The 15 Best Lenses for Nikon D3200 DSLR in 2024!

The Nikon D3200 is loved by photographers for its great performance that comes in a small package. This digital SLR camera has been rated as a very capable camera by photographers. However, it also has some quirks that may turn off users.

The good thing is that third-party lenses can address the shortcomings of this Nikon DSLR camera. There are a variety of lenses that can extend the capabilities of this Nikon camera, which means that you have some options when choosing the best lenses for Nikon D3200. These lenses are each designed to cater to a particular need of a photographer. Some are made for landscape photography while others are for close-up and macro shots.

We went ahead and picked out our favorite options for the best lenses for Nikon d3200 DSLR across a few different categories. Each lens on this list is one to consider if you are looking for a lens facelift this year.

Our Recommended Lenses for Nikon D3200 in 2024!

Best All-Around lenses for Nikon d3200 DSLR

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Why buy the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens?

Are you looking for a versatile all-in-one lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR? Look no further than the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus.

This lens covers a wide range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto, making it perfect for capturing landscapes, portraits, and everything in between. Plus, its Vibration Reduction (VR) technology minimizes camera shake, allowing for sharper photos and smoother videos.

What you’ll love about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens

• Versatility: With a focal length range of 18-140mm, this lens can handle almost any situation. It’s perfect for capturing wide-angle landscapes, zooming in for portraits, and everything in between. Plus, its compact size makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
• Vibration Reduction: The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens is equipped with VR technology, which minimizes camera shake and allows for sharper photos and smoother videos. This is especially useful when shooting in low light or at longer focal lengths.
• Auto Focus: The lens features a fast and quiet auto-focus system, allowing you to quickly and easily capture the perfect shot.
• Build Quality: The lens is well-built and feels sturdy in the hand. The zoom and focus rings move smoothly, and the lens mount is made of metal for added durability.

What you won’t love about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens

• Aperture: While the maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 is decent, it may not be sufficient for low-light situations. You may need to increase your ISO or use a tripod to compensate for the smaller aperture.
• Lens Hood Sold Separately: The lens hood is not included and must be purchased separately. This can be an added expense and inconvenience for some photographers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a versatile, all-in-one lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus is a great choice. Its wide focal length range, VR technology, and fast auto-focus make it a great all-around lens for capturing any type of scene. While the smaller aperture and separate lens hood may be drawbacks for some, the overall build quality and performance make it a great investment for any photographer.

NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens

Why choose the Nikon 24-85mm lens?

• A versatile lens suitable for different photography styles
• High-quality build and image stabilization
• Lightweight and compact design
• Great value for the price

The NIKON 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens is an all-purpose lens designed for the Nikon D3200 DSLR camera. It offers a versatile zoom range, making it suitable for different photography styles such as landscape, portrait, and street photography.

One of the standout features of this lens is its high-quality build. The lens is constructed with ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements, which minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, resulting in sharp and clear images. The lens also comes with image stabilization technology that reduces camera shake and allows for smooth and blur-free shots.

In addition to its image quality, the Nikon 24-85mm lens is also lightweight and compact. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and it’s suitable for travel and everyday use.

What you’ll love about the Nikon 24-85mm lens

• Versatility: The 24-85mm focal range allows for a wide range of photography styles, from landscapes to portraits.
• High-quality images: The lens produces sharp and clear images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Image stabilization: The lens comes with VR (Vibration Reduction) technology, which reduces camera shake and allows for smooth and blur-free shots.
• Compact and lightweight: The lens is easy to carry around and suitable for travel and everyday use.
• Great value: The lens offers high-quality performance at a reasonable price.

What you won’t love about the Nikon 24-85mm lens

• Limited aperture range: The lens has a maximum aperture of f/3.5-4.5, which may not be sufficient for low-light conditions or shallow depth-of-field shots.
• Not suitable for specialized photography styles: The lens is not designed for specialized photography styles such as macro or sports photography.

