📸 5 MUST-OWN Lenses For Nikon D5000 In 2024 [Guide]

Jan 12, 2024 | Buying Guides

Do you want to learn the best lens for the Nikon D5000 camera in 2024? Are you looking to expand your knowledge about Nikon D5000 lenses so you can make the right decision?

Then, you will agree when I say:

Finding the best lens within your budget is often more complicated than it seems initially.

There are too many choices in the lens market at the moment. There are not enough valuable sites to guide you through choosing the right Nikon D5000 lens.

Best lenses for Nikon D5000

Get ready to embark on a photographic journey with the Nikon D5000. As an avid photographer, I’ve dedicated countless hours to testing lenses, with special attention given to the D5000.

Through extensive hands-on experience and meticulous exploration, I’ve gathered valuable insights to help you unleash the full potential of this remarkable camera.

Now, without further delay, let’s delve into the results:

Editor's Choice
Best Runner Up
Best Budget

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Lens

Capture stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh using this lens, a top pick for all professional photographers.

Versatile and travel-friendly, this lens ensures you never miss a shot, from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects.

Affordable and compact, this lens delivers impressive macro capabilities for capturing intricate details on a budget.

5.0
4.7
4.6
Editor's Choice

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Capture stunning portraits with beautiful bokeh using this lens, a top pick for all professional photographers.

5.0
Best Runner Up

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens

Versatile and travel-friendly, this lens ensures you never miss a shot, from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects.

4.7
Best Budget

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Lens

Affordable and compact, this lens delivers impressive macro capabilities for capturing intricate details on a budget.

4.6
Lasso Brag

Are you a proud owner of the Nikon D5000 or considering it as your next photography companion?

Wondering how it performs with different lenses and if it’s worth your investment?

Look no further because here is your comprehensive guide to the Nikon D5000:

black Nikon D5000 camera with a lens on a blue background

Having recently explored the capabilities of the Nikon D5000, it is evident that this camera still holds its ground in 2024. With its 12.3MP sensor, it captures images with impressive detail and dynamic range.

The vari-angle LCD screen proved to be a valuable asset, allowing for flexible composition in various shooting scenarios.

The D5000’s user-friendly interface, coupled with a range of creative features and reliable performance, makes it a worthy choice for photography enthusiasts who appreciate a balance of functionality and affordability.

Here’s the thing:

You must own proper Nikon D5000 lenses if you want to get the most out of this camera. So get ready while you read this ultimate best lenses for Nikon D5000 guide in 2024.

#1 Editor’s Choice: Discover the Perfect Prime Lens for Nikon D5000

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a versatile prime lens has beautiful bokeh effect and it is amazing for any kind of weddings, portraits or general photography.

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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
  • Focal Length Range: 85mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.80 m
  • Weight: 0.7 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches

You will need a prime lens if your main focus is on shooting portraits. They are designed for optimal portrait performance.

Prime lenses are usually cheaper than other lens types as they contain fewer moving parts. One of the main attributes is sharpness, which is the most crucial factor in capturing stunning-looking portraits.

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is one of the sharpest prime lenses in its price range, so you can expect that photos you capture using this high-quality lens will look beautiful with precise details and vibrant colors.

Look:

Nikon designs this lens gives the best performance in portrait photography; it is versatile enough to be used for different types of photography if needed. But, just like the all-in-one lens above, don’t expect the same quality as a dedicated lens for a specific kind of photography.

Generally, this is well performing lens for any event you need to photograph one or more people. It also performs well in street photography.

Sure, this is an expensive lens if you consider it prime, but considering that you get excellent build quality, beautiful bokeh, and sharp images, it is worth the investment.

While testing this lens, we found out it has some minor issues with corner softness, which can easily be fixed by software.

If you are serious about becoming a better photographer, Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is your go-to choice and one of the best prime lenses for the Nikon D5000 in 2024.

