Craving to unearth the top Nikon D5300 lenses for 2024? Eager to discern which are the must-haves for your Nikon D5300?
We hear you loud and clear. Hunting for the perfect lens for your Nikon D5300 is like solving a complex puzzle—it’s not a walk in the park.
Fret not, this guide is here to break down the complexities, assisting you in making the optimal choice.
Ready to explore the world of Nikon D5300 lenses?
In my photographic endeavors, I’ve recently delved into the world of the Nikon D5300. Through countless hours of lens testing, with a significant portion dedicated to the D5300, I’ve gained valuable insights into the capabilities and intricacies of this camera.
For those seeking a concise summary:
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens | Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens | Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens |
Versatile macro lens with excellent sharpness and bokeh for capturing stunning close-up shots. | High-quality zoom lens with a wide aperture, ideal for capturing a variety of subjects with exceptional clarity. | An affordable prime lens with a wide aperture, delivering sharp images and great low-light performance. |
5.0 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens
Versatile macro lens with excellent sharpness and bokeh for capturing stunning close-up shots.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 Lens
High-quality zoom lens with a wide aperture, ideal for capturing a variety of subjects with exceptional clarity.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens
An affordable prime lens with a wide aperture, delivering sharp images and great low-light performance.
Already in possession of a Nikon D5300 or contemplating its inclusion in your photography gear? Curious about its compatibility with various lenses and whether it represents a worthwhile investment?
Well, here is your answer:
Nikon D5300 camera was released on October 17, 2013, with a powerful 24MP DX-format CMOS sensor.
It’s the successor of the already popular Nikon D5200 Camera and was replaced by the newer D5500 model.
Although this is a relatively old product, it’s still prevalent primarily thanks to its futuristic features, such as Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and a 39-point AF system that performs flawlessly.
It can shoot photos and videos in full HD at five frames per second continuously.
The 3.2″ LCD can swivel 180 degrees, which makes it easier to shoot from any angle. Beautiful blur, precise details, and vibrant colors will make your photos look stunning.
We highly recommend you check it out if you don’t already own it.
Still, you should know that:
Even the best cameras are worthless without a good pair of lenses, so you should carefully read our Nikon D5300 lens guide.
Let’s get started!
#1 Editor’s Choice: The Winning Macro Lens for Nikon D5300
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.
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
- Focal Length Range: 105mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.314m
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is top of a line macro lens with incredible abilities that will satisfy even professional photographers.
Let’s be clear about one thing:
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is not a cheap lens.
It’s designed for virtually any photographic situation, so even tho this is intended as a macro lens it will shoot great portraits and other standard photos.
Sharpness is on a whole new level, and details are crisp, images are fantastic.
Combine that with a beautiful soft blur and fast autofocus, and you get the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G!
Build quality is excellent, and you can feel that Nikon company worked hard to design this macro lens.
One drawback is the weight you will feel if you shoot without the tripod.
One thing to note if you plan on shooting the portraits with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G is that it will require post-processing.
Our opinion:
If you can afford it, we think you should buy it! Words can’t describe the
It truly is the best macro lens for Nikon D5300.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Feels sturdy and well built
- The hood is very nice
- Relatively long focal length
Cons
- Very heavy
- VR performs poor at a micro distance
#2 Best Runner-Up: Winning Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D5300
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
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
- Focal Length Range: 18-35mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 28 cm
- Weight: 1.79 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.76 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches
We were discussing the topic of which lens we should include in the middle position. Should we use this one or Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G?
In the end, we arranged to include both of them on our list, especially since the prices are very similar as well as the performance.
Build Quality is rock solid, giving you plenty of grips when holding it in your hands.
The focus ring is smooth and zoomed, while the field of view is wide enough for the image not to be distorted.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 performs excellently in low-light situations. If you like shooting open skies, this lens will adequately fit your D5300 Nikon camera.
It works great for sports events and may be the best video lens for Nikon D5300.
On the backside, you could have some problems with focusing, especially if you are shooting wide-open photos.
Still, after a few hours of using this lens, you will learn all the perks that should help you reduce the issue but will not eliminate it.
We had almost 48 hours to test this lens thoroughly, and we became pretty used to it after only two hours of full-time use. We also discovered how to eliminate the problem by focusing on a simple solution.
What is the solution?
Buying a corresponding SIGMA USB dock for your camera mount can fix these minor issues.
This is a far better solution than anything we came up with. We think every lens manufacturer should provide users with a way to micro-adjust their lenses.
Don’t let this talk about micro-adjustment turn you down from buying Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8.
It is a great lens, works great for video and action photography, and in our opinion, it is one of the best landscape lenses for the Nikon D5300.
However:
If you want the best performance,, then the lens below is the best for you and your Nikon D5300 DSLR.
Pros
- Image quality is astonishing
- Bokeh is great
- Solid as a rock
- Little to no lens flares
Cons
- No Vibration compensation
- The HSM motor is noisy
#3 Best Budget: Prime Lens Perfection for Your Nikon D5300
Capture stunning detail with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8G lens; optimal sharpness, stellar low-light performance, and bokeh mastery await.
- Lens Type: Normal
- Mounting Type: Nikon F
- Focal Length Range: 35mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3 meters
- Weight: 0.4 pounds
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is an excellent prime lens that is great for beginners or people on a budget.
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is a must-have lens for every photographer looking for the right prime lens to shoot portraits.
The image quality is excellent, especially for the price, giving this lens the best value on our list.
Images are crisp with precise details, which, combined with fast autofocus, gives an excellent photographic experience.
As for the autofocus, this lens has the focus motor built into it, which, compared to the other lenses with a similar price tag, is far more silent and efficient.
Lens also performs excellently in low-light situations, allowing you to capture nice-looking photos in darker areas or even at night.
