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6 Best Lenses for Nikon D3400 (2022 Guide & Reviews)

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Nikon D3400 is a digital SLR camera and one of the most common cameras. It could be one of the best cameras that you can invest in for your photography work. However, you have to ensure that you have the best lenses if you want to take your photography to the next level.

Most photographers think that because they have those cameras, their photographs will be perfect. This is not always the case. For your photography to be professional, you must have the best lens for your Nikon D3400.

One thing that you have to know is that your camera will not use any lenses that you find in the market. Instead, you have to take your time and look for the best lens that will be fit for your camera.

Best Lenses for Nikon D3400 (Reviews)

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1. Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

  • This lens is perfect for portrait photography.
  • The lens can be used even in low-light situations.
  • It delivers portraits that are stunning and excellent while its details are precise.
  • It comes with a Nikon super integrated coating.
  • It’s a fast aperture medium telephoto lens.
Pros
  • It captures stunning images.
  • It features a very creamy bokeh.
  • It has a silent wave motor that makes it have quiet autofocusing.
  • It has a very high-speed performance.
Cons
  • It has corner softness at wide apertures.

In case you are looking for the best Nikon d3400 lenses that will take your portrait photography to the next level, this might be the best lens that you should buy. This is because this lens delivers portraits that are very stunning and with exact details. It is also one of the lenses that take pride in its sharpness with creamy bokeh. These are some of the features of this lens that make it possible for you to capture images that look more natural.

The other good thing with this lens is that it features a superior aperture range and can even shoot in low-light situations and still capture unique images. Its depth of field is shallow, making the lens isolate any background subjects, ensuring that the background has been highlighted.

This lens is powered by an internal focus system and has a silent wave motor that ensures that the output of the image is clear and its sharpness is perfect. It also features seven rounded blades on the diaphragm.

When you are using the lens, it is convenient for you to have a sharp focus since the lens has both manual and automatic focus mode switches. You can change from manual to automatic or automatic to manual in a blink of an eye without having any issues.

This makes photographers focus on their subjects and take photographs without spending time adjusting their lenses. The lens has Nikon Super Integrated Coating that makes it to be both water and dustproof.


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2. Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Lens

  • The lens has a silent wave motor that makes focusing quiet.
  • This lens for Nikon d3400 is very cheap.
  • It can use autofocus with a manual focus override.
  • It has a super integrated coating which reduces flare and ghosting.
  • The lens has a very fantastic bokeh.
Pros
  • It has a sealing that makes it dustproof.
  • It has a super-fast autofocus system.
  • It creates a bokeh that is creamy and beautiful.
  • It is very light and easy to hold.
  • It is affordable.
  • It seamlessly blends the background with subjects.
Cons
  • It is a lens distortion issue.
  • It does not have a vibration reduction feature.

This lens is very light and well built. When you are holding it, it feels solid and has a plastic feel. It has a metal mount, which makes it strong and durable. This has made the lens to be one of the most versatile prime lenses. The focal length of this lens makes it perfect for portrait photography since it can separate the background from the subject when the aperture is wide open.

It features one spherical element and seven rounded blades on its diaphragm, responsible for its great bokeh. With the seven-blade diaphragm, the lens makes heptagon-shaped bokeh at large apertures. In case you have been looking for a lens that has a quick autofocus and will make you feel confident as you take your photographs, then this is the right lens for you.

The lens also has a built-in silent wave motor that allows the lens to focus without making noise. Although this lens has magnificent features, it is very cheap compared to the other lenses in the market today. It is also a perfect investment for any photographer since the lens can be used in a variety of subjects.

It is also very compact and occupies less space in your bag, unlike most prime and zoom lenses. It is also very light, and it makes this lens convenient if you want to travel from one place to another. Unlike most of the AF-D, this lens has an AF-S motor that enables it to autofocus with a manual focus override. It also has a super integrated coating, which reduces ghosting and flaring on your lens.


