The Nikon D7000 marked a unique evolution in the brand’s classic D-model category. The expert or aspirant will find great value in this product due to its tremendous lens adaptability. Though this will be the main focus of this review, it is worth highlighting a few of the camera’s other assets. The D7000 could be described as an improvement on the popular D90. Functionally, there are main changes such as a faster aperture, increase in megapixel sensor, improved high ISO performance, better AF system, superior video functions and dual card slots. In terms of design, the D7000 features slight increase in weight, improvements in ergonomics due to placement of the ISO button, drive mode dial placed on the far left of the to plate and a lens mounting aid placed on the cameras top-a great asset when toggling in poor light. These are the main features that will be referenced in the discussion of the lens uses below.
Lens Overview
Best Lenses for Travel and Casual Photography
Certain lenses of the Nikon D7000 allow for ease of use and adaptability. This makes them great for shots like travel and interesting activities, where someone would rely more so on the uniqueness or scene of the situation to give the picture it’s worth. The standard lenses that we have chosen for this category range from 30-300mm.
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM
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Although there is a modest maximum zoom, this lens offers super good quality in its amazing optics. At 45 degrees this lens offers an angle of view similar to human vision for a natural fit. The large aperture at f/1.4 offers great bokeh at the same time. Its Super Multilayer prevents for and ghosting for sharp, vibrant footage-even in backlighting.
Review
Although there is a modest maximum zoom, this lens offers super good quality in its amazing optics. At 45 degrees this lens offers an angle of view similar to human vision for a natural fit. The large aperture at f/1.4 offers great bokeh at the same time. Its Super Multilayer prevents for and ghosting for sharp, vibrant footage-even in backlighting.
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8 DC HSM
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This lens is similar in manufacture to the Nikon 16-80mm (but it is still worth checking out Nikon’s accessory bundle if buying separately). With maximum aperture of f/2.8 and noticeable improved optics, this is actually a solid upgrade for less than $500.
Review
This Sigma 17-70mm is great for the casual photographer or traveler who wants to take a step up from the similar kit lens of the Nikon 16-80mm. As it is a bit wider and longer than most telephoto options, it allows for extra zoom range. This lens beats out competitors as Pentax and Sony versions of the model do not feature optical image stabilization as they were built to rely on the cameras own mechanism. From a handling standpoint, its size is ideal to carry along on an adventure and has a subtle capturing touch, thanks to an internally focused lens. This coupled with its quiet autofocus controls makes it a great option for travel shots in a public but relaxed scene.
Sigma 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
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The Sigma 18-300mm contains the expected standards of image stabilization and autofocus. A ridged zoom ring accounts for a large part of the camera’s profile and gives it a crisp and professional look. True to its elegant design it features a clear distinction between manual and automatic focusing modes. Due to its long extension, it aids the user with macro zoom markings along its length as well as a zoom locking function that ensures it shut and tidy for travel.
Review
One may think that the range on this camera, alone, makes it the ideal for the traveler, but there are so many other characteristics to consider. This isn’t the best option for indoor photography at that range as the user must enable Optical Stabilization or use a higher ISO speed in order to deal with the longer shutter speeds at its best sharpness. And even still, color schemes could use a bit of alteration in the way of saturation in order to compete with the top level of Sigma’s offerings. So basically the fuss and noise of using this lens at its max it’s not worth it considering the value. But it is great for a traveler committed to cool outdoor shots that are more interesting to take and with a greater “wow” factor.
Best Lens for Sports, Action and Concerts
In a similar fashion to nature shots, it is important to choose the proper telephoto lens; one that excels in vibration reduction and automatic focus.
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
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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
The Nikon 55-300mm holds tremendous value for its price range. The vibration reduction stabilization system promises stunning close ups for action shots-be it nature, wildlife or sports. For someone looking for amazing bokeh, this is your option as the 9 diaphragm blades make this consistently possible. Due to the bokeh, this lens truly seems best for sensational sports captures and nature scenes that give off mood and personality. This lens truly excels in low light with manual focus. The non-fussy and relatively quick focusing mechanism makes this lens ideal for amateur photographers who would like to sharpen and refine their skill sets. The latest manufacture has improved its design to feel a bit more robust, however it is a bit heavier than previous versions.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
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This f/5-6.3 masterpiece has 9 diaphragm blades with a minimum aperture of f/22. It effectively blocks chromatic aberrations due to the infusion of 2 low dispersion and 3 special low dispersion glass elements. Further, its sharpness is consistent, even in the corners at maximum width. Its heavy weight is worth mentioning as it weighs in at 2,860g. Although it is a hefty piece, it is dust proof and splash-proof and the lens repels oil and water. Another really cool and unique feature of this lens is its state of the art Sigma USB Dock. This provides focus alteration, full time manual functions and firmware updates by connecting it with the “Sigma Optimization Pro” software.
