In this article I collect the best Nikon D3200 compatible lenses (zoom/prime) made by Nikon, Sigma, and Tamron. Check this out.
The Nikon D3200 camera is a small DSLR body, characterized by a cheap price (around $500), and a huge number of megapixels (24MP). It’s suggested for usual use and for beginner photographers, because it is easy to use while producing great image quality and high definition video – if you put in front of it the right photography lenses.
Here in this article, I will guide you through all the best Nikon D3200 lenses.
Note:
- Lenses listed here are 100% compatible with all Nikon entry-level DSLR cameras – this means Nikon D3xxx series, Nikon D5xxx series, and Nikon D7xxx.
- To be sure this article is useful and understandable for absolute novices, a brief definition of lens photography terms is necessary.
This article was written by Beno The Photographer for Accessory For You.
This table shows all the lenses mentioned in the article so you can quickly compare them and pick the one you need.
| Lens | Type | Focal Length | Best For | Notes / Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 18–55mm f/3.5–5.6G AF-S DX | Zoom (Kit) | 18–55mm | Beginner / everyday | Great starter lens Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 55–200mm f/4–5.6G AF-S DX | Telephoto zoom | 55–200mm | Sports / wildlife (basic) | Cheap way to extend the kit lens Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 55–300mm f/4.5–5.6G AF-S DX | Telephoto zoom | 55–300mm | Wildlife / sports | Recommended telephoto Buy on Amazon |
| Sigma 70–300mm f/4–5.6 DG | Telephoto zoom | 70–300mm | Budget telephoto | Low price option Buy on Amazon |
| Tamron 18–200mm f/3.5–6.3 | All-in-one zoom | 18–200mm | Travel / walk-around | Cheapest all-in-one Buy on Amazon |
| Sigma 18–250mm f/3.5–6.3 | All-in-one zoom | 18–250mm | Travel / general use | Long reach all-in-one Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 18–200mm f/3.5–5.6G AF-S DX | All-in-one zoom | 18–200mm | “One lens for everything” | Recommended all-in-one Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 18–300mm f/3.5–6.3G AF-S DX | All-in-one zoom | 18–300mm | Travel / maximum flexibility | Huge zoom range in one lens Buy on Amazon |
| Sigma 10–20mm f/4–5.6 | Wide-angle zoom | 10–20mm | Landscapes / interiors | Budget wide-angle Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 10–24mm f/3.5–4.5G AF-S DX | Wide-angle zoom | 10–24mm | Landscapes / architecture | Serious wide-angle Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX | Prime | 35mm | Everyday / low-light / street | Must-have everyday lens Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S | Prime | 50mm | Portraits / subject isolation | Top portrait pick Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro | Macro prime | 40mm | Macro beginner / product shots | Best starter macro Low price Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 60mm f/2.8G Micro | Macro prime | 60mm | Macro / close-up | Recommended macro Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 105mm f/2.8G VR Micro | Macro prime | 105mm | Serious macro / insects | Pro-level macro Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G Fisheye | Fisheye prime | 10.5mm | Creative ultra-wide | Recommended fisheye Buy on Amazon |
| Nikon 8mm Fisheye | Fisheye prime | 8mm | Fun extreme distortion | Budget fisheye Buy on Amazon |
1 – Main Characteristics of Nikon D3200 Compatible Lenses
Nikon compatible lenses are expensive, and buying the wrong lens will represent a great loss to you. To avoid this problem, you should know a few important things about lenses before making your purchase.
I will cover in this article:
- The three major companies that manufacture lenses.
- Essential information about zooming ability.
- Two formats of Nikon lenses (DX vs FX).
- Full list of zoom lenses (compatible with all Nikon entry-level DSLR cameras).
- Full list of prime lenses (same here).
- Top 6 best lenses for the Nikon D3200 or any other Nikon entry-level DSLR camera.
A – Companies That Manufacture Nikon D3200 Lenses
Nikon lenses come in the first place (also known as Nikkor); their lenses are high quality, but expensive. Then come the lenses made by Tokina, Sigma, and finally Tamron (in that order).
B – Zoom Lenses and Zooming Ability
In photography, by “zoom” we mean getting closer to your subjects without moving toward them – in other words, “bringing far subjects close to you.” This happens only with a zoom lens.
A zoom lens is a lens that has a range of focal lengths from A to B (for example, 18–55mm). Its focal length varies.
Lenses that have only one focal length (for example, 35mm) are called prime lenses, and they can’t zoom.
For smooth automatic focusing you need an in-built focus motor. It can be placed in the body of the camera or in the body of the lens. Wherever you put this small motor, the body that contains it becomes a little more expensive.
