18 Best Lenses for Nikon D3500 (2023 Ultimate Guide)

This is a guide covering the best lenses for the Nikon D3500.

The Nikon D3500 is a cheaper and lighter version of the D3400. The D3500 is a great entry-level DSLR and offers great image quality.

Being a great camera, there are also many great lens options to choose from.

Believe me, I know how exciting, yet difficult it can be to find the perfect lens for your camera especially since it can be an investment.

Because of this, I dive into each Nikon D3500 lens to uncover the pros and cons in terms of quality, build, important features, etc.

So make sure to read the post until the end. That way you can make the best decision for you! If you choose a lens outside of this list, make sure it is an F-mount lens as that is the lens type that is compatible with the Nikon D3500.

Also, make note that I have listed both FX and DX-format lenses. The Nikon D3500 is a DX camera body which means it is an APS-C crop sensor camera. You can still use an FX lens on a DX camera body but there will be a 1.5x crop factor. For example, if you use a 50mm FX lens then it will really look like a 75mm lens — something to be aware of if you’re new.

In a hurry? Here’s the quick overview:

• ⭐ Best Overall Lens for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

• 👩 Best Portrait Photography Lenses for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
  • Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
  • Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

• 🌄 Best Landscape Photography Lenses for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
  • Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary
  • Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

• 🌹 Best Macro Photography Lenses for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G
  • Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D
  • Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM

• ⚾ Best Sports Photography Lenses for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G Zoom
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G

• 🚗 Best Street Photography Lenses for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G
  • Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G

• 💸 Best Budget Photography Lens for the Nikon D3500
  • Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

How to Choose the Best Lens for the Nikon D3500?

Focal Length: The focal length of a lens determines its magnification and field of view. For example, a wide-angle lens such as the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is good for landscapes and group shots, while a telephoto lens like the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E is better for sports and wildlife photography.

Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can let in and how shallow the depth of field will be. Lenses with a wide aperture like f/1.4 or f/1.8 will allow you to shoot in low light and create a shallow depth of field, while lenses with a smaller aperture like f/5.6 or f/8 will be better for landscapes and group shots.

Image stabilization: If you plan on shooting in low light or at a slow shutter speed, image stabilization can help reduce blur caused by camera shake. Lenses like the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED and Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary have built-in image stabilization.

Budget: Consider how much you are willing to spend on a lens as prices can vary greatly. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G and YONGNUO YN 50mm f/1.8 AF are more affordable options, while the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E and Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G are more expensive.

Purpose: Consider what you will be using the lens for. A general-purpose lens like the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G or Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G will be versatile for a range of shooting situations

18 Best Lenses for Nikon D3500

1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 290g (0.64 lb)
• Diameter: 74mm (2.89″)
• Length: 54mm (2.13″)
• Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
• Sealing: No

Ask any photographer and they’ll tell you that you need to have a 50mm prime lens in your bag.

I believe that the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm f1.4 lens is the best overall lens simply because it can be used for different scenarios.

It has a wide aperture that provides great bokeh to highlight subjects when doing portraits. And also, you get to enjoy something that you can use in low-light conditions.

One issue that you might find here is that it tends to focus slower than other prime lenses.

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2. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 85mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 595g (1.31 lb)
• Diameter: 87mm (3.43″)
• Length: 84mm (3.31″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy barrel, metal mount
• Sealing: Yes

What if you can find a compatible lens for Nikon D3500 that works both as a telephoto lens and a portrait lens at the same time?

That’s exactly what Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 85mm f1.4G Lens offers to the table. It carries a wide aperture despite the 85mm focal length.

It made use of technology that optimizes edge-to-edge sharpness.

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3. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 105mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 720g (1.59 lb)
• Diameter: 83mm (3.27″)
• Length: 116mm (4.57″)
• Color: Black

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f2.8G IF-ED Lens offers glass elements known for reducing flare and chromatic aberrations.

And with this, you can expect superb images. You also get something that can give you a good closeup of your subject. It has an average ability to focus though it can’t take moving objects.

Also, check out the list of the best macro lenses for Nikon.

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4. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F5-6.3
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 150–600mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 2860g (6.31 lb)
• Diameter: 121mm (4.76″)
• Length: 290mm (11.42″)
• Materials: Metal
• Sealing: Yes

The Sigma 150-600mm f5-6.4 Contemporary DG OS HSM Lens may be a third-party lens but it is something that you might want to consider if you plan on shooting subjects from a great distance.

This lens is quite durable with a dust-resistant and weather-resistant design. It is also relatively lightweight compared to other lenses, not to mention it takes sharp photos.