Overall, the Nikon 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED VR AF-S Nikkor Lens is a great choice for Nikon D3200 DSLR users who want a versatile and high-quality lens at a reasonable price. Its compact size and image stabilization technology make it a great lens for travel and everyday use, and its versatility allows for a wide range of photography styles.

Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens

The Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM lens is a versatile option for Nikon D3200 DSLR users. It offers all-in-one convenience and performance, allowing you to capture a wide range of subjects without needing to switch lenses.

Why choose the Sigma 18-300mm?

• All-in-one convenience: With the Sigma 18-300mm lens, you can capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to close-up portraits without changing lenses. This makes it a great option for travel or outdoor photography where you may not want to carry multiple lenses.
• Impressive performance: Despite its convenience, the Sigma 18-300mm lens delivers impressive performance. The lens features optical stabilization to help reduce camera shake, while the Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures fast and accurate autofocus. The lens is also designed with Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass and aspherical elements to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration.
• Macro capability: The Sigma 18-300mm lens also features macro capability, allowing you to capture stunning close-up shots. With a maximum magnification ratio of 1:3, you can capture intricate details and textures that may be missed with other lenses.

What you’ll love about the Sigma 18-300mm

• Versatility: With its all-in-one design, the Sigma 18-300mm lens is an incredibly versatile option. Whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, or macro subjects, this lens has you covered.
• Performance: Despite its convenience, the Sigma 18-300mm lens delivers impressive performance. The optical stabilization and fast autofocus make it easy to capture sharp, clear images, while the macro capability allows you to capture intricate details.
• Value: At a price point that is less than many other lenses on this list, the Sigma 18-300mm lens offers a lot of value. Its all-in-one design means you won’t need to invest in multiple lenses, making it a great option for those on a budget.

What you may not love about the Sigma 18-300mm

• Size: As an all-in-one lens, the Sigma 18-300mm is larger and heavier than some other lenses on this list. This may be a consideration if you’re looking for a compact and lightweight option.
• Aperture: With a variable aperture of F3.5-6.3, the Sigma 18-300mm lens may not be the best option for low-light situations. However, its optical stabilization and macro capability help to compensate for this limitation.

If you’re looking for a versatile lens that balances convenience and performance, the Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM lens is a great option for your Nikon D3200 DSLR. Its all-in-one design, impressive performance, and macro capability make it a great value for the price.

Best lenses for Portraits, Weddings & Events

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens

Why buy the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens?

• Captures stunning photos with great clarity and sharpness
• Ideal for low-light event photography
• Compact and lightweight design for easy handling
• Affordable price for such a high-quality lens

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is a must-have for photographers who frequently shoot at events with challenging lighting conditions. This lens is designed to provide exceptional performance in low-light situations, thanks to its large aperture of f/1.8. With this lens, you can capture stunning photos with great clarity and sharpness, even in dimly lit environments.

In addition to its impressive low-light capabilities, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is also incredibly compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and carry with you wherever you go. The lens is compatible with Nikon DX-format cameras, and its versatile 35mm focal length makes it a great all-around lens for a variety of shooting scenarios.

One of the best things about this lens is its affordable price point. Despite its high-quality performance, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is priced reasonably, making it an excellent value for photographers on a budget.

What you’ll love about the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens

• Fast and accurate autofocus system
• Superior image quality with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration
• Smooth and quiet operation
• Durable construction for long-lasting use

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, allowing you to capture sharp and well-focused images every time. Its superior image quality with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration ensures that your photos look crisp and vibrant, with accurate colors and sharp details.

This lens also operates smoothly and quietly, which is essential when shooting in environments where noise could be a distraction. Additionally, the lens is constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring its durability and long-lasting use.

