Whether you’re an amateur or professional blogger, the Nikon D3500 has been one of the top competitors for the best blogging cameras since its introduction in 2018.

It’s an excellent entry-level DSLR that is inexpensive and ideal for anybody looking to take their photography seriously.

It has everything you need in a decent camera, including a 24MP sensor, an easy-to-use interface, 5fps continuous shooting, and superb picture quality.

However, it may be time to acquire a new lens if you ever want to capture pictures that seem as if an expert took them.

Here is the ideal compendium to help you pick the best lens for your Nikon D3500, including everything from daily photography and portraits to wide-angle landscapes and distant wildlife photos.

Nikon D3500 Lens Types

What kinds of lenses are available for the Nikon D3500? Let’s begin right now!

Zoom

Most likely, when you image a photographer using their zoom lens to zoom in or out, you picture them using a zoom lens. This is so that you may reinterpret a scenario without having to physically move.

Although it is a flexible kind of lens, it could not be as sharp as just a prime lens. Additionally, less light may be able to reach the lens since their maximum aperture is often small.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR

It is highly recommended to test the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR zoom lens. Although it could be a little expensive for beginners, it is sharp and has a small design. This lens will suit all your photographic needs, from wide-angle to portraiture!

Prime

A prime lens, however, has a fixed focal length, and its zoom cannot be adjusted. Compared to a zoom lens, they are often significantly sharper and quicker. Therefore, this is what you aim for if you want to enhance picture quality and sharpness.

Nikon 35mm F/1.8G AF-S DX

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX is unquestionably our favourite prime lens for the Nikon D3500. It has a quick aperture that makes shooting in low light a snap, and the adaptable focal length works well for both general and portrait photography.

Portrait

The portrait lens is the next item. While any lens may be used to photograph portraits, some optical characteristics and components are designed expressly to capture pleasing images of the human face. A specialist portrait lens may thus be a game-changer.

Furthermore, amazing bokeh may often be produced by portrait lenses. By blurring the backdrop behind your subject, you may maintain the attention of the person in the picture.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm F/1.4G

The greatest portrait lens now is the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G, which also happens to have excellent optics and autofocus capabilities. Even in dim lighting, the large aperture delivers clear photographs, and the image crispness is just amazing.

Wide-Angle

Using a wide-angle lens, you may take pictures with a broader field of view. This enables you to capture a complete scene in a single photograph, which may be extremely helpful for tourists who want to visit scenic locations and those who like architecture.

A 180-degree viewing angle is also available with certain ultra-wide-angle lenses. A wide-angle lens is also often advised for astrophotography.

Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

Consider purchasing the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD for the Nikon D3500, which can provide stunning images of any breathtaking location. It has incredible optics, is quite small and light, and even has weather-sealing.

Telephoto

Photographers nearly often use a telephoto to refer to mass and weight. This is because telephoto lenses are enormous, heavy, and difficult to transport! Why would anyone want them, then?

Since telephoto lenses have a long focus, you can zoom in close without losing clarity or focus. This entails that you can capture images of distant things like sports, animals, and the environment.

Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary

The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary is a fantastic telephoto lens for those interested in long-distance photography. It offers excellent optics, a sturdy construction, and a helpful zoom lock to assure stable shooting.

Macro

Let’s finally discuss macro lenses! These lenses provide 1:1 or life-sized magnification, allowing you to depict microscopic things in exceptionally precise, crisp, close-up detail. To enable you to get near to your subject, they often feature a short minimum focus distance.

Fans of macro photography often use this lens to get close to their little subjects. You name everything, from tiny insects to the feel of different textiles, tree barks, and leaves!

Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F/2.8G IF-ED

You can’t go wrong with the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED. Overall, it’s a superb macro lens that is long enough to capture frightened insects without upsetting them while being lightweight enough to provide clear, blur-free images while shooting hands.

The Best Lens For Your Nikon D3500: How To Choose

Some of the most important components of a decent lens for the Nikon D3500 include the following:

Lens Type

If you ignored the part above, we advise giving it a short read since understanding the sort of lens you need might be crucial. A different lens is required for street photography and light travel photography than for covering sporting events.

Is a longer or shorter lens required? Using image stabilization or not? By just understanding the kind of lens you desire, you may quickly and easily get the answers to these key questions.

Focal Length

In terms of field of vision, a lens’s focal length indicates its magnification and capacity to record a picture. For instance, you’ll need a shorter focal length to capture many landscapes and wide-angle buildings.

A long lens, however, could be more suited for long-distance wildlife and travel photography. The minimum focusing distance, or how distant you must be from your subject for the picture to remain in focus, is similarly influenced by the focal length.

