Even today, the Nikon D80 is a great camera to own. But, you may want to get its compatible lenses to improve the camera even more and use it to its full potential.
With each passing year, more companies launch their lenses on the market. As a result, picking one out of the many options today is challenging.
Furthermore, because of the types and features that each offers, you’ll need to know what sort of photography you’re interested in as well as your price limit to make your search simpler.
This article offers you a comprehensive list of Nikon D80 lenses to choose from.
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
- Weight: 1.74 lbs.
- Brand: Sigma
- Model Name: 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.76 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches
- Weight: 1.79 lbs.
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lbs.
Are All Nikon Lenses Universal?
Nikon makes lenses that are unique to particular camera models. As a result, not all of their lenses are compatible with all cameras. So although Nikon lenses are likely to be valuable investments for even the most recent cameras, their compatibility is still limited.
In particular, the Nikon D80 includes an F-mount and can only be used with 309 native lenses. However, it can accommodate macro, wide-angle, prime, all-in-one, and telephoto lenses, depending on your preferred style of photography.
Comparison Chart:
| Best Lens for Nikon D80 | Brand | Model | Color | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F/1.8G | Nikon | AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F/1.8G | Black | 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches | 0.44 lbs. |
| Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Nikon | AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Black | 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches | 1.74 lbs. |
| Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art | Sigma | 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art | Black | 4.76 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches | 1.79 lbs. |
| Nikon AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G | Nikon | AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G | Black | 3.15 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches | 0.58 lbs. |
| Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II | Nikon | AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II | Black | 3.82 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches | 1.25 lbs. |
| Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED | Nikon | AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED | Black | 3.4 x 6.0 inches | 2.4 lbs. |
| Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G | Nikon | AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G | Black | 2.09 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches | 6.53 oz. |
| Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G | Nikon | AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G | Black | 3.54 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches | 1.32 lbs. |
8 Best Lens for Nikon D80 Reviews 2022
1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F/1.8G – Most Portable Lens
Compact and light enough to take wherever you go, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is the perfect portable lens for your Nikon D80 camera.
The best part? It doesn’t even require you to break the bank! However, don’t be fooled by its relatively affordable price, as it has an image quality similar to a prime lens’s performance. In addition, with its f/1.8 aperture, low-light shooting is a breeze, allowing you to take photos anytime, anywhere.
When focused, it can also softly blur your backgrounds to give you a natural and beautiful view of your subject for that dramatic flair and depth of field.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 0.44 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Standard
- Minimum Aperture: 22
- Maximum Aperture: 1.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 35 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 35 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 52 mm
Summary
Are you looking for a compact, lightweight, and travel-ready camera lens? Look no further, as the Nikon Af-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the best lens for the Nikon D80.
2. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED – Best Macro Lens
The Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is the best macro lens for the Nikon D80. Designed for sharpness, this lens is versatile enough to be suitable for any occasion.
It has a focus range of up to 105 mm and produces a clear, realistic Bokeh or background blur, which is ideal for adding perspective or depth of field to photographs.
This NIKKOR lens has Vibration Reduction technology, allowing you to shoot everything handheld while getting sharper photos and videos. As a result, you never have to deal with shaky or unsteady footage again! Furthermore, the f/2.8G aperture enables it to capture excellent images even in low light.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
- Weight: 1.74 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 32
- Maximum Aperture: 2.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 105 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 305 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 62 mm
Summary
For macrophotography shooting, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is the best lens for the Nikon D80 camera.
3. Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art – Best Wide-angle Lens
Despite being made by a third party, the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art is an excellent wide-angle to standard zoom lens with a large aperture of 1.8.
Its Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass captures the widest possible angle, including curvature and aberrations. The lens has a wide range of applications and purposes, as it allows you to use the internal focus to zoom in while capturing any sort of scenery.
This wide-angle lens also provides precise, silent, and quick autofocusing thanks to its Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM). At the same time, its thermally composite material enables you to use it as a professional camera while increasing the overall durability.
Technical Details
- Brand: Sigma
- Model Name: 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.76 x 3.07 x 3.07 inches
- Weight: 1.79 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Minimum Aperture: 16
- Maximum Aperture: 1.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 18 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 35 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Summary
The Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art is one of the best lenses for Nikon D80, and it is an excellent choice for those who want to get a zoom lens.
4. Nikon AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G – Most Budget Friendly
The Nikon AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G is one of the cheapest lenses in the market, making it the best choice for a Nikon D80 camera. Besides being light on the wallet, it is also physically lightweight and compact so that you can take it along on your adventures.
Moreover, you can take pictures from far away with a 3x zoom lens and a focal range of 18 to 55mm. With its Vibration Reduction technology, you’ll be left with images having complete clarity.
Also, Nikon’s intelligent Super Integrated Coating makes the colors on your screen more vibrant, while its Silent Wave Motor helps you take shots with quiet and quick autofocus.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.15 x 2.87 x 2.87 inches
- Weight: 0.58 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Zoom
- Minimum Aperture: 36
- Maximum Aperture: 3.5
- Minimum Focal Length: 18 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 55 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 52 mm
Summary
If your budget can’t make room for the more expensive items on the list, the Nikon AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G lens is an excellent-performing alternative.
5. Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II – Best Zoom Lens
The Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II is an excellent all-around lens that can be used for a variety of occasions. It is, however, most known for its usage in interior photography.
This unit includes an 11x zoom that ranges from an 18 mm wide-angle lens for scenic and landscape photography to a 200 mm telephoto lens for portraits and action shots. It also has a zoom lock function to keep the camera secure and at a manageable length.
