Sigma 18-300 Zoom Lens Reviews for Nikon D3300
If you happen to have a Nikon D3300 on your shopping list, or already in your camera bag, healthy!
Though non exactly new as far as cameras get (launch engagement January 2014), it'southward still more than capable by today's standards. Investing in new lenses for it definitely isn't something you should feel guilty about!
On the subject of drinking glass, Nikon'due south multitude of lenses, even those that date back to the middle of the 20th century, are supposed to work with the D3300… so how on earth do you lot selection the all-time ones?
Editor'due south Choice
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX 
Nearly affordable manner to become loftier quality images (even in low light), with beautiful background blur. This is the first lens yous should buy for your D3300.
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For starters, you should consider the value of the camera. While the Nikon D3300 remains competent and yet relevant hither in 2022, the fact is, it's a small-torso, entry-level DX camera, so it would seem a bit impractical to purchase lenses for it that toll an arm and a leg.
This is especially truthful if you are just getting into DSLR photography, or if you desire to see if the hobby (or profession) is something y'all'd similar to pursue further.
Having said that, there are plenty of Nikon lenses available that will bring out the best qualities of the camera, and non leave you having to file for defalcation…
Recently, I was able to get my hands on some nifty Nikon FX and DX lenses, so I put together this listing of what I believe are the best bang-for-cadet options, helping y'all maximize the potential of your D3300.
Best Nikon D3300 Lenses in 2022
| Image | Product | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX All-time ALL ROUND Prime number |
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 | Nikon 18-300mm f/three.5-5.6 DX BEST ALL Round ZOOM |
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 | Nikon 85mm /1.8 FX All-time FOR PORTRAITS |
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 | Nikon 50mm f/1.eight FX Best VALUE Prime number |
| View Cost → |
 | Nikon 10-20mm f/four.5-5.6 DX BEST WIDE ANGLE |
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 | Nikon 85mm f/3.5 Micro DX BEST ALL ROUND MACRO |
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What Lenses Work With the Nikon D3300?
Just because the Nikon D3300 is a ingather sensor camera, it doesn't hateful you demand to stick to DX lenses.
Like all Nikon cameras, the DX format D3300 uses F mountain lenses. This means that all AF-S and AF-P Nikon lenses (lenses with born autofocus motors) will work on information technology.
Of form, like anything else, there's a widespread when it comes to factors like quality, cost and features so it makes sense to find the best balance given what you desire to accomplish.
Being a DX camera, the Nikon D3300 has a smaller sensor than the FX body cameras (APS-C vs 35mm). As such, you'd recall it would work all-time with the sensor size-specific DX lenses… right?
Actually, FX lenses (those designed for full frame photographic camera sensors), can still work well on DX camera bodies like the D3300 but – yous merely have to remember that using FX lenses on DX bodies results in a multiplier effect of one.5 x, effectively extending the focal length of the lens.
Only put, a 50mm FX lens volition get a 75mm lens (l×1.5)… which isn't necessarily a bad thing.
If you're considering upgrading to an FX body at some time in the hereafter, investing in the (more affordable line) of FX lenses might exist a proficient idea.
Even if you're not planning to make the spring to full frame, the FX lenses listed below will help you get the most out of the Nikon D3300 – it's a bit similar putting premium fuel in your family car ;-)
Nikon D3300 Lens Reviews
In order to exist able to cover any state of affairs, any serious DSLR lensman will need a mix of lenses in their kit.
Typically, you would demand a wide-angle lens to take in big scenes, a normal lens for the things around y'all and a telephoto lens (such as one of these) for reaching out.
You lot can fifty-fifty throw in a macro lens (confusingly chosen a 'micro' lens by Nikon), for the tiny things that you lot otherwise wouldn't exist able to shoot.
Here are the lenses I highly recommend for your Nikon D3300 – I believe that any of these are worthy of space in your precious camera bag!
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX
Focal Length: 35 mm (50 mm equivalent)
Weight: 197 one thousand (6.95 oz)
Size (Bore 10 Length): seventy 10 52.5 mm (ii.8″ten ii.1″)
Filter Bore: 52 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.3 m (0.99 ft)
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX was actually the first prime lens I always invested in, back in the days when I shot with a Nikon D40. I call up marvelling at how my images looked so much better with this lens, peculiarly when compared to the kit lens, or even more expensive zooms.
