Finding the right lens for your Nikon D5200 can sometimes be challenging. One important factor to consider is the focal length, which determines the magnification and angle of view. You should also think about the aperture size because it affects the depth of field in your pictures.
Hello everyone! My name is Lavelle, and I am a long-time photography enthusiast. I’ve been a professional photographer since 2009. Throughout this time, I’ve become quite familiar with the Nikon brand and their accompanying lenses.
In this article, I will share my list of the best lens options for the Nikon D5200. I will answer some commonly asked questions, and offer some tips on looking for a good lens.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Understand the primary focus of each lens and use them appropriately with your camera and for your shot selection.
- Look for a lens that has good bokeh and allows you to shoot vibrant, clear, and sharp images.
- Remember that lens choices come down to shooting scenes. Match your lens to the shot that you intend to take and ensure that the lens and the camera, work in tandem.
Yes, the Nikon D5200 is still a very good camera given today’s photography standards. It is a well-designed camera body that has some good improvements from its predecessor, the D5100.
Can the D5200 take a video?
Yes, the Nikon D5200 can take video footage. It records video in high definition at 1080p/25 fps. The video quality is good, albeit not exceptional.
What is a good price for a budget lens for the D5200?
A good budget price for a lens for the Nikon D5200 is somewhere in the range of $250. At this price point, there are a couple of good options in lenses for your D5200.
What Makes The Best Lens for Nikon D5200
Below you will find some tips for choosing the perfect lens for your D5200.
- Compatibility with Nikon D5200: Most DSLR cameras have a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. Make sure that the lens you choose can be used effectively with the specific sensor on your D5200.
- Aperture: Under most circumstances, professional photographers typically choose wide maximum aperture lenses that have an f-stop of 1.4, 1.8, or 2 that allow you to shoot in any environment. It is important to consider that the wider your lens’s maximum aperture is, the pricier it may be. Many beginner-level photographers start with a f/4 or f/5.6 lens.
- Focal Length: In most instances, the focal length of your lens is directly correlated to the type of scene you’re shooting. Whether it’s portrait photography or an event, choose a lens that has the appropriate focal length to effectively shoot the subject that you’re interested in.
- Lens Type: There are prime and zoom lenses. You want to use a prime lens if you want more light to come in on your shots. If getting close up on your subject is most important, then you want to use a zoom lens.
The Best Lenses for Nikon D5200 Reviewed
Here is my list of the best choices, along with a quick review of each lens so you understand its pros and cons.
1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens (Best Overall)
- Mount: G
- Diaphragm blades: 7
- Focal length: 35mm
- Aperture: f/1.8-22
My top choice is the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35m. This is an exceptional lens that delivers high quality all around. It is well-designed and works very well with the D5200. It is a fast prime lens that covers several different types of shooting scenarios.
The fast aperture of this 35mm lens allows you to shoot clear images even when lighting conditions are not so good. Whether you are indoors or outdoors, this lens capably delivers excellent quality.
The thing I like most about this lens is its remarkable sharpness. The image quality from this lens is second to none and the images are sharp and crisp. It’s considered a universal lens that works with DX mounts as well as other mounts and adapters.
However, there is a slight barrel distortion that occurs under certain conditions. While this is a minimal issue and can be corrected in post-editing, it is still somewhat concerning.
My Verdict: This is an excellent choice to pair with D5200. It is a well-designed lens that is constructed perfectly for your camera.
2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm Zoom Lens (Best Beginners)
- Mount: G
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Focal length: 55-300mm
- Aperture: f/4.5-5.6
The next choice is the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm Zoom Lens. It produces excellent-quality images and with its 5.5x zoom and DX format, it is a great choice to pair with the D5200.
This super-telephoto lens comes in a small, portable lens frame. It is great for getting to know your subjects on a personal level. With its two extra-low dispersion glass elements and High Refractive Index Lens element, it makes it simple to capture and focus on far-off subjects.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm is easy to use for photographers of all levels, especially beginners. The functions are simple and you can point, focus, and shoot quickly and effectively.
The one drawback of this lens is the vibration reduction system works with a delay. I’m not sure of the actual cause of this delay, but it is an issue when shooting rapid shots.
My Verdict: This lens is one of the best zoom lenses you can find and it works very well with the D5200. While its aperture is not the best, it still delivers very good image quality.
3. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens (Best Stabilization)
- Mount: E
- Diaphragm blades: 9
- Focal length: 200-500mm
- Aperture: f/5.6
The Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 200-500mm is an incredibly stable lens that delivers excellent image quality. It is designed to work well with the D5200 and is a great choice for delivering high-quality shots.
It is great for shooting sporting events, wildlife, nature, outdoor events, and many other scenery types. Its f/5.6 aperture is nice for creating images with excellent out-of-focus backgrounds.
The best thing about this lens is its vibration reduction system. The VR II image stabilization along with the Silent Wave Motor, create a formidable collaboration that produces exceptional image quality.
Unfortunately, the zoom quality suffers at longer focal ranges. While the stability of this lens is remarkable, the zoom quality results in distortions under some conditions.
My Verdict: This is a great lens for producing clear images. If you use this lens appropriately and understand its limitations, you will find that it is great for several types of shots.
4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G Lens (Best Portrait)
- Mount: AF
- Diaphragm blades: 7
- Focal length: 50mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
The last choice on my list is the Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm. This lens is great for shooting casual shots. The 50mm focal length along with the quick f/1.8 aperture allows you to take exceptional shots and produce a shallow depth of field.
This lens is designed with portability in mind and is easy to carry. Using Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating allows for better light transmission and delivers vibrant, crisp color and reduced glare.
The standout quality of the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm is its portrait ability. It captures excellent images of stationary images within its focal range. Even in low light conditions, they come out clear and brilliant.
The lack of a vibration reduction system is the only thing that can be improved. While it works well with the D5200, it still is suspect when it comes to moving and shooting subjects. You can avoid some of the instability by using a tripod.
My Verdict: This is a good choice for portrait photography. It delivers nice images and has a quick aperture that produces good shots in low-light conditions.
Final Thoughts
The D5200 is a really good camera and when used with the appropriate lenses, you can deliver professional-grade quality. The lenses listed here work well with the D5200 and under the right conditions, can produce stunning results.
Hope by now you’ve decided on which lens to go for. Other brands to consider include Sigma and Tamron.
Have you used any of the lenses listed above? Share your feedback in the comments section below.
Until next time, enjoy photography and enjoy life!
