When choosing the best lenses for Nikon D3400, it is best to consider its focal length, maximum aperture, and type. I’ve handpicked the top seven products on the market based on these features. Read on to learn why they matter to you.
The Nikon D3400 is one of the best entry-level DSLRs for beginners, owing to its user-friendly controls and interface. However, in order to take full advantage of its features, you need to invest in the right lenses.
Fortunately, this article will walk you through the seven best lenses for Nikon D3400. Each product will include a detailed review with pros and cons to help you make a wise purchasing decision. I carefully reviewed these lenses by reading various online sources and user reviews.
And if you are clueless about which features will matter to you, a handy buying guide awaits you below.
Without any further ado, let us jump right into our top picks!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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Best Kit Lens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best All-in-One Lens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Best Standard Lens  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
7 Best Lenses for Nikon D3400
Below are our top picks for the best lenses for Nikon D3400. Every item has a DX-format sensor, so you can also use them on other Nikon APS-C cameras.
1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR – Best Kit Lens for Nikon D3400
Starting off this list is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR.
As one of the kit lenses for the Nikon D3400, it features a standard zoom range of 18-55mm (equivalent to 27-82mm). So whether you are into landscape or portrait photography, this focal length might be enough to meet your every shooting needs.
Additionally, this standard zoom lens offers a variable maximum aperture. It opens wide at f/3.5 when using the shortest focal length, ideal for low-light situations. However, it slows down at f/5.6 if you zoom in at 55mm, which might not be suitable for dim-lit settings.
Furthermore, the NIKKOR 18-55mm includes a silent wave motor (SWM). This technology enables you to autofocus on the subject faster and more accurately.
Plus, there is a Vibration Reduction (VR) built-in to the lens. It allows you to shoot handheld or at slower shutter speeds.
And if you want to ensure superior image quality, this zoom lens does not disappoint. It comes with a Super Integrated Coating that delivers accurate color reproduction while effectively minimizing ghosting and flare.
All these benefits come in a compact and lightweight package that is available at an affordable price. It is easy to pack inside a camera bag and carry with you along with local and international trips.
However, before buying this kit lens, it is essential to know its downsides. First, some users said they have trouble using manual focus on the lens. Second, the lens is not as durable as a few customers experienced the barrel wobbling after a few weeks of use. Finally, it is not the sharpest lens on the market.
With that said, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is still worth considering for its basic features and low price. In our opinion, it is the best kit lens for Nikon D3400.
Pros:
- Versatile zoom lens that offers superb image quality
- Vibration Reduction (VR) technology corrects camera shake
- Fast and near-silent autofocus to ensure image sharpness
- Lightweight and compact that can easily fit inside a camera bag
- Budget-friendly lens
Cons:
- Maximum aperture is not bright enough for low-light environments
- Some users have difficulty using the manual focus on this lens
- Lens barrel comes unloose after a few weeks of use
2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR – Best All-in-One Zoom Lens for Nikon D3400
Those who want more flexibility than the previous lens can consider checking the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.
This standard zoom lens features a wide-angle focal length ranging from 18mm to 140mm, which is equivalent to 27-210mm on the Nikon D3400. Thus, it can capture architecture and landscapes as well as portraits and sports.
There is also a variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6. It is not the brightest or fastest lens on the market by any means. However, it still allows a considerable amount of light into the sensor to achieve high image quality in low-light situations.
Moreover, this zoom lens includes a built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM). It can provide accurate and quiet autofocus to ensure the subject is in focus.
Plus, the NIKKOR 18-140mm lens offers Vibration Reduction image stabilization. It allows you to shoot handheld or at slower shutter speeds, which is handy for low-light photography.
To further guarantee great image quality, the lens is equipped with Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass. It can reduce chromatic aberration and coma for more accurate details.
Finally, the Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) delivers superior color rendering and reduces flare and ghosting.