The downside is that you will need to have a tripod when shooting plus it has a relatively slow focusing.

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

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 50mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 185g (0.41 lb)
• Diameter: 72mm (2.83″)
• Length: 53mm (2.07″)
• Sealing: No

If you don’t have the budget to buy the 50mm f1.4 prime lens, then this is the next best thing.

It offers decent bokeh and crisp images. You can use both manual and autofocus with this lens plus you get to enjoy the SWM or the silent wave motor for quiet focusing capabilities.

One drawback is that some users reported some vignetting on the lower right when you shoot using a wide aperture.

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

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
• Weight: 210g (0.46 lb)
• Diameter: 70mm (2.76″)
• Length: 53mm (2.07″)
• Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount

35mm prime lenses don’t always get the same popularity as 50mm lenses.

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm 1.8G Lens can make you change your mind. We consider it one of the best lenses for Nikon D3500 because it offers a slightly wider angle but provides an f1.8 aperture perfect for blurring backgrounds and focusing on the subject.

It has silent autofocus coupled with good optics that can produce great photos. However, exposure isn’t exactly spot on. It also gets overexposed when you use it during the daytime.

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7. YONGNUO YN 50mm f/1.8 AF

Specifications:

• Focal Length 50mm
• Maximum Aperture: f/1.8
• Minimum Aperture: f/22
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Image Stabilization: No
• Weight 7.16 oz / 203 g

If you are looking for a portrait lens that is pocket friendly, the YONGNUO YN 50mm f1.8 lens makes a strong candidate for this.

It performs decently without breaking the bank. It is sharp enough but is still not as good as Nikon prime lenses.

But as an AF lens, it does focus fast enough not to mention it has a decent shallow depth of field.

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8. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.4
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 35mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 600g (1.32 lb)
• Diameter: 83mm (3.27″)
• Length: 90mm (3.52″)
• Materials: Magnesium alloy body, metal mount
• Sealing: Yes

Looking for something wider than your 50mm prime lens but with an f1.4 aperture?

The Nikon AF FX Nikkor 35mm f1.4G Lens is not only a good wide-angle lens, but it can also serve as a superb portrait lens.

With its sharp photos, superb autofocusing capability, wide aperture, and wider focal length, it’s undoubtedly one of the best lenses for the Nikon D3500.

However, not a lot of hobbyists have this lens. It’s an option for serious photographers due to investment.

Also, check out the full list of the best Nikon wide-angle lenses.

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9. Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F3.5
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 85mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
• Weight: 355g (0.78 lb)
• Diameter: 73mm (2.87″)
• Length: 99mm (3.88″)
• Materials; Plastic barrel, metal mount

The Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f3.5G Lens is an ideal lens for shooting small details up close. It offers a clear focus for subjects around 0.9 feet away from the lens.

This lens improves your handheld shots thanks to the Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization feature.

And with a silent wave motor that allows discreet focusing, it’s a camera that can be used for different scenarios.

Unfortunately, pro photographers think that it doesn’t give enough sharpness for macro photography.

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10. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F1.8
• Minimum aperture: F16
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 85mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 350g (0.77 lb)
• Diameter: 80mm (3.15″)
• Length: 73mm (2.87″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Nikon AF S Nikkor 85mm f1.8G Fixed Lens is the type of lens that falls in between a portrait lens and a macro lens.

But what makes it stand out is the fact that it has a wider aperture than most macro lenses. It has a silent motor that allows discreet focusing plus it produces great images.

But what makes it one of the best lenses for Nikon D3500 for the macro category is the fact that it offers better closeup shots than your 50mm prime lens.

Unfortunately, you can’t shoot moving objects with this lens.

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11. Nikon AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 60mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 440g (0.97 lb)
• Diameter: 70mm (2.76″)
• Length: 75mm (2.93″)
• Materials: metal mount

The Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f2.8D lens is another good option for those who plan on shooting at close range.

This lightweight lens can capture small details thanks to its Close-Range Correction system.

It gives you the freedom to focus on small subjects and enjoy minimized flare and good color balance.

The only downside is that you might want to ensure your light source. It doesn’t have a wide aperture to give you a good bokeh.

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12. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8-4
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 17–70 mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
• Weight: 465g (1.03 lb)
• Diameter: 79mm (3.11″)
• Length: 82mm (3.23″)
• Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount

The Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM Lens is a good option if you want to invest in just one lens that can cover multiple situations.