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3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 Lens

  • It is easy to use the lens that can be used even by starters.
  • It has high performance and image quality.
  • Its optical stabilizer eliminates any effects that can be brought about by camera shakes.
  • It is powered by ultrasonic waves, which makes it even faster and quieter autofocusing.
  • The lens can also focus on when you are near your subject.
Pros
  • The lens is affordable.
  • Its autofocus is quiet and fast.
  • Its image stabilization is effective.
  • It has a high performance.
  • It is compact and light.
  • Its image quality is very high.
Cons
  • None

This is one of the most magnificent standard prime lenses you can ever buy for your DSLR camera. It is also the right lens if you are beginning to start a lens collection. The lens is very versatile for your photography needs. It features a constant aperture of f/2.8 and a seven-bladed diaphragm, enabling any photographer to create amazing portraits. It is also very small and light, ensuring that you can lip it in your camera bag and travel to any place you want to have your photography done.

The lens also has very low pricing, making it affordable for most photographers. The lens also features several layers of coatings that help with the color and contrast of the photograph taken. It also has other additional elements that are responsible for keeping the aberrations and distortion low.

Even though the lens has a very small body, it has a high-speed autofocusing, which is also very quiet, when using this lens, your camera can focus when you are as close as 11 inches. You can use selective focus at large apertures to make your background smoother, ensuring that you create a decent bokeh.

The OS of this lens provides very sharp central performance at the zooming range with varying degrees of corner softness. This ensures that even if you shake when you are taking your images, the optical stabilizer eliminates the camera shake instantly, making your photos clear and perfect. If the lens does not rotate, the front element attaches polarizers, and any other alignment-sensitive filters are very easy.


AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

4. Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G Lens

  • It has a perfect focal length range that extends from 18mm to 200mm.
  • The lens may not be perfect, but it is suitable for everything.
  • It offers a fantastic image quality in different environments.
  • It is ideal for interior photography.
  • The lens is compact and light.
Pros
  • It has a powerful zoom.
  • The lens is versatile and reliable.
  • It produces high-quality images.
Cons
  • It is not possible to limit the depth of field.
  • It is vulnerable to a backlight.

In case you are looking for the best lens that you can use for your interior photography, it is high time that you consider buying this lens. One advantage of using this lens is that it offers a variety of focal length ranges that extend from 18mm to 200 mm.

With the variety of focal length ranges of this lens, it provides the Nikon DSLR camera with versatility and reliability to shoot various subjects in different situations. In case you are an everyday photographer taking photographs of varying subjects in varying conditions, this is a perfect lens for you.

The lens features a super integrated coating responsible for improving the transmissions of light, thereby achieving consistent colors and reducing flare. This provides you with dramatic and sharp images of the subjects you are shooting. You can focus on the lens when you are as close as 20 inches since this is a zoom lens that allows versatility and high accuracy.

This lens’s glass is very thick, which makes the lens strong and very tough, making it suitable in any photography environment. Even though the lens has a plastic housing with a metal cover for mounting, it is not heavy. The lens also has a vibration reduction technology that stabilizes images by obtaining maximum sharpness at more shutter speeds.

The lens has 16 elements that reduce the lens’s ability to back up the light, which destroys the quality of the images. Therefore, this is the lens that you should be looking for if you want to make your photographs more quality and clear. It also has several features for enabling image stabilization and ensuring that even if the photographer shakes the shots stay steady.


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5. Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens

  • The lens automatically selects the most suitable aperture since it has a G-design.
  • Its zoom lens can be used in varying focal lengths.
  • It has a command dial mounted on its body to allow you to set a suitable aperture.
  • It works with both DX and FX formats.
  • It is versatile.
  • It has a nine-blade diaphragm to assist in blurring the images.
Pros
  • The lens supports both FX and DX formats.
  • The automatic aperture setting is possible.
  • Its operation is noiseless.
  • It has a varying focal range.
Cons
  • Autofocusing is not perfect.
  • It has no vibration reduction feature.

One thing that most camera lenses lack these days is versatility. Consequently, these lenses, which are very versatile in the market, are costly for many photographers. Therefore, in case you are looking for a lens that will provide you with fantastic versatility and has a price that is not high, you should buy this lens.

