10 Best lenses for Nikon D5500 [updated 2024]

With its DX format and an array of F-mount interchangeable lenses from wide-angle to telephoto zooms, the Nikon D5500 is a popular pick among photographers. It is trendy among those who are searching for their first DSLR camera.

Discovering the best lenses for Nikon D5500 can be daunting, but we have you covered. Our list of lenses offers something for everyone and every budget. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or an experienced professional, the perfect lens is waiting to take your photography to new heights.

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.

Check out our extensive list of performance capabilities, cost ranges, and specifications. To make matters even better, we have conveniently categorized each price range:

• 0 – 500$ – Budget $
• 501 – 900$ – Average $$
• 901+ $ – Expert $$$

The list of lenses for Nikon D5500:

PORTRAIT lenses
1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
2. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ART DC HSM Lens

ZOOM lenses
3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED

TELEPHOTO lenses
6. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM
7. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED

WIDE-ANGLE lenses
8. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
9. Tokina AT-X PRO 11-16mm F2.8 DXII Lens

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

Portrait lenses

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

Photographers always seek the best lens for portraits, and it’s easy to see why 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm prime lenses are some of the most coveted options. But if you want something unique in your images, try this Nikon 85 mm lens.

Build and handling: Boasting a tough plastic shell and metallic lens mount, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is designed to fight off dust and particles effortlessly. Despite its bulky appearance at first glance, this camera remains impressively lightweight – making it easy to carry during portrait photoshoots!

Performance: Its impressive f/1.8 aperture setting lets you capture breathtaking images regardless of lighting conditions. Its shallow depth of field capabilities provide greater subject separation from distracting background elements. You have full control over your shots with two focus modes – manual priority AF and manual focus. Also, a quiet wave motor autofocus technology allows you to create stunning videos without noise interference!

Best for: As mentioned earlier, this lens is perfect for portrait photography. But an experienced photographer can also use this versatile tool to shoot anything from portraits and product shots to events.

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a great addition to your camera gear for delivering gorgeous portrait compositions. Its remarkable background blur, shallow depth of field, and higher contrast generate pictures with alluring results at an affordable price point.

2. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens

The 30mm lens with an aperture of f/1.4 is a powerful option that offers HSM autofocus and superior construction and stands out thanks to its affordability and petite size.

Build and handling: Its thermally stable composite construction and metallic look give it a professional appearance and precise indicators that are easy to read. The focusing ring rotates smoothly when adjusted, providing an ideal balance between resistance and ease of use.

Performance: Sigma’s Hypersonic Motor internal autofocus system is fast and relatively silent. Also, the front element remains stationary during focusing. The manual focus can be used alongside autofocus. It still produces satisfactory results despite slightly lesser corner sharpness than center sharpness.

Best for: It’s the ideal choice for capturing picture-perfect indoor portraits, with its short focal length and generous f/1.4 aperture that enables crisp shots even in low-light photography environments. Moreover, it can take amazing street scenes, breathtaking landscapes, and awe-inspiring travel snaps!

The Nikon lens is a fantastic investment, delivering robust construction and exceptional bokeh. Even without the added perk of weatherproofing, its performance far exceeds expectations at an economical price point.

Zoom lenses

3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

Its large aperture allows photographers to capture both near and far objects easily. This budget-friendly option provides ample performance, perfect for those getting their start in photography.

Build and handling: For its 19.9 oz (565 g) weight, this lens is equipped with powerful optical stabilization to ensure sharp images. Combining two Fluorite low-dispersion elements, two glass-molded aspherical elements, and one hybrid aspherical element produces excellent image quality. It’s further enhanced by Super Multi-Layer Coating for reduced glare.

Performance: This zoom lens offers a significant advantage in the impressive f/2.8 aperture, allowing for consistently stunning visuals even in lower light conditions. By maintaining its constant aperture across all focal lengths, this lens produces sharp images throughout most of the frame, with only minor blurring visible at mid-zoom settings.

Best for: This incredible lens is perfect for the traveling photographer, as it gives them a 17-50mm focal length to take photos of any scene – from landscapes to bustling street scenes. In addition, you can use this every day and ensure that no moment goes uncaptured.