What you won’t love about the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens

• Not ideal for capturing distant subjects due to its fixed focal length
• No image stabilization feature
• May struggle with autofocus in some low-contrast situations

While the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is an exceptional lens for event photography, it does have a few limitations. Its fixed focal length means that it is not the best option for capturing distant subjects, such as wildlife or sports. Additionally, it does not have an image stabilization feature, so you may need to use a tripod or other stabilization equipment to avoid blurry shots in low-light situations.

Finally, the lens may struggle with autofocus in some low-contrast situations, such as shooting in foggy or hazy conditions. However, overall, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens is a highly recommended lens for photographers who want to capture stunning images with exceptional clarity and sharpness, especially at events with challenging lighting conditions.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

Why buy the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens?

• Sharpness: This lens is designed to be the sharpest lens in Nikon’s lineup. The fast f/1.4 aperture allows for great low-light performance and beautiful bokeh.
• Versatility: The 50mm focal length is a classic and versatile choice for photography. It’s great for portraits, landscapes, street photography, and more.
• Durability: The lens is built to last with high-quality materials and a solid construction.
• Compatibility: This lens is compatible with both full-frame and APS-C Nikon DSLRs, making it a great investment for those who may upgrade their camera in the future.

What you’ll love about the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

• Image Quality: The lens produces incredibly sharp and vibrant images with minimal distortion.
• Low-light Performance: The fast f/1.4 aperture allows for great low-light performance, making it a great lens for indoor and nighttime photography.
• Bokeh: The lens has a beautiful bokeh effect, creating a nice separation between the subject and the background.
• Lightweight: The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.

What you won’t love about the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens

• Price: This lens is not cheap, but the quality of the images it produces makes it a worthwhile investment.
• No Vibration Reduction (VR): This lens does not have built-in image stabilization, so it may not be the best choice for handheld shooting in low-light conditions.

If you’re looking for the sharpest, most versatile lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G Lens is the one for you. Its fast aperture, sharpness, and versatility make it a great investment for photographers of all levels. Just be prepared to pay a premium for its exceptional quality.

Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens with Auto Focus

Why choose Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens?

• Unmatched sharpness and image quality
• Perfect for portraits and low light photography
• Lightweight and compact design
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance
• Exceptional background blur and bokeh effect

Introducing the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens, the best portrait lens for Nikon D3200 DSLR cameras. This lens is known for its unmatched sharpness and image quality, making it a must-have for photographers who demand the best.

With its fast f/1.8 maximum aperture, this lens is perfect for portraits and low light photography. The wide aperture also creates a shallow depth of field, allowing you to blur the background and isolate your subject. The result is a stunning bokeh effect that adds a professional touch to your images.

The AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go photography. Despite its small size, this lens delivers exceptional autofocus performance, thanks to its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology. The SWM allows for fast, precise, and quiet autofocus, ensuring that you capture the perfect shot every time.

Another advantage of this lens is its exceptional background blur. With a nine-blade diaphragm, the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens produces a circular bokeh effect that enhances the visual impact of your photos.

What you’ll love about the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens

• Unmatched sharpness and image quality
• Perfect for portraits and low light photography
• Lightweight and compact design
• Fast and accurate autofocus performance
• Exceptional background blur and bokeh effect

What you won’t love about the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens

• No image stabilization
• No weather sealing

While the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens has many advantages, it does have a couple of drawbacks. Firstly, it lacks image stabilization, which can be a problem when shooting handheld in low light conditions. Secondly, it has no weather sealing, so it’s not recommended for use in extreme weather conditions.

Overall, if you’re a portrait photographer looking for the best image quality and bokeh effect, the AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Fixed Lens is the perfect choice for you. Its fast and accurate autofocus performance, exceptional background blur, and lightweight design make it a must-have lens for any Nikon D3200 DSLR user.

Best Lenses for Travel & Landscape

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens

Why buy the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens?

