Best Nikon D5200 Lenses

The Nikon D5200 is a 24.1 megapixel DSLR first introduced in November 2012. It is centered on the Nikon EXPEED 3 image/video processor and features active D lighting with a 3.0 inch articulated 921,000 dot LCD screen. The D5200 can be seen as an advanced entry level device, as incorporates certain semi-pro features of the D7000 series with a more prominent beginner geared archetype of the D3200. The following lenses have been assessed in regards to  that appropriate for someone a bit new to photography seeking specifications a bit more advanced.  Through this list we give you examples of both Prime lenses and Zoom lenses. Prime lenses producing a sharper image, but of course lacking the ability to adjust focal-length.

Nikon D5200 Lenses for Travel & Casual Photography

The standard lenses that we have chosen for this category range from 18-300mm. Exploring the capabilities of a mid-range DSLR such as the D5200 warrants a bit of a casual spirit and a sense of adventure. The following all-in-one lenses fit the mold of such purposes and are ideal travel gadgets:

​Niko​​n 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Lowest priced Nikon prime casual lens

  • -Lesser range
  • -Likely better value found in competition

Specifications

This Nikon 18-200mm is a versatile 11x zoom lens. It includes vibration reduction image stabilization that allows for shooting of up to 4 shutter speeds slower. It also contains a 7 blade rounded diaphragm and a lens construct of 16 glass elements in 12 groups. These include two extra dispersion elements and three aspherical elements.

Review

This lens is basically identical to the prior version except for the zoom lock at 18mm. Though it is better for that purpose, the 18-300mm would provide much greater value in most cases.

​Nikon 18-300mm f.3.5-6.3 VR 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Good traveler’s option
  • -Great optics
  • -Comfort
  • -Slightly less zoom than its main competition

Specifications

This lens offers a stunning 16.7x zoom ratio. It features second generation vibration reduction that allows quality throughout its entire range. This is in addition to 3 extra dispersion glass elements that also contribute to image sharpness. With a 9-blade rounded diaphragm and Silent Wave Monitor, its autofocus mechanism is top notch. Overall it has a compelling total of 19 elements in 14 groups. 

Review

The wide range on this lens is truly helpful for a beginner still exploring the extents of their photographic interests. One asset to this newer version of the 18-300mm is that it also does macro shots really well. It focuses as close as inches to the front lens at 300mm. Also, the original is much larger and heavier and a nuisance to the exploratory beginner. A middle ground gadget such as the D5200 is perfect to afix this all-in-one lens to.

​Sigma 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 Macro OS 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great value

  • -Handy

  • –Great software connection and controls

  • -Not the best in terms of image quality

Specifications

The Sigma 18-250mm features a highly effective optical stabilization system that offers blur correction at 4 stops. It’s Hyper Sonic Motor accounts for the lacking autofocus mechanism of the D5200. The lens contains one super low dispersion element and 3 aspherical lens elements. These make up the total of 16 glass elements.

Review

Due to its weight as relative to the competition (it weighs 662g versus the 830g of the Nikon 18-300) and it’s zoom lock, this is an extremely portable option. Add this to the convenience of the Sigma Optimization Pro software and it scores much higher in the ease-of-use category. Nonetheless there is a sacrifice of image quality for the amenity. But considering its value, this is very well a better option for entry level photography.

Nikon D5200 Lenses for Landscape and the Built Environment

The Nikon D5200 has great lens options for landscape and the built environment. The built environment consists of municipal shots, architecture and interior design. Consider:

​Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 ​​

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Outstanding wideangle features

  • -Great in low light

  • -Limited range

Specifications

Good range 10-24mm lens that can focus as close as 0.8 feet. It has a picture angle of 109 degrees through 61 degrees. The Silent Wave Monitor offers a great autocus and greatly reduces chromatic aberration. Also the Super Integrated Coating helps reduce glare in such wider wavelength lenses and allows maximum color balance throughout images. Aspherical lens elements also help with different types of aberrations and through the range of this apertures.

Review

For an amateur photographer seeking an ideal entry into the world of macro photography, this lens is ideal. It may defer to the 12-24mm in sharpness and distortion, yet the depth of power and perspective of the 10-24mm is unmatched. This point of view of a wider lens is invaluable to striking the interest of the beginner within reach of semi pro controls.

​Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Excellent indoor photography option
  • -Specialist purpose and functionality

Specifications

The Sigma 10-20mm is an ultra wide lens with a wide angle view of up to 102 degrees. It has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches and a close focus distance of 24cm. It also contains a Hyper Sonic Motor, which is essential as the D5200 lacks an autofocus motor built-in. For its lens class it is lightweight and compact, weighing 470g and measuring 8.1cm x 8.4cm.

Review

This lightweight and versatile lens is an ideal wideangle option for entry level photography. Landscape, architecture and interior design are the perfect subjects for the Sigma 10-20mm. 

​Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great sharpness

  • -Minimal depth of field control

Specifications

The Nikon 16-85mm is a medium telephoto lens with a 7 bladed diaphragm that features 5.3x zoom. From the whole of the zoom range, the minimum focusing distance is only 38cm. This is enabled by the non extending lens of the internal focusing mechanism. 17 glass elements in 11 groups constitute the lens-with 2 extra dispersion elements and 3 aspheric elements. The Silent Wave Monitor allows for a discrete and efficient autofocus.

Review

This lens features stunning sharpness as a telephoto with a more modest range. However if looking for something with more depth of field control (I.e. – wildlife), a lens with a greater maximum aperture may be a better idea. In addition to its use for casual photography, this is a great option for landscape and portraiture.