Despite all these advantages, there are a few downsides to this zoom lens. Some users reported that the autofocus is slow, leading to softness in their photos. Also, a few users did not like the cheap plastic construction. Finally, it is part of the DX lenses line, which are not compatible with full-frame cameras.
The pros far outweigh the cons, though.
For this reason, we highly recommend the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR if you are looking for a versatile and compact telephoto lens.
Pros:
- Wide-angle and telephoto zoom range ideal for different kinds of photography
- Great lens featuring imaging stabilization
- Accurate and quiet autofocus
- ED glass minimizes chromatic aberration and coma
- Accurate color rendering with reduced flare
Cons:
- Variable aperture might not be suitable for low-light conditions
- Slow autofocus performance
- Plastic build may feel cheap
3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G – Best Standard Lens for Nikon D3400
If you are looking for a versatile yet compact lens, consider the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G.
It features a fixed focal length of 50mm, which has an equivalent focal length of 75mm on the Nikon D3400. Thus, this prime lens can provide a natural perspective without distortion and high image quality. It is ideal for portraits, travel photography, and everyday subjects.
Additionally, this NIKKOR lens has a maximum aperture of f/1.8, which offers two significant advantages. First, it allows more light into the image sensor to capture high-quality photos, even when you are shooting in low-light situations. Second, it produces a shallow depth of field that makes the subject stand out from the background. Plus, it is usually among the top lens choice for the best portrait lenses on the market.
Furthermore, this prime lens is compact and lightweight at less than half a pound, owing to its plastic construction. However, unlike other plastic lenses, it is tough and scratch-resistant.
Finally, there is a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) to deliver accurate and quiet autofocus. So whether you are shooting photos of an athlete or a wild animal, this technology makes it easier to keep the subject in focus.
All these features make the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G among the best standard AF-S lenses for the Nikon D3400. We highly suggest it for portraiture and general photography.
But before buying this lens, it is essential to know that it does not have Vibration Reduction technology. Some users also said that it has slight chromatic aberration in high-contrast settings.
Pros:
- 50mm focal length offers natural perspective without distortion
- Great in low-light situations
- Shallow depth of field ideal for portraits
- Accurate and quiet autofocus
- Compact, lightweight, and affordable lens
Cons:
- No Vibration Reduction (VR) to reduce camera shake
- Some users said the lens produces chromatic aberration when shooting in high-contrast conditions
4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR – Best Telephoto Lens for Nikon D3400
Do you want to take photos of distant subjects? If so, a telephoto lens like the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR might meet your needs.
It has a long zoom range of 200-500mm, which is equivalent to 300-750mm on the Nikon D3400. This focal length can bring distant subjects closer, so it is easier to capture them. Thus, this super-telephoto lens is ideal for events, motorsports, and wildlife photography.
Meanwhile, the fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6 allows more light into the sensor, regardless of the focal length used. This constant aperture can also create a narrow depth of field, which results in stunning out-of-focus backgrounds.
What’s more, the Vibration Reduction (VR) technology enables you to use shutter speeds 4.5 stops slower than usual. Thus, this zoom lens makes it easier to shoot handheld without a noticeable camera shake.
Finally, the AF system is compatible with optional TC 14E-series teleconverters, ideal if you need additional focal range.
Despite these advantages, this telephoto lens is bulky and heavy, making it hard to carry handheld during travels. Additionally, some users said the autofocus performance is slow and noisy.
With that said, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR is still worth considering for its advanced features at a relatively low price.
Pros:
- Long zoom range ideal for action, sports, and wildlife photography
- Constant maximum aperture throughout the focal range
- Vibration Reduction (VR) corrects camera shake
- It is compatible with teleconverters
Cons:
- Bulky and heavy lens
- Some users said the autofocus is slow and noisy
5. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM – Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D3400
If you are the kind of photographer who likes to fit more elements within the frame, consider the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM.
It features multiple focal lengths ranging from 18 to 35mm, which is equivalent to 27 to 52mm in the Nikon D3400. Thus, it offers a wide field of view, ideal for architecture, landscape, and street photography.
