Eager to unlock stunning visuals with the best Nikon D90 lenses this 2024, but feel like you’re lost in a lens labyrinth? You’re not alone.
With so many options on the market, choosing the right lens can feel like a puzzle. That’s where we come in.
We’ve got the map to navigate this tricky terrain, steering you straight to your ideal lens, tailored to your unique photography style and budget. Intrigued?
Let’s dive in and transform your photography journey!
By the end of this article, you will have the necessary knowledge to help you make the right decision, regardless of what type of photography you perform the most. But if you are in a hurry, here’s the quick answer:
Editor's Choice  | Best Runner Up  | Best Budget  |
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens | Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens | Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens |
This lens is ideal for portrait photography and close-up shots, providing sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and impressive low-light performance. | This lens allows you to capture various subjects, from wide-angle landscapes to distant objects with its impressive zoom capabilities. | This lens offers impressive features, including a wide aperture, sharpness, and minimal distortion. It is especially suitable for landscape. |
5.0 | 4.8 | 4.6 |
Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens
This lens is ideal for portrait photography and close-up shots, providing sharpness, beautiful bokeh, and impressive low-light performance.
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Lens
This lens allows you to capture various subjects, from wide-angle landscapes to distant objects with its impressive zoom capabilities.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens
This lens offers impressive features, including a wide aperture, sharpness, and minimal distortion. It is especially suitable for landscape.
Now, if you are looking for the Nikon D90 lenses, odds are you already own or want to buy this camera. In this case, you might wonder, is the Nikon D90 camera worth it?
I will answer that question with a couple of sentances, so stay with me.
Upon using the Nikon D90 for a recent shoot, I found its performance to still be noteworthy, even as we step further into 2024.
Its straightforward, user-friendly controls paired with impressive image quality made for an enjoyable and rewarding photography experience. The fact that it continues to hold its own, despite newer models on the market, speaks volumes about its reliability and value.
With its reasonable price point, the Nikon D90 is a good investment for those starting their journey in DSLR photography.
But here’s the thing:
Did you know that you can drastically improve the beauty of your images?
You might be wondering how, and the answer is simple – with the right set of Nikon D90 lenses!
Keep reading as I dwell into more details and show you which lens you should choose for your personal needs.
#1 Editor’s Choice: Discover the Ultimate Macro Lens for Nikon D90
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: 105 mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 1.03 feet (0.314 m)
- Weight: 1.74 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
Macro lenses are unique because they offer little versatility, as they are intended for a specific task. But this is nothing terrible, as most of the photographers who decide they need a macro lens are the ones that are into macro photography.
One of the essential features of macro lenses is the sharpness, as you will want to get details up close that you sometimes can’t even see with your own eyes.
If you are looking for the best Nikon D90 macro lens, look no further than the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G. It is one of the best macro lenses on the market, and it works exceptionally when combined with the Nikon D90 camera. It produces some of the sharpest photos out there, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the details you will get if you decide to go for this macro lens.
Even though I mentioned that most macro lenses offer no versatility, this is not precisely the case with Nikon 105mm f/2.8G. Thanks to its focal range of 105mm, it can also be used as a portrait lens, but only when you are in a hurry. A better option for you would be to get cheap prime lenses for portraits, as you will get better results.
But still, most of you are looking for a macro lens to do precisely what it was designed to do, macro photography. And in that field, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8G gives fantastic results and even better quality images.
Minimal distance of 1ft, allowing you to get even closer to the object you are shooting, and it also comes with built-in Vibration Reduction making your photos noise-free even at close distances.
Build quality is excellent; the lens is lightweight and compact, which you will appreciate if you are shooting hand-held images most of the time. There are also many other features, as you can expect from a premium Nikon product, but feel free to check it out at Amazon for more specs.
Overall:
This is the sharpest macro lens for Nikon D90 at the moment!
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: Discover the Perfect All-in-One Lens for Nikon D90
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: 16 feet (0.48 m)
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
This is an all-in-one lens designed for people who want a versatile lens that will allow them to capture fantastic photos in different environments without forcing them to change between the lens throughout the process.
Image quality is excellent, and while you can’t expect the same quality in a particular photography type as you would get with a dedicated lens, it still provides users with great results and sharp images.