Review
Obviously, this camera is the best featured in terms of range. Although it is a few years old (released in 2015), it is the most inexpensive option for a 600mm shot at a standard quality. It’s aperture of f/6.3 makes the Sigma 150-600mm fully purposed for outdoor use. This is just an all around tough lens-weighing in at 6 pounds. Therefore, it requires a sturdy tripod for effective use. For someone shooting safari shots or who wants to take some rough and tumble pictures of nature and/or the sky, their is no worry of hauling this heavy duty equipment along. It’s make-up matches the weather-resistant, sturdy sealed body of the D7000. Beyond the physical design, the automatic focus is top notch and very fast. The optical stabilization is necessary for quality at this range.
Best Lens For Nature and Wildlife
This category includes features such as waterfalls, wildlife and all of the other unique aspects of nature in a state of perpetual motion. Some blogs choose to place sports within this category but there are several reasons why athletics is due its own unique classification. Most essential to these lens types are those with automatic focus and vibration reduction. The D7000 lenses we feature below range from 200-600mm and are ideal for many specific scenarios in this purpose. Telephoto and wide angle lenses will make up this category.
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
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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
The Nikon 55-300mm holds tremendous value for its price range. The vibration reduction stabilization system promises stunning close ups for action shots-be it nature, wildlife or sports. For someone looking for amazing bokeh, this is your option as the 9 diaphragm blades make this consistently possible. Due to the bokeh, this lens truly seems best for sensational sports captures and nature scenes that give off mood and personality. This lens truly excels in low light with manual focus. The non-fussy and relatively quick focusing mechanism makes this lens ideal for amateur photographers who would like to sharpen and refine their skill sets. The latest manufacture has improved its design to feel a bit more robust, however it is a bit heavier than previous versions.
Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM
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This f/5-6.3 masterpiece has 9 diaphragm blades with a minimum aperture of f/22. It effectively blocks chromatic aberrations due to the infusion of 2 low dispersion and 3 special low dispersion glass elements. Further, its sharpness is consistent, even in the corners at maximum width. Its heavy weight is worth mentioning as it weighs in at 2,860g. Although it is a hefty piece, it is dust proof and splash-proof and the lens repels oil and water. Another really cool and unique feature of this lens is its state of the art Sigma USB Dock. This provides focus alteration, full time manual functions and firmware updates by connecting it with the “Sigma Optimization Pro” software.
Review
Obviously, this camera is the best featured in terms of range. Although it is a few years old (released in 2015), it is the most inexpensive option for a 600mm shot at a standard quality. It’s aperture of f/6.3 makes the Sigma 150-600mm fully purposed for outdoor use. This is just an all around tough lens-weighing in at 6 pounds. Therefore, it requires a sturdy tripod for effective use. For someone shooting safari shots or who wants to take some rough and tumble pictures of nature and/or the sky, their is no worry of hauling this heavy duty equipment along. It’s make-up matches the weather-resistant, sturdy sealed body of the D7000. Beyond the physical design, the automatic focus is top notch and very fast. The optical stabilization is necessary for quality at this range.
Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 DI VC USD
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This Tamron 70-200mm is a premier FX lens that actually extends out to 105-300mm when attached to the D7000. It is a fully equipped telephoto zoom lens that vibration reduction, extra low dispersion and, both, auto and manual focusing abilities. Additionally, it’s Ultrasonic Silent Drive gives it one of the fastest autofocus functions in the market.
Review
The Tamron 70-200mm is simply great for all types of shots-sports, wildlife, landscape, events, portraits and traveling. It beats out its main competitor, Nikon 70-200mm, in just about every category. This telephoto lens offers full time manual focusing for the enthusiast. This gadget is actually ideal for fast moving capture such as racing or intense wildlife shots due to the Ultrasonic Silent Drive that accompanies it’s auto focus. Also, it is equipped with vibration reduction and extra low dispersion to assist with difficult shots. However, at the $1,500 it could have better construction in order to weather unfavorable conditions.
