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

Selecting the ideal lens for your Nikon D40 is a personalized decision that hinges on your specific photographic pursuits, whether you’re capturing expansive landscapes, detailed close-ups, or fast-moving sports action.

Keep reading to find the best Nikon D40 lenses for your personal goals.

Let’s start!

Best for Low-Light photography

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.

Best for Macro photography

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.

Despite the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G commanding a higher price point compared to many standard lenses, the investment is justified by its superior macro capabilities and image stabilization, making it an essential tool for close-up enthusiasts.

Best for Sports Videography

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.

Best for Close-Up photography

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.

While the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G excels in close-up photography, its diverse focal range also accommodates medium and long-distance shooting, offering flexibility for a variety of photographic scenarios.

Best for Interior photography

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.

Best for Sports and Travel photography

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.

Best for Portrait photography

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.

Best for Night photography

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.

Best for Architectural photography

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.

Best for 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.

Photography Tips for Nikon D40 Lens Buyers

When embarking on the journey of selecting a lens for your Nikon D40, there are practical considerations to guide your choice:

Understand Focal Lengths: Each lens has a focal length measured in millimeters. Short focal lengths (e.g., 18mm) offer a wide field of view, perfect for landscapes or architecture. Longer focal lengths (e.g., 105mm) provide a narrowed view, ideal for portraits or wildlife. Consider what you typically photograph to determine the focal length that will best serve your needs.

Aperture Importance: The aperture of a lens determines how much light it can gather, impacting exposure and depth of field. A lens with a lower f-number (e.g., f/1.8) allows more light, which is advantageous in low-light conditions and for achieving a blurred background effect. Assess the lighting conditions you often encounter and whether you aim for shallow depth of field in your images.

Lens Weight and Size: The Nikon D40 is a lightweight DSLR, so consider the weight and size of your lens. A heavy lens may require additional support, like a tripod, for extended use. Ensure the lens complements your camera’s portability.

Focus on Features: Modern lenses come with various features such as image stabilization (VR), silent autofocus motors (SWM), and weather sealing. Decide which features align with your photography style. For instance, image stabilization is crucial for hand-held low-light photography, whereas weather sealing is beneficial for outdoor shooting.

Budgeting for Quality: Lenses are long-term investments. While budget-friendly options are tempting, investing in higher-quality glass can significantly improve image quality and lens durability. Balance your budget with the potential long-term benefits of a more expensive lens.

Compatibility Beyond the Camera: Ensure that any lens you consider is not only compatible with your Nikon D40 but also with any future camera bodies you might acquire. This foresight ensures your lenses remain useful as you upgrade your camera body.

By keeping these actionable tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision on the best lens for your Nikon D40 that will cater to your photographic needs and help you grow as a photographer.

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!

More Nikon Dxx Series guides:

• Nikon D40 lenses
• Nikon D40x lenses
• Nikon D50 lenses
• Nikon D60 lenses
• Nikon D70 lenses
• Nikon D80 lenses
• Nikon D90 lenses
• Nikon D100 lenses
• Nikon D200 lenses
• Nikon D300 lenses