Aperture

A smaller number indicates a wider aperture or one that can let in more light. Aperture numbers are measured in “F”. A greater aperture value, on the other hand, indicates a narrower lens aperture that doesn’t work as well in low light.

You could have some trouble capturing clear, blur-free images in dimly light areas when using a small aperture like F4. But they often cost less, and if you have a tripod, they still function.

Stabilization

Unfortunately, picture stabilization is not a feature of the Nikon D3500. However, this shouldn’t deter you from purchasing a DSLR or a mirrorless camera. This is because many lenses for the D3500 include internal stabilization that will provide crisp images. Additionally, you could always use a tripod or gimbal!

Weight and Size

Another important aspect to consider when choosing a lens is its size and weight. A telephoto lens would be larger and heavier than a small prime lens. Do you intend to take your lens on the road? Or would you rather use a more substantial but heavier lens with professional-level quality?

Whatever lens you choose, remember that you may also need to provide a place for additional camera gear. This is why we often advise purchasing a practical camera bag to keep all of your equipment organized and safe.

Build Quality

On a related topic, let’s not forget about the construction quality. How long a lens lasts may be affected by how well it was built. Always choose a strong lens that is comfortable in your hands and try to get one with weather-sealing.

This might greatly simplify your life, particularly if it starts to rain while filming outside. It’s one less thing to worry about with the right dust and splash-resistant features.

Price

The lens cost must also be considered, along with how it fits into your spending plan. In addition to the price you originally spent for the Nikon D3500 itself, how much are you ready to pay for a camera lens?

Spending more money on a lens can make sense if your income is dependent on the photos and videos you produce with your camera. But it’s generally a good idea to establish a budget if you’re only considering a pastime!

The Top 10 Lenses for the Nikon D3500

1. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm F/1.4G – Best Overall Lens For The Nikon D3500

Most photographers would advise purchasing a 50mm lens if you ask them for a tip on lens length.

The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G is our top selection for a reason in the light of this. It is a fantastic all-arounder that excels in a variety of circumstances.

From general photographs of the streets, landscapes, and events to portrait photography, where the lovely background blur may raise your photos to a new level.

You can easily work with your subject and get a natural reaction from them at the 0.45 minimum focus distance.

Meanwhile, AF is quiet and smooth, thanks to Nikon’s cutting-edge Silent Wave Motor technology.

Due to its large F1.4 aperture, this lens excels in low-light situations and will produce photographs that are both clear and blur-free.

Additionally, this Nikon lens is portable, making it a pleasure to carry, even for a small camping trip to Bali or other locations.

One issue is that the autofocus may be slower compared to certain other lenses with this capability. There is no cause to complain, despite the affordable pricing, lightweight construction, and incredible picture quality.

Pros Of The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm F/1.4G

  • Wide aperture for photographing in low light
  • Very flexible point of view
  • Beautiful bokeh, or background blur
  • Tiny and portable

Cons Of The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm F/1.4G

  • Cannot zoom
  • Slow autofocus

2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR – Best Zoom Lens For The Nikon D3500

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR is the ideal option if you’re seeking a zoom lens that is flexible, excellent in low light, and relatively lightweight.

Its f/2.8-4 maximum aperture makes it the lightest 5x zoom lens worldwide. Thanks to the flexible zoom range, you may experiment with anything from portrait to landscape.

Even though it’s handheld, the 4 stops of VR image stabilization make it ideal for low-light photography. Every time, you can count on seeing photos without blur! In addition, a unique Tripod VR mode reduces tripod vibration.

The electromagnetic diaphragm system, which can sync with the camera shutter, also allows it to keep up with Nikon’s DX continuous shooting speed.

The glass parts of this lens have a nonstick protective fluorine coating that shields it from water and dirt smudges despite the lack of weather-sealing.

And for a DSLR lens, it’s still rather small and lightweight despite the excellent focal range!

Pros Of The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR

  • Compact style
  • Excellent sharpness
  • VR stabilization for 4 stops

Cons Of The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm F/2.8-4E ED VR

  • Is not weather-sealed
  • Costly for this level of quality

3. Nikon 35mm F/1.8G AF-S DX – Best Prime Lens For The Nikon D3500

Few prime lenses for the Nikon D3500 can match the performance and affordability of the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX.

This is for anybody who wants a versatile all-around camera and doesn’t mind a fixed lens without a zoom feature.

Don’t worry; this Nikon lens’s performance and quality are unaffected by its low price.

With a 35mm focal length, it provides a “natural” field of view for those who want that, and an F1.8 aperture that guarantees clear pictures even in dim lighting, as well as lovely bokeh for your portrait requirements.

This lens has 8 elements in 6 groups for outstanding optics and the Silent Wave Motor for superior AF performance.

