Nikon D3200 is one of the greatest DSLR cameras that comes from the Nikon brand, and it is used by many professional photographers all over the world.
To work properly and in the best way possible, this camera needs lenses because, as you know, lenses are not accessories for cameras, they are the most needed things, and without them, you cannot take a single photo! Anyways, which are the best Nikon D3200 lenses? In this article, you will find the top five lenses that work amazingly with Nikon D3200.
Let’s get this article started!
A Quick Look at My Favorite Lenses for Nikon D3200
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Third-Party  | 10 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best Zoom Lens  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best for Landscape Photography  | 8.5 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best ValueBest for Portrait Photography  | 8.8 | Check Price On Amazon | |
Best for Everyday Use  | 8.6 | Check Price On Amazon |
Key Takeaways
- You can be sure that a camera is top-notch when Nikon produces it, and the Nikon D3200 DSLR camera is one of the best.
- If you have a fantastic camera, you’ll also need tremendous extras like lenses.
- The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is the best all-around lens, and I would strongly recommend it to you since you can use it for any form of photography in your daily life.
- The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the most acceptable option for you if you’re interested in landscape photography.
- Check if the lens you plan to buy has a great focal length, bokeh effect, and decent aperture.
The Top 5 Best Nikon D3200 Lenses
5. Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM – Best Third-Party
What I Like
- Well built
- Minimal distortion
- Optical stabilization
- Full-frame coverage
What I Don’t Like
- Pricey
Sigma is one of the most famous names that deals with camera accessories in general and the lenses that they bring to the market are the best ones that you can ever find. As listed, it is the greatest one for macro photography, all based on the focal length, that I will mention below.
This lens is a bit big since it measures 5 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches and weighs about 1.6 pounds. However, to make up for the weight and size, the lens has some other great features that make it deserve a place on the list.
On the optical construction of this lens, we deal with 16 elements in 11 groups, and on them are included two SLD elements that reduce color fringing and any chromatic aberration that may occur. The coating that fulfills the optical construction is a Super Multi-Layer one, and its job is to reduce ghosting and flare.
The focal length of this lens is 105mm, and that’s what makes it the best one for macro photography since with it, you can capture the smallest things that you can imagine. The aperture is f/2.8, and it is the most commonly used aperture in different types of photography. The diaphragm is rounded with nine blades, and it provides a perfect bokeh effect.
There’s the OS Image Stabilization on this lens, which cannot be left unmentioned! It destroys the shake that may cause blurry pictures or videos. The lens owns the Hyper Sonic Motor, which brings a quiet and very accurate focus.
Why should you buy it?
If you are searching for a versatile and affordable third-party lens, the main one to consider is this lens from Sigma. It will help you capture amazing pictures and videos while it works with impressive image stabilization.
Sample Pictures of Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM
4. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR – Best Zoom Lens
What I Like
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Affordable
- Great image stabilization
- Amazing image quality
- Smooth autofocus
What I Don’t Like
- Narrow aperture
- Some distortion
The second lens that first the Nikon D3200 is this amazing zoom lens that comes from the Nikon brand itself. It is one of the first choices by professionals when they need any type of zoom lens for different DSLR cameras when they shoot wildlife photography.
This Nikon lens measures 4.92 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches and weighs 14.6 ounces. It is a strong and compact lens that deserves a place in your traveling bag.
The lens owns one Extra-Low Dispersion element, and it reduces the color fringing and chromatic aberrations of any kind it also helps you capture clearer images, and the colors are great. You may have heard about Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating which is applied to the elements and reduces flare, ghosting, or any reflection.
Being a zoom lens, its focal length is from 70 up to 300 mm. Based on that focal length this lens is one of those that covers everything and captures different scenes. As listed, it is one of the greatest lenses that is used during wildlife photography.
The aperture is also adjustable. It starts from f/4.5 to f/6.3, and it is based on what focal length you use. The blades of the aperture diaphragm are seven in number, and they will help you, in case you want to capture pictures with selective focus.
Since I mentioned the focus, let me tell you that this lens’ focus works with a Pulse Stepping Motor AF System. It drives the focus smoothly, and accurately, and is very fast.
The VR on this lens name stands for Vibration Reduction, which is a very famous image stabilization in Nikorr lenses, and it includes four stops of stabilization.
Why should you buy it?
Zoom lenses are very versatile, and the one that will fit your Nikon D3200 camera is the great Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G, which is native to the Nikon brand.