One more thing we found pretty helpful when using this lens in real-life situations is manual focus override or, in other words, the M/A button.
This will allow you to change autofocusing into a manual with a button click.
Why is this useful?
Sometimes you want to fine-tune the focus when shooting a photo, or you want more control of a guide when recording the video.
As for the drawbacks, the bokeh is not as good as on the lens below. This is a minor issue, but it’s worth mentioning that the quality of blurriness is not top-notch.
Another small issue we encountered is minor barrel distortion, which can easily be fixed in post-production.
That being said, what is our conclusion?
This is an excellent budget solution for anyone looking to get started in portrait photography; 35 mm f/1.8G will do a great job.
You can also consider getting the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G, which has similar performance and is as good as the 35mm one.
The only thing you should use to choose between these two lenses is your needs. Do you need a 35mm or 50mm lens?
Pros
- It comes packaged with a carrying case
- Captures crisp images
- Great in low-light situations
- It can fit more in the frame
Cons
- There is some barrel distortion
- The bokeh is sluggish
#4 Best All-in-One Lens for Capturing Every Nikon D5300 Moment
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.
- 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
Similar to the previous choice, 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is an all-in-one lens intended for users with a variety of shooting opportunities in mind.
It comes from Nikon packed with many features such as Vibration Reduction (VR) and Extra-low Dispersion.
In terms of sharpness and image quality, they are in the same range as the previous lens.
It may be a little bit better compared to the 18-200mm model only because it covers a more extended range of focal lengths and is a tint sharper.
There is some ghosting if you shoot to the light source, but nothing to worry about.
Here’s the thing:
While this lens may not satisfy professionals to the non-technical eye, it will create impressive pictures. It is worth your time.
One thing that surprised us while testing was the fast, precise, and silent focus.
Pros
- Minimal and light weight
- It is very convenient
- Fast autofocus
- Macro focusing, even at 200mm
Cons
- Poor vignetting at close to 18mm
- It needs to be locked
#5 Champion Telephoto Lens for Nikon D5300
This is a telephoto lens from Nikon with incredible properties, good build quality and it is a great solution for people who need budget friendly telephoto lens.
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
- Focal Length Range: 55-300mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.4 m
- Weight: 1.28 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.84 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches
The 55-300mm offers similar performances but a better build and sharper images.
It has an excellent price/quality ratio and unique value. A useable focal length of up to 300mm makes this a superb choice for traveling.
The focus is upgraded faster, with the focus ring working more smoothly and precisely. The whole user experience is at another level.
As for drawbacks, it doesn’t have that many.
In our opinion, it has a telescoping body that doesn’t mean anything performance-wise, but it does affect the visible part.
Another thing worth mentioning is a loss of sharpness at 300mm.
But:
Even considering all this, the 55-300mm version is the best telephoto lens for Nikon D5300.
If you want a good Nikon D5300 telephoto lens that will deliver beautiful images, this is the one.
Pros
- Useable Focal Length
- Long zoom and good colors
- Metal mount gives a sturdy feel
- Performs well with proper lighting
Cons
- Mediocre low-light performance
- Loss in Sharpness at 250-300mm
The Best Lenses for Nikon D5300: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Which lenses work with Nikon D5300?
The Nikon D5300 is a DSLR with a Nikon F-mount. Therefore, it is compatible with all Nikon F-mount lenses, both DX and FX formats. However, due to the D5300’s DX format sensor, FX lenses will have a 1.5x crop factor. The camera also supports autofocus with AF-S and AF-I lenses, but manual focus will be required with other lens types as it doesn’t have an in-built autofocus motor.
What is the best superzoom lens for Nikon D5300?
The Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is considered a great superzoom lens for the Nikon D5300. It provides a very wide zoom range from wide-angle to super-telephoto, making it versatile for various shooting situations. It also features Vibration Reduction (VR) for image stabilization and a Silent Wave Motor for quiet and fast autofocus.
Which lens is good for Nikon D3500?
The Nikon D3500, like the D5300, uses the Nikon F-mount and is compatible with DX and FX lenses. A good starter lens for the D3500 is the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II. For more specialized photography, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX is excellent for portraits, and the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is a solid choice for wildlife or sports photography.
What is the best kit lens for the Nikon D3200?
The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is an excellent kit lens for the Nikon D3200. It is versatile and has Vibration Reduction (VR) for image stabilization, ideal for various shooting conditions.
Can I use third-party lenses with the Nikon D3200?
Yes, third-party lenses from manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina that have a Nikon F-mount can also be used with the Nikon D3200.
What is best Lens for Nikon D5300 Camera?
Congratulations!
You made it to the end of this fantastic “Nikon D5300 lenses” guide.
We genuinely hope that by now, you can make the correct decision when buying a new lens.
But wait:
If you are still unsure about the right lens for you, you should probably get this one.
The best thing you can do before ordering it directly from Amazon is to go to your local lens shop dealer and ask to review the lenses.
Also, feel free to contact us anytime; if you have any inquiries or additional questions, say “Hi” to us.
As we said, there isn’t one best Nikon D5300 lens; you must choose your photography path and the lens accordingly.
Also, check out our other guides, such as the best lenses for Nikon D5500 and the best lenses for Nikon D610.
More Nikon D5000 Series guides:
I just think Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G is a better choice then 18-300 even tho it has lower versatility
They are both pretty good lenses, especially for beginners.
Great content, useful for beginners and easy to understand, but you should write more often buddy
I would love to, but I do have my own project on the side. I will try to publish more often do. Thanks for the feedback!
I just ordered Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G from Amazon! Hope it works as well as you say.
Great choice! Good luck Jeanette!
Thanks Edward, amazing tutorial!
Thanks!