Good and Cheap Nikon D5000 Lenses for Photographers

The Nikon D5000 is still as good as it ever was, but getting great pictures with it is easier than ever.

Nikon DX lenses are currently the best value out of any lens mount. There are options for every type of photography, and the used market is being flooded with them.

Full frame, FX lenses, are also compatible. Only a couple are recommended because they are larger and more expensive than DX lenses.

The Nikon D5000 is compatible with AF-S lenses

AF-P lenses will not work. They are too new.

In March of 2025, eBay completed listing show D5000’s with a kit 18-55mm lens sell for around $150.

All the lens suggestions should be less than $200, with several under $50.

If you have $300 or more to spend, it makes sense to upgrade to a D5200 or D7100. They have major improvements in autofocus area/speed, resolution, continuous shooting rate, and high ISO performance.

Lens Compatibility (AF-S)

AF-S means the lens has a built-in silent wave motor. They use the electrical contacts on the mount and are relatively quiet and fast. These are the best autofocus lenses for the D5000.

The Nikon D5000 is not compatible with the 4 Nikon AF-P lenses. They were released right before the F-mount was discontinued. They have stepper motors, which are faster and quieter than the motors in AF-S lenses.

Early AF and AF-D (D-series) lenses can be used, but the autofocus will not work. That’s because they rely on a camera body having a built-in motor to drive the autofocus in a lens. The D5000 does not have a built-in focus motor, so the AF on these lenses will not work. They can be manually focused.

The Nikon D5000 does not have a meter coupling ridge or EE servo coupling post. Light metering won’t work correctly for manual focus lenses without electrical contacts. AF lenses with physical aperture rings will need to be stopped down to their smallest aperture.

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Best Value Zoom Lenses

The best value zoom is always going to be a version of the kit 18-55 f/3.5-5.6G lens. The one feature you want to make sure the lens has is VR.

That’s vibration reduction, which will help you get sharper images. It well help to counteract camera shake when holding a camera. The longer the focal length of a lens, the more helpful forms of stabilization becomes.

Nikon AF-S 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

• Price
• Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization for Excellent Handheld Shots
• Provides a Large Focal Length Coverage
• Perfect Focal Length for Action Photography with the Nikon D5000

Image stabilization and zoom range are what makes the Nikon 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G so attractive. This is a great lens for daytime sports, action, and wildlife.

The aperture of 5.6 on the long end, is faster than what’s showing up on the newest entry-level mirrorless lenses. However, the limitations of the D5000 means the combination is going to struggle doing nighttime sports. That shouldn’t be a surprise though, as that’s where most cameras still struggle.

There are a bunch of pre-owned copies available as it was a kit option for the Nikon D3400, D5500, and D5600 digital cameras.

It weighs 580g (18.7 oz). Diameter x Length is 3.0 in. (76.5 mm) x 4.8 in. (123 mm). It can be carried around on the camera or in a bag. Heavier than this and the weight is going to be much more noticeable.

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR

• Unbeatable used value
• Silent Wave Motor (AF-S) for Fast and Accurate Autofocus
• Entry-level intro to Wildlife, Sports, Action, & Portraits
• (VR) Vibration Reduction Image Stabilization
• 2 Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Lens Elements

The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5. 6G was a kit lens option for the D3100, D3200, and D3300. There are multiple versions, avoid the ones without VR.

That should be easy, as these are some of the most common DX lenses. With minimal effort, you should be able to find a lens with VR for the same price as one without.

Besides being less expensive, it is also lighter than the 55-300mm. It only weighs 335g (11.8 oz) with dimensions of (Diameter x Length) 2.9 in. (73.6 mm) x 3.9 in. (99.5 mm).

If you have room in your budget, the extra 100mm of reach with the 55-300mm will be worth it. You’ll have an easier time fill the frame with a bird or capturing action on the far end of a field.

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"

If you’re looking for inexpensive, the Tamron 70-300mm was the first lens I thought of. It should be the least expensive lens I’m recommending.

The big drawback of the lens is that it does not have image stabilization. If you’re able to use a tripod, monopod, or out in full sun, you might not notice the lack of image stabilization.

I would not want to use the lens indoors without flash or other lighting.

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 very useful for landscapes, astrophotography, architecture, group photos, real estate photography, and more.

One thing to watch out for is the wide angle causing strong distortion. Portraits can be difficult as noses or any body part close to the camera lens will appear abnormally large.

An advantage of a wide angle is that image stabilization is less essential. Little movements or vibrations are less likely to be noticed in a photo.

Having a fast maximum aperture is beneficial for astrophotography. {In order to get the optimal photos, you want at least a f/4, if not f/2.8 aperture|For the absolute best images, you want the max aperture to be a minimum of f/4.

Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II

• Perfect option for night photography
• Fast f/2.8 Maximum Aperture
• 77mm Front Filter Threads
• Focus Clutch Style M/A Selector

The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is fast and sharp. With a large aperture, this lens is an outstanding selection 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 loud. This can be a problem if you require quiet operation when shooting at an event.

In terms of size, the lens is pretty large. It weighs 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 go to order the lens. Tokina also makes versions that use a different lens mount like the Canon EF or Sony A mounts. Check to make sure the lens you buy is compatible with the Nikon F-mount.

Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5 EX DC HSM ELD SLD Aspherical

• Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM)
• Ultra-wide angle lens
• Internal Focus and Superb Build Quality
• Super Multi-Layer Coating
• Built with Aspherical Elements that Reduce Distortion

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.

4 aspherical elements have been utilized to help reduce distortion and aberrations. In total there are 13 lens elements in 10 groups to ensure the best image quality possible.

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 discussed 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 employed. 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

The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best Nikon lenses for professional photographers. It’s 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

• Excellent Lens with a Fast Aperture
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
• Small and Lightweight
• Excellent Selection for Low Light Photography

Taking the crop factor focal length multiplier into consideration, this lens could be thought of as a short telephoto. It’s an inexpensive fast prime that can be employed 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 similar price.

There are not huge differences between the lenses. With the 50mm, you’ll get a bit more reach and blurring the background will be 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 Outstanding Pictures in Challenging Lighting Situations
• Excellent Nikon D5000 lens for street photography
• High Build Quality
• Best option for an all around lens

The Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G is the best first prime lens to get for the Nikon D5000.

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 D5000 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.

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

The Nikon Micro-Nikkor 40mm f/2.8G is the best selection for getting started with macro and close-up photography with the Nikon D5000.

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 used for general photography. That’s not the case with older macros, as their image quality only becomes razor sharp after the aperture is 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

The most important 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 tricky 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.