Sample Pictures of Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR
3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G – Best for Landscape Photography
Why should you buy it?
A 35mm lens is aimed at photographers who love to capture landscape photography. Based on the focal length and its aperture, this Nikon lens is the greatest one to use for landscapes or macro photography!
What I Like
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Bright aperture
What I Don’t Like
- No optical stabilization
Here goes the second lens that comes from the Nikon brand, and everybody knows how old this lens is! Even though the oldest one, still is found in different lists as the best lens for different Nikon DSLR cameras.
The body of this lens measures 2.09 x 2.76 inches and weighs 7.1 ounces. It is lightweight and based on that, the lens is a great travel companion for any traveler photographer.
The optical construction of his lens includes eight elements in six groups, and there’s one aspherical element added. The coating is Nikon’s super integrated coating which fully reduces flare ghosting or any reflection.
As you can notice, differing from the other one mentioned above, this lens is a fixed one since it has a fixed focal length of 35mm, and it doesn’t allow zooming in or out. However, based on that, the lens is one of the greatest for landscape photography.
The aperture is f/1.8, and as you know, the lower the aperture the more light passes through the lens, which makes the lens a great one when in low light environments. The aperture diaphragm is a rounded one, and it includes seven blades.
When it comes to focusing, this lens works via the Silent Wave Motor AF System too, and just as mentioned, it is silent and very accurate.
Sample Pictures of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
2. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G – Best for Portrait Photography
What I Like
- Amazing sharpness
- Wide aperture
- Affordable
- No distortion
What I Don’t Like
- It is not optically stabilized
This next lens is one of the most commonly used Nikorr fixed lenses by different photographers worldwide. It is also definitely one of the best ones when it comes to portrait photography and it is a telephoto lens that is mostly used in professional photography studios.
The Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G telephoto lens is lightweight only weighing 12.3 ounces, and measuring 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches, it can also accompany you wherever you go because it is one of the lightest weight lenses that you can ever find.
The lens owns nine elements in nine groups, and those elements have the Super Integrated Coating applied it minimizes reflections that may occur while taking pictures, and also it fully destroys flare and ghosting.
The focal length of this lens, just as the lens is, is the most used focal length during portrait photography, and it is an 85mm focal length.
The aperture is f/1.8, just as seen in its name, and it is an amazing aperture known for its low light capabilities and of course with portraits. The aperture diaphragm is a rounded seven-blade one and it brings an amazing and pleasing bokeh effect. Just like portrait photography requires.
The Silent Wave Motor in this telephoto lens brings you super quick, quiet, and very precise autofocus that works fine even if you choose to use the lens for videos.
Why should you buy it?
Portability, versatility, and a great focal length for portraiture are much-needed lenses for a photographer. That’s why I recommend you choose Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G.
Sample Pictures of Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G – Best for Everyday Use
What I Like
- Affordable
- Very sharp
- Compact and durable
- Fast aperture
What I Don’t Like
- No vibration reduction
The last lens of this article is related to the most standard one, and as you can see, it is listed as the best for everyday use since it is a simple one that covers what may be needed by a photographer. Let me mention that it is also one of the most famous Nikon lenses on the market.
This prime lens is a sturdy one, and it is made of durable materials that make it a great lens that can be used for many years. Just throw it in your camera bag, and you’re good to go.
The lens measures 2.13 x 2.91 x 2.91 inches, and it weighs 10.2 ounces. Compared to the other lenses mentioned above, this lens is the lightest one in weight.
There’s the optical design as well that shouldn’t be left unmentioned. This prime lens owns eight elements in seven groups, and on them is included again the Super Integrated Coating that deals with reflections, ghosting, and flare.
The focal length of this lens is 50mm, which as mentioned, is the most used one. The aperture is also a very commonly used one that works at f/1.4, and it is the perfect aperture to be used in places in which light is not permitted. The aperture diaphragm includes nine blades, and it brings a perfect bokeh effect.
Just as with all Nikon’s Nikorr lenses, on this one, we deal with the Silent Wave Autofocus as well, and just as you already know, it is the most precise and the fastest one that you can ever find in lenses. Definitely one of the best lenses for the Nikon d3200.
Why should you buy it?
Nikon’s nifty-fifty lens is one that you can carry around wherever you may go and will help you in different types of photography without any problem.
Sample Pictures of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
Buying Guide
Size and Weight
Both the size and the weight are related to the fact that photographers are never staying in one place. They are always in movement and they definitely need portable devices, in this case, lenses.
