Are you looking for the best lenses for the Nikon D7200? You may want to consider its focal length, aperture, and stabilization. With these features in mind, I have summarized my top picks below.
I have tested the top 20 products, compared their features and average ratings side-by-side, then narrowed them down to the five best lenses for the Nikon D7200.
After all, what is the use of a capable camera without a good pair of lenses?
So whether you are looking for a wide-angle lens for landscape photography or a telephoto one for wildlife and sports, you will find them in this article.
And if you want to know which options will matter to you, take a look at our handy buying guide below.
Without further ado, read on for the full article!
Is the Nikon D7200 DSLR Worth Buying?
If you already own a Nikon D7200, feel free to skip this section and jump into our top picks.
But to those who are planning to buy a Nikon D7200, you can continue reading this section to know if this particular camera model is still worth buying today.
At its first release in 2015, Nikon dubbed the D7200 as the “new star of the DX-format camera lineup.” But does it still compete on the market? Let’s take a look below.
It features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor that can shoot 1080/60p video, albeit at a 1.3x crop only. Native ISO ranges from 100 to 25,600 but expandable up to 102,400 in black and white mode. As for the image quality, it is one of the best in APS-C sensor cameras due to the robust noise performance and wider dynamic range.
However, the main improvement is the Multi-CAM 3500DX II system. It offers 51 AF points, which now has a sensitivity of -3EV, for better focusing and sharper photos.
There is also a larger buffer size compared to its predecessor. This Nikon camera has a maximum burst rate of six fps at full size and seven fps in 1.3x crop mode. This feature is convenient for photographers who like to shoot continuously.
Other new upgrades are the Wi-Fi with NFC and the long battery life (1110 shots in the D7200 vs. 950 shots in the D7100). The former includes Nikon SnapBridge technology, enabling you to control the camera and transfer files remotely using your phone.
In terms of the design and ergonomics, this Nikon camera gets most of the controls right. The settings are right where you want them to be for a more convenient shooting experience. This benefit should not really come as a surprise, though, considering the D7200 is an enthusiast-level DSLR.
As you can tell, the Nikon D7200 is still a capable camera today. The improved AF and larger buffer are its strongest points, making it perfect for semi-professionals or serious hobbyists.
If you are looking for a great video camera, we advise against getting this DSLR. You can find other models with better video features at a relatively lower price.
But if you want to capture stills in low-light, the Nikon D7200 delivers exceptional results. We highly recommend getting one and investing in a great lens instead of spending money on more expensive camera bodies.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Runner-up  |
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5 Best Lenses for Nikon D500
1. Nikon DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED – Best All-Around Lens for Nikon D7200
If you need a lens to carry around for general photography, consider getting the Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G.
The focal range of 18-105mm allows you to shoot both wide scenes and close-ups. Thus, it is ideal for all kinds of photography, whether it is landscape, portraits, and sports.
This Nikon lens also features a variable aperture of f/3.5-5.6. It may not be the fastest lens on the market, which can affect low-light performance and depth of field. But the aperture still opens wide enough to let a considerable amount of light into the sensor, resulting in outstanding image quality.
And speaking of light, it has a Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) that enhances light transmission. Beyond that, it even offers superior color consistency and reduced flare to improve overall image quality.
Furthermore, it boasts Vibration Reduction (VR). This technology allows blur-free handheld shooting at up to three shutter speeds slower, which is not otherwise possible in lenses without optical image stabilization. Therefore, the lens delivers impressive sharpness
On top of these benefits, this Nikkor lens includes a bayonet lens hood and flexible lens pouch on the package. Feel free to grab your lens and go capture photos and videos.
Most customer reviews for this lens are positive. However, some users said that the plastic build feels cheap and flimsy.
That said, the pros far outweigh the cons.
The Nikon DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is a versatile lens for the Nikon D7200, perfect for all-around use.
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/3.5-5.6
- Focal Length: 18-105mm
- Filter Thread Size: 67mm
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.99 x 2.99 inches
- Weight: 0.93 lbs
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The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED is also an excellent all-around lens for the Nikon D7200. You get a versatile zoom range from 18 to 300mm, suitable for sports and wildlife photography. But it is more expensive and slightly heavier than the Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G.
2. Nikon DX 35mm f/1.8G – Best Prime Lens for Nikon D7200
Are you into portrait photography? A large aperture lens like the Nikon DX 35mm f/1.8G is a must-have on your camera bag.
The fixed 35mm focal length is equivalent to 52mm in the Nikon D7200 due to the camera’s crop sensor. It offers the most natural perspective, similar to what the naked eye sees. Thus, it is ideal for capturing subjects, typically human portraits, without distortion.
Besides the focal length, the maximum aperture of this lens also contributes to high-quality photos. It opens wide at f/1.8, which provides a narrow depth of field. This helps isolate your subject, resulting in stunning portraits.
In addition to creating a blurred background, an f/1.8 maximum aperture also ensures exceptional low-light performance. You can now shoot photos and videos using only the available light without a problem.
