Best Lenses For Nikon D5600 [2024 Review]

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Whether you have just purchased your first Nikon DSLR or are looking to try something new, the variety of lens choices available can make choosing a perfect lens quite a daunting task.

Don’t worry, as we are here to ensure that you get the best lens for your Nikon D5600.

Let’s take a look.

Review of the Best Nikon D5600 Lenses

Professional photographers and hobbyists like to argue about which lens is best suited for the Nikon D5600. However, this is not an easy question to answer as different photographers follow different protocols. We have reviewed some of the best lenses for the Nikon D5600 that are sure to fulfill the needs of every photographer.  

Brand
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR
AF-S DX Nkr
Product
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED...
AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Focal Length
50mm
55-300mm
18-200mm
Aperture
F/1.8D
F/4.5-5.6G ED
F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Brand
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...
Focal Length
50mm
Aperture
F/1.8D
Brand
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR
Product
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED...
Focal Length
55-300mm
Aperture
F/4.5-5.6G ED
Brand
AF-S DX Nkr
Product
AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Focal Length
18-200mm
Aperture
F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Best Overall: Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...

PROS

  • Quiet and fast auto-focus ensures extremely sharp pictures
  • Aspherical lens reduces coma and various other aberrations
  • Fast aperture allows you to take brilliant pictures even in low light situations
  • Renders beautiful bokeh to your pictures whether you are shooting nature, food, or portraits
  • Experience superior color consistency and enhanced light transmission efficiency as a result of Super Integrated Coating

CONS

  • Does not come with a rear lens cap which is inconvenient

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers claim that the Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm lens is an incredible asset to their photography. It is a must-have for every beginner and enthusiast and is completely worth the money. Some buyers even go as far as to declare that they simply love this lens as it is simply incredible with beautiful bokeh and super-fast focusing. With this lens, users were able to turn their ordinary pictures into masterpieces. 

Why it Stands Out to Us

No full-frame system is complete without the Nikon AF FX Nikkor 50mm lens. Their simple optical design makes them compact, lightweight, and affordable. It is the perfect lens for portraits, travel, and general photography. This versatile product with a fast f/1.8 maximum aperture ensures a beautiful natural background blur while enabling fantastic low-light shooting. We find this to be a truly amazing lens that will help users broaden their shooting opportunities.

Who Will Use This Most

This lens is a must for people who love photography. Its ease of use makes this lens perfect for people who have just taken up photography. This lens is completely manual, including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. It is highly recommended for art and fashion photography as this lens can take crisp pictures even in low-light conditions.

Bottom Line

The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 50mm lens is an absolutely wonderful product. It allows users to take extremely sharp pictures with beautiful bokeh even when the surrounding lights are not very bright. Whether you want to take pictures indoors or outdoors, this versatile lens is the answer to memorable photos every time.

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...
  • Autofocus system is compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses and have an...
  • NOTE: THIS LENS WILL NOT AUTOFOCUS with D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100,...
  • Focal Length : 50 mm (FX), 75mm (DX)

Runner-up: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED...

PROS

  • Dramatically sharper images and incredible HD video capture
  • Excellent for distant subjects, travel, portraits, and landscapes
  • Designed with advanced imaging technology for brilliant results
  • Silent Wave Motor ensures precise and ultra-quiet auto-focus operation
  • Tripod detection mode ensures reduced vibrations during tripod shooting

CONS

  • Lack of manual focus override can make switching from auto-focus to manual quite a hassle

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are truly amazed by the amazing range and unbelievable capability of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm, which enables it to deliver professional quality shots with considerable ease. Most of the buyers find this lens to be quite a bargain as it provides a number of advanced features at an unbelievable price. Although it took some time getting used to, once they got the hang of it, they were able to capture truly amazing photographs from a distance.

Why it Stands Out to Us

This powerful lens from Nikon provides sharpness and clarity as a result of the built-in image stabilization. It is able to achieve high-contrast, clear images at every focal length and aperture while keeping the body compact and lightweight. Another great thing is that you do not need to change the lens constantly as this single lens is able to handle any shooting opportunity very efficiently.

Who Will Use This Most

This lens is ideal for family vacations and events as it is able to capture clear images even from afar. It is designed with two Extra-low Dispersion Elements, which helps minimize chromatic aberrations. This feature makes it suitable for photographers who strive for clear and sharper images. This versatile lens is able to shoot up to 300mm, which also makes it perfect for wildlife photography.

