Best Lenses under $500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR 12-28mm

91.9 Travel Score
12-28mmf/3.5Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

As the widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z cameras, this 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom combines a 205g lightweight build, internal zooming, and 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction. Its STM autofocus and 11-speed power zoom operate silently for smooth video, while the 0.21x magnification captures close-up details. It’s ideal for vloggers and street shooters wanting a stabilized ultrawide zoom for travel and content creation.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

84.7 Travel Score
50-250mmf/16Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this

The 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens provides a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop Vibration Reduction, delivering sharp telephoto shots even in dim light. At just 404g and a high-value price point, it maintains portability while adding near-silent stepping motor AF and suppressed focus breathing for polished video. Best for budget-minded DX Z-mount shooters needing a versatile zoom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially hybrid creators capturing both stills and video.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

76 Travel Score
10-20mmf/29Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The 10-20mm focal length paired with optical VR and a mere 232g body lets you capture stable ultrawide vistas handheld on APS-C cameras. Its AF-P stepper motor delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus, while the three aspherical elements and Super Integrated Coating control aberrations without extra bulk. Best suited for Nikon DX DSLR users seeking a cost-effective, travel-ready lens for landscapes, architecture, and casual video.

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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 2162 18mm

59.4 Travel Score
18-135mmf/3.5Nikon F
Why we recommend this

The lens stands out with a 7.5x zoom spanning 18-135mm, an ED glass element that controls chromatic aberrations, and an AF-S motor delivering fast, quiet autofocus. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm renders pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, and the 67mm filter thread accepts common accessories, while the renewed option offers tested reliability at a lower cost. This lens is best for DSLR beginners and travel photographers needing a single, affordable cover-all zoom for everyday shooting.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX MC 20131 35mm

41.8 Travel Score
35mmf/22Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 35mm f/1.7 lens for Nikon DX Z-mount provides a 52.5mm equivalent field of view, a 6.3-inch close-focus for 1:1.5 magnification, and a bright aperture in a 221-gram body. Its compact 2.8-inch length and silent STM autofocus make it a quiet, portable option for candid shots and video work. This lens is best suited for Nikon DX shooters seeking a fast prime for everyday portraits and street photography that can double as a capable close-up tool.

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Nikon 2197

38.2 Travel Score
55-300mm
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Best Lenses under $1,000 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

100 Travel Score
18-140mm22-40Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A lightweight 315g all-in-one zoom with a 7.8x range (27-210mm equivalent), 5-stop VR, and weather sealing makes this a practical walkaround lens for Nikon Z DX cameras. It earns high scores in landscape (91.6) and budget categories, pairing versatile reach with solid dust/moisture resistance for outdoor use. Best for travel photographers or casual shooters wanting a single lens for landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects without swapping glass.

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Price $677
Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED 17-55mm

83.9 Travel Score
17-55mmf/2.8Nikon FWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A constant f/2.8 aperture across the 17-55mm zoom range, combined with three aspherical and three ED elements, delivers sharp results and strong low-light performance on APS-C bodies. Its weather-sealed, all-metal build provides rugged reliability that outclasses typical kit lenses, while the Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus. This lens is best for event and wedding photographers using Nikon DX DSLRs who need a durable, fast standard zoom for unpredictable lighting.

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED 17-55mm lens
Price $891
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Best Lenses under $1,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-400mm f/4-8 VR 28-400mm

79.2 Travel Score
28-400mm22-45Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The 28-400mm zoom range combined with 5-stop Vibration Reduction and STM autofocus delivers sharp, blur-free shots from wide landscapes to distant wildlife in a weather-sealed body weighing just 725g. Its compact, lightweight design and 0.35x maximum magnification make it a true all-in-one travel lens, adapting seamlessly across Nikon Z full-frame and crop-sensor cameras. This lens is ideal for landscape and wildlife photographers who need versatile reach and reliable stabilization without carrying heavy gear.

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

76.4 Travel Score
16-80mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The 16-80mm focal range and bright f/2.8-4 aperture make this a versatile 5x zoom, with Nano Crystal Coatings and four ED elements controlling flare and aberrations effectively. Its compact 59g build and 4-stop VR stabilization enable sharp handheld shooting across a 24-120mm equivalent field of view. This lens is best for street and travel photographers using Nikon DX bodies who need a single, high-quality walkaround zoom.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ 28-135mm

60.6 Travel Score
28-135mmf/22Nikon ZWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The internal zoom mechanism and constant f/4 aperture across the 28-135mm range provide consistent exposure and balance on a gimbal, while the Meso Amorphous Coating effectively suppresses flare. Its programmable control ring and smooth power zoom functionality, driven by a stepping motor, offer precise, near-silent focal length adjustments critical for run-and-gun shooting. This lens is best for documentary filmmakers and event videographers needing a single, weather-sealed solution that eliminates the need for frequent lens changes.

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Nikon NIKKOR 2208 80-400mm

48.2 Travel Score
80-400mm32-40Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Three ED glass elements and Vibration Reduction providing a 3-stop advantage define this 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6 5x full-frame zoom lens. A 9-blade rounded diaphragm ensures smooth out-of-focus rendering, and renewed availability makes it an affordable entry into telephoto photography. It's ideal for budget-minded wildlife and sports shooters who prioritize reach and stabilization over constant aperture or weather sealing.

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Nikon NIKKOR 2208 80-400mm lens
Price $1,728

Premium Lenses for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20071 400mm

44.6 Travel Score
180-400mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A built-in 1.4x teleconverter instantly transforms this zoom into a 252-560mm f/5.6, while its constant f/4 aperture, one fluorite, and eight ED elements maintain clarity. Vibration Reduction stabilization and Nano Crystal Coatings ensure sharp, high-contrast images in demanding light and during handheld use. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need rapid focal length flexibility in a single, weather-sealed housing.

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