There is also a large maximum aperture of f/1.8. It allows more light to hit the image sensor, which ensures high-quality photos in low-light situations. Plus, it makes the subject stand out from the background, owing to the shallow depth of field.
Furthermore, this wide-angle lens includes a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass. Thus, it can minimize barrel distortion and aberrations when shooting at the shortest focal length.
Lastly, it comes with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM) to deliver smooth and quiet autofocus performance.
However, there are a few downsides to this wide-angle lens. First, some users said that the autofocus performance is inconsistent; it requires calibration. Second, a few noticed vignetting on the corners of their photos.
The pros outweigh the cons, though.
For this reason, we included the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM in this list of the best lenses for the Nikon D3400.
Pros:
- Wide-angle zoom lens is suitable for architecture and landscape photography
- Impressive low-light performance
- Shallow depth of field
- Reduced barrel distortion and chromatic aberrations
- Lens include software for upgrading the firmware
Cons:
- Autofocus performance is inconsistent
- Vignetting is visible on the corners of the photos
6. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G – Best Macro Lens for Nikon D3400
The Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G features a minimum focus distance of 0.53 ft and a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:1. As a result, this lens can render the subject at its same size in the image sensor. Thus, it is ideal for close-up or macro photography.
Meanwhile, this specialized macro lens has a fixed focal length of 40mm in full-frame cameras, which is equivalent to 60mm in the Nikon D3400. It gives you a natural field of view without noticeable distortion, suitable for food and nature photography. Although this has a wide-angle focal range compared to other macro lenses, it is still easier to shoot macro subjects.
Plus, the maximum aperture of f/2.8 ensures reliable performance in low-light situations. It can also deliver a shallow depth of field, which ultimately contributes to high image quality.
Furthermore, a built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and internal silent focusing motor offers accurate and quiet autofocus. There is even an option to switch to full-time manual focusing. As such, it is a great lens for maintaining image sharpness across the frame.
Finally, the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G is relatively compact and lightweight. All of these features make it one of the best macro lenses for Nikon D3400.
However, it is essential to know that it lacks image stabilization. Some users also said the autofocus is noisy, which can scare insects when photographing them.
Pros:
- Minimum focus distance of 0.53 ft enables you to get closer to small subjects
- 1:1 reproduction ratio makes it suitable for macro photography
- Reliable low-light performance
- Shallow depth of field brings attention to the subject
- Near-quiet autofocus and full-time manual focus control
Cons:
- Lack of Vibration Reduction
- Noisy AF system might scare away insects, which are common subjects in macro photography
7. Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED – Best Fisheye Lens for Nikon D3400
Those who want to achieve a special effect in their photos can consider getting the Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED.
It offers an ultra-wide focal length of 10.5 mm, which is equivalent to 15.75mm on the Nikon D3400. Additionally, this prime lens features a 180-degree diagonal angle of view. Thus, it results in a fisheye effect in your photos.
As for the aperture, this NIKKOR lens opens wide at f/2.8. It allows a considerable amount of light into the sensor, ideal for low-light photography.
Furthermore, it has a close focusing range of 0.14 meters or 5.5 inches. Plus, there is an innovative Close-Range Correction (CRC) technology to keep close-up subjects sharp and in focus. So if you want to shoot close-up photos, this fisheye lens might meet your needs.
On top of all these benefits, it includes Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element to reduce chromatic aberration.
However, there are still a few downsides to this fisheye lens. First, it lacks Vibration Reduction. Second, some users pointed out that AF does not work in the D3400; it only functions in the DX2 and DX3 series cameras.
Nevertheless, the Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED is still one of the best fisheye lenses for Nikon D3400.
Pros:
- 180-degree angle of view creates a fisheye effect on photos
- Great in low-light situations
- Lightweight and compact lens
- Innovative Close-Range Correction (CRC) technology ensures sharp photos
Cons:
- No Vibration Reduction image stabilization
- Autofocus does not work on the Nikon D3400
How to Choose the Best Lens for Nikon D3400?