• Capture more: The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens is the perfect wide-angle lens for capturing landscapes, architecture, and interiors. With a focal length range of 10-24mm, you can capture more of the scene and get a wider field of view than with a standard lens.
• Excellent image quality: The lens features Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and Aspherical lens elements that help minimize chromatic aberrations, distortion, and other optical aberrations. The result is sharp, clear images with vibrant colors and excellent contrast, even in low light.
• Versatile shooting: Whether you’re shooting stills or video, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens offers versatile shooting capabilities. You can capture dynamic landscapes, architectural details, or even up-close portraits with its close focusing distance of just 0.8 feet.
• Silent autofocus: The lens features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which provides smooth and fast autofocus performance without any noise or vibration. This is especially useful for video shooting or when shooting in quiet environments.

What you’ll love about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens

• Compact and lightweight: The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods. It’s perfect for travel, outdoor adventures, or everyday shooting.
• Easy to use: The lens features a smooth zoom ring and a manual focus ring that allows for easy adjustments. The lens also has a built-in hood that helps reduce lens flare and ghosting.
• Great for video: The lens’s wide-angle capabilities make it ideal for video shooting. You can capture sweeping landscapes or create dramatic perspectives with ease.

What you won’t love about the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens

• Price: The lens is a bit pricey, and it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. However, if you’re serious about photography and want the best image quality and versatility, it’s worth the investment.
• No image stabilization: The lens does not have image stabilization, which can be a bit of a drawback when shooting in low light. However, the fast aperture and excellent optical quality make up for it.

If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile wide-angle lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens is an excellent choice. It delivers outstanding image quality, versatility, and performance in a compact and lightweight package. While it may be a bit pricey, it’s worth the investment for serious photographers who want the best possible results.

Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD Wide Angle Zoom Lens

Why Choose Tamron 10-24mm Lens?

If you’re looking for a lens that can capture expansive landscapes, cramped interiors, and everything in between, the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD Wide Angle Zoom Lens is a top choice for Nikon D3200 DSLR users.

This lens has a 10-24mm focal length range, which allows you to shoot from ultra-wide angles to more standard focal lengths, making it a versatile option for various types of photography, including landscapes, architecture, and real estate.

With a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches, the Tamron 10-24mm lens also allows you to get up close to your subjects for a unique perspective.

What Makes Tamron 10-24mm Lens Stand Out?

• Image Quality: Tamron 10-24mm lens produces sharp images with minimal distortion, thanks to the low dispersion and aspherical elements used in its construction.
• Vibration Compensation (VC): The built-in VC system minimizes camera shake, ensuring sharp and stable images, especially in low-light situations.
• High-Speed Silent Drive (HLD): The Tamron 10-24mm lens features HLD technology that provides fast and precise autofocus, making it easy to capture moving subjects.
• User-Friendly Design: The lens is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for extended periods. The zoom ring and focus ring are smooth and easy to operate, providing a seamless shooting experience.

What You May Not Like About Tamron 10-24mm Lens?

• Not Ideal for Low-Light Conditions: Although the built-in VC system helps in minimizing camera shake, the lens has a variable aperture, which means it’s not the best option for low-light situations.
• No Weather Sealing: The lens does not have any weather-sealing, so you’ll need to take precautions while shooting in harsh weather conditions.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a wide-angle lens that can capture sharp and detailed images, the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD Wide Angle Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for Nikon D3200 DSLR users. Its versatile focal length range, user-friendly design, and advanced features make it an excellent value for the price. However, it may not be the best option for low-light situations or shooting in harsh weather conditions.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens

Why buy the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5?

• Capture wider angles: With its super wide angle focal length, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens allows you to capture stunning landscapes, architecture, and interior shots.
• High-quality build and optics: The lens features two ELD (Extraordinary Low Dispersion) glass elements and one SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass element that work together to minimize chromatic aberration and produce sharp, clear images. The lens also has an HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) that allows for fast and quiet autofocus.
• Versatile shooting capabilities: Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or cityscapes, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens is a versatile option that allows you to capture a wide range of subjects.
• Good value for money: Compared to other wide angle lenses on the market, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 lens offers excellent value for money.

