The Nikon D3400 is a great camera for beginner photographers and photographers that want an ultra-light weight cheap Nikon camera.
It’s extremely easy to use, durable and of course with any Nikon camera it offers quality build and excellent image production.
However, as with all cameras the Nikon D3400 can only do so much on its own. If you want to improve your images, photography skills and make the most of your camera it’s a worthwhile investment adding a lens or two to your camera bag.
Picking out which lens is right for you however can be daunting challenge. There are lots of lenses on the market, especially for this model that vary in function and price dramatically.
In order to find the best lens for you – we’ve created a simple list that runs through some of the best lenses you can buy on the market right now for you Nikon D3400. Consider any of these options and you will be impressed with immediate improvement of your photography abilities.
Before buying any lens its vital to consider what type of photography you are most interested in order to understand which lens offers the best results for you.
Check out our list below that offers some easy to understand guidance before you take the plunge and invest in a lens for your Nikon D3400.
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM FLD
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the first lens on our list. This lens is both great quality and extremely good value for money. It will work perfectly with your Nikon D3400 straight out of the box and you will instantly see how your images transform.
The Sigma lens is first on our list as its extremely versatile being a mid-range zoom lens. The lens offers perfect image stabilization, an added exterior coating and an easy to use well-functioning auto focus system.
As a result of the versatility, great features and strong build of the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 it’s no surprise that its top of our list and a favorite for many Nikon D3400 users.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Very versatile.
- Strong build quality.
- Best walk around cheap lens.
- f/2.8 will work well for portraits.
- Great travel lens.
- Small and easy to carry.
- Perfect for outdoor shooting.
- 17mm focal length also makes this camera great for shooting landscapes.
- Shoots well in low level light situations.
- Multi-layer coating helps this lens retain color sharpness in your shots.
- Carry case, lens hood, front and rear lens caps are all included with your Sigma lens.
- Perfect for outdoor exploring.
- In built image stabilization.
- Fast and quiet auto focus.
- Can focus up to as close as 11 inches.
- Decent bokeh for portrait shooting and arty aesthetic shots.
Cons
- Zoom ring operates differently to standard Nikon lenses.
- Zoom ring is also stiff.
- Manual focus can be difficult to use.
- Heavier than other competitors on the market.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II Digital Zoom Lens
Our second lens on the list is the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 which is also not a Nikon own brand lens. There are plenty of companies rivaling Nikon making lenses that function just as well at a cheaper price and this is one of them.
Any photographer who is just starting out needs a wide-angle zoom lens in their camera bag and this one is both great value for money and also versatile.
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is easy to use, looks professional, and will shoot great shots for a wide range of photographers. Shooting architecture, both interior and exterior, as well as landscapes, cityscapes and astrophotography has never been easier or more affordable.
Pros
- Basic wide-angle zoom lens.
- Perfect for any level or ability photographer.
- Must have lens for any serious photographer.
- Great value for money.
- Versatile lens great for a wide range of shooting.
- Great for shooting architecture, both interior and exterior, as well as landscapes, cityscapes and astrophotography.
- Sharp focus.
- Great image quality.
- Great lens coating that provides glare free, ghost free images.
- 9 blades offer great bokeh.
- Focus as close as 11.8 inches.
- Easily switch between manual and auto focus.
- Sharp at both 11mm and 16mm.
- Excellent wide-angle shooting abilities.
- Well-built lens.
Cons
- Focus could be improved (both auto and manual).
- Focus motor is extremely loud.
- Focus ring has been known to be loose.
- Sharpness in shooting can suffer when the lens is at its widest.
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Fixed Zoom Lens with Auto Focus
The Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 fixed zoom lens is the first Nikon Lens that we have included on our list. This lens is great for photographers who are looking for a small, sharp and light lens.
This lens is a standard prime lens that is basic to use, perfect for beginners but also seasoned photographers as it produces perfectly crisp, clear image.
This lens is extremely good value for money offering from Nikon and for any Nikon D3400 user out there – this lens could be the perfect starting point for your lunge from amateur weekend shooter to enhanced professional.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Nikon build quality.
- Amazing optics.
- Extra low dispersion to reduce aberration.
- High quality lens coating.
- Improved color and image rendering.
- Focus of 9.5 inches.
- Quiet motor and extremely fast focus.
- Super large manual focus overriding ring that most other competitors don’t include.
- Smooth backgrounds.
- Fast focus.
- Great for portrait photography.
- Beautiful photos and HD videos.
- Compact lens – extremely portable.
- High resolution image capabilities that unlock the potential of your Nikon D3400.
- Exceptionally fast primed lens.
- Front and back lens caps included.
Cons
- Expensive for the value. The body of the lens could be a lot strong.
- Build quality is lacking in comparison with other cheaper options.
- Manual focus ring can be loud and noisy.
- Doesn’t render as well as more expensive models.
Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro Lens – Nikon AF Mount
The Tokina Pro M 100mm F/2.8 D Macro Lens offers any Nikon D3400 users a superb lens. It is both sturdy in build quality and offers great focusing. It’s also extremely versatile making it a great lens for any photographers just starting out.
You can use this lens for both macro and portrait photography which is great for photographers of all levels and any ability level.
The sharpness on this lens is competitive producing sharp crisp clear images. Best of all – this lens is extremely affordable for anyone photographer out there working with a limited budget.
Pros
- Great value for money.
- Versatile lens.
- Offers similar capabilities to other more expensive Nikon lenses.
- Macro and portrait photography capabilities.
- Smooth out of focus backgrounds with the 9 blade diaphragm.
- Focus point works extremely well.
- Pushing and pulling the focus ring allows you to change quickly between manual and auto focus.
- 1:1 reproduction in your images.
- One touch focus mechanism.
- 55mm non-rotating filter thread.
- Multi coated lens to reduce glare and ghosting.
Cons
- Macro photography is benefitted by a tripod.
- Auto focus motor is extremely noisy in comparison with other lenses.
- Soft aperture when the lens is wide open.
- Focus is extremely sensible.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm F/1.8G Lens is the final lens on our list. It offers great value for money as its extremely cheap.
The lens is light and has an extremely fast focus making it the perfect companion for any Nikon D3400 user it’s an ideal first prime lens for any beginner, but it’s also a great lens option for ore established photographer looking to get there first primed lens.
This lens is ideal for portrait shooting but It’s also a great option for the photographer who also loves to shoot street snaps. The f/1.8 aperture gives you the perfect shallow depth as well as providing great shooting abilities in low level light situation.
Pro
- Great value for money.
- Suitable for beginners.
- Works well for a plethora of photography types.
- Portrait and street photography work great.
- Small, light and extremely portable.
- Offers an auto focus override option.
- Auto focus is silent and fast.
- Extremely fast focus.
- Enhanced lens coating that minimizes glare, ghosting and enhances color and contrast in your images.
Cons
- Lacking in features.
- Sharpness at its widest aperture could be improved.
Conclusion
The Nikon D3400 is an excellent camera for photographers that are starting out. However, you will quickly find that the camera is limited, and lenses are needed to better your images.
Adding lenses to your Nikon D3400 will offer you better shooting capabilities, whatever lens you pick off this lest.
Whether you want to shoot crispy clear street snaps or breathtaking portraits be sure to add a lens to your Nikon D3400 and improve the images you shoot.