When I was learning photography, I forced myself to exercise photograph-a-day project with this lens – I called it 'Project 35' – 35 days, 35 photos, all shot with a 35mm lens. To say that this 1 project helped me improve at photography faster than anything else would be an understatement.
When coupled with the much-improved 24.2MP sensor of the Nikon D3300, the Nikon 35mm f/one.8G DX creates an impressive combination. I'd go as far as to say this one lens is a must for Nikon DX shooters – definitely the best Nikon 35mm lens for the APS-C format.
The calorie-free weight of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 makes information technology a nifty everyday lens | 1/500 f/9 ISO200
While zooms are certainly more than versatile, in that location's just something almost prime number lenses that can't be browbeaten, and the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX is no exception.
For starters, information technology has fewer moving parts. This means this well-synthetic lens is far lighter than a zoom and is therefore a lot easier to lug effectually.
The 35mm f/one.8G DX is billed as Nikon's all-time 35mm for DX sensors so it's no surprise that information technology makes for a very expert normal lens. Pair it with the Nikon D3300, and you get a highly capable, lite, yet relatively compact setup that allows you lot to capture very high-quality images.
Permit'south non forget, too that the 35mm 1.8G is a fast and sharp walk-effectually lens that is capable of taking incredible handheld images even in low light.
It doesn't finish there. The 35mm ane.8G features the fast and silent AF-South autofocus system and then you can count on it to lock onto its target apace. This gives you the fourth dimension you need to burn off a few shots before the situation changes or the discipline moves away.
The Nikon 35mm f/1.viii paired with the D3300 becomes a compact and portable combination | i/3200 f/half-dozen.3 ISO200
Different many other lenses, the Nikon 35mm f/i.8G DX doesn't have many moving parts (only the internal rear chemical element). This means that the lens doesn't suck in air that may contaminate the works. Too, the metal mount has a rubber gasket congenital in so this helps keep the internals of both camera and lens dust-free.
At around 200 bucks, this lens definitely won't interruption the bank, and you're going to exist getting a great bargain for your money. Yous should expect the lens to be mostly plastic, only information technology does get the job washed properly and that's what counts.
All in all, this is the lens that really opened my eyes to what's capable with a camera. Going from the D3300's 'kit lens' to something like this doesn't take a big investment, only it'll make the single biggest improvement to how your image can look – information technology's no exaggeration to say that this i lens could transform your photography.
Nikon 18-300mm f/three.five-5.6 DX
Focal Length: eighteen-300 mm (27-450 mm equivalent)
Weight: 550 m (nineteen.4 oz)
Size (Diameter ten Length): 78.5 ten 99mm (iii.1″ x three.ix″)
Filter Bore:67 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.48 m (1.6 ft)
I of the most useful things yous tin have in your arsenal of lenses is a reliable zoom. Not but does such a lens let you to capture a wide variety of images in an instant, simply it also effectively replaces a lot of other lenses that you may otherwise demand.
The Nikon xviii-300mm f/3.v-v.6 DX is 1 such lens, offer focal lengths that range from broad to telephoto.
If you were to get nothing else for your Nikon D3300, the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.v-5.6 DX lens is all you lot would need to cover just most any state of affairs.
When used with the Nikon D3300, the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.six DX lets yous attain even farther, considering the 1.5x crop gene that'south introduced by the DX sensor 'stretches out' the focal length. In other words, the stated xviii-300mm focal lengths (x1.v) become 27-450mm.
Though still hefty at 550 grams (19.four oz), it helps a lot that the xviii-300 DX is almost 300 grams (ten.6 oz) lighter than the version it replaces. This ultimately translates to less strain, and therefore less fatigue, particularly if you're shooting all day.
The Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-v.6 is impressively precipitous | one/2000 f/4.5 ISO800 @ 34mm
What's more, this lens is fabricated particularly for DX cameras so it works perfectly with the D3300. Also, its VR (vibration reduction) function and its AF-Due south auto focus system when partnered with steady hands, allow for impressively sharp handheld images even at the telephoto stop, or in low light.
Equally far as build quality goes, the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 DX stands up alright to the odd knock but is by and large made out of plastic. Don't allow this deter you though considering the lens'southward ergonomics are great, making the lens a real joy to utilize.
Be aware though that because its elements extend externally, it does tend to suck in and blow out air quite a bit. I wouldn't recommend using it when on safari, or somewhere excessively dusty, for instance, unless y'all're using some kind of 'jacket' such as this.