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is a perfect choice for beginners who have not yet decided on which type of photography they will shoot or for photographers who need that one lens for different photography styles.
It performs excellently with a Nikon D90 camera, giving you a fantastic user experience through the entire focal range. If you travel a lot, this might be the best Nikon D90 lens for you, as it will prevent you from carrying large bags of camera equipment all the time.
As mentioned, the focal range is excellent, and it goes from 18mm up to 300mm, giving you plenty of room to capture some stunning photos.
It has a decent build quality, and the product feels premium in hand, which can’t be said for other lenses in its price range. Speaking of which, if you consider the performance of Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G and compare it to the different lenses in the same price category, this all-around lens is the best for Nikon D90 in 2024!
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: Top Wide-Angle Lens for Nikon D90
This lens for Tokina has good autofocus and an excellent f/2.8 aperture while delivering excellent photos for landscape photography.
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Mounting Type: N/A (Not specified)
- Focal Length Range: 11-16mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3m
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.02 x 4.02 x 4.02 inches
For the wide-angle lens, our top pick comes from a third-party manufacturer, Tokina. Some people may be discouraged by having a Nikon D90 camera but not the Nikon lens.
However, we would not place it on top of our list if it didn’t deserve to be here by its performance, build quality, and the value you are getting with Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8.
It works perfectly when combined with the Nikon D90 camera, and the landscape images you get with it are sharp and beautiful. One thing to consider is the narrow focal length range, which goes only from 11m up to 16mm.
This is not ideal as it offers minimal versatility, but if you plan to use this lens, especially for landscapes, street, and indoor photography, it is a must-own Nikon D90 lens in 2024.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is also an attractive choice as it has an infinity focus, which results in a unique perspective that will make your images stand out from the crowd.
Bottom line:
If you are looking for a high-performance wide-angle lens that works great when combined with a Nikon D90 camera, this might be the best lens for Nikon D90. But if you want a Nikon lens, check out the alternatives below.
Pros
- Sharp from 12mm to 16mm
- Effective manual/auto slip ring
- It feels very well built
- Excellent value
Cons
- Slight vignetting at 11mm
- Short focal range compared to others
Discover the Best Prime Lens for Nikon D90
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.
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
- Focal Length Range: 85mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 0.80 m
- Weight: 0.77 pounds
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
A prime lens is an excellent choice for photographers, primarily in portrait photography, as the main characteristics of these lenses are sharpness. And since you need a sharp lens to show precise details on the face of the objects you are photographing, Nikon 85mm f/3.5G is one of the best, if not the best, Nikon D90 prime lenses.
Sure, the price might seem a little high initially when you consider that prime lenses are cheaper than other types since they have no moving parts. But if you are serious about portrait photography, this portrait lens for Nikon D90 is worth every penny.
Photos you capture with Nikon 85mm f/3.5G are thick and sharp, with precise details and intensely vibrant colors. Since it is produced by Nikon, as expected, it has all the additional features to make your job much more comfortable.
Another attribute of this lens that I noticed while testing it on the Nikon D90 camera is its versatility. Sure, you will get stunning photos if you use those two. Still, the brilliant thing many users find out later is the ability to use this lens on many different occasions, from macro photography to indoor and street photography.
As for the downsides, I only noticed slight issues with corner softness, but you can fix those in any photo editing software, such as photoshop.
Here’s the catch:
If this lens is out of your budget, check out the alternatives below. But if you can afford it, go for it, as the Nikon 85mm f/3.5G is the best prime lens for Nikon D90 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
Elevate Your Photography with the Best Telephoto Lens for Nikon D90
A telephoto lens from Nikon that has good build quality, compact body that feels comfortable in hand while providing steady and precise images.
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
- Focal Length Range: 70-300mm
- Minimum Focus Distance: 4.9 feet
- Weight: 1.64 pounds
- Dimensions: 5.67 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
Nikon D90 telephoto lenses are designed for photographers who need powerful zoom without losing quality, and they are widely used in wildlife and action photography.
Telephoto, more commonly known as zoom lenses, are expensive as they have more moving parts and are a lot more complicated to design and produce than simple primes.