If you are still unsure which lens to get, below is a buying guide to help you make a wise purchasing decision.
Prime or Zoom
Lenses are usually categorized into two: prime or zoom. Choosing between these two types of lenses will depend on your needs and preferences.
Prime lenses feature a fixed or constant focal length, which requires you to move physically closer or away from your subject. However, they often have large apertures to deliver bright and high-quality photos.
Meanwhile, zoom lenses have multiple focal length range, which make it easy to adjust perspective. On the downside, they usually cannot produce the same sharpness as prime lenses due to their movable elements.
As a rule of thumb, though, most photographers carry both types of lenses in their kits.
Focal Length
The focal length is another important factor to consider when shopping for a Nikon lens.
If you want to capture subjects from a distance, get a telephoto zoom lens. It offers a focal length of more than 75mm, ideal for action, sports, and wildlife photography.
However, for those who want to shoot the whole scene in front of them, invest in a wide-angle lens. This lens type has a short focal length of less than 35mm, suitable for architecture and landscape subjects.
Finally, a standard lens fits between these two types of lenses, with a focal length ranging from 35mm to 75mm. It offers a natural perspective without distortion, which is crucial for portraits and general photography.
Maximum Aperture
Besides focal length, you might also want to consider the maximum aperture of the lens.
As a rule of thumb, the larger the aperture, the better. That is because it allows more light into the image sensor, ideal for low-light situations. Additionally, it creates a narrow depth of field to isolate the subject from the background.
Autofocus
Autofocus performance is essential if you need to capture fast-moving objects. Make sure that the lens you buy is compatible with the autofocus system in your camera. Also, check other user reviews to know if it works smoothly or not in challenging shooting situations.
Image Stabilization
For those who often shoot handheld or in low-light settings, you may want to invest in a Nikon lens with built-in image stabilization. This Vibration Reduction technology enables you to shoot at least a few stops slower while correcting camera shake.
Weight
Weight is often an overlooked factor when buying a lens. However, it is also best to consider a lightweight and compact lens, especially if you will be traveling. It will make it easier to carry, pack, or switch between different lenses.
Price
Lenses are available at various price points, which can be overwhelming for beginners. However, to make things easier, it is best to set your budget before buying a lens.
Ask yourself if you are willing to spend thousands of dollars for a single glass to get the best features. If no, do not worry, as there are tons of cheap lenses on the market that can deliver quality results!
Warranty
Finally, we recommend investing in a lens with a warranty. It comes in handy if you accidentally received a defective lens or a damaged one. Plus, it is proof of how confident the manufacturer is about their products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lens does the Nikon D3400 use?
The Nikon D3400 is compatible with an F-type lens mount, similar to most Nikon DSLRs. It can also accept other mounts, like the Canon EF or the Sony E, via an adapter. However, these mounts usually do not work properly with all camera features, including the autofocus.
So if you want to guarantee optimal performance, it is best to use Nikon F lenses on the D3400.
Can you use FX lenses on the Nikon D3400?
Yes, you can use FX-format (full-frame) lenses on the Nikon D3400, despite it being an APS-C camera. So if you ever decide to upgrade to a full-frame DSLR model, you can save money in the long term.
However, FX lenses are pretty expensive when you buy them upfront. Some can also be bulky and heavy.
What is the crop factor of the Nikon D3400?
The Nikon D3400 has a crop factor of 1.5x due to its APS-C DX-format sensor. So if you want to use a 50mm lens, it is essential to know that it will be equivalent to 75mm. Always keep this factor in mind to avoid buying a lens that is not suited for your needs.
Conclusion
That concludes our list of the best lenses for the Nikon D3400! We highly recommend every product as it can produce high-quality images.
But if you can only invest in a single lens, we suggest getting the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. It might not be the brightest and fastest glass on the market, but it offers a versatile zoom range. Plus, it features a built-in Vibration Reduction image stabilizer and a near-silent autofocus system. Thus, this zoom lens is ideal for all kinds of photography.