10 Best lenses for Nikon D5500 [2023]

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 especially popular among those who are searching for their first DSLR camera.

Discovering the best lenses for Nikon D5500 can be a daunting task, 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, there is the perfect lens just waiting to take your photography to new heights.

Best lenses for Nikon D5500

Finding the ideal Nikon D5500 lens for your camera has never been so simple! Check out our extensive list for a variety 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 Nikon D5500 lenses:

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 for Nikon D5500

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

Photographers always seek the perfect lens when shooting portraits, and it’s easy to see why 35mm, 50mm, or 85mm prime lenses are some of the most coveted options. But if you’re looking for something unique in your images then try out this Nikon D5500 85 mm lens! You’ll be able to capture pictures that come alive with vividness and energy!

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

Performance: The Nikon D5500 portrait lens is the ideal choice for professional photographers and videographers! Its impressive f/1.8 aperture setting permits you to capture breathtaking images, regardless of lighting conditions. Its shallow depth of field capabilities provides 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 that allows you to create stunning videos without any noise interference!

Best for: As mentioned earlier, the Nikon D5500 lens is a perfect choice for portrait photography. But an experienced photographer can also use this versatile tool to shoot anything from portraits and product shots to once-in-a-lifetime memories at events – all while sticking to a budget!

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a great addition to your camera gear for delivering gorgeous portrait compositions! With its remarkable background blur, shallow depth of field, and higher contrast that generates pictures with alluring results at an affordable price point. It’s one of the best lenses for Nikon D5500 if you are aiming for portrait photography.

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2. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens

The 30mm lens with an aperture of f/1.4 is a powerful piece of equipment that not only offers HSM autofocus and superior construction but also stands out thanks to its affordability and petite size! Whether you’re a professional or just starting in photography, this lens will serve you well on your photographic journey.

Build and handling: The Sigma lens for Nikon D5500 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Its thermally stable composite construction and metallic look give it a professional appearance, along with precise indicators that are easy to read. The focusing ring rotates smoothly when adjusted, providing an ideal balance between resistance and ease of use. When transitioning between AF/Manual modes, you can rest assured that only one glance will be required!

Performance: Sigma’s Hypersonic Motor internal autofocus system is exceptionally fast and relatively silent – the front element remains stationary during focusing. The manual focus can be used alongside autofocus. Despite slightly lesser corner sharpness than center sharpness on a Nikon D5500 Sigma lens, it still produces satisfactory results.

Best for: The Nikon D5500 lens is 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, this incredible piece of technology can be used to take amazing street scenes, breathtaking landscapes, and awe-inspiring travel snaps!

The Nikon D5500 lens is a fantastic investment, delivering both robust construction and exceptional bokeh. Even without the added perk of weatherproofing, its performance far exceeds expectations at an economical price point.

Zoom lenses for Nikon D5500

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

Nikon D5500 zoom lens is an amazing asset for any photographer! Its large aperture offers photographers the ability to capture both near and far objects with ease. 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. The combination of 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 Nikon D5500 zoom lens offers a significant advantage in terms of the impressive f/2.8 aperture which allows 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 whopping 17-50mm focal lengths to take photos of any scene – from stunning landscapes to bustling street scenes. In addition, you can use this indispensable tool every day and make sure that no moment goes uncaptured!

The Nikon D5500 zoom lens features an awe-inspiring f/2.8 aperture and optical stabilization. This wallet-friendly option offers remarkable performance and quality at a steal of a price!

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

Nikon D5500 is the zoom lens for more advanced photographers. This device 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, giving you the freedom to explore any conditions or scenarios while capturing that perfect shot.

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

Performance: This lens has received wide recognition for its excellent performance. Advanced image stabilization, as well as quick and accurate focusing in low light conditions, provide photographers with a distinct advantage when capturing images. 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. With its all-in-one convenience, it’s the ideal companion for any journey – no matter what landscape composition lies ahead! Whether you’re shooting in a variety of lighting conditions or challenging weather scenarios, this lens allows you to capture beautiful visuals with ease.

Investing in this Nikon D5500 lens will be well worth it if you are looking to achieve professional images of remarkable quality. Though pricier than other options out there, this lens will take your photography to a whole new level and elevate any pictures that you take!