As opposed to the Back Focusing System, which achieves quicker results by shifting only the rear lens group,

You may encounter chromatic aberration and vignetting when utilizing the maximum aperture. However, this is not a huge concern nowadays, particularly with how simple post-processing has gotten.

Pros Of The Nikon 35mm F/1.8G AF-S DX

  • Ultra-rapid autofocus
  • Beautiful bokeh
  • Outstanding picture quality

Cons Of The Nikon 35mm F/1.8G AF-S DX

  • Wide-open, there is some vignetting
  • Chromatic asymmetry
  • Cannot zoom

4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm F/1.4G – Best Portrait Lens For The Nikon D3500

Using a prime lens is hands-down the best option for portrait photography. This is due to the fixed focal length’s ability to produce very clear images and the fact that they often have a fast aperture that will be useful in low light.

The finest portrait lens for the Nikon D3500 is undoubtedly the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G.

Even better, this Nikon lens excels as a telephoto lens in addition to portraiture!

That’s accurate. The same lens that produces stunning bokeh in a studio and the outdoors may also be used to take pictures of faraway things.

Of course, the lack of zoom and 0.85m minimum focus distance may make it difficult to reframe a situation. But it’s nothing you can’t get accustomed to with a little time.

While the Silent Wave Motor guarantees quick and silent autofocus with a manual focus override, the wide F1.4 aperture is also amazing.

Not to mention the most amazing colour balance, Super Integrated Coating, and Nano Crystal Coat technology to lessen flares and ghosting.

Pros Of The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm F/1.4G

  • A fast aperture
  • Cery good sharpness
  • An excellent telephoto lens as well

Cons Of The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 85mm F/1.4G

  • Cannot zoom
  • Not the smallest or most affordable

5. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F/2.8G IF-ED – Best Macro Lens For The Nikon D3500

The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED provides the 1:1 magnification essential to macro photography.

It enables you to capture images of microscopic objects in life-size with astounding clarity that will leave you in awe.

This lens, which combines the greatest features of a short and long macro lens, may be categorized as a mid-range macro lens. It has a respectable working distance, allowing you to take pictures of insects without frightening them, yet it’s still lightweight enough that you may use it without a tripod.

This lens may not be the smallest or lightest in general. It may not be the best option for those on short trips or hiking across many nations at once.

But it’s exceptional in every way for a macro lens.

From the Vibration Reduction image stabilization, which guarantees 3.0 stops of blur-free shots even when you’re shooting handheld, to the quiet and accurate AF. Great for both still photos and moving pictures.

We can’t suggest any other lens if you’re even somewhat contemplating going into macro photography because of the high price, which makes it quite an investment.

Pros Of The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F/2.8G IF-ED

  • Very crisp photos
  • 1:1 scale of replication
  • Wonderful for close-ups

Cons Of The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm F/2.8G IF-ED

  • Not the smallest macro lens, minimum focus distance
  • Very heavy
  • A little pricey

6. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary – Best Telephoto Lens For The Nikon D3500

A telephoto lens like the Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary is your best option if you want to take shots from a distance of things like animals or sports.

Although it will still be a touch hefty, it has a dust- and splash-resistant construction that makes it suitable for outdoor usage. Handheld operation is also possible thanks to the removable tripod socket.

It has excellent picture quality, clear photos, and respectable focusing performance.

The inventive zoom lock switch, which can fix any focal length, is what we like. Because of this, shooting is more steady whether you tilt the lens above or downward.

Additionally, this is an excellent feature for long-exposure pictures.

The construction quality stands out on its own. This lens’s TSC (Thermally Stable Composite) design produces little thermal shrinkage and more accurate manufacturing.

Of course, this Sigma lens is rather long and hefty, as one would anticipate for a telephoto lens. You’ll probably need a tripod to operate it since it weighs over 2 kg and can get up to 26 cm long.

Pros Of The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary

  • Effective zoom lock
  • Superior construction quality
  • Amazing telephoto capabilities

Cons Of The Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary

  • Very big and hefty
  • Not the best for newcomers
  • Very particular usage

7. Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR – Affordable Telephoto Lens For The Nikon D3500

The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR is ideal for you if the preceding Sigma lens is a little out of your price range or if you just want to try your hand at telephoto photography without spending a lot of money.

You may still practice long-distance shooting and try your hand at wildlife photography, for example, at a fraction of the price. It’s fantastic for photographing landmarks, sporting events, and concerts.

Although the bokeh performance is acceptable and not very impressive, you may still use this lens to create stunning photographs.

But the finest feature of this lens is how light and small it is for a telephoto lens—it only weighs 415 g!

There isn’t much to complain about with this lens, considering its price, even if you can’t expect professional-grade optics and picture quality.

It has VR stabilization and stepping motors for quiet focusing when taking still photos and movies.