Whenever you choose a lens the size and the weight are quite important since I know you don’t want to drag them around with you, or even worse, while taking pictures you can get tired way faster with a heavy one.
Durability
You never know where and when you are going to shoot any type of photography, but what you should know is if the lenses that you use can withstand anything.
There are some lenses that are water-resistant and they work perfectly even if you are shooting the heavy rain directly. Everybody loves a durable lens.
Type
Although you may be aware that there are other types of lenses, prime lenses and zoom lenses are the most well-known.
It is easy to be noticed, though. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and do not allow movement, whereas zoom lenses allow you to zoom in and out by rotating the ring on the lens.
You choose based on what you want or need.
Focal Length
The focal length is the distance between the lens and the image sensor when the subject you’re photographing is focused.
Different lenses have different focal lengths, which are all measured in millimeters. The focal length determines how much of a scene is captured in a photograph and also determines the capacity to zoom in and out.
Aperture
You will always see that there’s the aperture sign in lenses, which is for example f/2.8 (the most used and most common aperture range). The opening of the lens’s diaphragm through which light moves and enters the camera’s sensor is known as the aperture.
When you notice a smaller number of the aperture in general, you will find that your photographs are more detailed and sharper, and when the number is larger, it is the opposite.
Bokeh Effect (if needed)
The bokeh effect is the coolest thing or the coolest effect, that you can add to your pictures. Almost every lens brings you an amazing bokeh effect, but I always suggest to people that they should use it only when needed and not whenever it pops to mind.
Focus
Every camera has a focusing ability and by finding a lens with an even better focus everything that you may capture with your camera will be shown in the best way possible. Especially if you have to work with selective focusing.
Image Stabilization
Even though Nikon D3200 is a very powerful and used camera by many people it is a bit old since it was launched in 2012. What I want to say with this is that this camera doesn’t own image stabilization within. That’s why I think that if you need one you should take care of the lens in this case.
There are many lenses that include VR (vibration reduction) and they do a great job regarding stability.
Compatibility
What would be worse than you buying a lens and noticing that it doesn’t work with your camera or the camera doesn’t accept it? I bet nothing is worse! That’s why before choosing a lens, in this case, for Nikon D3200, you should deeply check if the lens works and fits your camera.
Don’t worry because the lenses that I chose work all perfectly fine.
Price
Everybody knows or almost everybody may have heard how expensive lenses are! It is a bit weird but still, you already know that lenses are the base of a camera.
If you are on a budget, don’t worry because many brands bring budget lenses, and you can easily choose between them. I would like to add that the third-party lenses weigh a bit less than the ones that come from different popular brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are third-party lenses?
Whenever searching for a lens, I am pretty sure you have seen a third-party lens, which made you think about what it is. A third-party lens is a lens that a completely different company has made than the one the camera is made of. For example, you can use Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG OS HSM, which is a third-party lens on a Nikkon D3200 camera.
Why is the 85mm lens better for portraits?
The 85mm lenses are always considered the best ones for portraits. That’s because this focal length has no distortion of any kind, and it is known to capture every facial feature of the person that you are taking a portrait photograph.
Are Nikon lenses expensive and worth it?
Nikon lenses are expensive, but there is a hidden reason behind them. The focusing technology added in a Nikon lens can never be seen on third-party lenses, making Nikon camera users go with the Nikon ones. Still, they are indeed worth it because nothing can beat Nikon and its lenses!
Final Words
As you can notice there’s not only one particular lens that works fine with your Nikon D3200 camera, I’ve listed five of them! They are all great ones and they all do a great job when in use, especially when used for what I listed them best for.
I really hope that this article will help you find the best Nikon D3200 lens that you may need!
Further Reading
I hope that you liked what you read in this article and if so, I would like to mention some other articles that I wrote hoping they will help you as well.
For example, if you have another Nikon camera, like the Nikon D5600, I’ve listed some amazing lenses for Nikon D5600 or if you own a Nikon D850 I would like to introduce you to the most prominent lenses for Nikon D850.
If you are not a fan of Nikon, but instead you own Sony’s flagship the alpha a600, I would suggest you choose some of the greatest lenses for the Sony A6000 in which you will find any type of lens.
Enjoy!
Photo & Videographer
A photographer with a passion for capturing the beauty of nature and the human form. My work has been featured in galleries and publications around the world, and I strive to create images that evoke emotion and tell a story.