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

Amateur photographers searching for an affordable, easy-to-use travel lens for Nikon D5500 should consider this budget option. Its wide aperture size offers outstanding image quality at close range as well as 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 at this price most other lenses available on the market right now!

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

The Nikon D5500 travel lens is the ideal choice 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 for Nikon D5500

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

If you’re seeking an extraordinary telephoto lens, this should undoubtedly be your option! Capturing wildlife or sporting events will be a breeze as it offers superlative quality but won’t break the bank. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the best lenses for Nikon D5500 if you are after exceptional zoom capabilities.

Build and handling: For wildlife and sports photographers who want to take their craft to new heights, the Nikon D5500 telephoto lens is a fantastic option. 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’ll be able to capture stunning images wherever your journeys may lead!

Performance: The Nikon D5500 landscape 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 when paired with a tripod, it’s ideal for photographing wildlife from afar or shooting sports events. Not to mention its ability to beautifully capture intricate landscape details.

Aspiring photographers who often venture outdoors to take pictures of exotic wildlife or sporting events should have the Nikon D5500 lens in their arsenal. This option may be more expensive than other lenses, but it offers unique features and unparalleled performance that make this investment worthwhile!

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

If you’re looking to save money, the Nikon D5500 wildlife lens is exactly what you need. Not only will it help reduce initial costs and potentially save hundreds of dollars, but this lens still maintains a high level of image quality and performance!

Build and handling: The Nikon D5500 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 that of 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 wildlife lens for Nikon D5500 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.

If you are an adventurous photographer seeking a cost-efficient way to take wild animal images with your Nikon D5500, then this lens is the perfect match. Not only does it provide unbeatable value for its price tag, but its distinct focal lengths and perspectives will help strengthen your portfolio.

Wide-angle lenses for Nikon D5500

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

The Nikon D5500 wide-angle zoom lens is the ultimate choice for aspiring photographers. It’s affordable yet offers superior quality, thanks to its fast autofocus motor and range of focal lengths. Capture clear images with remarkable resolution as you start your journey in photography!

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 makes sure your front element and filter thread remain intact when you alter focus. A great advantage when using polarizers or ND filters.

Performance: The Nikon D5500 lens is an economical option, providing 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: That Nikon 5500 lens is exceptional in tight spaces. Ideal for real estate photos, events, and group shots of all sizes, and its wide-angle capabilities and focal lengths make it perfect to take 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.

The Nikon D5500 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.

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

If you desire extraordinary clarity and speed in dimly lit photography, then the Tokina lens for Nikon D5500 is an ideal fit. With a fabulous ultra wide-angle f/2.8 aperture zoom that ensures sharp images no matter the range, it’s easy to comprehend why this versatile lens has so many photographers infatuated!

Build and handling: Featuring robust plastic housing and an ergonomic rubberized ring for superior grip, the Tokina lens provides magnificent results. 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. When shooting in bright natural light, however, there may be some faint chromatic aberration or fringing near your photos’ corners – an easy fix during post-production!

Best for: For activities with restricted space, such as real estate and interior events, the Nikon D5500 lens offers an expansive view. With its deep aperture and wide-angle capabilities, you can apply it to frame unique landscapes or capture large group photos without leaving anyone out! Or why not take beautiful night sky shots too – thanks to this powerful equipment your possibilities are endless!

For Nikon D5500 photographers, the Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 lens is a bargain in terms of excellent performance and quality! With its stunningly fast f/2.8 aperture across all focal lengths, this lens will surely deliver remarkable results. Plus, thanks to its sharp optics combined with premium construction materials and advanced technology, your images won’t disappoint either!

Macro lenses for Nikon D5500

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

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

Build and handling: This macro lens for Nikon D5500 is the perfect addition to any photography lover’s collection! 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 as well as enabling 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 any interruption between automatic to 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 still preserving optimal quality!

Best for: This Nikon D5500 macro lens allows you to capture life’s little wonders and details easier than ever before. Its 105mm focal length gives you the freedom of shooting at a comfortable distance, so no more having to lean too close for that ideal picture! With shots taken further away, shadows become obsolete as this lens enables capturing stunning photos without them hindering your view.

For those passionate about macro photography, this is one of the best lenses for Nikon D5500. 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!

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Conclusion

When searching for the best lenses for Nikon D5500, it’s essential to 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 that 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.

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

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