Best Lens For Macro Shots
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 60-180mm.
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro
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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 someone looking to experiment with macro shots, this is a great option. For less than $300, this can make outdoor shots interesting and can allow one to capture details in unique ways in many other situations. This includes more detailed portraits, cool aspects of nature, honored collectibles and, particular, great shots of flowers and other items that have a greater beauty and majesty up close.
Nikon AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
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This advanced Nikon lens is a great fit onto the D7000. Its Silent Wave Monitor and vibration reduction are among the most unique in the industry. The vibration reduces offers 3.0 stops for beautiful detail in images and HD video alike. The lens consists of extra low dispersion glass and Nano Crystal Coat-deposited lens elements.
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The more acquainted macro shooter would love the Nikon 105mm. One could capture the above characteristics but with the tool of vibration reduction at greater distances. Fighting the blur with distant macro photographer and equipped with the proper tools actually seems pretty fun. It’s like the exclusivity of seeing details that are not simply are not be seen. As it focuses internally with no extension, this is particularly great for viewing the more delicate parts of nature.
Best Lens For Portrait Shots
The typically low light shots of portraits and special events are an absolute perfect fit with a few of the D7000 lenses
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX
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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.
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This Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is actually the most affordable of Nikons prime selection of lenses. The vibrancy and sharpness of this lens helps it add a special character to portraits, certain events and particularly settings with low light. This is particularly great for getting close to the subject and collecting a relatively large amount of the given scene in the frame-therefore it is also suited well for travel and street photography.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
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This 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.
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One should choose this lens over the 35mm if they are seeking greater versatility. Also, this option could be more practical if one is seeking a lighter weight between the two as it is 15g lighter than the 35mm.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S
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It’s nano crystal coat counteracts glare effectively. Also, its 9-blade rounded aperture produces quality blur and bokeh. t’s function complements the 3D Color Matrix Metering II of the D7000 that could be much better at facial recognition. There wouldn’t be a problem with it, with this lens
Review
For someone looking to take their photography game to the next level and willing to pay for true value, this lens is the best option. And for portraiture, it doesn’t get much better than an 85mm. As photography is centered on comfort and flow, there is nothing to put one’s mind at ease while shooting an event as having the confidence of being able to shoot effectively from anywhere in the room.
Best Lens For Landscape and Environment Shots
The Nikon D7000 has great lens options for landscape and the built environment. The built environment consists of municipal shots, architecture and interior design.
Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Pro DX II
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As most wideangle lenses have an issue with aberration and flare but the Tokina 11-16mm equally balances it’s aspheric and low dispersion elements to proactively address this concern. In other words, it’s lens features a unique design that keeps images that much sharper than a good amount of its competitors.
Review
The maximum aperture and faster shutter speeds of the Tokina 11-16mm combined with its solid grip make it ideal wide angle uses for real estate, architecture, event layouts and even nature shots, as well as a good option for long exposure shots at night.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM
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The Sigma 18-35mm is a more dynamic option to the Tokina 11-16mm lens for wideangle shots. It’s special low dispersion glass addresses curvature and any potential aberrations. The 9 blade rounded diaphragm gives off tremendous bokeh and blur aesthetics. Also, it is constructed with a special Thermaly Composite Material that effectively limits size and weight, while increasing durability. Similar to the Sigma 150-600mm, it is enabled with the Sigmas USB Dock for the Sigma Optimization Pro software.
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Its greater range and aperture makes it ideal for the shooter looking for great angles in indoor photography and cool types of events. The most impressive part of this lens is the fact that its aperture does not get smaller at its full range of 35mm. Additionally, it is a true fit for the Nikon D7000 due to the active D lighting of the camera that enhances the details in shadows and highlights. One could imagine the magic of that function mixed with this camera’s consistent aperture. In addition to its Hyper Sonic Monitor (HSM) to ease motion shots as well as the sharpness of its colors, this gadget is tremendous value in 2019 to obtain below $1000.
Buying a lens for your Nikon D7000 camera does not have to be a stressful process. You can streamline it and make it so much easier by simply checking out some of the best options that we’ve laid out here. There is truly something for every photographer on this list. Happy snapping!