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In the world of photography and cameras, you can find simple, cheap cameras, as well as expensive, highly advanced cameras. However, a medium-range DSLR camera like the Nikon D5300 is what fascinates most photographers and photography enthusiasts.
Any camera, however, is nothing without its lens. Therefore, to upgrade your photography game, you need to get a new lens rather than invest extensively in a new camera.
To help you out, this article will review some of the best Nikon D5300 lenses that will surely up your game.
Contents
- Review of the Best Nikon D5300 Lenses
- Best Overall: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Runner-up: Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
- Best for the Money: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
- Best Wide-Angle Lens: Sigma 18-35mm
- Best 2-Lens Bundle: Nikon Landscape & Macro Two-Lens Kit with 10-20mm
- Best Telephoto Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
- Best Macro Lens: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
- Best Zoom Lens: Tamron Auto-Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6
- Best Fisheye Lens: Tokina AF 10-17mm
- Best 35mm Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Comparison Chart of the Best Nikon D5300 Lenses
- Perks of Getting a New Lens
- How Do I Choose a New Lens?
- Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
- People Also Ask
- Conclusion
Review of the Best Nikon D5300 Lenses
To help you make a better-informed decision, we have thoroughly reviewed some of the best Nikon D5300 lenses. Make sure to go through the reviews and features of each product to find the one that’s best suited to you.
Best Overall: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Weighs really light
- Comes with a protective pouch, too
- Features both auto and manual focus
- Recommended for low-light conditions
- SIC ensures less flare and better color quality
CONS
- Not zoomable
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers of Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G lens call it one of the best, considering its affordable price. They love the blurred background it can create. Moreover, users also used this lens in lower light conditions and experienced excellent results. Overall, the majority of the customers found the lens to be exceptionally outperforming.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Photographers are people who are always on the go. Therefore, this lightweight camera lens is surely the best product. It weighs only about 6.1 ounces and has a compact size. Its low weight and compact, yet sturdy, construction offer great functionality and performance, which make it one of the best camera lenses in the market.
Who Will Use This Most?
Anyone who would like a prime lens to take good portrait pictures can use this. Moreover, it is also great for creating bokeh effects and doing nighttime photography. Both professionals and amateurs can make use of it for their portrait photography.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this 50mm Nikon lens is the perfect solution for all photographers. Even beginners can use it, considering its versatile features, such as the manual and auto-focus functionalities.
- Fast, upgraded f/1.8, compact FX format prime lens. The picture angle with 35 millimeter (135)...
- Focal length 50 millimeter, minimum focus distance 1.48 feet (0.45 meter)
- Newly developed optical system with aspherical lens element, exclusive Nikon silent wave motor (SWM)
Runner-up: Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Backed by a 90-day warranty
- SIC ensures high-resolution colors
- Extremely lightweight and thus, easy to carry
- Has the SWM technology that produces better optics
- Buyers report long-term satisfaction and high durability
CONS
- No zoom option
- No auto-focus option
- Does not come with any protective pouch
What Recent Buyers Report
Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lens is bought by photographers who take photos in good lighting, such as engagement and wedding parties. Its results proved to be highly satisfactory for most of its buyers, where the majority of them highly recommend it, particularly for daylight photos. Moreover, buyers were also able to create great-quality bokeh with this lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this Nikon lens to be the runner-up due to its versatile functionality. It has a lot to offer at a great price. It’s a heavy-duty lens that is meant to last for seven to eight years, or more. It has Nikon’s best and special features, such as the SWM and SIC technology, which make it a better pick than most other units available.
Who Will Use This Most
If you like to experiment with your camera and lens, then this is the perfect choice for you. From great daylight photos to high-quality bokeh effects, this lens will work really well for different styles of photography.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this is a high-quality Nikon lens that offers great functionality and features, including an 85mm focal length, Silent Wave Motor technology, and lightweight construction.
- Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
- Internal focus, focal length: 85 millimeter, minimum focus range: 0.80 meter
- Silent wave motor (SWM). Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Best for the Money: Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
PROS
- Backed by a 1-year warranty
- Great for blurred backgrounds
- Highly recommended for landscape photography
- Versatile model with both manual and auto-focus options
- Lightweight construction for portability and ease of carrying
CONS
- Poor quality construction
What Recent Buyers Report
A few buyers complained about poor construction quality with Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 lens. They also complained that it produced too-soft images, which reduced the quality of the image.
However, users who used this lens for sky photography, landscape photography, and photographing buildings found the results to be highly satisfying. Generally, most buyers were highly satisfied with their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are very few lenses that work well for landscape photography. However, this particular unit is great for photographers who want to capture landscapes, buildings, and architectural structures. Therefore, we are highly impressed by the quality of the images it produced.