This lens is a telephoto zoom lens, and its focal length ranges from 70mm to 300mm. It is also one of the best multipurpose lenses that you will find on the market today.

The fantastic thing about the lens is that it is useful in any event or situation since you can carry it with you. The lens features a great close-up feature, which allows you a minimum of 1.5meters. The fact that you can vary the zoom and change the lens’s focus makes it possible for any photographer to take photographs of even the smallest insects you see.

The F-bayonet type of mount has 13 elements that have been subdivided into nine groups. The autofocusing mode of this lens is not only fast but also very accurate. The lens also works on both the FX and DX-format, which zooms very hard with most of the telephoto lenses that you will see today. The lens also features a command dial mounted on the lens’s body, allowing you to set the aperture that you want to use.

It varies from 4 to 5.6also features a 4.3x zoom that you can use for various focal lengths. From 70 to 300mm, you can get any length, and you are assured that you will get images only of higher quality. It also has a G-design in it, which selects the most suitable aperture for your photography automatically.


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6. Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens

  • The lens does not make noise when taking photographs.
  • The lens locates any vital areas of your subjects.
  • The lens takes sharp and lovely images even in low light conditions.
  • It has the largest aperture.
  • It is one of the fastest lenses for the Nikon d3400 camera.
Pros
  • The lens operates very fast.
  • It works well even in low-light conditions.
  • It has a silent wave motor making it focus quietly.
  • Its focus is high-speed.
  • It has both manual and automatic focus modes.
  • It has a water-resistant neoprene that protects the lens from falls, bumps, scratches, and drops.
Cons
  • It does not locate vital points when recording videos.
  • The focal length is fixed.

Any photographer who wants to upgrade to the lens should look out for this lens. This is because this lens is perfect for anyone who has been using the shooting kit lens for a long time and is now looking for more than this. Even if the lighting conditions of the environment in which you are taking your photographs are not right, you do not have to struggle to capture images with this lens. This is because the lens solves this problem for you and assists in maintaining the light.

This lens has the largest aperture of 1.8, making it one of the fastest lenses that you will find in the market today. It has a silent wave and an autofocus motor, just like most of the lenses. This lens is capable of setting high standards for your photography.

The lens has a focal length of 35mm, which is fixed, and hence you cannot zoom using this lens. Instead, you can move towards your subject when you are taking photographs. You can also adjust your positions and orientations remotely, thereby getting the best shots from different angles even without zoom-in.

As mentioned earlier, the lens can be used in conditions when the level of light is low since the aperture of 1.8 makes it incredible as well as it has the light-gathering ability which is top-notch and uses wide apertures. The 1.8 is not the only aperture that you cause and hence you can select for varying apertures depending on your photography conditions.

In case you want brighter and sharper images, 2.4 to 2.6 is best for you. One thing that you will like about this lens because it takes photographs without making noise and locates vital points in the images. With the manual and automatic focus modes, you can set the AF points to your liking.


Things to Consider Before Buying A Lens for Nikon D3400

With the wide variety of lenses on the market for you Nikon D3400, you have to be very keen on selecting the lens you will buy. This is because so many people have made silly mistakes when they are purchasing the D3400 lenses.

However, there is a buying guide that could help you in ensuring that you select the right Nikon D3400 lens that will take your photography to the next level. Therefore, if you still want the best Nikon D3400 lens, you have to ensure that you make fair use of this lens buying guide:

Consider the type of lens you will buy

When you are selecting the lenses, you will realize that there are different types of lenses that you can buy for your camera. However, you have to make sure that you know the types of lenses you will come across and the perfect type for your camera. Some of the types of lenses that you can select from include:

  • The zoom lens
  • Macro lens
  • Prime lens
  • Telephoto lens
  • Wide-angle lens

When you select the type of lens that is perfect for you, you have to make sure that you consider your photography needs. This helps you get the lens that will work best with your photography.  This is why you are asked to set goals before you select your lens. When you can know what you want the lens to do for you, you will see the type of lens that will be best for you.