That said, if you need a quality telephoto lens that will zoom in without making you move physically, Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6E is the perfect solution. It outrivals every telephoto lens in its budget range, with clean and vibrant images it produces, but also it has high performance that will satisfy even the most hardcore photographers.
Even at the highest end of the focal length spectrum (300mm), distortion is minimal, and thanks to Nikon technology, such as upgraded VR, you can expect great results.
One of the features I was positively surprised by while testing was autofocus. It is superb compared to anything I experienced before with high-speed and silent telephoto lenses in the same price range.
One thing to notice is the price of this telephoto lens, which makes it more of a budget-friendly solution for photographers who are not looking to break the bank. Don’t get me wrong, Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6E is a fantastic telephoto lens that will deliver exceptional results.
However:
If you are looking for something even more premium to satisfy the needs of even the most hardcore photographers, or if you want a higher focal length range, check out alternatives. But for most regular photographers, Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-5.6E is considered the best telephoto lens for the Nikon D90 camera.
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
Frequently Asked Questions for Nikon D90 and Lenses
What lenses does the Nikon D90 use?
The Nikon D90 DSLR camera uses Nikon F-mount lenses. This encompasses a wide variety of lens types including prime, zoom, wide-angle, telephoto, macro, and specialty lenses from both Nikon and third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. It’s also worth noting that Nikon D90 supports autofocus with all AF-S and AF-I lenses.
Is Nikon D90 good in low light?
The Nikon D90 delivers respectable performance in low-light conditions due to its relatively high maximum ISO of 6400. However, its performance can be significantly improved with the use of lenses with large maximum apertures (lower f-numbers). Such lenses can capture more light, thereby allowing for faster shutter speeds and lower ISO settings, which reduces noise in the images. Some popular choices for low-light photography include the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G lenses. Despite these capabilities, please note that more recent DSLR and mirrorless cameras may outperform the D90 in low light due to advancements in sensor technology.
What are the best lenses for Nikon D90 for landscape photography?
Wide-angle lenses are typically best for landscape photography. Some of the best choices for Nikon D90 include the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED and the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 DC HSM.
What are the best portrait lenses for Nikon D90?
For portrait photography, you might consider lenses with a focal length between 50mm and 85mm. Some of the best options include the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G.
Can I use Nikon FX lenses on a Nikon D90?
Yes, you can use Nikon FX lenses on a Nikon D90. However, because the D90 has a DX-format sensor, using an FX lens will result in a 1.5x crop factor, essentially magnifying the image.
Nikon D90 Ultimate Guide – Wrapping Up
By now, you should have a general idea of the best Nikon D90 lens in 2024 for your favorite type of photography.
If you have any questions feel free to comment below for a faster response, but you can also contact us by navigating to a contact form.
Read other guides on our blog, such as the Nikon D5600 lenses and Nikon D3100 lenses guide, to improve your knowledge about camera lenses and general photography.
Best Recommendation:
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.
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Thank you for some clear and readable advice.
Had considered selling my D 90 and my soul to acquire a Z8 and appropriate lenses for a trip to Etosha and Chobe.
Your advice and knowledge have allowed me to make some sensible and informed decisions. Sincere thanks.
Barry
Currently I have a 200mm lens for my D90 Nikon camera. I am looking at the nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction telephoto zoom lens. Do you know if this will work on my nikon D90 camera? I’ve read that no it won’t work and then the next article says yes it will. If it is not compatible do you know of a 500mm lens that would be compatible.
Thanks
Hi Lillie,
Nikkor 200-500mm f/5.6E ED isn’t compatible with the Nikon D90 camera, but you can try Sigma 170-500mm f/5-6,3 DG APO. The lens is made by Sigma but is available with a Nikon mount.
An 85mm 1.8 on a D90 is the equivalent of a 128mm in film photography. A 35mm 1.8 is equal to a normal 50 on a film camera. Thanks
Right! When figuring out the effective focal length of a lens when attached to a digital camera, you need to be mindful of the crop factor; in this case, the Nikon D90 has a 1.5x crop factor meaning lenses with a focal length of 85mm become 128mm on film cameras, and 35mm becomes 50mm!