This zoom lens boasts an impressive f/2.8 aperture and optical stabilization, presenting an exceptional blend of performance and quality at a highly competitive price point. This cost-effective solution is ideal for those seeking professional-grade features without the premium price tag.

4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

This has been a long-time favorite among photography professionals because of its extraordinary capabilities and features. Its remarkable resilience and hardworking nature allow it to be flexible in various settings, allowing you to explore any conditions or scenarios while capturing that perfect shot.

Build and handling: This professional-grade camera offers impeccable quality in its build and design, with weather sealing to protect against adverse conditions. Despite this impressive construction, the camera’s 2.35 lb (1070 g) weight can stress your hands while shooting from a hand-held position.

Performance: This lens has received wide recognition for its excellent performance. Advanced image stabilization and quick and accurate focusing in low-light conditions give photographers a distinct advantage. Its excellent contrast quality further adds to the appeal of this product, making it an obvious choice among professional photographers.

Best for: From landscapes to events, portraits, and travel – this 24-70mm range standard lens ensures remarkable photos. Whether shooting in various lighting conditions or challenging weather scenarios, this lens lets you easily capture beautiful visuals.

Though pricier than other options, this lens will take your photography to a whole new level and elevate any pictures you take.

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

Amateur photographers searching for an affordable, easy-to-use travel lens should consider this budget option. Its wide aperture size offers outstanding image quality at close range and from afar, making it the perfect choice for travel adventures.

Build and handling: The Nikon 16-80mm is the ultimate combination of portability and performance, weighing a mere 16.1 ounces in its shortest form at just 3.3 x 3.1 inches. This lens features robust polycarbonate construction with rubberized rings that enable you to control both zoom and focus functions easily. Additionally, it houses high-end glassware, such as four ED elements, along with built-in Nano Crystal Coat technology, which helps reduce ghosting/flare significantly.

Performance: With an aperture ranging from f/2.8-4, this lens may not be as fast as some photographers prefer. However, it offers a 4-stop Vibration Reduction to ensure your pictures remain sharp and clear. Even if you encounter lateral chromatic aberration or distortion at close range, which can easily be corrected in post-production, this lens still outperforms most other lenses available at this price.

Best for: As a traveling photographer, you can’t go wrong with the 16-80mm lens. One compact piece of gear provides an amazing range of focal lengths to capture any image – from panoramas to street and close-up portraits. No matter what type of shot you’re after while traveling, this is the perfect companion for all your photography needs.

The travel lens is ideal for those seeking a versatile and cost-effective option. Its lightweight construction, in combination with its broad f/2.8-4 zoom range, ensures convenient shooting during long trips.

Telephoto lenses

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

This lens makes capturing wildlife or sports events easy, offering outstanding quality at an affordable price. It’s an excellent choice for anyone seeking top-notch zoom capabilities.

Build and handling: Despite its capabilities of providing professional-level performance, it weighs only 68.1 oz (1,930 g) – lighter than most other lenses in its class. With this lightweight design and strong grip, you can capture stunning images wherever your journeys lead.

Performance: This telephoto zoom lens provides numerous pro-grade features. Due to its large aperture, which performs well in low-light conditions. It also provides smooth autofocusing with its hypersonic motor and includes built-in image stabilization technology for stunning results.

Best for: For those seeking to capture distant, stunning images, this telephoto lens is your go-to. Boasting a maximum focal length of 600mm and even sharper shots paired with a tripod, it’s ideal for photographing wildlife from afar or shooting sports events.

This option may be more expensive than other lenses, but it offers unique features and unparalleled performance, making this investment worthwhile.

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

This option may be more expensive than other lenses, but it offers unique features and unparalleled performance, making this investment worthwhile.

Build and handling: This landscape lens is an ideal choice for quick outdoor photography, as its lightweight design of 14.7 oz (415 g) makes it easy to take handheld shots without sacrificing picture quality or clarity. The build quality is similar to other consumer-level Nikon lenses, and the grip is convenient.

Performance: The f/4.5 aperture of this lens is not so great for low-light environments; however, its Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology gives you some compensation. To get the most out of all features, though, a tripod is necessary – as this will permit you to use slower shutter speeds without compromising on quality.