What you’ll love about the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5

• Sharp and clear images: The lens’ aspherical elements help to reduce distortion and produce sharp and clear images, even at wider apertures.
• Smooth and quiet autofocus: The HSM (Hyper-Sonic Motor) allows for fast and quiet autofocus, which is especially useful when shooting video.
• Sturdy build quality: The lens has a solid build quality that feels durable and reliable in your hands.
• Good for low-light situations: With a maximum aperture of f/3.5, the lens performs well in low-light situations, allowing you to capture clear images even in dimly lit environments.

What you won’t love about the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5

• Bulky and heavy: At 520g, the lens is quite heavy and bulky, making it less portable than other lenses.
• No image stabilization: The lens does not have built-in image stabilization, so you may need to use a tripod or other stabilizing equipment to get sharp images in low light.
• No weather sealing: The lens is not weather-sealed, so it may not hold up as well in harsh weather conditions.

If you’re looking for a versatile and high-quality wide angle lens that won’t break the bank, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens is a great option for Nikon D3200 DSLR users. It offers sharp and clear images, smooth autofocus, and good value for money. However, it is quite bulky and heavy, and lacks image stabilization and weather sealing.

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

The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is a must-have lens for any Nikon D3200 DSLR user who wants to capture stunning images with a fast, bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture. This lens is an exceptional performer with its wide-angle to normal-length zoom and superior image quality.

Why Buy the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens?

• Fast and bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture: The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is known for its fast, bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture, which makes it ideal for low-light photography and creating beautiful bokeh effects.
• Superior image quality: The lens features a combination of advanced optics and coatings that deliver exceptional image quality with sharpness and clarity throughout the entire zoom range.
• Versatile zoom range: With a focal length range of 18-35mm, this lens is perfect for a wide range of photography applications, including landscape, portrait, and street photography.
• Durable build quality: The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is built to last, with a solid construction and a high-quality finish that can withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions.

What You’ll Love About the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens

• Outstanding low-light performance: The fast, bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture allows you to shoot in low-light conditions with ease, making this lens perfect for night-time photography and indoor events.
• Sharp and clear images: The lens features a combination of advanced optics and coatings that deliver exceptional image quality with sharpness and clarity throughout the entire zoom range.
• Smooth and silent autofocus: The Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens features a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) that delivers smooth and silent autofocus, making it ideal for video recording.
• Well-built and durable: The lens has a solid construction and a high-quality finish that can withstand heavy use and extreme weather conditions.

What You Won’t Love About the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens

• Slightly heavy: The lens is slightly heavy, which can make it difficult to carry around for extended periods.
• No image stabilization: The lens does not have image stabilization, which can make it difficult to shoot handheld in low-light conditions.

If you’re looking for a versatile, high-quality lens with a fast, bright constant f/1.8 maximum aperture, the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens is an excellent choice for your Nikon D3200 DSLR. While it may be slightly heavy and lack image stabilization, its superior image quality and exceptional low-light performance make it one of the best lenses for Nikon D3200 DSLRs.

Best Lenses for Nature & Wildlife, Birds, Sports & Action

Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

The Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is an excellent choice for anyone looking to upgrade their Nikon D3200 DSLR lens collection. This lens is ideal for capturing stunning portraits, wildlife, and action shots with ease.

Why Buy the Nikon 55-200mm lens?

• Lightweight and compact design: This lens is compact, lightweight, and easy to handle, making it perfect for photographers who want to shoot on the go. It won’t weigh you down during long photo shoots, and it’s easy to pack in your camera bag for travel.
• High-quality images: This lens produces high-quality images with excellent sharpness, contrast, and color reproduction. The autofocus system is quick and accurate, allowing you to capture your subject in sharp detail.
• Versatile zoom range: The 55-200mm zoom range allows you to capture a wide variety of shots, from close-up portraits to distant landscapes. The lens has a maximum aperture of f/4, making it ideal for low-light photography.
• Budget-friendly: Compared to other lenses with similar features, the Nikon 55-200mm lens is relatively affordable, making it an excellent choice for photographers on a budget.

