2023 Guide to the Best Nikon D3000 Lenses for Every Type of Photography
It is important to have the right lens to get the most out of the Nikon D3000. While the D3000 might be an older model in the Nikon DSLR lineup, it’s still compatible with more than enough Nikon F-mount lenses.
There is a wide range of Nikon lenses that can be used with the D3000 for a variety of needs, such as landscape, portrait, wildlife, and macro photography.
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- Best Zoom Lens - Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
- Best Wide Angle Lens - Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II
- Best Telephoto Lens - Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
- Best First Prime - Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G
- Best Macro Lens - Nikon Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G
- Best All in One Lens - Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR
Understanding Nikon D3000 Lens Compatibility
For new photographers, understanding lens compatibility can initially seem complex, but it is crucial when choosing lenses for your Nikon D3000. Here’s what you need to know.
The Nikon F-mount System
The Nikon D3000 uses the Nikon F-mount system, which has been in use since 1959. This means that any Nikon lens with an F-mount, regardless of when it was produced, can physically be attached to the D3000. However, due to technological changes over time, not all F-mount lenses will provide full functionality with the D3000.
Autofocus System
The D3000 relies on autofocus motors built into the lens, rather than in the camera body. As a result, you’ll need to use AF-S or AF-P lenses if you want to use autofocus. These lens types have the required built-in motor. Older AF or AF-D lenses can still be mounted on the D3000, but you’ll need to focus manually.
DX Format Sensor
The D3000 uses a DX format sensor, which is smaller than the full-frame FX format sensor found in higher-end Nikon cameras. While both DX and FX lenses can be used on the D3000, DX lenses provide a field of view that perfectly matches the camera’s sensor size. FX lenses are designed for full-frame sensors and will result in a 1.5x crop when used on a DX format camera like the D3000.
Vibration Reduction
Vibration Reduction (VR) is Nikon’s terminology for optical image stabilization. Not all lenses come with this feature, but it can be incredibly helpful for reducing the effects of camera shake, especially when shooting handheld or in low light situations. Look for ‘VR’ in the lens name if you want this feature.
Best Zoom Lenses for Nikon D3000
Quite possibly the most common and useful zoom lens is the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, which was a Nikon D3000 bundled lens. The 18-55mm lens is not going to be included as many people likely already own it.
Wide zooms are covered further down.
Telephoto zoom lenses are fantastic with the Nikon D3000 for portraits, action,sports,wildlife, or anything involving subjects at a distance.
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
- Silent Wave Motor for Fast and Quiet Autofocus
- Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization for Amazing Handheld Shots
- Has a Massive Focal Length Range
- Terrific Focal Length for Action Photography with the Nikon D3000
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The biggest attraction of the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G is the range the lens has packaged with image stabilization. It will be an excellent choice when you find it hard to get nearer to your subject. Like other zooms, the aperture of f/5.6 at the far end of the zoom range is a little small, faster options are substantially more.
You are not going to have to spend very much to get this zoom lens. There are loads of used lenses out there as it was bundled with the Nikon D5600, D5500, and D3400 cameras.
The considerable zoom range of the lens is comprised of 17 elements in 11 groups. Two of the elements are extra-low dispersion and one is a high refractive index element to ensure sharp images.
It weighs in at 580g (18.7 oz), with dimensions of (Diameter x Length) 3.0 in. (76.5 mm) x 4.8 in. (123 mm). While not small, it can still easily be carried around on the camera or in your bag.
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR
- Excellent Value When Purchased Second hand
- Silent Wave Motor for Accurate Autofocus
- Excellent for Wildlife, Sports, Action, & Portraits
- 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Lens Elements
- (VR) Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
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The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5. 6G was quite often sold with the D3300, D3200, and D3100 digital cameras. It is a awesome deal when purchased secondhand.
A copy in great condition is found for not even half the cost of a second hand Nikon 55-300mm.
The only downside of the 55-200mm is the 100mm reduction in reach. It still has VR image stabilization and to help you get sharp images when shooting hand-held.
One benefit of the lens is that carrying it around won’t be a huge concern. It weighs 335g (11.8 oz) with dimensions of (Diameter x Length) 2.9 in. (73.6 mm) x 3.9 in. (99.5 mm).
Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD
- Ultra Silent Drive (USD) Autofocus Motor
- Extra Low Dispersion (XLD) Glass Element
- Broad-Band Anti-Reflection (BBAR) Lens Coating
- 9 Aperture Blades for Beautiful Bokeh
- Minimal focus distance 59.1"
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The Tamron 70-300mm is an outstanding pick if you want 300mm of reach, but don’t want to pay as much for the 55-300mm from Nikon.
One big drawback is the lack of image stabilization. This will make it difficult to get sharp images hand holding the lens.
Comparable optical image stabilization is incorporated in the Tamron as found in the Nikons. All of them have extra-low dispersion elements and anti-reflective lens coatings.
The lens weighs 16.1oz (458g). It has a length of 5.6" and diameter of 3.2".
Best Wide Angle Lenses
A wide angle lens is invaluable for landscapes, astrophotography, architecture, group photos, real estate photography, and more. The wider angle makes it easier to capture indoor spaces or stunning vistas.
One thing to watch out for is the wide angle causing strong distortion. Portraits can be tricky as body parts such as a nose close to the camera lens will appear distorted.
An advantage of a wide angle is that image stabilization is not as beneficial. Tiny movements or vibrations are not as likely to cause blur in an image.
Having a fast maximum aperture is useful for astrophotography. {In order to get the most impressive photos, you want at least a f/4, if not f/2.8 maximum aperture|To get the best photos, you want the maximum aperture to be a minimum of f/4.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II
- Perfect pick for night photography
- Fast f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
- 77mm Front Filter Threads
- Focus Clutch Style M/A Selector
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The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is fast and sharp. With a large aperture, this lens is a good choice for astrophotography.
One key feature of the lens is the focus clutch that controls changing between manual focus and autofocus. To switch focus, the entire focus ring is either pushed forward or pulled back.
The built-in autofocus motor is noisy. This could be a big problem if you want quiet operation when shooting at an event.
The lens is rather large, weighing 550g (1.21 lbs) with dimensions of 4.02 x 4.02 x 4.02 in (L x W x H)
Be mindful when you look to get the lens. Tokina also makes versions that use a different lens mount like the Canon EF or Sony A mounts. Double check to make sure the lens you order is compatible with Nikon cameras.
Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical
- Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM)
- Ultra-wide angle lens
- Internal Focus and Excellent Build Quality
- Super Multi-Layer Coating
- Built with Aspherical Elements that Reduce Distortion
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The Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 falls into the same price range as the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8. It has a larger zoom range, but a slightly smaller maximum aperture.
At 10mm the lens is going to produce an exaggerated distorted perspective. You’re likely going to see distortion, which you can reduce through post-processing.
The focus motor is similar to what you would find in Nikon AF-S lenses.
All that glass doesn’t make the lens too heavy, coming in at a weight of 520g (18.3 oz). Dimensions are diameter of 3.4" (87.3mm) and length of 3.5" (88.2mm).
Be careful if you are looking to purchase this lens. Sigma also made copies of the lens for other DSLR camera mounts including, Canon EF, Sony A, and Pentax K mounts. Make sure the one you buy uses the Nikon F lens mount.
Best Telephoto Lenses
The 55-300mm & 55-200mm lenses reviewed in the zoom section are also the lenses to look for first if you need a telephoto lens.
This section is going to take a look at telephoto prime lenses for sports, action, wildlife, and portrait photography. There is no shortage of these lenses available for the Nikon F-mount.
However, telephoto prime lenses tend to be expensive because the amount of optics that need to be used. The weight of the lens and ergonomics when mounted on a camera body need to be taken into account. The right lens the one that is easy to handle and use so you can capture memorable pictures.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
- Best Lens for Portraits
- Internal Focus (IF)
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Superb Color Reproduction
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The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best Nikon lenses for professional photographers. It is a fast lens that delivers excellent images and pleasing bokeh.
The 85mm 1.8G is a full frame lens. You’ll notice two differences when comparing it against a DX lens.
First, full frame lenses are usually more expensive than DX lenses. They have larger lens elements, which translates to additional cost.
