8 Best Lenses for Nikon D3500

To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Lenses for Nikon D3500, combined with features and price.

The consumer space in the entry-level segment is becoming extremely interesting during the past few years. A growing number of users are constantly seeking to upgrade from their smartphones to the entry-level DSLR segment. The Nikon D3500 marks Nikon’s latest entry-level APS-C-sized digital camera into this arena using its 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 imaging processor. Nikon aims this digital camera squarely at the beginning professional photographer who is seeking to update from the image high quality their smartphone or small cameras can provide.

Plus they direct this camera as a competitor to the Canon Rebel T6, Canon SL2, Sony a5100, Sony a6000, and Fujifilm X-T100. At first release in fall 2018, it replaces the very popular Nikon D3400, today having the helm as their flagship entry-level camera. In writing, its specifications may actually look similar to the predecessor. Nevertheless, Nikon has made crucial changes to provide what they deem because of the better camera.

Below are the top recommended lenses for Nikon D3500 DSLR camera based on usefulness, image quality and price.

Best Lenses for Nikon D3500

1. Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is an ultra-wide zoom lens designed specifically for Nikon DX-format cameras. It features 15 elements in 12 groups, a 7-blade diaphragm, and an HLD autofocus system. The lens also comes with a 4-stop VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilization system and weather seals, as well as a fluorine coating on the front element to repel moisture and aid cleaning. With a minimum focus distance of 0.24m and a maximum magnification of 0.19x, this lens is ideal for travel and vlogging.

Key Features:

• 15 elements in 12 groups
• 7-blade diaphragm
• HLD autofocus system
• 4-stop VC (Vibration Compensation) stabilization system
• Weather-seals
• Fluorine coating on the front element
• Minimum focus distance of 0.24m
• Maximum magnification of 0.19x

Pros:

• Impressive performance
• 4-stop image stabilizer
• Weather-seals and fluorine coating

Cons:

• Some rivals are cheaper

Conclusion:

The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is an excellent ultra-wide zoom lens for Nikon DX-format cameras. It offers impressive performance, a 4-stop image stabilizer, weather-seals, and a fluorine coating on the front element. Although it is more expensive than some of its rivals, it is still a great value for the money, beating Nikon’s own AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens for both performance and image quality. If you are looking for an ultra-wide zoom lens for your Nikon D3500, this is definitely one to consider.

2. Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is a budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens designed for the Nikon D3500 DSLR camera. It features an aperture range of f/4.5-6.3, Vibration Reduction, and lens construction of 14 elements in 10 groups with 1 extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element. The lens measures 72 x 125mm and weighs 415g, with a filter size of 58mm.

Key Features:

• Aperture range: f/4.5-6.3
• Vibration Reduction: Yes
• Lens Construction: 14 elements in 10 groups (1 ED glass element)
• Dimensions: 72 x 125mm
• Weight: 415g
• Filter size: 58mm

Pros:

• Fast, internal autofocusing
• Four stops of Vibration Reduction
• ED glass for clear images
• Variable aperture range
• Reasonably lightweight for a telephoto zoom lens

Cons:

• Issues with chromatic aberration
• Not the lightest lens in its category

Conclusion: Overall, the Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is an excellent budget telephoto zoom lens for the Nikon D3500 camera. Its fast, internal autofocusing and substantial vibration reduction make it ideal for capturing sports and wildlife photography. However, it may have issues with chromatic aberration and may not be the lightest lens in its category. Nonetheless, it remains a good value-for-money lens for those looking for a telephoto zoom lens on a budget.

3. Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is an all-in-one superzoom lens for Nikon D3500 camera. It has a zoom range of 16.6x, which gives you both a standard zoom and a telephoto zoom in one lens. This makes it a popular choice for travel photography and other situations where you want to be able to shoot a wide range of subjects without having to switch lenses. The lens has a solid construction and a weather-seal ring on the mounting plate, making it durable and suitable for use in a variety of environments. However, it lacks a focus distance scale and a hood is not included with the lens.