What you’ll love about the Nikon 55-200mm lens:

• Excellent image stabilization: The lens has a built-in vibration reduction system that reduces camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially in low-light conditions.
• Smooth and silent autofocus: The autofocus system is smooth, quick, and silent, making it ideal for shooting video or capturing wildlife and action shots.
• Great bokeh effect: The lens produces beautiful bokeh, with smooth and creamy background blur, making your subject pop.

What you won’t love about the Nikon 55-200mm lens:

• No weather sealing: This lens is not weather-sealed, so it’s not ideal for shooting in harsh weather conditions.
• Plastic construction: The lens is made of plastic, which can feel a bit flimsy, but it still holds up well under normal use.

Overall, the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens is an excellent addition to your Nikon D3200 DSLR. It’s affordable, lightweight, and produces high-quality images with excellent sharpness and color reproduction. If you’re looking for a versatile, budget-friendly lens, this is the perfect choice.

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

Why buy the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm lens?

• Great zoom range: With a versatile zoom range of 70-300mm, this lens is ideal for capturing everything from close-up portraits to distant landscapes, sports, and wildlife.
• Compact and lightweight: Weighing just 400 grams, this lens is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and use for extended periods.
• Fast and quiet autofocus: The AF-P stepping motor technology enables fast, smooth, and near-silent autofocus, making it perfect for capturing stills and video.
• High-quality optics: The lens features Extra-low Dispersion glass elements that reduce chromatic aberrations and deliver sharp, high-contrast images throughout the zoom range.
• Affordable price: Compared to other lenses in its class, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm is reasonably priced, making it an excellent option for photographers on a budget.

What you’ll love about the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm lens

• Sharp and clear images: The lens produces sharp and clear images with excellent color reproduction and contrast, even at the maximum aperture.
• Easy to handle: The lens has a comfortable grip, and the zoom and focus rings are smooth and responsive, making it easy to handle.
• Versatile lens: With its long zoom range, the lens is perfect for a wide range of photography genres, from sports and wildlife to portraits and landscapes.
• Excellent value for money: Considering its features and performance, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm lens is an excellent value for money.

What you won’t love about the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm lens

• No image stabilization: This lens doesn’t come with image stabilization, which can be a problem when shooting in low light or when using slower shutter speeds.
• Build quality: While the lens is lightweight, it’s made mostly of plastic, which may not be as durable as other lenses in its class.

If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight, and affordable zoom lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens is an excellent choice. It produces sharp and clear images throughout the zoom range, has fast and quiet autofocus, and is easy to handle. While it may not have image stabilization or the most durable build quality, it still offers excellent value for money.

Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon

Why buy the Sigma 150-600mm?

• Versatile Telephoto Lens: This lens offers a wide range of focal lengths, from 150mm to 600mm, which makes it an ideal choice for wildlife, sports, and other distant subjects.
• Sharp Image Quality: The lens is designed with a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass element to minimize chromatic aberrations and ensure sharp image quality.
• Optical Stabilization: The Optical Stabilization (OS) system helps to reduce camera shake and produce sharp images in low light situations.
• Fast and Accurate Autofocus: The Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) ensures quick and precise autofocus performance.
• Lightweight and Portable: Despite its long focal length, the Sigma 150-600mm is surprisingly lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry around on outdoor shoots.

What you’ll love about the Sigma 150-600mm

• Great Value for Money: Compared to other lenses in its category, the Sigma 150-600mm offers excellent value for money.
• Easy to Use: The lens is easy to use, even for beginners. It features a zoom lock switch to prevent the lens from extending when not in use, as well as a manual override switch to allow for manual focus adjustments.
• Weather Resistant: The lens features a dust and splash-proof mount, which makes it suitable for shooting in challenging weather conditions.
• Includes Lens Hood and Case: The lens comes with a lens hood and a padded case for storage and transportation.