In the case of the Nikon D3200, the body does not contain an in-built focus motor; that’s why it comes at a low price. So to get automatic focusing, you need a Nikon lens that contains this motor inside it. Nikon calls them AF-S lenses, while Nikon lenses without an inbuilt focus motor are called AF lenses.
- Tokina: lenses with an in-built focus motor are called DXII (or DX2), and lenses that don’t have this motor are just DX.
- Sigma: motorized lenses are labeled HSM.
- Tamron: AF/MF (the lens supports Autofocus / Manual Focus).
- Each other brand has its own designations (I list here just the top brands).
Summary:
Always buy a lens that contains an in-built focus motor for the Nikon D3200.
Again, all lenses listed here are 100% compatible with all Nikon entry-level DSLR cameras (like the Nikon D3200) and contain the in-built focus motor.
C – Nikon Lens Formats: DX vs FX
Nikon makes two types of lenses:
- FX lenses: made for the more expensive full-frame DSLR camera bodies such as the Nikon D810.
- DX lenses: contain a G in their names, made for entry-level DSLR cameras such as the Nikon D3xxx series, D5xxx, and D7xxx.
DX lenses come in two models: AF-S (contain an in-built focus motor) and AF (without it).
Summary:
For Nikon entry-level bodies, always go with DX AF-S lenses (for example: Nikon 55-200mm f/4–5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR) to ensure compatibility and automatic focusing.
D – How to Choose the Right Lens for Your Entry-Level DSLR Camera
Because there are a lot of different focal-length ranges, selecting the right first lens (or second lens) for your DSLR can be hard. Here are some simple steps that will help you select the best lens for your needs:
- Write on a small piece of paper the budget you want to spend on this lens. It can be a range (for example: $100–$300).
- Write the focal-length range your old lens already covers. For example, if you have the kit lens, that means you cover 18mm to 55mm, so there is no need to buy a lens that covers this same range again.
- Write the type of photography you want to do: portrait, landscape, macro, etc.
- Now check the tables below and find the best lens that meets your needs.
2 – Zoom vs Prime Nikon D3200 Lens – Which One Is Better?
A – Nikon D3200 Zoom Lenses
I – Portability and Flexibility
There is a large interest in the purchase of a zoom lens, among them:
- With one zoom lens in your bag, you can do many types of photography (portrait, wildlife, macro, etc.).
- A zoom lens can replace a wide range of prime lenses (for example, the Nikon 18–55mm zoom lens can replace 35mm, 40mm, and 50mm primes in many situations).
- You save the time that is wasted changing lenses (with prime lenses).
- You reduce the risk of breaking a lens during changes.
- You reduce the risk of getting dust on your camera sensor while changing lenses many times.
II – Price
Because their construction is more complicated, the price of zoom lenses is a little higher compared to prime lenses.
Now I will present, in separate tables according to type of photography, the best Nikon D3200 zoom lenses made by Nikon, Tokina, Sigma, and sometimes Tamron.
Type 1: Best Beginner Lenses for Nikon D3200
As a beginner, I strongly suggest a lens with a focal length close to human vision – a lens you can use for everyday photography. The best two are the kit lens 18–55mm or the prime lens Nikon 35mm f/1.8G.
Learn the basics of photography with them, then buy a second lens and try other kinds of photography.
Most people say the kit lens is garbage, but here are 8 benefits of the kit lens from experts.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 18–55mm Recommended* | 4.7/5 | $190 | [Free Shipping] |
Type 2: Best Nikon D3200 Telephoto Lenses
If you already own the kit lens, great. With a telephoto lens you can extend your focal-length range beyond 55mm or 70mm, and explore more types of photography: sports, landscape, wildlife and even macro.
There are different focal lengths: if your subjects are very far, choose a 300mm; if they are just “far”, go with 200mm.
Note: A camera tripod is a must-have when doing telephoto photography.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 55–200mm | 4.6/5 | $140 | [43% OFF – SAVE $107.01 – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 55–300mm Recommended* | 4.7/5 | $390 | [1% OFF – Free Shipping] |
| Sigma 70–300mm Low Price* | 4.4/5 | $140 | [18% OFF – SAVE $30.00 – Free Shipping] |
Type 3: Best Nikon D3200 All-in-One Zoom Lenses
If you don’t have the 18–55mm kit lens, or you prefer to cover all the focal length from 18mm to 200mm or 300mm with only one lens, you need an all-in-one zoom lens.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamron 18–200mm Low Price* | 4.4/5 | $190 | [33% OFF – SAVE $100.00 – Free Shipping] |
| Sigma 18–250mm | 4.5/5 | $340 | [36% OFF – SAVE $200.00 – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 18–200mm Recommended* | 4.7/5 | $590 | [8% OFF – SAVE $53.00 – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 18–300mm | 4.6/5 | $690 | [Free Shipping] |
Type 4: Best Nikon D3200 Wide-Angle Lenses
Wide-angle lens… what is it and why do you need it?