Key Features:

• 16.6x zoom range
• Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups
• No. of diaphragm blades: 7
• Minimum focus distance: 0.48m
• Filter size: 67mm
• Dimensions: 79x99mm
• Weight: 550g

Pros:

• Solid construction
• Weather-seal ring on mounting plate
• 16.6x zoom range allows for shooting a wide range of subjects with one lens
• Lighter than the Nikon predecessor, making it more manageable for travel
• Aperture is no slower than competing Sigma and Tamron lenses
• Good sharpness at wide angles

Cons:

• Lack of focus distance scale
• Hood not included
• Sharpness tails off as you zoom in, compromising image quality

Conclusion:

Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is a solid choice for those looking for an all-in-one superzoom lens for their Nikon D3500 camera. Its 16.6x zoom range and solid construction make it suitable for a wide range of shooting situations, particularly travel photography. However, the lack of a focus distance scale and hood may be drawbacks for some users, and the compromise on image quality as you zoom in is something to be aware of.

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

The Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro is a compact and lightweight macro lens designed specifically for Nikon DX-format DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D3500. With a maximum magnification of 1.0x, this lens is perfect for capturing stunning close-up images of flowers, insects, and other small subjects. It also works well as a standard prime lens for general photography due to its effective focal length of 60mm.

Key Features:

• Compact and lightweight design
• 1.0x maximum magnification for macro photography
• Effective focal length of 60mm for general photography
• Ultrasonic autofocus for fast and quiet operation
• Excellent optical performance with minimal distortion and color fringing

Pros:

• Small and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around
• Good general-purpose prime lens with a fast aperture rating
• Excellent sharpness and optical performance across the entire image frame
• Affordable price compared to other macro lenses

Cons:

• Short working distance can be challenging for some macro photography situations
• No image stabilization, so handheld shooting may be more difficult in low-light conditions

Conclusion:

The Nikon AF-S DX 40mm f/2.8G Micro is an excellent macro lens for those who own a Nikon DX-format camera such as the D3500 and are looking for a compact and lightweight lens that can also function as a general-purpose prime. Its optical performance is impressive, with sharp images and minimal distortion and color fringing. The short working distance and lack of image stabilization may be downsides for some, but overall, this lens is a great choice for those who want to explore the world of macro photography without breaking the bank.

5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a prime lens that is specifically designed for use with the Nikon D3500 camera. It features a wide aperture of f/1.8, which makes it ideal for shooting in low-light conditions. The lens is also lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around and use on the go. Additionally, it has a 50mm fixed focal length that allows you to capture a wide range of subjects with ease.

Key Features:

• Wide aperture of f/1.8
• Lightweight and compact design
• 50mm fixed focal length

Pros:

• Can shoot bright images in low-light conditions
• Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and close-ups
• Creates an intimate mood by pushing focus into the center of the frame
• Satisfyingly lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around
• Wide aperture allows for creative control over depth of field

Cons:

• May experience some color fringing, especially around highly contrasted edges
• Soft edges when shooting wide open may not be desirable for some photographers

Conclusion:

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a great lens for photographers looking to upgrade from the kit lens that comes with the D3500. Its wide aperture and fixed focal length make it a versatile lens that can be used for a variety of shooting situations, while its lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around. While it may experience some color fringing and soft edges when shooting wide open, these are minor issues that can be easily corrected in post-processing. Overall, this lens is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their photography skills with their Nikon D3500.

6. Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C

The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is a super-telephoto lens designed for long-range sports and wildlife photography. It has a flexible zoom range, covering a focal length of 150-600mm, which can be extended to 225-900mm when used with a DX-format camera. The lens is relatively compact and lightweight compared to other lenses in its class, making it easier to carry around for outdoor shoots.

The lens has a vibration reduction feature that helps to stabilize the image and reduce camera shake, making it easier to capture moving subjects. It also has two stabilization modes that allow the user to choose between panning and static shooting modes.

The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 2.8m, which may limit its use for close-up shots. Additionally, the lens has a large filter size of 105mm, which may make it expensive and difficult to find filters.