Who Will Use This Most
The lens is particularly good for people who want to photograph landscapes. We do not particularly recommend this for use in darker lighting and for portraits. However, it’s a good lens for outdoor pictures in the daylight.
Bottom Line
Backed by a one-year warranty and packed with versatile options, this lens will surely work well for all photographers. It might not be the most solid lens in the market, but it does justice to its price, considering its exceptional image quality.
- 10-20mm focal length
- 15-30mm equivalent focal length on APS-C cameras, 20-40mm equivalent focal length on Four Thirds /...
- F4-5.6 maximum aperture; F22-32 minimum
Best Wide-Angle Lens: Sigma 18-35mm
PROS
- USB dock compatibility
- Great for taking close-ups
- Great for wide-angle pictures
- Highly recommended for videography
- Features both auto and manual focus functions
CONS
- Not recommended for beginner-level use
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of buyers and users of Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 product found it to be highly functional and beneficial, even in dim or darker lights. Moreover, buyers who particularly experimented with this camera for videography were highly satisfied with the results.
However, there were some complaints from customers regarding the unreliability of the focus. Despite that, they loved the results it produced and were satisfied with the purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is very rare to find lenses that are good for still photography as well as for videography at in the same product. Therefore, this one truly impresses us with the great quality of videography it produces. Moreover, this is one of the more professional-grade and higher-end lenses that proves to be great in terms of both quality and durability.
Who Will Use This Most
We would highly recommend this lens for videographers. It is a multi-purpose lens that works great for all kinds of photography. However, it is a little advanced and might not be the best, most feasible option for beginners.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this lens is supposed to be the best in the market out of all the wide-angle lenses available. It is best for all kinds of still pictures, as well as for videography. It is a little pricier than other models, but its features and functionality will surely make up for it.
- Designed specifically for APS-C sized sensors
- Internal focusing and zooming allows for more usability and functionality
- The 18-35mm is ideal for landscapes, portraits, still life, snap shots, casual, and close-ups
Best 2-Lens Bundle: Nikon Landscape & Macro Two-Lens Kit with 10-20mm
PROS
- Relatively affordable package
- Backed by 2 Nikon online courses
- Offer multi-purpose functionality
- Macro lens produces great details in its images
- Value-added kit that provides 2 lenses in one package
CONS
- Some issues with distortion reported
- Does not come with any protective case
What Recent Buyers Report
The quality of the image Nikon Landscape lens produced for most of its users was highly crisp and clear. Buyers positively commented and appreciated the great details produced by the macro lens. Moreover, they also found the overall kit to be reasonably priced and more cost-friendly than other options.
The only, very few complaints we came across were about distortion. Apart from that, generally, buyers loved their purchase.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product brings a very different kind of package and offer to the market. The 2-in-1 kit obviously offers great value for your money, considering the range of their features and functionality. Undoubtedly, this is a highly prominent and successful two-lens bundle in the market.
Who Will Use This Most
We would highly recommend this kit for beginners, as well as professionals. It will help beginners explore and work on different kinds of photography skills, while professionals can upgrade their setup with this rather affordable two-lens kit!
Bottom Line
Wrapping it up, this two-lens kit is going to help any photographer or camera enthusiast in the long run. It’s surely a wise investment to make and will definitely produce great quality images.
- The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR offers ultra-wide-angle zoom that's ideal for sprawling...
- Compact, lightweight, durable design of the AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens that's great...
- The AF-S DX micro nikkor 40mm f/2.8G allows you to capture the finest details (life-size 1: 1...
Best Telephoto Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
PROS
- SIC enhances the image quality
- Comes with a protective lens cap
- Extraordinary image stabilization
- Silent Wave Motor technology produces better quality images
- Built-in vibration reduction technology to offer better performance
CONS
- Auto-focus is not durable
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G product positively commented on its solid construction. In addition, they have also shown high satisfaction with its lightweight design, along with its extraordinary range.
Moreover, users have also found the lens to be highly affordable and a budget-friendlier alternative, considering its performance and practical focal length.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This lens has everything you can ask for to ensure a good photography experience. From a useful focal length to decent construction quality, the lens proves to be of great quality and offers a great user experience. We also find the snap-on lens cap very impressive, as it adds safety, protection, and also completes your photography setup properly.
Who Will Use This Most
We would recommend this lens for intermediate and professional-level photographers. The advanced features, such as the vibration reduction feature and so on are all meant for on-the-go photographers who don’t need to learn about all such features.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, we think this is an outstanding product available at a great price. Telephoto lenses are meant for professional photographers. Therefore, this advanced product is meant for professionals and challenging photography tasks.
- 5.5x Telephoto Zoom lens,Filter Thread: 58 mm
- Nikon VR Image Stabilization; Tripod Detection Mode, Focal Length Range : 55 -300 mm, Minimum Focus...