Moreover, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G includes the exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM). This technology enables fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus to meet your needs.
Despite these advantages, there are a few significant downsides to this prime lens.
First, it has a fixed focal length, which may become a liability when shooting. This is because you need to move physically closer or further away from your subject if you want to change your perspective. Meanwhile, zoom lenses allow you to get closer and far from your subject in an instant.
Some users also reported problems with the AF technology. The lens usually hunts focus when shooting other subjects besides portraits. Thus, they do not get the sharpest images possible.
Nevertheless, the Nikon DX 35mm f/1.8G is still one of the best standard prime lenses for the Nikon D7200. Get this piece of glass if you mainly dabble in portrait photography. Otherwise, you may want to consider our other option for this lens category.
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Focal Length: 35mm
- Filter Thread Size: 52mm
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lbs
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The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is one of the best prime lenses for Nikon cameras and a great alternative to the Nikon 35mm. It offers the same maximum aperture, which offers a narrow depth of field and excellent low-light performance. The price point is also similar to the Nikon DX 35mm. Moreover, several users said that it is a sharper lens. However, we didn’t choose it as the best prime and portrait lens for the Nikon D7200 because of vignetting issues and the fact that it is a full-frame FX-format lens.
3. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD – Best Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D7200
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is one of the best wide-angle zoom lenses for the Nikon D7200.
It has a minimum focal length of 17mm, which allows you to capture more of the scene in front of you. So whether you want to shoot architectural buildings, interior design, or landscapes, this lens delivers excellent results. Meanwhile, the maximum focal length of 50mm makes it possible to capture portraits.
This Sigma lens also offers a large aperture at f/2.8, resulting in narrow depth of field and remarkable low-light performance.
Furthermore, there is an included Optical Stabilizer (OS). This built-in image stabilization enables the use of shutter speeds four stops slower than average.
Lastly, it comes with a lens hood and carrying case. This lens hood, together with the Super Multi-Layer coating, can reduce flare and ghosting. On the other hand, the case protects the lens when not in use.
Overall, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is an excellent wide-angle lens for the Nikon D7200. But since it is a third-party lens, it often hunts for focus. Some users also mentioned that it produces a noisy sound when focusing. If you want a native Nikon wide-angle lens, check out the product below.
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Focal Length: 17-50mm
- Filter Thread Size: 77mm
- Dimensions: 3.62 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches
- Weight: 1.25 lbs
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The Nikon FX 20mm f/1.8G offers a fixed focal length and a larger maximum aperture at f/1.8. It also features Nikon’s own Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that ensures accurate and fast autofocus performance. However, it is more than double the price of the Sigma. For this reason, we listed the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 as the best wide-angle lens for its better value for the money.
4. Nikon FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED – Best Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon D7200
Do you like to capture photos of wildlife animals or birds? Consider investing in a super-telephoto lens like the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E.
It offers an extremely long zoom range (200-500mm) that allows you to capture subjects from far distances away. This capability is beneficial for bird and wildlife photography. With that said, astronomy, action, and sports photographers will also find this lens useful.
This Nikkor lens also features a fixed maximum aperture of f/5.6. It functions separately from the focal length of the lens, resulting in a constant larger aperture throughout the entire zoom range. Thus, it delivers a narrow depth of field and dependable low-light shooting performance.
Moreover, it boasts 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction technology with the sports mode. This image stabilization ensures sharp images, which is crucial when shooting at slower shutter speeds.
However, there are a few cons to this telephoto zoom lens.
First, it is extremely heavy, at around 5 lbs. We recommend mounting it to a tripod to help bear the load and minimize camera shake during shoots.
Some users also said that the images are not as sharp as they expect, especially at longer focal lengths.
Nevertheless, the Nikon FX 200-500mm f/5.6E ED is still one of the best telephoto zoom lenses for the Nikon D7200. It delivers high-quality pictures at a relatively lower price compared to high-end zoom lenses.
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/5.6
- Focal Length: 200-500mm
- Filter Thread Size: 95mm
- Dimensions: 10.53 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches
- Weight: 5.07 lbs
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Are you looking for a slightly less expensive telephoto zoom lens with more or less the same specs as the Nikon? The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 checks all the boxes. It offers a long focal range that is suitable for capturing different subjects from a far distance. Plus, it comes bundled with a camera bag and other travel essentials. However, it is a third-party lens, so AF and image stabilization (Sigma calls it OS) performance may be inconsistent in the Nikon D7200.
5. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD – Best Macro Lens for Nikon D7200
If you are into macro photography, you might like the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6.
It offers a magnification ratio of 1:2 that brings small objects up close. Thus, it results in a stunning, larger-than-life perspective. This capability is useful when capturing photos of insects, nature, and food.
The 70-300mm focal length makes it easier to shoot subjects even at far distances. Meanwhile, the aperture range of f/4.0-5.6 is the reason behind the lens’s relatively lower price and light load. It is one of the best compact telephoto zoom lenses on the market.
