D3400?

    When choosing the best lens for Nikon D3400, it’s important to consider a few factors. First, decide on the type of photography you’re looking to do and then narrow down your selection based on what type of lens is best suited for 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 of photography.

    Maximum aperture: The maximum aperture is the widest f-stop that 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 for different types of photography. Prime lenses offer superior image quality but generally have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses provide more versatility in terms of focal length range.

    Additionally, consider the lens’s size and weight to ensure it’s comfortable for extended use. Lastly, read customer reviews to make sure 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

    Choosing the best lenses for Nikon D3400 is an important decision to make, as it will affect the quality of your images. Consider factors such as focal length, maximum aperture, image stabilization, and lens type when making your selection. Additionally, read customer reviews to ensure that other photographers have had a good experience with the lens. By taking into account these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best lens for your Nikon D3400 and capture stunning photos.

    Disclosure: Some of the links may be affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. If you make a purchase, I will earn a commission, which helps me run this website. Again: no additional cost for you.


    PIN IT

    best nikon D3400 lenses
    best lenses for nikon D3400

    Read more about Nikon lenses:

    Share it on Social Media!