- HRI (High Refractive Index) Lens Element
Best Macro Lens: Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
PROS
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
- Captures great details in macro photography
- Nanocrystal-coat enhances the image quality
- Good quality images even in low-light conditions
- Great for creating a good blur in the background
CONS
- Pricier than other similar models
- Only for close-ups and macro photography
What Recent Buyers Report
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G lens has helped many of its buyers take great shots of small products and artwork. Users have positively commented on the blur quality and ease of focus with this lens. Moreover, they also commented on its weight, stating it was a little heavier than others, however, they got used to it after some time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The macro lens impressed us with its top-notch features and qualities. From the crystal coating to a solid build, the lens is actually highly beneficial for macro photography. Moreover, even though it costs more than others, it also performs multiple functions, as you can also use it for portrait and zoomed out pictures. Therefore, we have added this multi-purpose lens to our list.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Anyone who is interested in macro photography should go for this lens. We recommend this for use by experienced users. It’s also pricier, so people who do photography as a profession should go for it.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, we think this is the best macro lens in the market, considering its Nano-crystal coating and the high-quality images it produces. It’s surely one of the best in terms of image quality and versatile functionality. However, it’s pricier than usual, which might break the deal for some people.
- Designed for close-up and macro photography; versatile enough for virtually any photographic...
- Maximum Angle of View (FX-format): 23°20'.Features new VR II vibration reduction technology, Focal...
- Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare...
Best Zoom Lens: Tamron Auto-Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6
PROS
- Micro-motor focus type
- Very lightweight, since it weighs only 0.96lbs
- Sharp images produced with low dispersion feature
- Wide focal length of 70 to 300mm allows multi-functionality
- Chromatic Aberration Reduction technology enhances the image quality
CONS
- Many issues with the focus reported
What Recent Buyers Report
Some users reported a troubling experience with the focus of the Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 lens. Meanwhile, there were some negative comments about the durability of the lens, as well.
However, other users have reported great satisfaction with the image quality produced by the lens. In fact, the majority of buyers were quite happy with the affordable price it had, along with its exceptional performance.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this lens to be of great quality and packed with extraordinary features. From correcting chromatic aberrations to capturing sharp images, it will prove to be a great start for beginners, as well as professionals. Moreover, we are also highly impressed by the affordable price tag it comes with.
Who Will Use This Most
We highly recommend this lens to beginners and people who are just starting to explore macro photography. Its advanced technological features allow it to automatically produce great quality images, which will help beginners learn their craft.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, this is an overall great product that features a good, practical focal length to offer multiple functions. It is a great start for everyone and for all kinds of photography styles. Plus, since it’s affordable, we highly recommend it to beginners, as well.
- The popular Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6 Di LD Macro features a built in motor to ensure fast...
- Close-focusing ability - 0.95m (3.1 feet ), focal lengths between 180 and 300mm. Compatible with the...
- This telephoto zoom will crop in tight or bring distant subjects in close. Angle of view: 34-8
Best Fisheye Lens: Tokina AF 10-17mm
PROS
- Compact size makes it travel-friendly
- Ultra-wide-angle for landscape pictures
- Water-repellent coating ensures longevity
- Weighs very little, only about 12.3 ounces
- Super-low-dispersion coating on the lens to ensure high-quality images
CONS
- Pricey compared to other similar units
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of this Tokina lens are highly appreciative of the sharpness of the image it produces. They love the sharp clarity and details of the image. Moreover, users also report that the lens is a durable product that will last for several years. In addition, they have mostly used it for landscape photography and have therefore, found it to be highly functional and report great quality of colors in their pictures.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The ultra-wide-angle of this lens, along with its low-distortion technology, makes this an outstanding product meant to last you a long time. We were highly impressed by the build and appearance of the product. It surely stands out in terms of looks, as well as its functionality.
Who Will Use This Most
We would recommend this to professionals. It’s a heavy-duty, higher-end lens that is more useful for professionals than beginners. It’s also a great choice for landscape photographers and for outdoors photography purposes.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, the Tokina lens will prove to be highly beneficial for you if you want sharp landscape images. It’s a heavy-duty lens that is equipped with top-notch features, while its super-low distortion technology is one of the most prominent qualities. With a smooth and wide range of zooming options, this lens is surely a great choice for any camera enthusiast.
Best 35mm Lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Creates a great, quality blur
- Lightweight and compact lens
- More affordable than other alternatives
- Smooth and advanced auto-focus functionality
- Recommended for beginners and intermediate photographers
CONS
- Not zoomable
What Recent Buyers Report
The buyers of this lens were really happy with how it is delivered. It is reported to come in a safe packaging that protects it throughout the shipping process. Plus, buyers have commented positively on its construction quality. Users experienced crisp images that were highly detailed, which led to high customer satisfaction.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find the compact and lightweight size of this lens impressive. It is a small lens with very little weight, while also performing really well and producing great, quality pictures. It also is one of the most affordable options on the market, which further adds on to its outstanding qualities.