Best for: This lens is an excellent choice for capturing faraway subjects, and its lightweight structure makes it ideal for nature and wildlife photography. Unlike other lenses that may require a tripod to set up each time, this one allows you to easily transport and quickly shoot wildlife, so nothing passes you by. Of course, if there is enough light.

This lens is the perfect match if you are an adventurous photographer seeking a cost-efficient way to take wild animal images.

Wide-angle lenses

8. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

It’s affordable yet offers superior quality, thanks to its fast autofocus motor and range of focal lengths.

Build and handling: Nikon’s consumer-level lens is a mere 16.2 oz (458 g), making it optimal for handheld shooting. Even with its compact size, this lens still produces stunning images – thanks to the internal focusing system that ensures your front element and filter thread remain intact when you alter focus. This is a great advantage when using polarizers or ND filters.

Performance: It provides a maximum aperture of f/3.5 and a Silent Wave Motor for quiet yet stable video recording. The image center is remarkably clear from the top to the bottom, while its sides also deliver impressively crisp results at most apertures — except 10mm wide open itself!

Best for: Ideal for real estate photos, events, and group shots of all sizes, and its wide-angle capabilities and focal lengths make it perfect for taking stunning photographs even in tight spaces. Street photographers will find this one useful as there isn’t much room to capture these architectural or other street scenes.

This wide-angle lens would be a great addition to your camera gear, as it doesn’t take up much room and doesn’t weigh too much. It is an excellent option for hobby photographers eager to explore new photography scenes.

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

This lens boasts a wide f/2.8 aperture and zoom, ensuring clear images at any distance. Its versatility and quality make it popular among photographers.

Build and handling: The Tokina lens has robust plastic construction and an ergonomic rubberized ring for enhanced grip. Boasting nine shutter blades in its aperture for incredible bokeh-style backgrounds, two Super Low Dispersion glass elements and two aspheric elements deliver exemplary contrast with minimized chromatic aberration. For maximum optical performance, advanced multi-layer coatings reduce reflection off surfaces to achieve excellent clarity.

Performance: With its refined and silent internal motor, the autofocus system enables you to capture perfectly crisp images with no deterioration around the edges. However, when shooting in bright natural light, there may be some faint chromatic aberration or fringing near the corners of your photos – an easy fix during post-production!

Best for: It offers an expansive view of activities with restricted space, such as real estate and interior events. With its deep aperture and wide-angle capabilities, you can apply it to frame unique landscape compositions or capture large group photos without leaving anyone out.

With its fast f/2.8 aperture across all focal lengths, this lens will surely deliver remarkable results. Plus, your images won’t disappoint thanks to its sharp optics, premium construction materials, and advanced technology.

Macro lens

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

Macro photography enthusiasts will be captivated by this lens’s compact size and ability to produce life-size images with a DSLR sensor. Additionally, the f/2.8 aperture combined with optical stabilization technology lets you snap beautiful photos even in dim lighting!

Build and handling: Made from durable black composite, it stands at 4.6×3.3 inches (116 x 83 mm) in length and diameter. It also allows you to easily switch between manual and autofocus modes with a flick of a button and enables an optical stabilization system. Furthermore, its rubberized grip on the manual focus ring offers great comfort when using this lens.

Performance: Boasting Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology, this lens offers a quiet and swift autofocus experience without interruption between automatic and manual focus. Furthermore, its Internal Focusing system permits the front element of your camera to remain stationary for simple integration of circular polarizing filters. Additionally, with its advanced Vibration Reduction II feature, you can shoot crisp images even if your shutter speed is four stops lower than average while preserving optimal quality.

Best for: Its 105mm focal length allows you to shoot at a comfortable distance, so you no longer have to lean too close for that ideal picture. With shots taken further away, shadows become obsolete as this lens enables capturing stunning photos without hindering your view.

Through its optical stabilization feature that allows for 1:1 magnification and close focusing, users can capture incredibly sharp images unlike any other lens on the market!

Conclusion

When searching for the best lenses for the Nikon D5500, you must reflect on what kind of photography you are after. The right lens should be carefully chosen by assessing and comparing all its features – there is no one-size-fits-all option. We hope you find relevant information from this list and are ready to acquire a new companion in your photography journey.

Read more: Best Nikon DX lenses.

---

PIN IT

---

Read more about Nikon lenses:

Share it on Social Media!