Unlike other wide to telephoto zooms, this one differs as it has a detail adequacy that sets it apart: macro. At its far terminate, this lens can close focus at .48m (ane.6 anxiety) – this additional functionality makes it even more than useful to take around.
Zoomed in at 165mm, the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 is even so sharp and contrasty| 1/400 f/five.6 ISO800
At around $700, the Nikon xviii-300mm f/3.v-5.vi DX is certainly non the cheapest lens you lot can get for your D3300, but it is surely amid the most capable. I definitely call back it's a lens to consider if yous need an all-in-1 that has the versatility to do a good all-round chore.
Though the D3300 is still an entry-level camera (more here) and showing some signs of age, it does take a lot of features that allow information technology to stay relevant in today'due south crowded photographic camera marketplace.
To be able to coax the best performance out of it, yous volition need as capable attachments of which, the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 DX comes in near tiptop place.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8 One thousand FX
Focal Length: 85 mm (127.5 mm equivalent)
Weight: 351.3 g (12.39 oz.)
Size (Diameter 10 Length): 80 x 73 mm (3.1″ x ii.9″)
Filter Diameter: 67 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.8 yard (2.6 ft)
Looking for a fast, quiet prime for your Nikon D3300 that you lot can shoot from farther out? If so, ane of the lenses you'll desire to check out is the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 G.
Though designed for total-frame FX cameras, this lens works very well with the D3300, giving an effective focal length of 127.5 mm (85mm x ane.5 ingather factor).
What this translates to is the power to accept great low lite images from farther dorsum without the heft of a heavy telephoto lens.
Focal lengths around the 100mm-mark are considered fantabulous for producing flattering portraits of people. Facial features and body parts are rendered realistically, and the overall perspective and balance of the subject is represented faithfully.
This longer focal length, couple with a fast f/1.8 discontinuity, means that the lens is non only fast (i.e. you can shoot it in low light without needing to increase your ISO, or subtract your shutter speed), but information technology also has slap-up looking bokeh.
For those unfamiliar, bokeh is the quality of the groundwork mistiness. Depending on the character of the lens, this chemical element can either enhance the image or take away from it, and thankfully, the bokeh produced when shot wide open with this lens is nothing brusk of beautiful – backgrounds melt abroad in a body of water of creamy colours.
Like other primes, the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 G has fewer moving parts and is, therefore, less susceptible to wear than a zoom would exist.
Also, at that place are no components on this lens that movement except for its internal focusing mechanisms and then, there really is no event with the lens introducing contaminants into the system.
What'south more, the Nikon 85mm f/i.8 G is Nikon's sharpest 85mm lens past far and surprisingly outperforms fifty-fifty the vaunted (and significantly pricier) 85mm f/1.4G, especially in sharpness stakes.
Sadly, still, it isn't the best-made and tin be a bit as well "plasticky" for the tastes of more discerning shooters. Don't allow this put you off though, as the 85mm 1.8G has great ergonomics and is not something you need to dabble with a lot.
If yous're willing to overlook the somewhat consumer-grade build, you're assured of a tool that will perform very well with your D3300, and assistance it achieve its maximum potential.
Nikon 50mm f/ane.8 G FX
Focal Length: 50 mm (75 mm equivalent)
Weight: 185 grand (half-dozen.6 oz.)
Size (Diameter x Length): 72 x 52.5 mm (ii.8″ x 2.i″)
Filter Diameter: 58 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.45 thou (1.5 ft)
If you're on a budget and are looking for a reliable prime to pair well with your Nikon D3300, one of the lenses that you should definitely check out is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 K.
Being one of Nikon's sharpest lenses (it'southward sharp at whatever discontinuity), the Nikon 50mm f/i.8 Chiliad is one of those lenses that definitely deserves a space in your gear bag.
Though designed for total frame FX bodies, this lens works extremely well with one.5x ingather factor DX cameras like the Nikon D3300, and finer becomes a 75mm lens.
This makes it great for portraiture, whilst nonetheless beingness able to fill the role of a walk-effectually lens nicely, provided of course you're willing to move around a bit to get everything in the frame.
Having a very generous broad-open aperture of f/1.8, the Nikon 50mm f/1.viii will let you to take quality, paw-held pictures in low calorie-free without needing a wink.
Another plus is the quiet, fast-focusing AF-S arrangement to make sure that you can lock onto your subjects before the moment passes.
