The Best Lenses for Nikon D7000 in 2023

You love your Nikon d7000. It is working wonderfully, but you are ready to step up your photography game, and it’s time to look into getting a lens kit. But where do you start?

This review has all the answers to your questions. Let’s dive right in and look at the best compatible lenses for Nikon d7000 on the market. We’ll also reveal our top pick for the best lens for Nikon D7000.

Best Lenses for Portraits, Weddings, & Events

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Easiest to Carry

Dimensions – 2.09×2.76×2.76 inches
Weight – 7.05 ounces
Lens – Standard
Maximum Aperture – f/1.8
Maximum Focal Length – 35 mm

• Compact and Lightweight
• Ideal for snapshots and landscapes
• Great for environmental, travel, and general photography
• Lens design makes out-of-focus shots look natural

This lens is perfect for the professional photographer. The lightweight and compact design make it easy to carry when you travel. Whether you are shooting morning or evening, this lens provides the perfect shot. The 35 mm lens allows for great angle shots that include a larger view of the subject.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens

Easiest to Use

Dimensions – 2.09×2.83 × 2.83 inches
Weight – 6.61 ounces
Lens – Standard
Maximum Aperture – f/1.8
Maximum Focal Length – 50 mm

• Perfect for portraits and everyday use.
• Captures beautiful shots in low light.
• Easy to carry.
• Creates a natural perspective in photos

Creating beautiful, sharp photos is a breeze with this lens. It is lightweight, making it easy for the professional or novice photographer to put in their bag and go. It has virtually no sound while snapping photos, giving you the professional status you desire. This standard lens will provide a natural look to your photos, which works well for general photography.

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

Best Overall

Dimensions – 2.09×2.83 × 2.83 inches
Weight – .77lb
Lens – Medium telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/1.8
Maximum Focal Length – 85 mm

• Perfect for outdoor weddings and events.
• Works well in low lighting.
• Smooth bokeh
• Ideal for portraits.

Hobbyists and professionals are bragging on this lens for its many benefits. It is easy to put in your toolbox to capture beautiful portraits from any wedding or event. The price point is a bit high, but it does not disappoint in action. It is the go-to lens for the photo enthusiast. It is the best overall because of the clarity and versatility it offers to photographers of all levels.

Best Lenses for Travel & Landscape

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Best Professional lens

Dimensions – 3.43 × 3.27 × 3.27 inches
Weight – 1.01 lb
Lens – Wide angle lens
Maximum Aperture – f/3.5
Maximum Focal Length – 24 mm

• The price point is high
• Captures landscapes, architecture, and interiors with ease.
• Designed with a 110 degree picture angle
• Compatible with an HD video adapter

Using this wide angle lens allows photographers to capture every part of their world. Photos come out clear and precise, showing off all the details of the subject at hand. Another great feature is the video option. This is particularly good for capturing actions in landscapes.

We only gave it four stars because some critics have stated that the edges were a little soft, but this was a personal opinion. User error could always play a factor in disappointment.

Tokina AT-X PRO DX for digital SLR 11-20mm f/2.8 Pro DX Lens for Nikon F

Best Budget Option

Dimensions – 3.5×3.5×3.62 inches
Weight – 1.23 lbs
Lens – Wide angle lens
Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
Maximum Focal Length – 20 mm

• Popular for landscapes and nightscapes
• Lower price point with professional results
• Lightweight and compact
• Does not shoot well in direct sunlight

The Tokina lens is a wide-angle lens for the Nikon d7000 that is easy on the wallet. It works well with Nikon technology as the wide-angle lens to use for landscapes. If you enjoy capturing the beauty of the night, the Tokina will not disappoint. The most significant problem photographers face is utilizing this lens to take shots in direct sunlight.

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

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Best Overall

Dimensions – 4.53×3.27×3.27 inches
Weight – 1.76 lbs
Lens – Telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/3.5
Maximum Focal Length – 300 mm

• Zoom is optimized for FX and DX format.
• Reduces vibration.
• Automatic focus
• Covers a variety of focal lengths 

The Nikon AF-S FX is a lens that should be in every photographer’s bag. Its versatility in focal ranges makes it perfect for capturing landscapes, portraits, and anything in between. It is best used outdoors, making it an excellent choice for travelers.