Pros

  • Beautiful and smooth bokeh
  • Focus is fast and silent
  • Ridiculously sharp from 1.8
  • Amazing value for the cost

Cons

  • Slow focusing speed
  • Corner softness at wide apertures

#2 Best Runner-Up: The Must-Have All-in-One Lens for Nikon D5000

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens

This all-in-one lens from Nikon is known for its versatility, good autofocus and providing you with excellent results in almost any photographic situtation.

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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
  • Focal Length Range: 18-300mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.48 m
  • Weight: 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches

If your main priority is the lens’s versatility, look no further! Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is one of the best all-in-one lenses for the Nikon D5000 camera. It offers premium quality for different types of photography. This beauty from Nikon captures stunning photos from macro to telephoto photography.

While it won’t offer you the same performance as the dedicated lens designed with a single purpose in mind, it will still provide you with sharp photos with precise details.

This is probably one of the best Nikon D5000 lenses for beginners and people just starting in photography. It will give you a better feel for different types of photographic situations. Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is also a great travel lens as it will enable you to save space, and you won’t need to carry a bag full of camera equipment.

The focal length range is one of the main features of Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G. This will allow you to capture beautiful photos from 18mm to 300mm.

Build quality is excellent, and this lens is a premium Nikon product. You can also expect many additional features that will assist you in making your photography experience even better.

Here’s the thing:

If you are looking for a versatile Nikon D5000 lens that will offer high performance, this is the best travel Nikon D5000 lens!

Pros

  • Minimal and lightweight
  • It is very convenient
  • Fast autofocus
  • Macro focusing, even at 200mm

Cons

  • Poor vignetting at close to 18mm
  • It needs to be locked

#3 Best Budget: Unveiling the Top Macro Lens for Nikon D5000

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Lens

Unleash your creative potential: Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Lens captures mesmerizing details with precision and clarity, perfect for macro photography enthusiasts.

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  • Lens Type: Normal
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
  • Focal Length Range: 40mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.1m
  • Weight: 0.5 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.56 x 2.72 x 2.72 inches

For photographers primarily interested in macro photography, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G is an excellent choice as it offers high performance. It is also versatile enough to allow you the flexibility to do other types of photography, such as portraits.

This is one of the reasons we highly recommend this lens, as it is best suited for beginners just starting with macro photography.

One of the areas where this macro lens performs best is in low-light conditions. The f/2.8 aperture will let through the right amount of light, which results in pictures with precise details, even in a pitch-dark environment.

Nikon 40mm f/2.8G is made out of plastic, but the build quality is excellent, and you can expect a long-lasting lifetime from this Nikon product.

Finally:

One of the attributes we noticed while comparing the results from our tests on a high-quality monitor was the sharpness this lens offers. You might not realize this right away, but when you zoom in on the photo, you start to see the broader picture of how sharp this lens is.

Combining this with a low price tag, I recommend you check this lens out. It might just be the best macro lens for the Nikon D5000 camera.

Pros

  • Great manual focus feel
  • The macro feature works like a charm
  • Lens is lightweight
  • f/2.8 is great for general photography

Cons

  • Auto-focus performance in low-light
  • You must get close to the subject for 1:1

#4 Discover the Top Wide-Angle Lens to Enhance Your Nikon D5000

Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G Lens

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.

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  • Lens Type: Wide Angle
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
  • Focal Length Range: 10-24mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.2m
  • Weight: 1.01 pounds
  • Dimensions: 3.43 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches

For landscape photography, you want a lens with a wide angle that will allow you to put more of the view in a single photo. When talking about the Nikon D5000 camera, the winner in this category is Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G.

This lens has a wide angle that allows for an entire field of view, but it also offers excellent image quality, and you can expect precise details from most images you take. It also works great indoors, as the wider angle allows more things to take their place in one frame.

One thing I would like to be better is the narrow focal length range, which only goes from 10mm up to 24mm. Still, even if the small focal length doesn’t allow for too much versatility if your main interest is in nature photography, this lens delivers perfect images combined with a Nikon D5000 camera.

Honestly, this is one of my all-time favorite lenses and is worth considering.