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8 DX produces great bokeh (out of focus area) | 1/640 f/1.eight ISO 100
Beingness consumer-grade, the lens feels a tad plasticky, and its build quality is nowhere near that of Nikon's higher-end lenses. That said, however, the 50mm f/1.8G certainly isn't frail and is more than than of capable standing up to everyday use.
It'due south low-cal weight 185g (6.6 oz.) also means that it's the perfect lens to throw in a jacket pocket with not much thought. If y'all have a heavier, more than flexible zoom lens attached to your camera for most of the day, y'all can rapidly swap to this nifty-fifty when the lite starts to drop… or for moments when you'd similar to take advantage of a blurred background.
Speaking of which, the bokeh produces by this lens is impressive, especially considering its depression cost point. This makes it a favourite for portrait shooters, or anyone who needs to be able to blur the foreground/groundwork in order to make their subjects 'pop'.
With a price tag of just over $200, the 50mm f/1.eight FX is a great deal, especially considering that it's tack sharp, capable of shooting in low light, and produces lovely bokeh.
The AF-Southward focusing system is also a nice touch on, and so actually, you're getting a pretty sweet deal if y'all decide to pull the trigger on it :-)
All told, this is lens is a no-brainer and one that you need to get particularly if portraiture is something that tickles your fancy.
Nikon ten-20mm f/4.five-5.half dozen DX
Focal Length: 10-20 mm (15-xxx mm equivalent)
Weight: 227 g (8 oz.)
Size (Diameter x Length): 77 x 73 mm (3.03″ x ii.87″)
Filter Bore: 72 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.22 m (0.seven ft)
If you're trying to put together a decent gear up of lenses for your Nikon D3300, one you're definitely going to need is an ultra-wide zoom like the Nikon ten-20mm f/four.5 – v.6 DX.
Made specifically for DX sensors like the one found on the D3300, this lens allows you to capture the large picture with ease because of its broad focal range.
You should note though, that the i.5x crop gene of the DX sensor tightens upward the range a chip and then the 10-20mm DX'due south field of view out of the D3300 is finer 15-30mm… which still translates to ultra-broad angle to wide angle, and a actually useful focal range.
At just over $300, the Nikon 10-20mm f/iv.5/5.6 DX is definitely at the affordable end of the lens spectrum and not bad bang for the buck.
It comes generously endowed with VR (vibration reduction), as well as the AF-P focus system, both of which allow it to produce sharper, shake-free images consistently.
The Nikon ten-20mm f/iv.5-v.6 is an affordable way to create great images | 0.8sec f/five.3 ISO 100 @ 17mm
You tin can typically shoot wide angle lenses at much slower shutter speeds than 'normal', or tele-photo' focal lengths, meaning that you lot tin look some pretty crazy-low ISO/shutter speed handheld shots in depression light with this lens, thanks to the boosted VR, which performs surprisingly well on a lens of this price.
On the subject of focusing, the congenital-in AF-P focusing system on the 10-20mm DX is a focus-by-wire arrangement, equally no physical connection exists. Turning the focusing knob simply activates circuitry that talks to the camera and tells the pulse motor on the lens what to exercise.
Of course, equally with any other lens, there are a few drawbacks to contend with. One is needing to update your D3300's firmware to the latest version, as the AF-P system volition not work on older software.
Likewise, at that place is significant distortion at the 10mm end, but this is thankfully easily corrected in Lightroom, with just one click of a button (you can also apply a 'Lens Correction' action as an import preset).
Lastly, every bit is the case with most Nikon lenses at this toll point, y'all'll need to be rather careful with the lens mount of the Nikon ten-20mm f/iv.five – 5.6, as it's regrettably, fabricated from plastic.
Go upwardly close with the Nikon x-20mm f/4.5-5.6 to produce nice background blur | 1/50 f/five.6 ISO100 @10mm
Those minor cons aside, however, you'll be able to produce powerful, immersive imagery with the wide-bending focal range, and the excellent Vibration Reduction volition get you out of trouble in depression light.
This is a bully value lens that will prepare your photos apart from everything else produced with the Nikon D3300 – it'due south not surprising that the wide-bending vista hashtags get the near 'hearts' on Instagram – anybody loves a expert wide angle landscape shot, and this is 1 lens capable of producing them.
Nikon 85mm f/iii.5 DX Micro
Focal Length: 85 mm (127.v mm equivalent)
Weight: 352 g (12.4 oz.)
