Best Lenses for Nikon D5500

To help you in your search, we’ve compiled a list of the Best Lenses for Nikon D5500, combined with features and price.

The Nikon D5500 is one of the best crop sensor digital SLRs now available. It has a rear LCD with touchscreen functionality, and enhanced ergonomics that make the camera simpler to grasp, and it weighs only 14.2 ounces. Your camera bag can be beautifully rounded out with a variety of zoom and prime lenses, in addition to the two kits that are available for the D5500 and which are discussed further down in this section. The following is a list of the top lenses, ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, that is compatible with the Nikon D5500. The D5500, like the majority of Nikon’s new DSLRs, features an in-built distortion correction setting that helps to compensate for the faults that are present in many zoom lenses.

Here we pick the top-rated lenses for you to fulfill your 100% needs. Below are the top recommended lenses for Nikon D5500. You can choose the one you need.

Best Lenses for Nikon D5500

Nikon D5500 Kit Lenses

1. Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II

The 18-55mm VR II may not be up to the lofty standards of enthusiasts and experts, but it is a perfectly excellent beginner lens that will get you out the door and shoot good photographs in no time. If you’re just starting out with photography, this lens is ideal. The VR II is noticeably more precise than its predecessors while also being approximately twenty percent lighter. You should be prepared for some distortion while shooting at the widest possible angle, however, the Nikon D5500 allows you to rectify this in-camera. Even while the lens’ maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 isn’t ideal for shooting in dim lighting, the fact that it can be purchased for only $100 more than the cost of the camera body by itself makes it an appealing option. At the very least, you can bring it with you to use as a backup in the event that you later decide to get more lenses.

2. Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR

The popularity of walk-around zoom lenses has been on the rise recently, and the Nikon 18-140mm VR is one of our favorites among these lenses. It is crisp, it features vibration reduction, and it has a zoom range that is far longer than the 18-55mm VR II that was just discussed. This is an excellent lens to keep on your D5500 for the bulk of the time because it is great for portraits and travel photography. What are some of the drawbacks of using this lens? The first disadvantage is the lens’s weight, which clocks in at over 17 ounces, making it only a couple of ounces less than the all-in-one lenses described below. The second disadvantage is the range of focal lengths, which, while providing far more coverage than the 18-55mm, does not eliminate the requirement for a genuine telephoto lens.

All-In-One Lenses

3. Nikon 18-300mm f.3.5-6.3 VR

Because it has many focal lengths built into a single unit, an all-in-one lens gives photographers the ability to capture practically any scene without having to switch lenses. Within these parameters, the Nikon 18-300mm VR is an outstanding option to consider. The most recent version of this lens was released two years ago, and in comparison to later generations, it is both lighter and more affordable. The main difference is that the maximum aperture at the long end is now f/6.3 rather than f/5.6. The modifications, on the other hand, are nearly all beneficial, and the 18-300mm is currently the best all-in-one lens for the Nikon D5500. Unbelievably, it weighs significantly less than the Nikon 18-200mm below and is only $50 less expensive. We would rather have the 18-300mm lens unless there is a significant change in the price.

4. Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro OS

Try out the Sigma 18-250mm Macro OS lens if you are looking for an affordable all-in-one solution. The price is by far the most attractive feature, as it is far cheaper than either of the all-in-one lenses manufactured by Nikon that are included in this ranking. Why is it so much more affordable than other options? First, the maximum aperture decreases from f/5.6 to f/6.3 while going from the short end to the long end. Second, because there is greater softness in the corners, the optical performance isn’t quite as good as it was. Third, the lens barrel is made of a composite material, which, in comparison to a more rigid plastic or metal, does not have the same level of durability. But the Sigma 18-250mm is a wonderful value at roughly $350, and as an added benefit, it’s a few ounces lighter than any of the Nikon options. Neither of the Nikon options has an optical image stabilization system.
Check out the Sigma 18-250mm lens.

5. Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II

The Nikon 18-200mm VR II has been widely regarded as the best all-in-one lens available for Nikon DX-format cameras for many years. This lens has a solid construction that is designed to last and produces photos that are sharp throughout its whole range. It also offers a zoom range that is similar to 27-300mm on a 35mm camera and features technology that reduces vibration. The fact that the 18-200mm VR II lens does not have sufficient reach for certain forms of telephoto photography is one of the lens’ most significant drawbacks. Photographers who specialize in wildlife, for instance, will most certainly want the additional 100 millimeters of focal length that either the 18-300mm or the 55-300mm have to provide. In spite of having a more limited zoom range, this lens is heavier than the 18-300mm.

Wide-Angle Lenses

6. Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5

The 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 is Nikon’s greatest wide-angle lens for DX cameras because it has a broader field of view, is sharper than any other lens with a comparable focal length, and performs exceptionally well for photographing landscapes and buildings. You should anticipate significant distortion at the broad end of the zoom range, and the low-light performance will not be as good as it would be with a prime lens. This is the case with practically all wide-angle zoom lenses. The zoom range, which is similar to 15-36mm on a 35mm camera and covers practically all of the relevant focal lengths from ultra-wide to a regular field of vision, is one of our favorite features of the camera, however. Check out the Tokina 11-16mm below for a more budget-friendly wide-angle choice.

7. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX II

Because a wide-angle lens can cost upwards of $800, the Tokina 11-16mm comes in handy for those who do not have that kind of money to invest. The Tokina is a nice budget option for those who like to dabble in wide-angle photography but the optics are not quite on par with those of the Nikon 10-24mm lens that was mentioned earlier, nor is the focal length range as impressive. Nevertheless, the Tokina is recommended for those who want to try their hand at wide-angle photography. It does provide greater performance in low light by a two-thirds stop, and the lens is shockingly crisp and works well for usages such as weddings and other events. The most obvious drawback of this lens is its high level of distortion, which is most pronounced at the wide end but still present all the way through the 16mm setting (the Nikon D5500 does have automatic distortion correction or you can use Photoshop or other editing software on your computer).

Walk Around and Portrait Lenses

8. Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4

We are going in the opposite direction and suggesting the more affordable Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4 in light of all the commotion that has surrounded Nikon’s newly released 16-80mm f/2.8-4. The Sigma costs far less, has the same maximum aperture, and has only a little shorter reach at 70 millimeters as opposed to 80 millimeters. The equivalent focal length range of 25.5 to 105 millimeters is quite beneficial, and we adore the better performance in dim light compared to the majority of other Nikon zooms. This lens is noticeably less sharp than the Nikon 16-80mm, particularly when shooting wide open and in the lens’s corners. However, it is an enjoyable lens to experiment with and a fantastic deal from Sigma.

9. Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR 

Another excellent choice for a zoom lens is the Nikon 16-85mm VR, which is available in case you decide against purchasing the 18-140mm kit lens described above. This multipurpose lens has a focal length range that is equivalent to 24-127.5 millimeters on a 35mm camera, which means that it can capture everything from wide-angle to medium-telephoto portraits. It has an autofocus that is quick and accurate, less distortion than the majority of other comparable zoom lenses, and vibration reduction for when you need to take hand-held images when there is not enough natural light. When everything is taken into account, this is a high-quality walk-around lens that can be used for portraiture as well as travel photography.

10. Nikon 35mm f/1.8

There are very few justifiable justifications for not packing the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens alongside the Nikon D5500 if you intend to use the camera for travel or street photography. It is one of the best lenses in Nikon’s DX lineup since it is sharp, performs well in low light, and it is affordable at less than 200 dollars. You won’t be able to find a prime walk-around lens that is better suited for travel or for use in everyday life. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 lens, with the exception of its metal mount, is constructed entirely of plastic, hence its durability is limited in comparison to that of metal lenses. But taking into account the cost, this isn’t a significant risk, and the 35mm f/1.8 is still one of our favorite lenses.

11. Nikon 50mm f/1.8

The well-known Nikon 50mm f/1.8 is another excellent prime lens that can be purchased for a price that is more affordable than that of the Nikon 35mm. The lens boasts a high degree of sharpness, is effective even in low light, possesses rapid and precise autofocus, and weighs only 6.6 ounces. Although it is an FX lens, the 50mm f/1.8 is perfectly compatible with DX-format cameras and provides an effective focal length of 75mm when used with those cameras. The only drawback to this situation is that you will have to pay a bit of a premium for a full-frame lens; however, you might find that you appreciate the additional versatility in the long run.

Macro Lenses

12. Nikon 40mm f/2.8 DX Micro

The 40mm f/2.8 and the 85mm f/3.5 are the two primary macro lens options for DX (Nikon uses the name “micro”) cameras, respectively. The 40mm f/2.8 lens has a maximum aperture that is two-thirds of a stop quicker than its predecessor, making it ideal for shooting stationary subjects that can be approached in close proximity. This lens has a lot going for it: it’s affordable, it’s crisp, and it can focus as close as 16.4 centimeters from whatever you’re shooting. This macro lens is an excellent choice for the Nikon D5500 and offers a decent value for applications such as photographing flowers, food, or products. Try out the more expensive Nikon 85mm f/3.5 lens if you want to take macro photographs outside but require additional distance (think about photographing living objects like insects or animals).

Telephoto Lenses

13. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR

If you purchased the 18-55mm kit lens, or even if you didn’t, the 55-200mm VR and the 55-300mm VR that are listed below would be excellent upgrades to your camera gear. This 55-200mm lens has comparable optical quality, but its mount is made of plastic instead of metal. It weighs 11.8 ounces less and is less expensive. Since Nikon has decided to no longer produce this model in favor of a new 55-200mm VR II version, the price has been significantly reduced. You can’t go wrong with either version, but if you want our advice, get the older model as long as it remains in this very low price range and supplies are still available (the newer model presently costs $347, which is more than double the price of the older model).

14. Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR

The Nikon 55-300mm VR is the best telephoto zoom lens for DX-format cameras currently available. It has a low level of vibration, is very sharp, and can focus very rapidly in most situations (camera shake can be an issue with long zoom lenses). We like the additional 100mm of a range because it can make a difference when photographing wildlife and other subjects up close. The fact that this lens has a maximum aperture ranging from f/4.5-5.6 can be a disadvantage in conditions where there is insufficient natural light. This lens, however, is an excellent option with a really outstanding zoom range for taking photographs in normal lighting conditions.