Bottom Line

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm is a 5.5x zoom lens, particularly designed for DSLRs with DX-format. Whether you want to take photographs of a family wedding or take this along to capture memorable shots of your vacation, it is an excellent option for landscapes, distant objects, and portraits. The versatility of this lens ensures brilliant close-up shots of subjects that are both far and near. 

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED...
  • 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 for the Money: Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...

PROS

  • Suitable for both full-frame and APS-C cameras
  • Designed to provide brilliant shots even in bright back-lighting
  • Macro lens which is also highly suitable for portrait photography
  • Delivers sharp pictures with a significantly low vignette at full aperture
  • Plastic housing and metal mount gives it a solid yet nicely finished look

CONS

  • Does not feature image stabilization which can be inconvenient

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are not only impressed with the performance of the Tokina at=X PRO; they also find this lens to be a great steal as it is available at very economical prices. The 100mm focal length is not only perfect for macro photography; it is also suitable for portraits. Buyers are very happy with this lens as they were able to take sharp pictures with stunning colors and hardly any distortion.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find the Tokina 100mm to be an outstanding lens due to its ergonomic design and sturdy build. This versatile lens can be used with both full-frame and APS-C cameras. It is a great macro as well as a portrait lens, which is very economically priced. Moreover, the front lens is completely recessed in the lens housing, thus eliminating any back-lighting issues.

Who Will Use This Most

This lens is suitable for macro photographers as well as portrait photographers. Its sublime optical performance ensures stunning pictures. Also, its favorable price-to-quality ratio makes it particularly popular among novices who do not want to spend a lot of money on their first lens. Its magnification ratio of 1:1 makes it perfect for macro photography. 

Bottom Line

The Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2 is a great professional-grade lens with robust construction and high-quality optics. Its large aperture and advanced lens properties give your photos a lovely, enchanting blur. With this lens, you can take pictures from a greater distance, thus enabling you to photograph smaller, easily startled animals with comparative ease.

Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D Lens for Nikon DSLR...
  • Autofocus system is compatible with select Nikon DSLRs that support D-type lenses and have an...
  • NOTE: THIS LENS WILL NOT AUTOFOCUS with D3000, D3100, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5000, D5100,...
  • Focal Length : 50 mm (FX), 75mm (DX)

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

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

PROS

  • Excellent sharpness in the center of the image
  • Image stabilization boasts 3.5 stops of blur-free shots
  • Delivers stunning pictures even in demanding light conditions
  • Zoom lock switch works great to resolve issues with zoom creep
  • Extra-low Dispersion glass elements help to minimize chromatic aberrations

CONS

  • Is a bit heavy which can be tiring when shooting for an extended period

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers are very happy with the AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm because now they do not need to carry multiple lenses in their bag or constantly change lenses during a photo-shoot. It is perfect for every occasion and destination, whether be it landscapes or fashion photography. Many buyers claim that ever since they purchased this product, they have not taken it off their cameras.

Why it Stands Out to Us

We find this lens to be a versatile, high-quality product that enables hand-held shots to be taken with up to four times slower shutter speeds. This amazing feature gives the AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm an edge above the other lenses available. It comes with a textured finish that does not show any scratches or marks easily.

Who Will Use This Most

This lens is perfect for people who want to interchange between wide-angle and zoom lenses without having to change the lens. This lens provides the users with the advantage to shoot an expansive landscape and then quickly zoom-in to capture an unusual butterfly sitting on a flower. This level of flexibility makes it the best lens for traveling as well.

Bottom Line

The AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm is a combination of excellent performance and highly flexible zoom range, making it one of the most popular lenses. Its improved optical coating helps to reduce flare and ghosting while the zoom lock switch ensures that the barrel does not retract or extend during transportation. This versatile and lightweight lens balances extremely well on the camera body.

AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
  • One-lens solution adept in a wide variety of situations
  • Focal length range: 18 -200 millimeter, minimum focus distance: 1.6 feet.
  • Two extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements; Three aspherical lens elements

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up...

PROS

  • High-resolution pictures from infinity to life-size
  • Rubber gasket provides effective protection from dust
  • Ideal for shooting food, flowers, and other medium-sized objects
  • Conveniently located focus ring makes it very easy to focus manually
  • Compact and lightweight makes it easier to carry for everyday photography

CONS

  • Lacks image stabilization which could cause issues

What Recent Buyers Report

Buyers have found that this Nikon AF-S DX micro-NIKKOR lens is a great all-purpose lens as it allows them to take exceptional photos even in adverse conditions. This versatile lens makes it possible for photographers to get closer to their subjects. Buyers also recommend this lens for anyone who is interested in macro photography but does not want to spend large sums on one of the more advanced products.

