Are you looking for the best Nikon D40 lenses but don’t know which is best for your specific situation?
If so, you will agree with the following statement:
Choosing the best lenses for the Nikon D40 camera is not as easy as it may seem initially.
There are many different manufacturers with different models on the market. To make things even worse, there are not enough easy-to-read guides to provide precise information.
Also, Nikon D40 lenses are expensive, so making the right choice is essential for most photographers.
Here’s the thing:
By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary knowledge to choose a lens for Nikon D40 that will best be suited to your needs.
Without more hesitation, let’s dive straight into the results and discover what
There are five most essential lens types:
- Macro lenses
- Wide-Angle lenses
- Prime lenses
- All-In-One lenses
- Telephoto lenses
The best type of lens solely depends on your personal needs and intentions. Keep reading to find the best Nikon D40 lenses for your personal goals.
Let’s start!
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Editor's Choice
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Best Runner Up
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Best Budget
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Description: Unleash your creativity with remarkable sharpness and versatile focal range. The top choice for passionate photographers. |
Description: Capture every detail with exceptional precision and speed. A reliable companion for professional-level photography. |
Description: Discover affordability without compromising quality. Perfect for entry-level enthusiasts seeking versatility and value. |
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Unleash your creativity with remarkable sharpness and versatile focal range. The top choice for passionate photographers.
Capture every detail with exceptional precision and speed. A reliable companion for professional-level photography.
Discover affordability without compromising quality. Perfect for entry-level enthusiasts seeking versatility and value.
Table of Contents
Best for Low-Light photography
Capture stunning detail with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8G lens; optimal sharpness, stellar low-light performance, and bokeh mastery await.
There are numerous reasons why Nikon’s 35mm f/1.8G is perfect for taking photos in a poorly lit environment. First of all, it comes supplied with AF-S Silent Wave Motor.
This, aside from AF-I, happens to be the only Nikon lens with the autofocus feature on Nikon’s D40.
It works like a charm when used with a manual-focus camera, which is what you intend to do when shooting low-light photos.
Furthermore:
It sports SIC (super-integrated coating) optics, making it a versatile, well-rounded choice, especially when shooting at nightfall. In terms of size, it’s small and lightweight, so it won’t take up much of your storage space if you’re bringing along a lot of gear.
Overall, it’s fast, highly accurate, and allows you to shoot quality images in nearly all environments rapidly.
Pros
- Quite affordable
- SWM AF system
- Small and light
- It takes in a bit more light in comparison to similar f/2.8 lenses
Cons
- Clunky autofocus
Best for Macro photography
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is one of the best macro lens that is designed for macro photography and it delivers lovely photos with beautiful bokeh.
Most professional photographers will agree that Nikon’s 105mm f/2.8G represents the brand’s line of macro lenses.
It pioneered image stabilization technology and is compatible with entire and cropped-frame DX-format bodies. When used with a Nikon DSLR, it supports the autofocus feature.
It’s one of the most oversized Nikon lenses and boasts superb filter thread (62 millimeters), image-above stabilization tech, and FX-sized cover sensors.
It has several complimentary features, including a snap-on lens cap, an easy carry pouch, a rear-lens cap, and a revertible bayonet-type hood.
Although it costs slightly more than a standard Nikkor lens, it is worth the money.
Pros
- Image stabilization feature
- Autofocus is compatible with some Nikon DSLR models
- Equipped with plenty of complementary features
- Rubber grommet sealing
Cons
- Expensive
Best for Sports Videography
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 is a revolutionary lens from a Sigma company that has excellent build quality and produces stunning and sharp images
If you are looking for a high-quality professional lens for sports videography, we recommend saving for Sigma’s 18-35mm f/1.8 Art DC HSM lens.
Although it’s somewhat marketed as the ‘Canon-compatible’ lens, it’s compatible with most Sigma, Sony, Pentax, Canon, and Nikon models.
It sports a focal length of 18 to 35 mm, a maximum aperture of f/1.8, and a minimum aperture of f/16.
The fact that it’s built to withstand quite some abuse means that it might last for decades given proper maintenance – Sigma’s 18-35mm lens sports a robust brass mount; it smoothly connects to the barrel, and it doesn’t put up those annoying ‘clicking’ sounds that can ruin a good video.
Though it’s indeed vast and slightly heavier than average, it’s still one of the best lenses in the price range.
Pros
- Superb FOV
- Ultrasonic AF motor
- Nearly soundless method of operation
- Rapid target acquisition
Cons
- Big and bulky construction
Best for Close-Up photography
This wide-angle lens from Nikon is great for close-up shots and low-light situations and it comes equipped with vibration reduction and silent-wave motor.
