Best Lenses under £400 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2213 18-140mm

88.4 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 NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S 35mm

51.4 Budget Score
35mmf/22Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The bright f/1.8 maximum aperture and 52.5mm equivalent field of view deliver strong subject isolation and low-light performance in a compact 200g body. Its Silent Wave Motor provides fast, near-silent autofocus with full-time manual override, while the aspherical element and Super Integrated Coating maintain sharpness and contrast. This lens is best for DX-format Nikon shooters seeking an affordable, lightweight prime for everyday photography and discreet street shooting.

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Best Lenses under £800 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2178 16-85mm

84 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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Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S 120mm

74 Budget Score
24-120mmf/22Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

The constant f/4 aperture across its 24-120mm range, combined with an advanced optical design featuring ED and aspherical elements, delivers consistent sharpness and clarity for a 5x zoom. Its relatively compact 630g build includes weather sealing and a programmable control ring, offering durable, customizable handling that belies its versatile reach. This lens is best for landscape and travel photographers needing a single, high-quality walkaround solution without sacrificing weather resistance.

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Best Lenses under £1,000 for best value

Best Pick

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

81.9 Budget Score
16-80mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

A 16-80mm zoom range with f/2.8 at the wide end and Vibration Reduction delivers flexible, stabilized shooting for Nikon DX bodies. The bundled UV filter and cleaning kit provide immediate protection and maintenance right out of the box. Portrait and travel photographers using APS-C cameras will find this a practical, single-lens solution for varied handheld conditions.

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Best Lenses under £2,000 for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2196 18-300mm

77.1 Budget Score
18-300mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Covering an 18-300mm focal length (a 16.7x zoom) with Vibration Reduction, this lens pairs stabilized telephoto and wide-angle reach in one optic for Nikon DX DSLRs. Its near-silent AF-S motor and ED glass elements deliver quick focus and reduced color fringing while keeping the all-in-one build to 830g. Best for hobbyist Nikon DX users wanting a single-lens solution for daylight travel, family outings, and casual wildlife shooting without lens swaps.

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Premium Lenses for best value

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR 500mm

43.2 Budget Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

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