Consider the aperture that is right for you

The aperture is how much will come through your lens. The aperture of the lens you buy will be determined by the light conditions you will take your photographs. Therefore, ensure that you do not select the aperture that will not fail to perform in your light situations.

Have a budget

Nikon d3400 lens costs differently. This is why you have to make sure that you come up with a budget. The budget will help you identify the lens that you will afford without spending more.

Consider the features that the lens have

This is an essential thing that you should not forget. A lens is excellent or bad, depending on its features. This is the reason why you have to ensure that you look at the features that the lens has and how these features will affect your photography.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What to look for when buying a lens for Nikon D3400?

Ans: Today, there are so many lenses in the market that tend to convince you to buy them. Some of them will look to be the best due to their appearances, while others are due to the lower price. However, when you are buying your lens, you have to be so keen that you do not waste your money.

You have to ensure that you purchase the lens that will be compatible with your camera. This is why you have to ensure that you look for several lens factors to buy for your Nikon camera. Some of the things  that you have to look for when you are buying your lens include:

The type of lenses

There are different types of lenses that you can use with your D3400 camera. Your photography needs will determine the type of lens that you are going to buy. This is why you have to be very specific in the kind of lens that will be best for you. Some of the types of lenses that you can buy for your d3400 camera include:

Standard lens

This is the most common type of lens that you will find in the market today.  It can be used in several subjects and different situations. What makes it unique is the fact that the lens has a large aperture as compared to others.

Wide-angle lens

This is the perfect lens that you can buy for interior photography, landscape, and architectural photography. It offers a different range of focal lengths.

Telephoto

The telephoto lens is more common for portrait photographers since it allows the subjects to stand out to ensure that they are catching their full attention despite the type of background you have.

Macro lens

The macro lens is mainly used when you want to see close-up views of flowers, small subjects, and insects.

Autofocus

This is another thing that you have to look far into the lens that you will be buying for your Nikon d3400 camera. You should select the lens that allows fast and quiet autofocusing.

Vibration reduction

Most of the Nikon lenses offer vibration reduction features.  This is to ensure that you take clear images even if your hand happens to shake.

Q: What do you need to know about Nikon D3400?

Ans: As a photographer who will be using the lenses, there are several things that you opt to know about the lens for your camera. The basics that you need to know about the lens will enable you to make sure that you are not only buying the right lens but also using the lens correctly. Some of the basics that you need to know about the lens include:

They are compact and lightweight

If you are looking for a lens for your camera, know that these lenses are always compact and lightweight. This is because most of these lenses are meant to be carried in the camera bag. Their lightweight ensures that the photographer can use the lens in your outdoor photography.

The prices of the Nikon D3400 vary

The other necessary thing that you have to know is the fact the prices of the Nikon d3400 will vary. This is the main reason why you are selecting the lenses you will buy, and you find that some are expensive while others are cheap. However, one god with the lenses is that even those cheap still have good features that can make your photography improve.

They come with different technologies

The lenses have different technologies that help them to have a silent and fast focusing. They also feature vibration reduction technologies.

They are flawless in low light conditions

The other basic thing that you have to know about these lenses is that they have unique features that make them produce great images even when the light conditions are low.

Conclusion

Buying a lens is a very great idea. When you want a lens for your Nikon d3400 camera, you have to ensure that you purchase a lens that is as great as your camera. This is why you do not have to be in a rush selecting the lenses you will be taking home with you.

Instead, you have to take your time and choose the lens that you will always use for your photography. The fact that a lens can make your photography better should make you have the urge to select the best lens that is in the market.

Always be ready to spend money buying the lens that will make your photography better. When you do this, you will be in a position of identifying the best Nikon d3400 lens among the lenses you find in the market today.

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Dion Lewis
My name is Dion Lewis. Photography is my life and I have taken it as my profession after my graduation. I am a professional, I almost cover everything from fashion, architecture, editorial topics, and corporate lifestyle. I have worked with clients such as CNN, Alabama State University, Steelcase, LiveStrong, and more. I'm based in Alabama. If you need my service, just feel free to contact me.

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