Regardless of the lighting, this zoom lens provides top-notch clarity for both videos and photos. For the best user experience, this lens also includes Vibration Reduction and a Silent Wave Motor.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.82 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches
- Weight: 1.25 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 36
- Maximum Aperture: 5.6
- Minimum Focal Length: 18 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 200 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 72 mm
Summary
If you’re looking for a great zoom lens to use, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens is superb because of its quick autofocus, high resolution, and zoom range technology.
6. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED – Most Versatile
The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED is a multi-purpose lens used for travel, sports, outdoor, and indoor photography.
Its Vibration Reduction technology allows you to capture photographs and videos handheld. Therefore, it delivers exceptionally clear and sharp images in both bright and poor light.
In addition, it has a quick auto-focus and can produce beautiful bokeh with a subtle blur in the background, which is ideal for portraits and close-ups.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.4 x 6.0 inches
- Weight: 2.4 lbs.
- Focus Type: Autofocus
- Lens Type: Zoom
- Minimum Aperture: 22
- Maximum Aperture: 2.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 24 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 70 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 82 mm
Summary
If you’re looking for a fantastic, versatile lens to use for any occasion, the Nikon AF S 85mm F/1.8G lens is one of the most compatible lenses for the Nikon D80.
7. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G – Best Portrait-taking Lens
With a sharp resolution and silent adjusting focus motor, you can expect the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens to give you the best performance when it comes to taking portraits.
Its fast aperture of f/1.8 and focal length of 50 mm create a unique blurred background and depth of field that makes the subject stand out.
Furthermore, the lens is adjustable to low-light settings and has Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating for the best vibrancy and resolution. It also has a mode to switch from automatic to manual focusing for enhanced control.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches
- Weight: 6.53 oz.
- Focus Type: Ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Standard
- Minimum Aperture: 16
- Maximum Aperture: 1.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 50 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 50 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 58 mm
Summary
If you’re inclined to take portrait shots, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens delivers accurate, precise, and stunning performance.
8. Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G – Most Professional
The best lens for Nikon D80 has come to town with its top-notch clarity of photos, even at night, making it ideal for professional use.
With an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture, you can capture breathtaking photos while shooting handheld, making the subject the focal point of attention with a subtle background blur. You can also zoom in and then use the lock switch to stop the lens from expanding any farther.
For the best photos, this lens has a Super Integrated Coating (to reduce flare and enhance color constancy), a Silent Wave Motor (for quick and silent autofocusing), a Manual/Auto Focus Mode Switch, and an Internal Focus.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.54 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
- Weight: 1.32 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Minimum Aperture: 16
- Maximum Aperture: 1.4
- Minimum Focal Length: 35 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 35 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Summary
If you need a lens to match your professional camera, the Nikon AF FX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G is the best lens for Nikon D80.
What You Should Consider Before Buying A Lens For Nikon D80 Camera
Before you choose a lens, make sure you’ll be able to get the most out of it. So, whether it’s camera specs or personal preferences, this article lays out the factors you should consider before making a final selection.
Style of Photography
To choose the best lens for your camera, you must first decide what type of photography you want to pursue, as each lens performs better in its own category. As a result, you can filter your selections to find the most compatible lens for you.
However, if you are a beginner and are unclear about the type of photography you prefer, you can start with a versatile lens and master your photographic skills before moving to an advanced lens.
Focal Length
When capturing close-ups or long distances, the focus length, or distance between the subject and the camera, is critical. With a greater focus, your image will be more zoomed in, but it will be bigger and farther out with a lower focus.
Aperture
The aperture refers to the light that enters your camera and determines how clear your photos are, given the lighting.
As a result, the narrower your aperture is in the front, the larger it is at the back, so more light enters the camera. Even in low-light situations, this feature makes your photos appear sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beginner lens?
There is no specific ‘beginner lens’ one can use, although most lenses are easy to navigate once you learn the basics of operating a camera. Although the Nikon D80 is already a great camera, you can use lenses to expand its capabilities further.
The best lens for beginners on our list is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F/1.8G (listed as the best portable lens). Because of its all-around performance and ease of use, any beginner photographer can quickly learn how to use it with their camera.
How to do macro photography with a Nikon D80?
Macro photography is an image of a subject that has been enlarged or taken up close. For the most part, photographers who specialize in nature and animal photography utilize this technique.
This type of photography requires a camera with a magnification ratio greater than 1:1 or an image larger than the subject in the frame.
To get started, you’ll need a DSLR camera, a macro lens (such as the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G), a tripod for stability, and remote control or timer to shoot time-lapses.
Is the Nikon D80 still good?
Even though it was released in August 2006, the Nikon D80 continues to be a fantastic camera for any photographer to use since it matches the sharpness and quality of the latest DSLRs.
The Nikon D80 features a 10.2 MP sensor with an ISO range of 100-1600 and can shoot at a rate of 3 frames per second at full resolution. It also includes a built-in Speedlight and flash control, and it only weighs 21 ounces.
On top of that, it features a 2.5-inch LCD that can be adjusted up to 170 degrees for angled shooting. Overall, the Nikon D80 is an excellent, user-friendly camera for everyone, so it’s still a good deal in 2021.
Final Word
Lenses are one-of-a-kind camera accessories that enhance the capabilities of your Nikon D80, allowing you to accomplish more with it and capture the most stunning images and videos.
Buying a lens is unquestionably a tough decision when so many options are available at various price points. So, choose one that you know will maximize your camera functionalities.
Also, bear in mind that the best lenses for the Nikon D80 camera are those that are tailored to your specific needs and capabilities.