However:

One thing to notice is that this is a premium wide-angle lens intended for hardcore photographers looking for a powerful lens that delivers excellent results. All considered, it is the best Nikon D5000 wide-angle lens.

If you are not willing to pay a premium price, or if this lens is out of your budget, feel free to check the alternatives below.

Pros

  • Easy to carry all-day
  • Great image quality
  • Excellent wide angle
  • More than adequately sharp 

Cons

  • There is some chromatic aberration
  • A little bit bulky

#5 Enhance Your Nikon D5000 Shots with the Best Telephoto Lens

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G Lens

A telephoto lens from Nikon that has good build quality, compact body that feels comfortable in hand while providing steady and precise images.

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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
  • Focal Length Range: 70-300mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.5m
  • Weight: 1.64 pounds
  • Dimensions: 5.67 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches

Telephoto lenses are often quite expensive and are intended for photographers looking to perform better in wildlife and action photography. They contain many moving parts and are often bulky and heavy.

That said, telephoto or zoom lenses are beneficial as they have a powerful zoom, allowing you to get closer to the subject without moving physically.

If you are looking for a telephoto lens with decent performance but don’t want to spend too much, I highly recommend you check out Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6E as it offers good quality without breaking the bank. It will produce beautiful photos with vibrant colors and minimal distortion, even at the higher end of the zoom range.

While testing this lens in a natural environment, we realized that it has superb autofocus, which is fast and almost entirely silent. Build quality is also excellent; you can expect great results from this telephoto lens.

Since this is kind of on a low-budget end, at least when comparing them to other high-performance telephoto lenses, you expect Nikon to cut some corners short. But in this case, the only thing that I would like to see improved is the focal length range, which goes only up to 300mm.

Now:

This is plenty for most regular photographers; some may even call it the best Nikon D5000 telephoto lens.

Still, if your main priority is photography at a long-range, such as bird photography, you might consider some alternatives below that offer even better zoom properties. Remember that you will have to pay a higher price if you need a powerful zoom.

Pros

  • Sharp through the full zoom range
  • Vibration reduction is excellent
  • The image results are amazing
  • The zoom mechanism works great

Cons

  • It is a pretty large
  • does not come with a hard case

Lens FAQ for Nikon D5000: Everything You Need to Know

What lenses does a Nikon D5000 use?

The Nikon D5000 uses lenses with the Nikon F mount, including AF-S, AF-I, and AF-P lenses. However, older AF lenses without built-in autofocus motors will only work in manual focus mode.

What lens size for Nikon D5000?

The Nikon D5000 uses interchangeable lenses, so the lens size will depend on the specific lens used. The Nikon D5000 itself has an APS-C sensor, which typically uses lenses in the range of 18-55mm for a standard zoom lens.

What is the best Nikon lens for photo?

The best Nikon lens for photography depends on your specific needs, but the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G lens is a versatile and popular choice. It’s great for portraits, street photography, and low-light situations. Other top lenses include the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 for versatility, and the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 for telephoto work.

Is Nikon D5000 compatible with AF P lenses?

Yes, the Nikon D5000 is compatible with AF-P lenses, but you’ll need to check if the camera’s firmware is updated to ensure full functionality. Older models may require a firmware update for compatibility.

Do I need to manually focus when using older Nikon lenses on the D5000?

Yes, older AF lenses without built-in autofocus motors will only work in manual focus mode when used with the Nikon D5000. AF-S, AF-I, and AF-P lenses will autofocus due to their integrated motors.

Does the lens size matter for the Nikon D5000?

The Nikon D5000 uses interchangeable lenses, so the size depends on the lens you choose. The camera features an APS-C sensor, which typically uses lenses ranging from 18-55mm for a standard zoom.

Nikon D5000 compatible lenses

Nikon D5000 is a DX-format camera, and it uses F-mount lenses. This means that AF-S and AF-P Nikon lenses are fully compatible with the Nikon D5000 camera.

Even though the Nikon D5000 is a DX camera, it works great with more premium FX lenses.

As long as you remember, that 50mm FX lens will act like a 75mm lens on a DX camera (X1.5 multiplier).