Who Will Use This Most
We think the lens will be a great choice for people who want a good blur in the background, such as those for portraits and close-up photography. We also recommend this to beginners, as it is not too expensive and is also easier to use.
Bottom Line
Wrapping it up, this 35mm lens is a big surprise in a small package. It’s well-built, promising to last a long time. It’s also technologically advanced and bound to capture some amazing pictures with great isolation effects. It’s also a feasible choice for beginners and intermediate photographers.
Comparison Chart of the Best Nikon D5300 Lenses
Perks of Getting a New Lens
If you’re not convinced that you need a new lens, here are some benefits that might convince you to do so:
Long-Term Investment
Unlike a camera, lenses don’t go out of fashion. Every day, the software and hardware of the camera are being changed and innovated. The advancement is not going to stop any time soon. From standard backlit LCD screens to high-definition touchscreens, cameras change day-by-day and therefore, become outdated easily.
But with lenses, you don’t have to worry about that. Therefore, investing in a lens will provide benefits that last a long time.
Source
Quality of Image
The quality of the image hugely depends on the lens you use. From the depth of focus to image sharpness, everything depends on your lens. Aperture settings, ISO, focus capabilities, and zoom options are all dependent on your lens rather than the camera.
Various Kinds
Lenses are available in a range of kinds and types and therefore, cater to different photography needs. For example, there are zoom and prime lenses, lenses with a wider aperture, lenses that are better for landscapes, and those, like the 50mm ones, that are better for portraits.
Therefore, since they cost less than buying a new camera each time, you can invest in different kinds of lenses to perform multiple types of photography.
How Do I Choose a New Lens?
If you are buying a new lens for the first time, you will have loads of unanswered questions. Therefore, make sure you go through the following factors and aspects before you actually buy and invest in a new lens.
Aperture
Including shutter speed and ISO, the aperture is another pillar of photography. It adds or creates the “blur” background everyone is fascinated with. The wider the aperture, the more blurred the background will be. However, a blurred background does not work for all kinds of photography. Therefore, when choosing a new lens, make sure the maximum aperture settings meet your needs.
Image Stabilization
Whether you are clicking a picture while in motion or are under really bad lighting, image stabilization is always there to save the day. Make sure the lens you choose to buy has an image stabilization feature that functions efficiently. This is a particularly essential feature if you’re planning to indulge in travel and wildlife photography.
Focal Length
If you plan to use the lens for wider angle shots, then go for a lens with a lower focal length. The focal length of the lens will determine the angle of your photos.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
Lenses can be a tricky product to buy. For this reason, it is necessary to be cautious while you are making the big decision. Here are a few things to keep in mind when buying a lens:
Warranty Information
Warranties help make the product more reliable. If you are going to invest hundreds of dollars on a product, make sure you know what you are investing in. Inquire to your seller or the manufacturer directly about the specifics of the warranty.
Zoom or Prime Lens?
It’s essential to know the specifics of your product. Make sure you are fully aware of how prime and zoom lenses are different from one another and which one you need. Understanding the differences between the two functionalities is important to make an informed decision.
Is it Fit for Your Purpose?
Keep in mind the aperture, ISO, and shutter speed features of the lens before buying one. By understanding and knowing about these features, you will be able to find the best, most suitable unit for yourself.
Durability
Whether you are buying a cheaper, budget-friendlier lens or a higher-end, pricey product, durability should always be a top priority. Use customer feedback and learn about the construction quality of the product to see how durable and long-lasting it is.
People Also Ask
If you are buying a new camera lens for the first time, you will have lots of difficulties in making the right decision. For this reason, this section will help you out by answering some frequently asked questions.
Can I Use the AF Lens on Nikon D5300?
AF lenses are the most traditional lenses that function based on a screw. These are practically outdated and are not compatible with D5300. The AF lens will not auto-focus on your camera. AF-S lens, however, can work just fine.
Is D5300 a DX or FX?
DX and FX are sensors made by Nikon. DX is a smaller sensor compared to the FX. All digital cameras or DSLRs come with a differently-sized sensor. The Nikon D5300 comes with a smaller-sized sensor, meaning that it is a DX and not an FX.
What Lens Should a Beginner Buy?
Usually, the best advice beginners get is to stick to the kit lens and practice on that before investing in newer lenses. Kit lenses are just as good and are suitable for multiple types of photography. A 18-55mm kit lens is a great place to start for beginners.
Conclusion
Whether you choose to buy a high-end, pricey lens or go for a budget product, the important considerations will always remain the same. Durability, warranty specifics, aperture, and image stabilization are some considerations that are really important. We highly recommend buying the best new lenses, rather than changing and upgrading the whole camera!
