📸 5 MUST-OWN Lenses For Nikon D7000 in 2024 (Guide)

Jan 8, 2024 | Buying Guides

Finding the best lens for Nikon D7000 can be a daunting task, even though Nikon is still one of the favorite camera manufacturers.

DSLRs are slowly fading away, at least in some sense, but Nikon is still pushing the bar with its D series.

It is not a surprise that many photographers are looking for good-quality lenses for their Nikons.

Nikon D7000 sports a 16.2Mpx CMOS sensor, 39-point autofocus, 1080p HD video recording, up to 6 fps continuous shooting, and a 3 inch 921K dot LCD screen. It also has a standard ISO of 100-6400 which is a significantly higher standard.

Nikon D7000 lenses tutorial

If you are searching for Nikon D7000 lenses, you came to the right place. There is always a tender spot in my heart for Nikon cameras, so I’ve compiled a review of the five best lenses to help you pick the best one.

Top 3 picks – Table

Editor's Choice
Best Runner Up
Best Budget

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Capture stunning portraits with exceptional detail and beautiful bokeh using this versatile telephoto lens.

Unleash your creativity with this fast and sharp prime lens, perfect for portraits and low-light photography.

Discover the perfect balance between affordability and performance with this versatile lens, ideal for everyday shooting.

5.0
4.8
4.7
Editor's Choice

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens

Capture stunning portraits with exceptional detail and beautiful bokeh using this versatile telephoto lens.

5.0
Best Runner Up

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G Lens

Unleash your creativity with this fast and sharp prime lens, perfect for portraits and low-light photography.

4.8
Best Budget

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Discover the perfect balance between affordability and performance with this versatile lens, ideal for everyday shooting.

4.7
Lasso Brag
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: 0.77 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches

Nikon 85mm f/1.8G has the minimum focus range of 0.80m and the maximum reproduction ratio of 0.12x.

It also has seven rounded diaphragm openings and it packs a Silent wave motor. The lens I’ve tested is one of the sharpest lenses I have ever used, and it is truly the number one Nikon D7000 lens for portraits.

All of the pictures I have taken had tack-sharpness and mesmerizingly beautiful bokeh. The lens itself is bulkier and heavier compared to the competition, but it provides a huge difference in performance.

It doesn’t fare quite well in closed environments, but for the studio or outdoor work, it is a phenomenal choice.

Furthermore:

It can be used as a lens for shooting weddings, concerts, etc, thanks to its focal length. Pictures are rendered with beautiful colors and rich contrast, along with great quality all across the frame.

I didn’t notice the vignetting nor fringe, and the lens performed fabulously even under lowlight conditions. Unless your profession requires an f/1.2 lens, you will not go wrong if you purchase 85mm. The design is plastic, so you will need to be careful with handling the lens.

Pros

  • Extreme sharpness
  • Great aperture
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Plastic finish

Best Wide-Angle Lens for Landscapes

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Lens

This lens for Tokina has good autofocus and an excellent f/2.8 aperture while delivering excellent photos for landscape photography.

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  • Lens Type: Wide Angle
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F-mount
  • Focal Length Range: 11-16mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3 m
  • Weight: 1.21 pounds
  • Dimensions: 4.02 x 4.02 x 4.02 inches

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 has two aspheric lens elements and two super-low dispersion lens elements. The aperture range is from an f/2.8 to an f/22.

Although the lens is in the wide-angle category, it can also serve as a Nikon D7000 lens for everyday photography. I tested the lens for panoramic shots, fish-eye, and night sky photos. The lens is super sharp, with beautiful coloring, although at times it is too yellow.

My advice would be to tend coloring temperature toward bluish tones. The vignetting is visible at 11mm, but it can easily be mitigated in postproduction. All of the images are extremely well lit and they offer great contrast. The lens provides great performance even under the night sky, as long as you use a tripod.

I am especially pleased by the manual/auto slip ring. Although the learning curve is steep, it is well worth it. I didn’t notice any lens creep, which I found satisfactory.

On the negative side:

The focal length is short, compared to other choices. Yet, the price is a bargain, and the lens is overall the best choice in the category.

Pros

  • Sharp images
  • Versatile
  • Great design
  • Can handle poor lighting

Cons

  • Limiting focal length
  • Vignetting at 11mm

Best All-Around lens for everyday photography

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Capture stunning detail with Nikon's 35mm f/1.8G lens; optimal sharpness, stellar low-light performance, and bokeh mastery await.

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  • Lens Type: Normal
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F
  • Focal Length Range: 35mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3 m
  • Weight: 0.44 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 is constructed with eight elements in six groups. The maximum reproduction ratio is 0.16x. It has a silent wave motor autofocus system, making the lens suitable for videography.

The lens is excellent for fitting many things into the frame, thanks to its focal length. In addition, all of the images appear full of color and fine contrast.

The details are crisp all across the frame. I like the lens performance under low light conditions. The aperture is phenomenal for night photography conditions, making this piece of glass the best Nikon D7000 lens overall.

The focusing is silent, and it also has a manual focus override. Photographers can switch from manual to autofocus.

Another great point is the overall look of the lens. The built feels quite well, with nice edges and a quality finish.

One flaw that I have noticed is the barrel distortion, which can be removed via photo editors. Another small issue is the quality of the blur which could be a notch better.

On the other hand:

Its versatility makes it possible to shoot under various conditions, so it is still a bargain.