Size (Diameter x Length): 73 x 98.5 mm (2.9″ x 3.9″)
Filter Bore: 52 mm
Minimum Focus Distance: 0.286 m (0.9 ft)
Afterward you've put together a set of lenses that embrace wide to telephoto, it'south time to round out the collection past getting a great DX macro lens.
The Nikon 85mm f/3.five DX Macro is a great pick since information technology works then well with your Nikon D3300.
While not exactly summit of the line, this 85mm DX macro is more than than skilful enough for the serious apprentice and should allow a knowledgeable D3300 user to come upwards with images that will attract and hold the attention of viewers.
Macro images offering us a perspective on life that we don't usually run into, and when the shots are washed with the right skill they tin can be quite impressive. Under a macro lens, something as ordinary and familiar as a flower or an insect can turn into something never earlier seen.
Like telescopes, macros lenses can unlock the door to entire new vistas, entire new worlds to explore with your camera. The Nikon 85mm f/3.v DX Macro makes this more affordable for D3300 owners.
One thing to note – information technology's typical for macro photographers to utilize smaller apertures (f/xi+), in order to get as much in focus in their prototype as possible. This means that the maximum apertures of a macro lens is largely irrelevant, equally long as you lot have enough light.
The Nikon D3300 can be pushed comfortably to mid-range ISOs, but due to the limitations of the sensor, anything in the triple figures should be avoided. This ways that you'll either need a lot of light (midday sunday) or a wink/continuous strobe, to exist able to low-cal your macro shot – food for thought before you start getting down on hands and knees over that expressionless protrude!
At but over $550, the Nikon 85mm DX macro isn't exactly spare change just is yet fairly priced as far equally macro lenses go. It's also generously endowed with VR and AF-S autofocus, and is able to reproduce 1:1 images on a DX sensor – this is pretty much essential for a practiced macro lens.
As far as build quality goes, it's important to keep in mind that some corners have been cut to keep the price downwardly as depression equally possible. Every bit such, expect to see a plastic lens which wouldn't take much abuse if you don't treat it well.
Having said that, nonetheless, the 85mm f/3.5 DX macro it'southward worth remembering that a macro lens is unlikely to be kept on your photographic camera all the time. While yous can use this lens to shoot portraits in a pinch, the relatively tedious (f/3.5) discontinuity won't make information technology a regular fixture to your camera every bit a walk-effectually – my point existence, it can rest safely in your handbag until needed, and thus, may non need to exist congenital like a tank.
On the other hand, the Nikon 85mm DX macro makes up for its plastic construction with great ergonomics, typical of a quality Nikon lens. It'southward easy to handle and easy to utilise. Manual focusing, in particular, is a snap and should help the shooter punch in the verbal focus needed for the image – some other essential feature of a good macro lens.
All things considered, this lens would brand for a skilful addition to your lineup, as it gives you another earth to explore.
Non only will a macro lens allow you to maximize your camera'south functionality, merely it also gives you the opportunity to expand your skillset and enhance your creativity.
Recommended Nikon D3300 Lenses | Concluding Words
Despite its billing as an entry level camera, the Nikon D3300 is capable of producing fantastic images in the right hands.
Information technology'due south perfect for beginners even here in 2022, and delivers great bang for the buck – y'all can't get many DSLR cameras of this calibre for such a low toll.
All the same, information technology'south of import to become the nigh out of the 24.2 MP CMOS DX sensor by attached expert drinking glass to the finish of y'all D3300. A kit lens can only go you so far (see: why are kit lenses bad?) – information technology's simply when you outset experimenting with fast primes and higher quality zooms, that you'll really get the nearly out of the photographic camera's capabilities.
My communication is always to become the best camera yous tin can afford, and so invest slowly in a pick of lenses (see guide). The more you use different focal length lenses, you'll chop-chop be able to determine upon a favourite (focal length or focal range), which will aid y'all brand smarter decisions moving forrad.
Some may prefer the flexibility of a zoom; others may like the creative potential of a fast prime – y'all'll never know unless you experiment a little with all the choices available to you ;-)
Did I miss anything? Permit me know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our guides to D3400 lenses and D3200 lenses too.
Editor's Option
Nikon 35mm f/i.8G DX
Most affordable way to get high quality images (fifty-fifty in low lite), with beautiful groundwork mistiness. This is the showtime lens you should buy for your D3300.
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Disclaimer: All recommendations are impartial and based on user experience, with no bias to the products or the brand. The products in this post may contain affiliate links.
Source: https://shotkit.com/best-nikon-d3300-lenses/