Second, the lens is larger than many DX lenses. While not a huge issue, if you plan to carry it around with another lens, you’ll definitely need a bag.
Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
- Very Good Lens with a Fast Aperture
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Small and Lightweight
- Excellent Pick for Low Light Photography
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Taking the crop factor focal length multiplier into account, this lens could be regarded as a short telephoto lens. It is a cheap fast prime that can be utilised for portraits and indoor photography.
The FX 50mm f/1.8G provides more reach than the DX 35mm f/1.8G, while still having a comparable price.
There aren’t huge differences between the lenses. With the 50mm, you’ll get a bit more reach and blurring the background will be quite a bit easier.
It weighs 185g (6.6 oz) and has dimensions of (Diameter x Length) 2.83" x 2.01".
Best First Prime
Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G
- Very Accurate Autofocus Performance
- Takes Excellent Pictures in Tough Lighting Situations
- Excellent Nikon D3000 lens for street photography
- High Build Quality
- Best option for an all around lens
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The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G is the best first prime lens to get for the Nikon D3000.
A maximum aperture of f/1.8, means you’ll be able to isolate your subjects and create beautiful bokeh. Indoors the lens is fast enough to where you will not need to use flash.
With a 35mm equivalent field of view of 52.5mm, you’ll have a “standard” field of view. Your photos will have a perspective that is similar to what is seen by human eyes.
Weighing just 200g (7oz), there’s never a reason not to have the lens with you. With dimensions of (Diameter x Length) 2.8 in. (70 mm) x 2.1 in. (52.5 mm), you can easily keep it in a coat pocket or bag.
Macro Photography Best Nikon D3000 Lenses
Macro photography starts with a reproduction ratio of 1:1. That 1:1 ratio can also be referred to as life size or 1X magnification.
Those terms all mean that the subject being photographed is the same size as the camera’s sensor. Popular subjects are insects, coins, flowers, copy work and academic subjects.
Macro lenses have very sharp focus. There is no corner softness because of the flat field of view.
There are other ways to achieve macro magnification, such as extensions tubes. Personally, I find that a macro lens easier to use and gives better results. That’s because a macro lens has a large minimum focus distance.
As a quick note, Nikon branded their macros as Micro-Nikkor lenses. This is a constant source of confusion as micro and macro have opposite meanings.
Nikon Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G
- Close-Range Correction System (CRC)
- Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio of 1X
- Well Built with a Rubber Sealing Mount Protects Against Dust and Moisture
- Excellent option for Close Ups
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The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G is the best option for getting started with macro and close-up photography with the Nikon D3000.
As far as modern macro lenses go, the lens is relatively inexpensive. It also has a high-quality autofocus motor and uses current optics.
This means the lens can also be employed for general photography. That’s not the case with older macros, as their image quality only becomes razor sharp after the aperture has been stopped down.
The lens weighs 235g (8.3 oz) with dimensions (diameter x length) of 2.7 in. (68.5 mm) x 2.5 in. (64.5 mm).
Nikon AF-S DX Micro Nikkor 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
- Super Integrated Coating (SIC) to reduce Chromatic Aberration
- Maximum Reproduction Ratio of 1X
- Built with Internal Focus (IF)
- VR - Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
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The big benefit of the 85mm macro lens over the 40mm is a longer working distance. That’s the distance from the front of the lens to the subject.
At 1X magnification, the front of the lens is going to be close to the subject. If you are trying to photograph an insect, this may cause them to try to get away.
Another issue could be properly lighting a subject. Depending on your light source it could be tough to get it setup without the lens blocking it.
The downside is that a little more working distance adds to the cost of the lens.
While not the primary purpose of the lens, it can be used for portraits, but the f/3.5 maximum aperture might not create the best background bokeh.
Lenses for Different Types of Photography
Landscape Photography
For landscape photography, wide-angle lenses are the most popular choice. They allow photographers to capture expansive vistas, emphasizing the sense of space and scale. For your Nikon D3000, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR lens could be a perfect fit. Its ultra-wide-angle view can capture vast landscapes, and the Vibration Reduction (VR) technology helps ensure sharp images, even in low light conditions.