Pros

  • Versatile lens
  • Excellent focus system
  • Awesome design
  • Powerful aperture

Cons

  • Bokeh could be better
  • Barrel distortion

Best Telephoto Lens for Wildlife Photography

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G Lens

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G is a budget-friendly lens that offers excellent value and decent performance for beginners and amateur photographers.

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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (DX)
  • Focal Length Range: 55-200mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 1.1 m
  • Weight: 0.56 pounds
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x3.1 inches

Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6 sets the minimum focus distance at 1.1m with the maximum angle of view of 28°50′, and the minimum angle of view of 8°.

The lens has a Super integrated coating that ensures color quality while minimizing ghosting and flare. Furthermore, the ED glass eliminates optical distortion. Since the lens has a seven-blade diaphragm, the out-of-focus objects appear more natural.

The lens comes with image stabilization which provides four stops of blur-free shots. It comes in handy if you’re short of a tripod or if you find yourself in lowlight environments.

The focusing system is solid, although it can’t compare to high-end lenses. It is also somewhat noisy, so bear that in mind if you are into videography.

The general image quality is fine, with solid coloring and negligible vignetting. In terms of design, it is bulky, so if you want to spend a lot of time with the lens, you should get a tripod.

If you want a Nikon D7000 lens that is affordable and can fulfill most of the telephoto needs, you should opt-out for these optics.

Pros

  • Focal length
  • Solid aperture
  • Image stabilization
  • Affordability

Cons

  • Focus motor can be a noisy
  • Heavy lens

Best Macro Lens for Macro Photography

Nikon 105mm f/2.8G Lens

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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  • Lens Type: Telephoto
  • Mounting Type: Nikon F (FX)
  • Focal Length Range: 105mm
  • Minimum Focus Distance: 0.314 m
  • Weight: 1.74 pounds
  • Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches

Nikon AF-S 105mm f/2.8 is a lens designed for macro photography, with a maximum angle of view of 23°20′. The minimum focusing distance is at 0.3m, and the maximum reproduction ratio of 1.0x. It sports a Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance the overall image quality.

My first impression is that the lens is great for macro, and portrait photography, respectively. The bokeh effect is beautiful, and the amount of details you can capture is stunning. I used it to take pictures of insects, leaves, and petals.

It was like I found a whole new ecosystem within the details. Although the lens is relatively heavy and is best suited for a tripod, I didn’t face issues using it for handheld shots.

My advice is to use manual mode as much as you can, especially if you get close to the subject.

Also:

The contrast and color rendering are spectacular as well. The only flaw is the focus hunting that occurs sometimes, but other than that, it is the best Nikon D7000 lens for macro purposes.

Pros

  • Stunning image quality
  • Detail preservation
  • Fast lens

Cons

  • Heavy

Getting the Most Out of Your Nikon D7000: Practical Tips for Lens Use

The Nikon D7000 is a versatile DSLR that offers a great platform for photographers to expand their skills and creativity. When it comes to lenses, having the right knowledge can turn a good photo into a great one. Here are some practical tips to help you choose the best lenses and get the most out of your Nikon D7000:

  • Understand the Focal Lengths: Different lenses offer different focal lengths, which can dramatically change the composition of your photos. Wide-angle lenses (below 35mm) are great for landscapes, while telephoto lenses (above 70mm) are ideal for wildlife or sports photography. A standard lens (around 50mm) often provides a perspective similar to the human eye, which is versatile for everyday shots.

  • Consider the Aperture: The aperture of a lens determines how much light can enter the camera. A lens with a wider maximum aperture (lower f-number) allows more light in, which is beneficial in low-light situations and can also create a shallow depth of field for portraits with that creamy bokeh effect.

  • Know When to Use Prime or Zoom Lenses: Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and typically offer superior sharpness and wider apertures compared to zoom lenses. They encourage you to move around to compose your shot, which can result in more creative outcomes. Zoom lenses, on the other hand, offer great flexibility to change your composition quickly without changing the lens.

  • Image Stabilization is Key: If you’re shooting handheld, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths, a lens with image stabilization (VR in Nikon lenses) can be a lifesaver. It helps to reduce camera shake and can make the difference between a sharp image and a blurry one.

  • Invest in a Quality Filter: Protect your lens and enhance your photos by using lens filters. A UV filter can shield the lens from scratches and reduce haze. Polarizing filters are beneficial for reducing reflections and enhancing the blues and greens in your photos, especially useful in landscape photography.

  • Maintenance Matters: Regularly clean your lens with a proper lens cleaning solution and a microfiber cloth to keep your images free from dust spots. Avoid changing lenses in dusty environments to keep the camera sensor clean.

  • Practice Manual Focus: While autofocus is convenient, practicing manual focus can give you more control over selecting the exact point of focus in your image, which can be crucial in macro or portrait photography.

  • Try Different Perspectives: Don’t hesitate to move around and experiment with angles and heights. Sometimes the best shot is from a position you might not have considered initially.

Remember, the Nikon D7000 is a tool that can help you achieve your photographic vision, but it’s the combination of your skills and understanding of how to use different lenses that will truly elevate your work.

Best lenses for Nikon D7000 – Wrapping Up

It can be hard to find the best lens for Nikon D7000, especially if you are still exploring what types of photography you like.

However, the concept of the five best lenses, divided by the category should make your search easier.

No matter what style suits your game, pick any of the lenses from the list and your photography will kick start.

I hope this guide helped you choose the perfect lens for your Nikon D7000 camera. If you are still not sure which lens to choose, comment below and I will help you make the right decision.

Also, read similar articles on this website like Nikon D5200 lens guide and lenses guide for Nikon D7100.

Happy shooting!

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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