Pros Of The Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR

  • Very reasonable price
  • For a telephoto lens, lightweight
  • Low-key autofocus

Cons Of The Nikon 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3G ED VR

  • Plastic mount
  • No AF/MF switch
  • Subpar low-light performance

8. Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD – Best Wide-Angle Lens For The Nikon D3500

The Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD is one of the greatest wide-angle lenses available for the Nikon D3500.

It may be an excellent lens in your arsenal and is priced in the middle. It is also quite portable and lightweight for a DSLR lens, making it a great choice for travel.

If you intend to travel to picturesque locations, such as Ireland, we do advise that you get this Tamron lens.

It has 16 lens elements organized into 11 groups, including an XLD and LD element for low chromatic and colour fringing. Not to mention the waterproof and weatherproof design, which may extend the life of your lens.

Featuring vibration compensation, a new HLD focus motor for excellent AF performance, and a continuous Manual Focus override.

This is a fantastic lens for photographing landscapes, including cities, beaches, mountains, streets, and anything else!

We also like this lens’s smooth matte surface, which gives it a chic and sophisticated appearance.

The lens even has an AF/MF toggle, making it much simpler to swap between focus settings.

Pros Of The Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

  • Outstanding picture quality
  • Weatherproof
  • Great value for the money

Cons Of The Tamron 10-24mm F/3.5-4.5 Di II VC HLD

  • A few fuzzy edges
  • Vigilance is an open area

9. NIKON 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G – Best Everyday Lens For The Nikon D3500

If you already know the kind of photography you like, there is nothing wrong with purchasing specialized lenses. Still, there are times when a general-purpose lens with various uses is the better option.

The NIKON 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G could offer everything you’re looking for in a nice lens in that instance.

This Nikon lens can shoot anything from landscapes and portraits to animals, events, and street photography, and it does it fairly effectively. All of it is due to its powerful 11x zoom.

If you ever want to blur the backdrop for pictures, it can generate decent bokeh, but a prime lens is still preferable.

This lens is fantastic for someone who is just starting and wants an all-around lens to explore various forms of photography since it is reasonably priced and extremely enticing.

It’s not very effective in low light, we must admit. The quality won’t be the same as with a wide-aperture lens even if you turn up the ISO or raise the exposure in post-processing.

Pros Of The NIKON 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G

  • Budget-friendly
  • Flexible zoom range
  • Rapid and precise autofocus

Cons Of The NIKON 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G

  • Using flash might result in shadows.
  • Not ideal for dim lighting

10. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G – Best Travel Lens For The Nikon D3500

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is the last but certainly not least; it is a traveller’s best buddy without a doubt.

It is the ideal lens for a backpacking trip to places like Thailand since it is so small and light (just 185 g).

Because it is also bright and crisp, you may use it in both brightly illuminated indoor spaces and dimly light outdoor areas.

Super Integrated Coating (SIC) is a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G feature that improves light transmission efficiency while also ensuring a more uniform colour and reduced flare.

The Silent Wave Motor, meanwhile, provides quick, silent autofocus on prey.

Oh, and did we also mention how inexpensive it is?

Pros Of The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G

  • Among the lightest DSLR lenses
  • Wide aperture
  • Wide aperture

Cons Of The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F/1.8G

  • Coloured fringe
  • At the maximum aperture, soft edges
  • Certain vignetting

FAQ About The Nikon D3500 Lenses

For my Nikon D3500, which lenses should I purchase?

It depends on the kind of lens that you need. The reasonably priced NIKON 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G is something we’d suggest to anybody just getting started. Try the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR for a more premium but costly choice.

Is the Nikon D3500 a good camera?

The Nikon D3500 is a capable camera, yes. We’d even go so far as to claim that it’s one of the greatest DSLR cameras available, particularly for amateur photographers wishing to learn manual shooting. It has all the features you need to shoot outstanding images, including simple menus, top-notch resolution, and long battery life.

Which Nikon D3500 image quality setting is the best?

With the Nikon D3500, you can store your photos in RAW or JPEG (or both). The highest picture quality may be obtained by sticking with RAW files, albeit you will need to post-process the images before utilizing them.

The Nikon D3500 is waterproof, right?

The D3500 lacks weather-sealing and waterproof features, so it could not hold up in challenging, unfavourable circumstances. Even if it can withstand a little humidity and a little rain, it’s always preferable to be careful and avoid using the camera in abrasive outside weather.

Which Lens Do You Select?

The best lenses for your Nikon D3500 are all listed above.

We discussed all of them, from budget-friendly and convenient alternatives to reliable, expert-grade telephoto lenses.

Even though we’ve done our best to be thorough, it’s still conceivable that we overlooked some excellent lenses – feel free to reach out if you think we have!