Thanks for the concise summary. I am looking for a tele lens. In your view, is the 18-300mm lens as good for tele as the 70-300mm? What are the pros and cons for each?
Also, looking at what is available, I can see the Nikkor 70-300m 4.5-6.3 whereas your article lists 4.5-5.6. Is this indeed a different lens and which one is better?
18-300mm is more of an all-in-one lens which is great for beginners, but if you are looking for a telephoto lens, then 70-300mm would be my choice. There are many other choices, so feel free to tell me your budget if you want more suggestions.
As for your other questions, I am not sure what you mean? I just checked the article and everything seems to be in place.
Hi!! Thank you so much for this information! I own a D90 and I want to buy a telephoto lens. After reading contradictory information on the web about the compatibility of the D90 with the 200-500 mm I find your article and responses super helpful. I currently have a 200mm zoom lens but I use the camera for birding and my subjects are never close but also on the move ( I use photos for warbler identification and they never perch!) so that’s not enough. I consider the 70-300mm but If Im not happy I would hate to spend more money to upgrade again. I read somewhere that the 200-700 would work differently with my camera but it looks like is fully compatible?
Hi Sanyzoo,
I think you will be happy with the 70-300mm, it really works well and I think it will suit your needs.
Hey Edward, I stumble upon your article while looking for new lenses, it is a good article and it help me understand mostly about some lenses, since i’m new in photography and i use Nikon D90 so can you suggest me any budget lenses for capturing moving subject like a race car?
Thank You in advance.
Hi Izzi,
I think Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G might be a great choice for you. That is the cheapest option I found that makes good quality photos, but if you are willing to go a little bit more, let me know and I will suggest a little bit more expensive but better models.
Great article. I have a D90 and non vr 70-300 Nikorr. Sharpness and speed of focusing is an issue. Q- shall I go 70-300 VR model or 200-500 Nikorr? Thanks much.
I would go for a 70-300 VR model if you planning to use one lens for everything. If you are mostly in bird photography or wildlife, then 200-500 would be the way to go. They both capture great images, it just depends on what type of photography you are mostly into.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS!!! I have a D90 (just started photography about a yr ago & only recently started taking a more serious approach) I bought my D90 at a thrift store & the lens wasn’t compatible with my camera & I had no clue where to go from there UNTIL NOW thank you so much for this amazing article!
I am happy to help!
Hi Edward. Great article. I have the Nikon D90 and already have the NIKON 70-300MM F/4.5-5.6E as well as the standard kit lens that came with the camera. I am going to Uganda next year on a Safari and will be trekking to see the Gorillas. What Lens would you recommend for that? Would a wide angle or portrait lens be the best addition? Best wishes Andy
My personal choice for shooting gorillas and animals from close is a wide-angle lens, but I did found that prime lenses are great for this as well, especially for the sharpness they offer. If you are going with prime lens, Nikon 85mm f/1.8G should be good enough unless you are looking for something really professional. However, I personally like wide-angle lens more as it allows me to capture more of a background and play with angles so I get some unique photos. It is personal preference tho, so take it for what its worth. For wide-angle lens, I would recommend Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8G, but if that is out of your budget, tokina lens I mentioned in this article will do a job. If you need any further help feel free to ask more.
Thank you very much for your extremely enlightening article. I own a D90 and i’m looking for a powerful telephoto lens to buy, to supplement my old 70-210 Nikkor.
I was thinking about Tamron SP 150-600mm F / 5-6.3 Di VC USD. First of all, is it fully compatible with D90, as i’m a little bit confused from what i’ve read and second: Do you find this lens a good choice or should i earn money for 200-500 Nikkor?
Thank you in advance.
Hey Dinos, thanks for the nice words. Tamron 150-600mm F/5-6.3 is compatible with both Dx and Fx bodies, so you should be able to use it with Nikon D90 without any issues. Nikon 200-500 is an amazing lens with great quality, but since it is about double the price, I am not sure is it worth it to you. Sure, you will get higher quality, but you are the only one that knows your income, budget etc, so I am not sure if I can say “Yes it is worth it” or “No, its not”. If you can save for the Nikon model, without breaking your bank, then yes, go for it. But Tamron is a great lens as well.