We have another Nikon lens, the Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G AF-S lens. While Nikon’s 35mm f/1.8G works best in poorly lit conditions, the 18-55mm works best for close-up shots.
Most of its features are built around image stabilization, as it comes supplied with VR technology (vibration reduction) and the Silent-Wave motor.
The closest distance you could reach with it is 0.28 meters, which means that your target will almost be touching the lens.
Even though it was meant for taking close shots, its versatility stretches even further; it can be used for long and mid-range shots.
Pros
- Silent-Wave motor
- Vibration reduction technology
- Exceptionally versatile lens
- Very easy to use
Cons
- Flimsy and easy to break
Best for Interior photography
This is one of the most popular Nikon lenses made from durable plastic, it includes a Super Integrated Coating and shots sharp images.
Nikon’s 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G is probably one of the most flexible Nikon lenses. It’s pretty light because it’s made of sturdy plastic; its mount is made of metal and sports an even higher level of durability.
The reason why this lens is so good for interior photography is that it sports superb image stabilization. It can take ultra-sharp photos at rapid speed (1/10 of a second) and has a built-in VR for additional reliability.
Although it’s pretty sensitive to background light, you can utilize this little ‘flaw’ to your advantage by creating natural contrast in the ambient.
To top it all, even though you won’t use it much for interior photo sessions, it sports a massive zoom. This one is an excellent fit if you are looking for a good Nikon D40 zoom lens.
Pros
- Great image stabilization; can be used without a tripod
- Takes ultra-sharp photos quickly
- Huge zoom
- Lightweight and durable
Cons
- Best used by experienced photographers due to enhanced sensitivity to background lights
Best for Sports and Travel photography
This Nikon lens offers wide-angle to medium telephoto zoom capability and it provides high sharpness, clear details and good build quality.
Let’s begin by saying that Nikon’s 24-70mm f/2.8E is an exclusively professional Nikon lens attachment.
However, significant and exquisite rewards await those who don’t mind parting with a (not so) small fortune.
It’s incredibly versatile, but it seems to sit best in the hands of sports and travel photographers due to its exceptional zoom and image sharpness.
The fields where it excels the most include black and white photography, night sky photography, street photography, and any advanced, professional photo shooting.
Pros
- One of the most versatile lenses for the Nikon D40
- Unparalleled zoom quality
- Excellent optics
- Advanced micro-contrast capturing
Cons
- Very expensive
Best for Portrait photography
This prime lens from Nikon offers superb quality and edge to edge sharpness, it produces great portraits while being budget friendly.
Capturing a portrait is no small feat. There are so many details and factors to consider that even the most skilled and experienced photographers find this task daunting.
Luckily, we’ve got a solution, and its name is Nikon’s 50mm f/1.8G lens. It sports a focal length of 50 mm, a minimal focus range of 0.45 meters, M/A focus modes, autofocus, and a filter thread of 58 mm.
The reason why it’s the perfect lens for taking portraits is because it sports optimized edge sharpness technology.
With a simple twist, you’ll be able to immortalize everyone and anyone you aim this beauty at.
Last but certainly not least, it’s shamefully affordable and packs a massive bang for the buck.
Pros
- Incredibly affordable
- Autofocus and great zoom
- Decently versatile
- Small and compact
Cons
- Not the most durable Nikon D40 lens
Best for Night photography
An impeccable contrast and high quality images are something you can expect from this high-end lens from Nikon, including many other great features.
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
- Focal Length Range: 35mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.0 ft (0.3 meters)
- Weight: 1.32 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Taking photos at night is almost impossible without a lens without impeccable contrast and brightness customization. Nikon’s 35mm f/1.4G is, without any shadow of a doubt, more than suited for the job.
It sports a Silent-Wave autofocus motor, like nearly all high-quality Nikon D40 lenses, complex aspherical elements, a 67 mm filter thread, Magic anti-reflection coating, and ten elements in seven groups.
Simply put, it’s the best night-vision scope you could spot on the market.
The problem is that it costs an arm and a leg. Beginner photographers who are yet to get accustomed to the wonders of nightlife photography should begin saving up every cent immediately if they hope to get their hands on this beautiful art-making contraption sometime next year.
On the brighter side, this lens is a one-time investment in your photo-shooting future – it’s built to last and delivers nothing short of best-quality images characterized by unequal sharpness.
Pros
- Built to last
- Nano-Crystal coating
- Rapid target acquisition
- Anti-reflection layers
Cons
- Very expensive
Best for Architectural photography
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G is a wide angle lens that ofers superior sharpness and it produces beautiful photos with stunning effects.
Nikon’s 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G is a versatile lens that can be used for anything. It sports a decent zoom, optimal focal length, sturdy construction, and a relatively small frame.