Nikon D5200 Lenses for Portraits 

The typically low light shots of portraits and special events do well with certain lenses made for the D5200. Have a look at:

​Nikon 35mm f/1.8 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great value
  • -Limited range

Specifications

The first prime lens on this list, this 35mm aperture lens offers tidy dimensions and high quality optics.  Seven diaphragm blades make up its length. It’s lens is built with 8 elements in 6 groups, with one aspherical lens. The advanced optical construction is present at the lens’ corners for ideal image sharpness at edges. It’s Silent Wave Monitor offers a smooth and quiet autofocus. The bokeh with this addition is much greater than other lenses and portraits stand out due to the shallow depth of field.

Review

This is a generally intuitive lens as its picture angle matches that of the human eye. This makes it a great asset to portrait shots for an amateur photographer still developing a groove. Even if exploring the use of other lenses, this is a great option to have in one’s arsenal-especially considering the modest investment and easily a contender for the best Nikon D5200 Lens of 2019.

​Nikon 50mm f/1.8 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Lightweight
  • -Virtually no improvements from 35mm other than range

Specifications

Nikkor consistently produces the Best Nikon D5200 Lenses, as you’d expect coming directly from Nikon. This particular lens is just about identical to the Nikon 35mm. However there are certain differences such as a 47 degree angle of view versus 44 degrees and a faster minimum aperture of f/16 in contrast to f/22. It also happens to weigh 15g less than the 35mm at 185g. This lens can also pass a bit more light through and has better depth of field and bokeh as it is a longer lens. This Nikkor 50mm lens produces some pretty incredible images in the hands of a capable photographer. If your DSLR camera feels like its lacking in the image sharpness department giving a high quality prime lens a try might be the solution.

Review

This is a great option for a portrait photographer looking to get a tad bit more creative with captures and angles. This is a modest step in the direction of more nuanced shots with a bit of personality to them. The Nikon D5200 would fit handily and mechanically to exploring greater depth of field characteristics and blur aesthetics.

​Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 VR 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Portability
  • -Versatility
  • -Shutter speeds less than ideal for quick action

Specifications

This portable telephoto lens has many cool features. Factoring in the 1.5 crop factor for Nikon APS-C camera’s, this zoom measures at 82.5-300mm. Only 83mm long and weighing at 300g, this is a lightweight and compact option with a helpful retractable mechanism. It’s quiet vibration reduction prevents blur and allows for the shooting at four stops slower. It also has a silent wave monitor for additional quickness and precision. Further, an extra low dispersion glass element promises high contrast images as it minimizes chromatic aberration.

Review

This telephoto lens is a great fit onto the D5200 for comfort while pursuing some cool action shots-including fast action sports and racing as well as other erratic happenings. It’s compactness and low light performance also makes this a great gadget for maneuvering to capture certain types of street photography. The higher ISO range (25600) and faster continuous shooting rate (5fps) as relative to other DX cameras make this pairing an extra valuable experience for the most challenging of action shots.

Nikon D5200 Lenses for Nature and Wildlife

Nature and wildlife lenses are those with the telephoto standards as listed above but also designed to handle a bit more wear and tear. Check out:

​Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great enhancements for action shots 
  • -Awesome bokeh
  • -Ideal for shots in low light
  • -Heavier than competition

Specifications

This lens has a particularly great integration of vibration reduction for its range of 300mm. Also, it prevents chromatic aberration with its use of two extra low dispersion elements that allow for less contortions and air bubbles within the glass. This especially allows it to deliver sharp images at larger apertures. It includes a Silent Wave Monitor (AF-S) as well that makes its autofocus basically silent. Also, its high refractive index gives high contrast and keeps the lens compact at levels of max aperture.

Review

This lens has similar features to the Nikon 55-200mm and thus is a great fit onto the D5200. The core asset to this lens is its extended range for a solid introduction to wildlife shots. Additionally, it has a heavy duty build for the rigors of outdoors. We recommend this option for getting acquainted with wildlife shots with the D5200. If looking to upgrade to a greater range, we recommend exploring studied or more specialist options more tailored to such larger attachments.

Nikon D5200 Lenses for Small Objects and Minute Detail

Macro shots are those intended to convey minute detail. These include those for scientific and artistic purposes as well as close up shots of nature and insects. These lenses magnify smaller objects to real life size and typically rely on a lens of 40-180mm. Check out:

​Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great value
  • -Introduction to macro shots
  • -Range not ideal for certain types of close ups

Specifications

The Nikon 40mm is a light, tidy and versatile macro lens with a 1:1 ratio and an ability to focus as close as 0.163m. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 in conjunction with a rounded 7-blade diaphragm gives exquisite and distinct detail. It’s Silent Wave Monitor creates high speed and remarkably quiet autofocusing.

Review

For most amateur photographers this standard Nikon prime Macro lens will serve the purposes to develop skills and style, as well as pursue curiosity. Shots of insects and other miniature objects must be shot close due to the 40mm range. Yet it’s compactness and close focusing is sure to make a fun experience when attached to the D5200.

​Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HS 

Rating

Pros

CONS

  • -Great value
  • -Quality bokeh
  • -Optical performance does not entirely compete at the professional level

Specifications

This 1:1 magnification capable lens features 16 glass elements-two of which are special low dispersion elements. It’s 9 diaphragm blades creates really good quality bokeh. It’s Super Multi Layer Coating prevents ghosting and flare. It is also compatible with several types of Sigma teleconverter for added zoom.

Review

Honestly, unless one has a spellbound allegiance to Nikon lenses, this is the way to go. For half the price you get competitive optical performance, amazing bokeh and decent handling. Optical performance, however, is a big deal for professional macro photography. But for the amateur or aspirant, this is more than enough.