Why it Stands Out to Us

The Nikon 40mm is a great all-purpose lens that is able to perform optimally in low light conditions. We find this to be one of the best lenses for everyday photography because of its ability to capture even the tiniest detail with clarity and sharpness. Moreover, the beautiful, natural bokeh helps to isolate the subject, thus creating truly outstanding pictures with out of focus backgrounds.

Who Will Use This Most

This lens is the perfect choice for food photography and detailed product shots. Its attractive price point combined with its Silent Wave motor and Super Integrated Coating makes this lens ideal for professionals and hobbyists alike. Its continuous auto-focusing feature ensures clarity and sharpness in every photograph.

Bottom Line

If you want to invest in a good quality micro lens but do not want to spend a lot of capital, then the Micro-Nikkor 40mm is the ideal choice. It allows users to get stunning results without having to switch lenses. It is able to capture fine details that make your photos really stand out.

Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G Close-up...
  • Compact and lightweight DX-format close-up lens. Lens Construction (Elements/Groups) - 9 elements in...
  • Maximum reproduction ratio is 1.0x. Focal length is 40 mm
  • Sharp images from infinity to life-size (1x), autofocus to 64 inches

Comparison Chart of the Best Lenses For Nikon D5600

Are All Nikon D5600 Lenses the Same?

The Nikon D5600 is compatible with numerous lenses that differ according to their performance, price, versatility, aperture, and focal length. They can be categorized as follows:

All-in-One Zoom Lenses

These lenses allow you to capture all your photos beautifully with just a single lens. These highly versatile products can take stunning pictures of just about anything – whether it is interiors, landscapes, stills, wildlife, or portraits. If you were to pick just one lens for your Nikon D5600, then the all-in-one lens should be your first choice.  

Wide-Angle Prime Lens

The prime wide-angle lens delivers outstanding image quality with accurate and fast focusing. This lens is not only perfect for astrophotography, cityscape, and seascape but is also suitable for low light photography. With brilliant bokeh and large aperture brightness, this lens is able to take memorable shots at weddings and family dinners.

Nikon D5600 with different lenses

Source

Wide-Angle Zoom Lens

These lenses boast wider and sharper shots, which makes them excellent for architecture and landscape photography. They are able to capture excellent contrast and color, which makes your pictures come to life.

Telephoto Zoom Lens

Featuring fast, quiet auto-focusing, advanced lens coating, and image stabilization, these lenses are ideally suited for not only landscapes but also for wildlife and sports photography. Durable and compact with fast and accurate auto-focus, these lenses are preferred by both amateurs and professionals.   

What to Look For When Buying a Lens For Your Nikon D5600

Shopping for a perfect lens for your Nikon D5600 can be quite a daunting task. Therefore, we have listed some essential factors that should be taken into account when choosing the best lens for your Nikon D5600. These factors will ensure that your venture into the world of photography is a successful one:

Image Stabilization

Some lenses are designed with the image stabilization feature, which ensures users that they can shoot at low shutter speed without experiencing any motion blur. This feature comes in handy in wildlife or sports photography. Therefore, if you are going to be shooting fast-moving objects, you should ensure that your chosen lens comes with this built-in feature.

Focal Lengths

Different focal lengths are suitable for different purposes. If you are going to be doing nightclubs or wildlife photography, you will need a lens with a wider focal length than 50mm. Such lenses provide excellent image quality in places where there is not much room to move about. On the other hand, medium-range lenses are perfect for portraits, model shoots, and wedding photography.

Prime vs. Zoom

A good quality zoom lens allows you to get stunning close-up shots. With the ability to zoom in and out, you can create the best composition. A prime lens, on the other hand, features only a single focal length, which is very useful when shooting in low light conditions.

Quick Take – Best Nikon D5600 Lenses

Before we dive into our review, here are the best Nikon D5600 lenses

  1. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D
  2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED
  3. Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D

Can You Really Find a Quality Lens That’s Affordable?

Some people believe that it is better to invest in a good quality lens instead of camera bodies; however, this does not mean that you need to spend an exuberant amount to get a good quality lens. In fact, there are hundreds of top lenses available on the market that can easily fit in everybody’s budget.

These budget options help you capture brilliant sunsets, stunning portraits, and unbelievable close-ups without putting a burden on your pocket. Whether you want a prime lens for landscape photography, telephoto lens to get closer to your subjects or a more exotic fisheye option, you will find great affordable products very easily.     

