Best Lenses under £400 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 40mm

92.4 Budget Score
18-140mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Its 18–140mm focal range (27–210mm equivalent) pairs with 4-stop Vibration Reduction and a Silent Wave Motor for sharp, quiet autofocus across wide-angle to mid-telephoto. Super Integrated Coating and one extra-low dispersion element cut flare and color fringing, delivering high contrast in a compact 490g build. This all-in-one zoom suits DX shooters who need one grab-and-go lens for events, portraits, and close-up details without swapping glass.

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Nikon 2042 36mm

31.1 Budget Score
36mmNikon F
Why we recommend this

This set transforms existing Nikon F-mount lenses for close-up work by adding 12mm, 20mm, and 36mm extension tubes between the body and lens. The hollow design maintains full electronic coupling for autofocus and auto-exposure, a key differentiator from cheaper manual-only tubes. It is best for Nikon DSLR shooters wanting to experiment with macro photography without investing in a dedicated macro lens.

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Best Lenses under £800 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

86.5 Budget Score
16-85mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Covering a versatile 16–85mm focal range (5.3x zoom) with Vibration Reduction that compensates for up to four shutter-speed stops, this AF-S DX lens handles wide-angle to short-telephoto shots on Nikon DX DSLRs. Its Super Integrated Coating reduces flare and ghosting, and the compact 794g build, often available renewed, offers an affordable all-in-one walkaround solution. It’s best suited for Nikon DX hobbyists and travelers who prioritize a single lens for everyday photography, though landscape sharpness rates low at 29/100.

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No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

Best Lenses under £2,000 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

78.3 Budget Score
16-35mmf/4Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The constant f/4 aperture and Vibration Reduction offering up to 4 stops of compensation make this a versatile ultra-wide zoom for handheld shooting. Its Nano Crystal Coat and two ED glass elements effectively suppress flare and chromatic aberration, delivering sharp, clear images in a relatively lightweight 680g body. This lens is best for landscape and architecture photographers using Nikon full-frame DSLRs who need a flexible wide-angle zoom with a practical 77mm filter thread.

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Premium Lenses for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S

68.4 Budget Score
24-70mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

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Nikon NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G 58mm

66.2 Budget Score
58mmf/1.4Nikon F
Why we recommend this

Its f/1.4 aperture and two aspherical elements deliver sharp subject isolation with a distinct, smooth bokeh inspired by the legendary Noct NIKKOR. At just 385g, this lens combines a fast Silent Wave Motor with Nano Crystal Coatings for flare-resistant, high-contrast rendering in a portable build. It is best for portrait photographers who prioritize three-dimensional rendering and character over clinical sharpness.

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