This is the type of lens that you can rely on whether you need wide shots or you need to shoot macro shots.

It also includes image stabilization allowing users to shoot moving subjects with ease. The downside is that the sharpness is only concentrated in the middle of the image.

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13. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F2.8
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 24–70mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 900g (1.98 lb)
• Diameter: 83mm (3.27″)
• Length: 133mm (5.24″)
• Sealing: Yes

The Nikon AF SFX Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8G Lens is a favorite lens by many because it can be used for shooting landscapes (check out the best Nikon lenses for landscape photography) or shooting up close when you are doing macro photography.

You also get to enjoy a lens that can perform well even in low light conditions. And with three ED glass elements coupled with precision glass mold aspherical lens elements, you get high-quality photos.

It also offers silent focusing that gives you the chance to shoot discreetly. But with all of these perks, expect this lens to be a bigger investment.

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14. Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G Zoom

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4-5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32-45
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 70–300mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 425g (0.94 lb)
• Diameter: 74mm (2.91″)
• Length: 117mm (4.59″)
• Materials: Plastic barrel, plastic mount

If you are planning to spend on the best lenses for Nikon D3500 but you are also mindful not to overspend, the Nikon 70-300mm f4.5G Zoom Lens is a strong contender for this one.

You can enjoy superior-quality images from this lens without investing a lot.

You also get a vibration reduction capability that allows you to shoot even without a tripod. But keep in mind that anything beyond 20 feet might not be clear plus its autofocus doesn’t work on a D3500.

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15. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F3.5-6.3
• Minimum aperture: F22
• Max Format size: APS-C / DX
• Focal length: 18–300mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
• Weight: 550g (1.21 lb)
• Diameter: 79mm (3.11″)
• Length: 99mm (3.9″)
• Materials: Plastic barrel, metal mount
• Sealing: No

The Nikon AF-DX Nikkor 18-300mm f3.5-6.3G Lens is a perfect option for a variety of scenarios.

It offers a wide-angle shot for landscapes and shoots close-up photos once you zoom in.

This lens is surprisingly lightweight perfect for travelers not to mention optimized for shooting HD videos. It has vibration-reduction image stabilization that offers great shots even when you have shaky hands.

Unfortunately, zooming in can compromise the quality of the images.

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16. Nikon AF FX Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D

Specifications:

• Lens type: Prime lens
• Maximum aperture: F4
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 200mm
• Image stabilization: No
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 1190g (2.62 lb)
• Diameter: 76mm (2.99″)
• Length: 193mm (7.6″)
• Materials: metal mount

The Nikon AF FX Micro Nikkor 200mm f4D lens is a fixed lens option that provides you with crisp images and great shots even from far away.

It is usually a good option when shooting macro shots from afar. Unfortunately, it only serves as a plan B lens for most users since you don’t get to zoom in or zoom out of your subject.

And also, this lens tends to be a bit heavy.

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17. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 200–500mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 2300g (5.07 lb)
• Diameter: 108mm (4.25″)
• Length: 268mm (10.55″)
• Sealing: No

The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500m f5.6E Lens is a powerful telephoto lens with a minimum focus distance of around 7 feet.

It produces great quality images on different ranges. You also get to enjoy a vibration reduction in sports mode at 4.5 stops.

It allows you to capture moving subjects and reduce your wasted shots. But of course, quality requires that you spend more for this lens.

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18. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 80-400mm f.4.5-5.6G

Specifications:

• Lens type: Zoom lens
• Maximum aperture: F4.5-5.6
• Minimum aperture: F32-40
• Max Format size: 35mm FF
• Focal length: 80–400mm
• Image stabilization: Yes
• Lens mount: Nikon F (FX)
• Weight: 1570g (3.46 lb)
• Diameter: 96mm (3.76″)
• Length: 203mm (7.99″)

The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 80-400mm f4.5-5.6 lens is another contender for the best telephoto lens for the D3500. This lens can focus the subject as close as 5.7 feet.

On top of that, you get an accurate focusing lens and a vibration reduction capability that gives the best results that you need.

However, you’ll need to be a serious pro to invest in this lens.

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FAQ

With powerful specs and a novice-friendly design, some people are asking: is the Nikon D3500 good?

This DSLR is the perfect camera for those who don’t want complicated configurations in their camera.

You get to shoot more and think less with the right lenses. But whenever you are trying to find a compatible lens for the Nikon D3500, be sure to compare at least three lenses.

Weigh the pros and cons to see which one fits your requirements.

Also, check out the full list of the best Nikon lenses.

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