Other lenses, such as older AF Nikon Lenses, will also work on Nikon D5000; autofocus won’t work correctly, so you must turn the focus ring manually.

Nikon D5000 Ultimate Guide – Wrapping Up

Hopefully, this ultimate Nikon D5000 lens guide will help you decide when buying Nikon D5000 lenses. Our team has thoroughly tested each lens on our list, which should help you buy the best for Nikon D5000.

Still:

If you are unsure what the right lens is for you, feel free to contact us or comment below to get a faster response. I will do my best to help you pick the best lenses for Nikon D5000 for your personal needs.

Also, read other guides on our blog, as it will help you be a better photographer by expanding your knowledge about photography. Our most popular guides are Nikon D7500 lenses and Nikon D5500 lenses guide.

Happy shooting!

BEST RECOMMENDATION:

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is a versatile prime lens has beautiful bokeh effect and it is amazing for any kind of weddings, portraits or general photography.

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Disclaimer: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."

Stacy WItten

Stacy WItten

Owner, Writer & Photographer

Stacy Witten, owner and creative force behind LensesPro, delivers expertly crafted content with precision and professional insight. Her extensive background in writing and photography guarantees quality and trust in every review and tutorial.

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16 Comments

  1. Hello – I have a D5000 and I would like to buy lens for wildlife pictures, at a decent price. What would you suggest?

    Reply
    • Hello Elisa,

      For wildlife photography on a budget, I’d recommend the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro. It offers a good focal length for capturing distant subjects and is relatively affordable. The lens also has a Macro feature for close-up shots, which can be a nice bonus.

      If you’re willing to invest a bit more, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is another excellent option. It has Vibration Reduction (VR) technology that helps in achieving sharper shots, especially at longer focal lengths.

      Reply
  2. What lens would you use for event photography? Outdoor setting for group shots at a corporate event ☺️

    Reply
    • For outdoor group shots at a corporate event, I’d recommend a versatile zoom lens like the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR. This lens offers a good range, allowing you to capture wide-angle shots and still zoom in for closer details. The f/2.8-4 aperture will provide good performance in varying lighting conditions, and the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature will help in minimizing camera shake. This lens will give you the flexibility you need to cover various types of shots at the event.

      Reply
  3. I have a Nikon d5000. I need a stronger zoom for sports pictures and shooting from the stands. I currently use the 55-200mm. Thanks!

    Reply
    • For sports photography and shooting from the stands with your Nikon D5000, I recommend the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG OS HSM Sports lens. Its powerful zoom lets you capture all of the action as it happens, while its fast maximum aperture ensures superior results even in low-light environments. Plus, its Optical Image Stabilization minimizes blur from camera movement, allowing you to take beautiful pictures at slower shutter speeds too!

      Reply
  4. I would like to have a lens that would be compatible with the Nikon D5000 to be used indoor for volleyball sometimes there is low lighting and flash is not an option. What do you recommend?

    Reply
    • Did you check Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II? I think it would be great for you.

      Reply
      • Hi Edward

        I have a nikon D5000

        Is this lense compatible?

        Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8G ED VR II NIKKOR Lens

        Refards

        Reply
        • Hi Barry,
          Nikon AF-S 70-200mm F2.8G ED VR II NIKKOR is compatible with the D5000.

          Reply
  5. Edward, you provide a great info. Thank you so much.

    Reply
  6. Very informative, has answered not just my question but has given me more ideas and may be I have become a little more knowledgeable. Thanks a lot.

    Reply
  7. Great info! I am looking for a lens to shoot pictures at my son’s basketball games. I was under the impression the D5000 could not keep up as I sometimes miss shots while it appears to think about taking a photo. My guess, i need to learn to use the manual settings and get a better lens??

    Reply
    • Nikon D5000 is a decent camera and you shouldn’t have any problems as long as you use it properly AND have a decent fast performance lens. It depends from what do you expect from a lens, if you want leave me a little bit more details about your situation, budget etc and I will try to furher help you.

      Reply

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