The telephoto lens means you can experiment with different focal lengths. Whether you need to zoom in or out, this lens will deliver. Overall, this is a fantastic lens for shooting a wide variety of subjects.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Best Extra Features

Dimensions – 3.9×3.11×3.11 inches
Weight – 1.21 lbs
Lens – Telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/3.5
Maximum Focal Length – 300 mm

• Optimized to shoot stills and capture HD video
• Perfect for close-ups and wide-angle photography
• Compact and lightweight
• Versatile

Photographers love this lens due to the versatility of shots available. No longer do you need to carry separate lenses for close and long shots. The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor is an all-in-one tool in the photographer’s toolbox. It is a compact lens that makes it easy to carry and will not add to the weight of your camera.

Photographers who love to travel will also like this lens. Close- ups and wide-angle shots are possible, enabling you to capture an endless variety of subjects. The extra features are worth money spent on the Nikon AF-S Nikkor telephoto lens.

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

Best Budget Option

Dimensions – 10.2×4.1×4.1 inches
Weight – 4.25 lbs
Lens – Telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/5
Maximum Focal Length – 600 mm

• Delivers sharp images with handheld function.
• Allows you to lock lens at any focal length
• Lower price point.
• Can be heavy for handheld photography

Rave reviews are coming in for the Sigma lens. It has the versatility to be used as a handheld or tripod option. The low price point gives even the novice photographer a professional quality photo. With all the great qualities of the Sigma lens, it is on the heavier side. It is better used on a tripod for outdoor shots at a central location. It would not be the best lens to use for a hiking expedition.

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

Best Beginner Telephoto Lens

Dimensions – 4.92×2.83×2.83 inches
Weight – 0.91 lbs
Lens – Telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/4.5
Maximum Focal Length – 300 mm

• A great option for beginners
• Affordable
• Superb zoom quality
• Designed using a plastic mount

If you are a budding photographer looking for just the right lens, this one’s for you. It can be used hand held or on a tripod. The automatic focus leaves you with the perfect shot of fleeting moments in nature. This lens is a great option for the mom who wants all those sports events on camera or the person who walks through the forest for inspiration. It is compact and lightweight making it easy to carry with you wherever a great photo opportunity awaits.

Best Lenses for Macro & Close-Up

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Best Overall

Dimensions – 2.56×2.72×2.72 inches
Weight – 0.52 lbs
Lens – Standard
Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
Maximum Focal Length – 40 mm

• Dust and waterproof mount.
• Manual and automatic focus.
• Compact design
• Lacking in vibration reduction

Photographers are using this lens to catch bees on their flowers and babies in a portrait. The compact design makes it easy to carry. Designing the mount to be dust and waterproof allows you to shoot wherever you are and have clear photos. It has been noted that this lens shoots best when using manual focus, but with the low price point, it’s a must have.

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

Best Beginner Macro Lens

Dimensions -3.9×2.87×2.87 inches
Weight – 0.78 lbs
Lens – Medium telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/3.5
Maximum Focal Length – 85 mm

• Captures texture and details well
• Automatic and manual focus
• Vibration reduction
• There is some noise with automatic focus

This Nikon lens is perfect for those who enjoy shooting objects with unique design and texture. In nature, you can capture small creatures in their natural habitats. Designed with a plastic construction can put some people off. Even so, this lens will perform well. It has a great price for someone looking to jump into macro photography.

Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens for Nikon DSLR Camera

Best General Photography Lens

Dimensions -5×3.07×3.07 inches
Weight – 1.61 lbs
Lens – Telephoto
Maximum Aperture – f/2.8
Maximum Focal Length – 105 mm

• Built-in optical stabilizer
• Quiet automatic focus
• Splash proof design
• Plastic construction

The Sigma lens is an overall winner in the general photography field. Amateur to intermediate photographers will enjoy exploring with this one. Photos of nature, jewelry, or even portraits are accessible with this macro lens. The splash proof design makes it a great choice for a harsher environment. It is not the best lens to use for capturing action shots and needs adequate lighting to produce quality photos.