The SWM technology provides rapid and nearly soundless autofocus, while the aspherical elements almost completely negate lens aberration.
It’s pretty stable, even if you use it without a tripod.
Furthermore, it sports AF-S (Silent-Wave) Motor and two focus modes (automatic and manual); it’s practically weightless as it weighs approximately 21.02 ounces.
What’s best about it is that you’ll get many gratis accessories, including an LF-4 rear-lens cap, a snap-on front cap, an HB 56 bayonet hood, and a semi-soft carry case.
Pros
- Remarkable focus
- High performance
- Superb focal length
Cons
- Expensive
Best for Landscape photography
This wide-angle lens from Sigma packs quite a punch with exceptional optics, it works great in low-light and excels in the field of landscape photography.
Although it’s a relatively old model, Sigma’s 10-20mm f/3.5 lens still packs quite a punch.
It boasts exceptional optics and doesn’t cost much; it excels in landscape photography due to its great focal length and sharpness.
Some of the most notable features of this Nikon lens are the Hyper-Sonic Motor for ultra-quiet photoshoots, aspherical lenses, and multi-layer coating.
It works well in low-light situations, allowing you to capture some of the most stunning night sky images. One of the areas where this Sigma masterpiece performs well is real estate, as it captures incredible indoor photos.
This is an excellent lens for photographers who love taking natural photos with precise details and vibrant images.
Pros
- Built like a tank
- Superb optics
- Available at an affordable price
Cons
- Potential issues with corner sharpness
Nikon D40 Lenses – Wrapping Up
Buying the best lenses for Nikon D40 is tedious, but hopefully, this guide helped you make the right decision.
If you are still unsure what the right lens is for you, maybe check this model from Nikon.
If you need additional help with choosing the right lens for D40, you can also post a comment below or contact me. I will make sure to help you with any questions you may have.
Check out other similar guides, such as the Nikon D50 lenses and the Nikon D60 lenses guide.
Good luck!
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Hi, I appreciate your helpful article.
Please I need a lens that will improve my Nikon D40 camera for wedding pictures.
Thank you for your comment! For the Nikon D40, I would recommend the versatile and low-light proficient Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G. You can also consider the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E for its amazing image quality and telephoto range. Please let me know your specific needs and budget to get a more personal recommendation.
Hi, I am looking to get a good zoom lens for my D40, wanting to capture nature shots of whales, bears, etc while in Canada and Alaska. Couldn’t see anything specific in the excellent summaries you have posted so hopefully you have something that you can recommend. Mark.
Hi Mark, thanks for reaching out! I’d recommend the Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom Lens if you want something that can effortlessly capture wildlife shots like whales and bears. This incredible lens also offers macro capabilities, making it great for close-up images of flowers or any other tiny natural specks – all at an affordable price and light enough to carry wherever you go!
Edward, I’m looking for a long lense for my Nikon D40 that would be appropriate to take on a safari. I have the Nikon 18-200mm and agree with you 100% on it abilities; however, even at 200mm I would like a little more length so I don’t have to sit with the lions!!! I also have a Vivitar 650-1300mm but this is totally manual and takes some time to set up a shot. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. For a trip like this, I would be OK spending a little more.
Thanks for asking Tom! If you need a long lens that can be used on your Nikon D40 when out on safari, take a look at the Tamron SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD G2 – with its impressive 150-600mm zoom range, it offers tremendous reach and is perfect for capturing those distant subjects. Of course, Vibration Compensation (VC) technology is included to help reduce camera shake and preserve image sharpness even when using longer focal lengths. And the autofocus system is snappy enough to get those fleeting wildlife moments without hassle!
Hi,
Thanks for your helpful article.
I’m looking for a lens for product photography. I’m very new to DSLR. I have bought D40 long time ago and haven’t used it for long time. Now I’m trying to use it for my jewellery photography but don’t know what lens I should purchase.
I don’t know DSLR so I don’t want to upgrade the camera. I just want to practice with D40 with an affordable lens. Can you recommend lenses for me please?
Hi Kim,
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens has worked well for me in the past and is an excellent lens for photographing products. The image sharpness it offers, which is most important for product photography, will likely impress you greatly.
My wife enjoys photography & I want to enhance her enjoyment with new lenses. What would you recommend, she currently has a sigma70-300mmD. She has know particular passion, will take nighttime, family, outdoor..
What is your budget? It looks to me like the best option is to sell your sigma lens, and get new all-in-one lens that offers better picture quality. Maybe prime lens is a good option too, but considering she is going to do many of different photography types, I would recommend either one good all in one lens, or to buy both prime and wide-angle lens.
Maybe something like Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8E might be best suited for her needs if she can afford it. Since that lens is quite pricy, here is budget-friendly alternative: 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6.