What you won’t love about the Sigma 150-600mm

• Weight and Size: The lens is a bit bulky and heavy, which may be a concern for some photographers.
• Narrow Aperture: The maximum aperture of f/5-6.3 may not be ideal for shooting in low light situations or for creating shallow depth-of-field effects.
• Large Filter Size: The lens requires a 95mm filter, which can be expensive and difficult to find.

If you’re looking for a versatile telephoto lens that offers great value for money, the Sigma 150-600mm is definitely worth considering. Its sharp image quality, optical stabilization, and fast autofocus make it a great choice for wildlife and sports photography. However, its weight and size, narrow aperture, and large filter size may not be ideal for all photographers. Overall, the Sigma 150-600mm is a solid option for Nikon D3200 DSLR users looking for a high-quality telephoto lens.

Best Lenses for Macro & Close-Up

Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED Vibration Reduction Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus

Why buy the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED?

• Outstanding image quality: The Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED delivers crisp and clear images with excellent color reproduction. The lens features an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element that reduces chromatic aberration and enhances color accuracy.
• Versatile macro capabilities: This lens is perfect for capturing close-up shots of small subjects such as flowers, insects, and jewelry. The minimum focus distance of 0.9 feet and 1:1 magnification ratio allow you to get incredibly detailed shots.
• Built-in vibration reduction: The lens comes with built-in vibration reduction technology that minimizes camera shake and delivers sharper images, even in low-light conditions. This feature is especially useful when shooting handheld macro shots.
• Lightweight and compact: The Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and shoot with for extended periods.
• Affordable price: Compared to other macro lenses on the market, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED is relatively affordable, making it a great option for hobbyists and professionals alike.

What you’ll love about the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED

• Sharp and detailed images: The lens is capable of producing sharp and detailed images with excellent color reproduction, making it perfect for macro photography.
• Easy to use: The lens comes with auto focus and vibration reduction technology, making it easy to use and perfect for beginners.
• Lightweight and compact: The lens is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and shoot with for extended periods.

What you won’t love about the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED

• Slow maximum aperture: The f/3.5 maximum aperture is relatively slow, which may limit its use in low-light conditions.
• Limited zoom range: This lens is a fixed zoom lens, which means it has a limited zoom range compared to other lenses.

If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality macro lens for your Nikon D3200 DSLR, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED is an excellent option. Its outstanding image quality, versatile macro capabilities, built-in vibration reduction, and lightweight design make it a great choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. While its slow maximum aperture and limited zoom range may not be ideal for all situations, its overall performance and affordability make it a top choice for macro photography.

Different Lens Types Explained

With so many different lens types available, it can be difficult to keep track of the differences between them. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of lenses available for your Nikon D3200.

Nikon DX lens vs. Nikon FX Lens

When you see the terms DX or FX on a lens, this refers to the sensor size of your camera. FX cameras feature an image sensor that’s approximately 36mm x 24mm, which is known as full-frame format. DX cameras have an image sensor that’s 24mm x 16mm.

These lenses can be used interchangeably. But, they are each optimized for their own formats. An FX lens on a DX camera will magnify your image by about 1.5X. A DX lens on an FX camera will automatically crop your images to match the sensor size of your camera.

Because the D3200 is DX camera, it can accept both DX and FX lenses (FX stands for full frame) so you don’t have to worry about a lens not fitting.

Nikon has a great resource to help you learn more about these different lenses.

Prime lens vs. Zoom Lens

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means that the focal length of the lens is also the perspective. You’ll need to move in or out to decrease or increase the perspective of your shot. With zoom lenses, the perspective can be adjusted according to the range of zoom.

Wide Angle Lenses

Wide-angle lenses provide a much greater depth of field than other types of lenses. With wide-angle lenses, the lower the focal length number, the more you’ll be able to fit into the frame. These lenses are usually very versatile, lightweight, and affordable.