Value Editorial and Buying Debates

With so many lenses on the market, you may still have questions about what lens is best for you.

What is the Difference in All These Lenses?

To help you choose the right lens, we will start by explaining what the difference in all these lenses is.

Let’s start with the Nikon DX lens versus a Nikon FX lens. When you see the letters DX or FX in a product description, it is speaking of the image sensor. A DX lens has a smaller image sensor, while the FX is a full frame image sensor. Nikon has a great resource to help you learn more about these different lenses.

Another option available is the prime lens and zoom lens. A prime lens will have a fixed zoom. If you are looking for a lens that allows you to choose zoom formats, a prime lens is not what you need. In order to zoom, you need a zoom lens.

Wide angle lenses are primarily used for capturing architecture, cityscapes, or landscapes. A standard lens will capture photos similar to what your eye sees. Photos with a standard lens tend to have a more natural look.

Telephoto and Macro lenses are polar opposites. A telephoto lens will allow you to take photos using the zoom. For a close-up shot, a macro lens like the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40 mm is a good choice.

Before making a purchase, it is important to do your research and understand these differences.

What are the Advantages/Disadvantages of Using a Camera Lens?

No matter what stage of photography you are at, a camera lens can be an asset to your photos. Standard lenses are the favorite of all photographers, but especially the novice ones. A lens like the Nikon AF-S Nikkor can give you a quality picture without requiring you to learn a lot.

Prime lenses are what most professionals use due to the sheer quality of the image. They tend to compliment the power of a camera well. The downside is they can be very expensive, and they have a fixed focus.

Because the camera lens was designed to enhance and capture the full beauty of something, there is no clear disadvantage to purchasing one. They will last much longer than your camera will, and you can achieve a higher level of photos.

What Precautions Should I Take for Using A Camera Lens for Nikon d7000?

As with any camera, they are precautions to take before using a lens attachment. First on your list should be to make sure the lens is compatible with your camera. For a Nikon d7000, any of the above listed lenses would work. Check compatibility first.

Secondly, choose a lens that is right for what you are shooting. If you are taking landscape photos, a wide angle lens will be needed. For portraits or smaller objects, you will need a macro lens.

Telephoto lenses like the Sigma Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens for Nikon will let you choose the right zoom to get the perfect picture. Standard lenses are the best choice for general photography and beginners.

Thirdly, use a lens that is compatible with handheld and tripod use. It is great when you can grab your camera and go for a hike, clicking the wonders of nature. It is equally nice to set your camera on a tripod and explore the landscape you are in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these commonly asked questions.

What Lenses Work With Nikon d7000?

This is an important question for the Nikon user. First off, it is not necessary to only purchase Nikon brand camera lenses for your Nikon camera. It is possible to get quality shots with a lens made from Sigma or Tokina.

Of course, there are many types of lenses, and it is essential to know what you are looking for. Before making a purchase that could be costly, look at this resource for help.

What Is a Kit Lens Nikon?

A kit lens can be a gem in your pile of rocks. Nikon makes kits that help reduce vibration and include an image stabilizer. They are designed to increase the chances of capturing the shot you desire. The one that your camera can’t do alone.

There are some limitations to a kit lens. Often the focal length is limited, and the aperture can be relatively small. For the professional photographer, a kit lens can be a little noisy when using automatic focus.

What Mount is Nikon d7000?

All photographers know how important the right mount is to get the best shot. For a Nikon d7000, the mount is a Nikon F mount. It has AF coupling and contacts.

This mount is compatible with a more versatile amount of lens. Specifically, there are 305 lenses that can be used with the Nikon F mount.

Is a Nikon d7000 a DX or FX?

The Nikon d7000 is equipped with an APC-S sensor. This makes it compatible for working with a DX or FX format. It is a versatile camera making it perfect to use with a wide variety of lenses.

Quick Recap

Our Top Pick

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.