In simple words, a wide-angle lens is an essential lens in your bag. With this type of lens you can take stunning photos that none of your other lenses can produce.
It is characterized by a short focal length (generally under 35mm) and a wide angle of view that lets you capture more in the frame.
With a normal zoom lens, you need to step back a lot to capture a wide view. You then lose detail and sharpness because you are too far away. With a wide-angle lens, you can be close and still take a wide view without stepping back.
To understand a wide view, remember that human eyes capture around 180°. With a wide-angle lens, you can get close to that feel. See the images below for an idea of what I mean.
You can never get such wide photos with a normal lens, so now you know the real value of a wide-angle lens.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma 10–20mm Low Price* | 4.5/5 | $470 | [Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 10–24mm If you’re serious about wide-angle photography | 4.7/5 | $890 | [Free Shipping] |
B – Best Nikon D3200 Prime Lenses
A prime lens has only one fixed focal length that never changes (for example, the 35mm f/1.8G lens). Here are some arguments in favor of prime lenses:
I – Quality
Prime lenses are known for their image quality compared to zoom lenses. Photographers agree that prime lenses often provide clearer and sharper photos.
II – Price
Prime lenses are often cheaper because they have a simpler body (they don’t zoom; they have only fixed parts). It’s not a strict rule, because price also depends on build and optical quality – there are extremely expensive primes and also very affordable ones.
III – Weight
Prime lenses usually have a simple, solid design and a smaller weight compared to zoom lenses.
IV – Speed
Prime lenses are usually faster (wider maximum aperture) than zoom lenses. If you need an extra-fast lens or shoot in low light, a prime lens is often the best choice.
V – Technique
Zoom lenses can make the photographer lazy, while prime lenses push you to move, find the best angle and distance, and that’s a big part of the fun of photography.
In some situations you can’t move closer (wildlife, sea or ocean photography), and there zoom lenses are the right choice.
As with zoom lenses, I’ll present below, in separate tables, the best Nikon D3200 prime lenses by type of photography.
Type 1: Best Nikon D3200 Portrait Lenses
As photographers, we do portrait photography almost every day. Most pictures we take are portraits, and everyone from your family or friends will ask you for a portrait.
The best lens for portrait is the 50mm f/1.8G – it is made for portraits. There is also a lens that every photographer needs in the bag: 35mm f/1.8G. It’s small, strong, and the best lens for everyday photography – kids, family, pets, cars, street photography… I love this lens and I’m sure you will too once you test it.
Note: If you’re still confused between Nikon 35mm or 50mm, read: Ultimate Guide to Nikon 35mm vs 50mm .
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Recommended* | 5/5 | $210 | [1% OFF – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Recommended* | 5/5 | $190 | [2% OFF – Free Shipping] |
Type 2: Best Nikon D3200 Macro / Micro Lenses
Macro photography is an undiscovered world that only photographers with a macro lens can explore.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 40mm Best for beginners in macro* Low Price* | 4.7/5 | $270 | [1% OFF – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 60mm Recommended* | 5/5 | $590 | [Only 4 in stock – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 105mm For serious macro* | 5/5 | $840 | [6% OFF – SAVE $52.96 – Free Shipping] |
Type 3: Best Nikon D3200 Fisheye Lenses
You can have a lot of fun with fisheye lenses. I list here a couple of options, including a cheaper one that’s great if you’re just curious about what you can get.
| Lens Name | Rate | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon 10.5mm Recommended* | 4.6/5 | $770 | [Only 1 left – Free Shipping] |
| Nikon 8mm Low Price* | 4.4/5 | $110 | [32% OFF – SAVE $110 – Free Shipping] |
Top 4 Best Lenses for Nikon D3200
So, if you want a lens for everyday photography, Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is the best choice.
If you want to do portraits, you should get Nikon 50mm f/1.8G.
If you want to try macro photography, I suggest Nikon 40mm macro lens – it has a low price and gives good results.
If you are looking for a zoom lens, I recommend Sigma 70–300mm – very large focal length and low price.
This is the end of this article about Nikon D3200 compatible lenses. If you like it, please share it on your favorite social media and feel free to ask any question in the comments.
Read Also:
- Top 13 accessories for Nikon D3200 (keep your DSLR/lenses clean, protected, in good condition, plus add more fun while doing photography).
- List of the best online photography courses for beginners .
- Do you own a Sony E-mount camera? Read this Sony a6000 E-mount lenses guide .