Pros:

• Flexible zoom range
• Reasonably compact and lightweight
• Vibration reduction feature
• Two stabilization modes

Cons:

• 2.8m minimum focusing distance
• Large filter size

In conclusion, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM | C is an excellent lens for long-range sports and wildlife photography. Its flexible zoom range, vibration reduction feature, and two stabilization modes make it easier to capture moving subjects, while its relatively compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around for outdoor shoots. However, its 2.8m minimum focusing distance and large filter size may limit its use for certain types of photography.

7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is a versatile and high-quality standard zoom lens designed for DX-format Nikon DSLRs. With a zoom range equivalent to 24-120mm on a full-frame camera, this lens is ideal for everyday use, travel, and a wide variety of photography genres. It features a maximum aperture range of f/2.8-4, four stops of Vibration Reduction, and advanced optics for excellent image quality.

Key Features:

• Aperture range of f/2.8-4
• Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
• 17 elements in 13 groups lens construction
• Compact and lightweight design
• Nano Crystal Coat to reduce flare
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast and quiet autofocus

Pros:

• Compact and ergonomic design
• Excellent image sharpness and clarity
• Wide zoom range for versatile shooting
• Four stops of Vibration Reduction for stable handheld shooting
• Advanced optics with ED glass and aspherical lens elements
• Nano Crystal Coat to minimize flare
• Fast and quiet autofocus with SWM

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to other lenses
• Lack of weather sealing

Conclusion:

Overall, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is a top-quality standard zoom lens that offers excellent performance, advanced optics, and a versatile zoom range. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great option for travel and everyday use. While it is a bit pricier than other lenses, the added features and superior optics make it a worthwhile investment for photographers who want to upgrade their kit lens. However, the lack of weather sealing may be a drawback for some photographers who frequently shoot in challenging conditions.

8. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G

The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G is a standard prime lens designed specifically for APS-C-sensor cameras like the D3500. It has an effective focal length of 52.5mm and a wide f/1.8 maximum aperture, making it a great option for low-light situations and creating shallow depth of field. It is also compact and lightweight, making it a convenient addition to your camera bag.

Key Features:

• Aperture range: f/1.8
• Vibration Reduction: No
• Lens Construction: 8 elements in 6 groups
• Dimensions: 70x53mm
• Weight: 200g
• Filter size: 52mm

Pros:

• Small size
• Inexpensive
• Good overall performance

Cons:

• No focus distance scale
• Mediocre wide/narrow aperture sharpness
• Bokeh lacks smoothness

Conclusion:

The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G is a great alternative standard prime lens for the D3500. It’s wide maximum aperture and compact size make it ideal for low-light situations and on-the-go photography. While it may lack some features such as a focus distance scale and has some minor sharpness and bokeh issues, its overall performance and affordability make it a great choice for those looking to expand their lens collection.

FAQs

Which lens is good for Nikon D3500?
The Nikon D3500 is compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses. It is recommended to start with a basic kit lens (18-55mm) or a prime lens (35mm or 50mm) for general photography.
Is Nikon D3500 good for photography?
Yes, the Nikon D3500 is an excellent entry-level DSLR camera that offers great image quality and user-friendly features for photography enthusiasts.
Can you use any lens on Nikon D3500?
Yes, you can use any lens that is compatible with Nikon F-mount on the Nikon D3500.
What is the best lens for Nikon D3500 for wildlife?
For wildlife photography, it is recommended to use a telephoto zoom lens with a focal length of at least 200mm, such as the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED or the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2.
How do I get the best pictures with my Nikon D3500?
To get the best pictures with your Nikon D3500, you should learn the basics of photography, such as exposure, composition, and lighting. It is also important to use the appropriate lens for the type of photography you are doing and to shoot in RAW format for better post-processing.
Is Nikon D3500 still worth buying?
Yes, the Nikon D3500 is still a great entry-level DSLR camera for beginners who are just starting out with photography and want to learn the basics without spending a lot of money.