Portrait Photography
Portrait photographers often favor lenses with longer focal lengths and large apertures, as they provide a flattering perspective and allow for a shallow depth of field, which helps to isolate subjects from the background. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is a great option for the D3000. With its large f/1.8 aperture, you can create beautiful bokeh and low-light images, while its 50mm focal length is ideal for portraiture.
Wildlife and Sports Photography
Telephoto lenses are typically used for wildlife and sports photography as they enable photographers to get close to the action from a distance. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, with its powerful zoom capability, is a good choice. This lens’s VR technology helps reduce camera shake, crucial when shooting at such long focal lengths.
Macro Photography
For macro photography, where the aim is to capture small subjects in great detail, a macro lens is required. The AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G is a top pick for Nikon D3000 users. It offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio, meaning subjects can be captured at their actual size on the camera sensor, revealing details not visible to the naked eye.
Street and Everyday Photography
For everyday photography, including street photography, a versatile lens is a good choice. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a versatile lens that offers a useful range of focal lengths from wide-angle to short telephoto, making it suitable for a wide variety of situations.
When to Upgrade Your Camera
The Nikon D3000 was released in 2005. It should be come as no surprise that there are many Nikon D3000 upgrade options available. One of the nice things is that you can still use the same lenses with a newer camera, the majority with seamless compatibility.
Having access to different focal lengths, a fast prime, or a brand new lens will do more for you than a new camera. However, it is difficult to overlook the high resolution available from a newer APS-C camera body as well as fast continuous shooting speed and more white balance options.
The price of a second hand Nikon D3000 replacement is a fraction of the price when the camera was just released. That same drop in price also applies to recent camera models.
An upgrade that is a great match for your needs is very likely cheaper than you imagine if you’re prepared to sell your D3000 camera as soon as you have an upgrade.
Types of Lenses
Focal Lengths
- Wide Angle - Captures a large angle of view of a scene. These have a short focal length.
- Standard - Has a field of view that looks "natural" when viewed by people. Any focal length between 35mm to 50mm.
- Telephoto - Lenses with a narrow field of view, very helpful for subjects that are far away or small. Wildlife photos are a popular use for this type of focal length.
- Macro - Has the ability to take images close up to a subject at a 1:1 magnification ratio of subject to sensor size.
- Fisheye - Ultra wide-angle lenses that produce distorted circular images.
Zoom vs Prime
- Zoom - The focal length can be changed. The zoom range covered will be different, but brands are always trying to make larger zoom ranges.
- Prime - Lenses with a fixed focal length. Usually, they have larger apertures than zoom lenses. Larger apertures are better for low light condition and creating blurry backgrounds with a telephoto lens. Better ones will have razor sharp image clarity.
Compatible Lenses
Nikon F Mount
The D3000 camera uses Nikon F-mount lenses. The F-mount was first employed on Nikon cameras in 1959. There are different variations of the lens mount as it has been modified over time to work with digital SLR cameras.
Initial autofocus lenses were powered by a focus motor built into camera bodies. The Nikon D3000 is one of the only entry level digital SLR cameras to have the focus motor built-in. As a result, autofocus will work with early autofocus lenses.
The Nikon D3000 does not have a meter coupling ridge or EE servo coupling post. Light metering won’t work correctly for manual lenses without electrical contacts. AF lenses with physical aperture rings will likely need to be stopped down to their smallest aperture.
Nikon D3000 Kit Lens
The Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR was originally included with the Nikon D3000. This was most commonly bundled with used D3000’s for sale on eBay or Amazon.
It is in a growing crowd dx nikkor lenses that have been sold with cameras over the years. These make up the right lens option for a majority of the required needs of a Nikon D3000 owner.
In challenging low light conditions using fill flash from the camera will help. Compatible lighting equipment like Nikon’s creative lighting system can be beneficial if you can buy second-hand speedlites that are affordable.
If you don’t have this lens, it is a great first pick for the camera. The focal length, inclusion of image stabilization, and performance is adequate, especially taking into account the affordable price of a second hand copy. The one undesirable aspect is the f/5.6 aperture at the long end.