Aspects to Consider Before Buying

Let’s talk about some aspects which you should consider before buying a lens:

Auto-focus, Build Quality and Weatherproofing

The various lenses available on the market are either inexpensive, middle-range, or high-end lenses. Although investing in an inexpensive product may seem like a bargain, it is not necessary that it is going to have a great build quality. Also, they may have an inferior autofocus motor. Therefore, choose a lens after ensuring that it is constructed from durable materials with good auto-focus. Also, if you are going to be taking photos in dusty or bad weather conditions, make sure that it is weather-proofed.   

Weight and Size

Pay special attention to the weight and size of the lens as you will be the one carrying it around. When talking about size, another important thing to consider is filters. By investing in smaller lenses, you can save great sums on filters. If you require multiple filters, you should consider buying small lenses to save money.  

Branded or a Third-Party Lens

If you choose a third-party lens for your Nikon D5600, you can save money; however, the best practice is to invest in a lens manufactured by your camera company whenever possible. This ensures excellent performance and brilliant shots.

Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind

The following cautious considerations will greatly help photographers make an informed choice:

Subject

Your purpose in photography greatly influences the type of lens that is best for you. If you want a portrait lens, then your first choice should be a 50mm prime lens as it features wide apertures and high-quality imaging. For close-up shots of flowers and insects, it is better to go with a macro lens, a super-telephoto lens for sports or wildlife photography, while a wide-angle zoom is perfect for landscape photography. 

The subject is very important. Once you decide what you are going to shoot, you can get the best lens for the job. Do not buy a lens because you think you should have it, but because it is vital for your photos.

Budget

Budget is also another factor that determines which model is best for you. Whatever the size of your budget, you can find good quality lenses. Consider which type of lens you really need and plan accordingly.   

Full Frame or APS-C

Most well-reputed companies offer both full-frame and APS-C cameras, which can make choosing a lens even more confusing. If you have an APS-C camera, but you plan on getting a full-frame camera in the future, should you buy a lens that is compatible with only APS-C bodies or get a model that fits both formats, although it is more expensive?

Whether you decide on a full-frame or an APS-C as your first camera body, the best thing is to go with the same sensor size as it eliminates confusion and makes the buying process very simple.

People Also Ask

With the plethora of lenses available, choosing a good quality lens can be quite confusing, particularly for a beginner. In order to answer some of the common concerns in people’s minds, we have included below, some of the frequently asked questions to help you find a perfect match:

Will AF S Lens Work on D5600?

Yes, the AF-S lens works perfectly with the Nikon D5600. You can easily buy it without worrying about focus issues. This lens belongs to the universal Nikon auto-focus lens system and is compatible with all DSLR cameras.

What is the Difference Between Nikon AF S and AF P Lenses?

The AF Nikkor lenses apply a mechanical pairing between the camera body and lens. Several DSLR camera bodies from Nikon are designed with a focus motor inside them. This focusing mechanism makes use of a series of gears to help the lens to focus.

The AF-S Nikkor lenses use a Silent Wave Motor, which uses ultrasonic vibrations to focus the lens instead of a gear system. The AF-P lenses, on the other hand, use a stepping or pulse auto-focus motor, which provides even smoother and quieter auto-focus as compared to the AF-S lenses. These lenses are also ideal for shooting videos

What is the Difference Between Nikon D and G Lenses?

The main difference between a Nikon D lens and a Nikon G lens is that the D lens has an aperture control ring, which enables the manual aperture settings while the G lens, which is a much newer lens lacks the aperture control ring.

Is Nikon D5600 Good for Sports?

The Nikon D5600 is not only waterproof but freeze-proof as well. Its rugged exterior and sturdy construction ensure that it survives a fall as well.

Is Nikon D5600 Good for Sports?

Nikon D5600 is an excellent camera for sports photography. Fast shutter speed, continuous auto-focus, and high battery lens give this lens a score of 83 for sports photography, thus making it ideal for all your sports photography needs.

Conclusion

Every person has a unique personal taste and style, and each of us perceives things differently. Carving a name for yourself in the field of photography often means following your intuition and embracing individual creativity.

The best lens for your Nikon D5600 can help you achieve your dream. Contemplate what type of images you would prefer and what specifications are needed to achieve the best result. In this article, we have provided in-depth reviews of the best lens and how you can choose the best product. This will greatly help photographers by simplifying the process of choosing the perfect lens.