This lens type tends to distort portions of an image (especially faces), and that will need to be fixed in post-processing.

Standard Lenses

Standard lenses exist in the space between wide-angle and telephoto lenses. These lenses feature a depth of field that’s roughly the same as the human eye, so photos captured with a standard lens tend to feel and look “normal”.

These lenses are ideal for many types of photography, including portraits, street photography, and landscapes.

Telephoto Lenses

Telephoto lenses are designed for photographing subjects at far distances, which makes them ideal for sports, wildlife, or astronomy photography. Telephoto lenses can be fixed or zoomed. These lenses provide a narrow depth of field which allows you to photograph your subject in stark relief of the background.

Telephoto lenses are usually the territory of advanced photographers because they’re prohibitively expensive, so most beginner and novice photographers steer clear of them.

Macro Lenses

The opposite of a telephoto lens, macro lenses are designed for extreme close-ups. These lenses allow you to produce a true 1:1 image of incredibly small subjects or fine details. These lenses are ideal for nature and product photography, or any time you need to capture incredibly fine details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nikon D3200 Lenses

Is the Nikon d3200 a full-frame camera?

No, The Nikon d3200 has a 24.2 megapixel CMOS Image sensor of 23.2 mm x 15.4 mm, also known as Nikon DX-format.

As we stated above, a full-frame format or FX format, are cameras that feature an image sensor that’s approximately 36mm x 24mm.

What lenses are compatible with Nikon d3200?

As we stated above, Because the D3200 is DX camera, it can accept both DX and FX lenses (FX stands for full-frame) so you don’t have to worry about a lens not fitting.

Nikon has a great resource to help you learn more about these different lenses.

Keep in mind that you will not have all the functions with all the lenses types:

• AF NIKKOR for F3AF not supported.
• AF-S, AF-I: All Functions Supported.
• AI-P NIKKOR: All Functions supported except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
• Electronic rangefinder can be used if Maximum Aperture is f/5.6 or Faster.
• IX NIKKOR lenses cannot be used.
• Non-CPU: Autofocus not supported. Can be used in mode M, but exposure meter does not function.
• Other AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except autofocus and 3D Color Matrix Metering II.
• Type G or D AF NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus.
• Type D PC NIKKOR: All Functions Supported Except Autofocus and some Shooting Modes.

How old is the Nikon d3200?

The Nikon D3200 camera announced by Nikon on April 2012. It is a 24.2-megapixel DX-format Nikon F-mount, and it is the newer entry-level DSLR version of the Nikon D3100.

Can d3200 shoot 4k?

No, the D3200 can shoot video at:

Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 30 fps
Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 25 fps
Full HD 1,920×1,080 / 24 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 60 fps
HD 1,280×720 / 50 fps
VGA 640×424 / 30 fps
VGA 640×424 / 25 fps

What is the best all-around Nikon lens?

Our preferred all-around Nikon lens is the Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Zoom Lens. It’s versatile and made to cover the wide-angle to mid-telephoto range. It features a great optical design to help achieve an impressive image quality.

The Best Nikon D3200 Lens

We have looked at a lot of lenses and considered all their greatness, but there can only be one winner. The clear winner is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35 mm f/1.8G Lens with Autofocus for Nikon DSLR Cameras.

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35 mm is a standard lens that works with DX and FX models. It is compact and lightweight for traveling photographers. Compared with other lenses, the 35 mm focal length allows you to get more of the subject in your picture than one with a higher focal length.

Not to mention that the functions of this lens are fantastic for an incredibly low price. This one packs a punch without requiring you to be a genius of photography.

If you want more options outside the Nikon brand, the Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical Super Wide Angle Lens is a great pick especially for those who likes to do landscape, architectural, and interior photography. The Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di-II VC HLD Wide Angle Zoom Lens also makes some good points especially if you are looking for a lens with improved and very capable optical design. By using any of these lenses, you’ll have one of the best lenses for Nikon D3200 on hand whenever you need it.