However, a variable aperture also means that you lose depth of field and exposure when shooting at the maximum focal range of 300mm.
There is also no built-in lens stabilization, which affects image sharpness during handheld shooting. Some users even reported that the autofocus is slow and loud.
With that said, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 lens is hard to beat for its price. It delivers stunning close-up photos, making it our best choice for macro photography.
Specifications:
- Aperture: f/4.0-5.6
- Focal Length: 70-300mm
- Filter Thread Size: 62mm
- Dimensions: 4.61 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches
- Weight: 0.96 lbs
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The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM offers a 1:1 magnification ratio greater than the Tamron. It gives you a larger-than-life perspective, resulting in stunning close-up photos. Plus, this macro lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 for better low-light shooting and a narrower depth of field. Finally, there is a built-in image stabilization called OS (Optical Stabilizer). All these benefits come at a steep cost, though, which is three times more than the price of the Tamron macro lens.
Things to Look for in the Best Lens for Nikon D7200
Choosing the right lens for the Nikon D7200 is not a simple task. Below, we included the considerations to know before buying one.
Focal Length
One of the first things you need to consider is the focal length. Ask yourself how much of the scene you want to capture.
If you want a tight perspective, get a telephoto lens. This piece of glass has a focal length of more than 70mm, ideal for capturing distant objects. Thus, it is typically the top choice of action, sports, and wildlife photographers.
There is also a wide-angle lens that delivers a broader viewpoint. It offers a focal length between 20mm to 35mm, suitable for architectural and landscape photography.
Are you aiming for a natural-looking perspective without distortion? Go for a standard lens with a 35-70mm focal range that lets you capture photos close to what our eyes see.
Aperture
Besides focal length, you also have to think about the lens aperture.
This factor determines the depth of field or how much blur is in the background of your photos. It also affects how much light enters the camera’s sensor, which is essential for low-light shooting.
In general, look for a lens with a larger maximum aperture such as f/1.8 or f/2.0. It offers a shallow depth of field and impressive low-light performance, ideal for portraits and general photography.
Stabilization
The Nikon D7200 does not have in-body image stabilization. Thus, shooting handheld or at slower shutter speeds can affect image sharpness.
Fortunately, you can compensate by using a lens with built-in optical image stabilization. Nikon calls this Vibration Reduction technology (VR), while other brands have different names for it.
Regardless of the brand, it is best to find a lens with this functionality. This will make it possible to achieve sharper images even at slower shutter speeds or handheld use.
Weight
Weight is an often-overlooked factor, but it is one of the most important considerations when buying a lens.
If you often travel, it does not make sense to carry around heavy lenses. It will not only make it harder to pack inside your camera bag, but it is also challenging to lug during a trip.
Instead, look for a compact lens that you can store in your camera bag and carry handheld with ease.
Compatibility
The Nikon D7200 is compatible with both DX and FX lenses. Thus, you can buy both lens formats without a problem.
However, there are some essential factors to consider.
For instance, FX-format lenses also fit Nikon full-frame cameras. So if you have plans to upgrade your camera body in the future, you can invest in these lenses now and save money down the line. However, they usually have a higher upfront cost than DX lenses. They are also heavier and bulkier.
In contrast, DX-format lenses are lighter, more compact, and more affordable than their counterparts. The only drawback is that they are not compatible with a full-frame Nikon DSLR. But if you do not want to upgrade your camera in the future, you can perfectly live fine with DX lenses.
Are you still confused? You can read more about the comparison between the DX and FX formats from the Nikon website.
Budget
You may also want to consider your budget.
If you want to get value for your money, you can find great lenses for the Nikon D7200 at an affordable price.
But if you want the most robust specs that yield professional results, you may need to spend on more expensive lenses.
Warranty
Finally, consider investing in a lens with a warranty. Having one will make it easier to ask for a replacement, return, or refund if the lens suddenly stops working properly.
However, remember that most warranties only ensure defects. If you accidentally broke the lens, you cannot qualify for coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lens for Nikon D7200?
The best lens for the NikonD7200 will depend on your needs and the kind of photography that you do. In this article, we listed the top lenses among their categories, whether it is a wide-angle or telephoto kind.
What lens mount is the Nikon D7200?
The Nikon D7200 has a Nikon F lens mount. It enables autofocus on both older screw-drive AF and the latest AF-S lenses with their built-in focusing motor.
What lenses are compatible with Nikon D7200?
This Nikon camera is compatible with almost all F-mount lenses from Nikon and several third-party lenses from manufacturers such as Sigma, Tamron, and more. For a complete list of the available lenses for the Nikon D7200, you can check out Lensora.
Conclusion
That sums up our list of the best lenses for Nikon D7200.
There is no absolute best lens for one person. It will vary depending on your preferences, needs, and the actual type of photography that you do.
With that said, we included the top lenses for Nikon D7200 among each category. And if you are looking for a great lens for all-around use, we highly suggest getting the Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G. It has a variable focal length and aperture range that suits everyday photography.