Launched in 2008, the Nikon D90 emerged as the pioneering DSLR to offer 720p high-definition video recording capabilities. Up to the present, it continues to be a favored choice among both professional photographers and passionate hobbyists.
Nikon has kept up with the rapid advances in cameras by creating lenses for the D90 to update its capabilities and reach its full potential. There are also a plethora of choices that may help you take your camera to new heights.
Fortunately, this article includes Nikon D90 lens recommendations, as well as their characteristics and features, to help you find the best lens for the Nikon D90.
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF S 85mm F/1.8G Fixed Lens
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
- Weight: 0.77 lbs.
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
- Weight: 1.21 lbs
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.57 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
- Weight: 1.74 lbs
Do All Nikon Lenses Fit With The Nikon D90 Camera?
To answer the question, all Nikon lenses do not fit the Nikon D90 camera.
There are three levels of lens compatibility with cameras: fully compatible, partially compatible, and not compatible. They also differ in their capacity to serve as both a lens and a camera.
So, “full” means both are working, while “partial” means the lens can fit, but the autofocus won’t work, requiring you to use manual focusing. Alternatively, it could imply that light metering won’t work correctly, so you must manually adjust your exposure. The latter indicates that the lens will not be compatible with the camera at all.
There are only two kinds of Nikon D90 compatible lenses: Auto Focus with Distance (AF-D) and Auto Focus Silent Wave (AF-S) lenses.
Comparison Chart:
| Best Lenses for Nikon D90 Camera | Brand | Model | Lens Type | Maximum Focal Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G | Nikon | AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G | Telephoto | 300 millimeters |
| Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G | Nikon | AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G | Prime | 85 millimeters |
| Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Nikon | AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED | Telephoto | 105 millimeters |
| Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II | Tokina | 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X116 Pro DX II | Wide Angle | 16 millimeters |
| Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR | Nikon | 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR | Telephoto | 300 millimeters |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G | Nikon | AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G | Telephoto | 300 millimeters |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G | Nikon | AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G | Wide Angle | 16 millimeters |
7 Best Lens for Nikon D90 Camera Reviews 2022
1. Nikon AF S 85mm F/1.8G Fixed Lens – Most Budget-friendly
The Nikon AF S 85mm F/1.8G fixed lens allows a maximum aperture at a rapid f/1.8 speed and a minimum at f/16, enabling you to take high-definition pictures regardless of the lighting. It also creates a natural background blur when focused on a specific subject, ideal for portrait mode.
Moreover, this prime lens is a more affordable option compared to other lenses on the market. It comes with an internal focus and a maximum length of 85 mm, which includes a silent wave motor.
With this lens, your images become smooth, detailed, and vibrant. Since its settings are versatile, you can easily customize them for indoor and outdoor photography.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF S 85mm F/1.8G Fixed Lens
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 2.87 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
- Weight: 0.77 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 16
- Maximum Aperture: 1.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 85 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 85 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable lens, the Nikon AF S 85mm F/1.8G lens is superb with its accuracy for portrait shooting and more.
2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G – Best Zoom
The best zoom lens for the Nikon D90 has to be the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G. It is incredibly lightweight for a lens that can zoom 16.7x.
As a result, you can capture every beautiful moment with this impressive lens. From wide-angle scenes, and fun photos of your loved ones to portraits and super-telephoto zoom shots of nature. Furthermore, the NIKKOR lens allows you to take consistent, stunning photographs of everything in your frame, wherever you go.
With Vibration Reduction technology and image stabilization, you can take steady HD videos and photos with total clarity, even without a gimbal. It also minimizes any noise from autofocusing.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches
- Weight: 1.21 lbs
- Focus Type: Ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 0
- Maximum Aperture: 3.5
- Minimum Focal Length: 18 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 300 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
Summary
If you want a lens that performs well with its zooming feature, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G is the best choice.
3. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G – Best Macro
Macro lenses are famous for their sharpness and versatile function. In this category, the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G is the best lens for the Nikon D90 available today.
With a focus range of up to 105 mm, you can take gorgeous shots of whatever you lay your eyes on. Also, the lens ensures your pictures are clear within a minimum range of 1 ft.
Similar to the previous camera lens, the Nikon Micro-NIKKOR includes advanced VR technology that makes every shot or video stable, smooth, and colorful without much sound. This makes it perfect for shooting in any condition, especially when it comes to animals in their natural habitat.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G
- 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
If you need a wide-angle lens that delivers the highest quality, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 can be the best companion to your Nikon D90.
4. Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 – Best Wide-angle
Despite being a third-party manufacturer, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 Digital Zoom lens is one of the top-rated lenses for your Nikon D90. If there’s one feature that makes this lens stand out, it has to be the superior wide-angle lens.
The fantastic performance and quality of the lens make it a bang for the buck. With your Nikon D90, it can help you capture the most stunning landscape photographs that are not only vivid and detailed but also on a broader frame.
With its infinity focus, you can explore an entirely different perspective in your photography. The best part is, that this lens is compatible with any camera built with APS-C sensors.
Technical Details
- Brand: Tokina
- Model Name: 11-16mm f/2.8
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.02 x 4.02 x 4.02 inches
- Weight: 1.21 lbs
- Focus Type: Auto Focus
- Lens Type: Wide Angle
- Minimum Aperture: 22
- Maximum Aperture: 2.8
- Minimum Focal Length: 11 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 16 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm
Summary
If you need a wide-angle lens that delivers the highest quality shots, the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 will be your best bet.
5. Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED – Most Compact
With the lightweight and compact Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED lens, you can experience Nikon’s advanced Vibration Reduction II. This technology allows you to take photos or videos with image stabilization, even in low light. In addition, its telephoto feature enables you to walk around and capture every moment hand-held in brilliant and sharp quality.
Moreover, its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass makes images sharp and high-contrast with minimized chromatic aberration. With its Silent Wave Motor, this lens seamlessly focuses at an insane speed with little to no noise.
It can also accommodate a zoom range of 4.9 ft. for the best close-ups. Lastly, this lens’s internal focus (IF) maintains focus on the subject within its range without affecting the size.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 5.67 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches
- Weight: 1.64 lbs.
- Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 32
- Maximum Aperture: 4.5
- Minimum Focal Length: 70 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 300 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 67 mm
- Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon FX
Summary
If you’re looking for a lens to use and store easily, the Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is the perfect compact lens to carry around for your Nikon D90.
6. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G – Most Lightweight
With a brilliant, lightweight design, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens allows you to take high-resolution photos at an affordable price.
Its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) feature lets you capture shots accurately, quickly, and with silent autofocus. Moreover, its optical design closely resembles the angle seen by the human eye, making the shots more realistic.
The camera features two focus modes, M/A (Manual Override Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus), which you can switch between during autofocus.
Lastly, this lens is ideal for low lighting, travel, nature pictures, and general photography wherever you go.
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
If you’re looking for a lightweight and versatile camera lens to use on the go, the Nikon Af-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the best lens for the Nikon D90 camera.
7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G – Overall Best
Without a doubt, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G is the best lens on the market because of its excellent all-around performance.
Whether you’re taking zoomed-in or expansive shots, this lens keeps every detail extraordinarily sharp, vibrant, and full of life. In addition, its autofocus with Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction allows crystal clear photos with less movement and minimal sound.
Moreover, the lens is equipped with an extra-low dispersion glass to control and minimize chromatic aberration, and with its advanced performance, anyone will fall in love with its specifications.
Technical Details
- Brand: Nikon
- Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
- Color: Black
- Dimensions: 4.84 x 3.03 x 3.03 inches
- Weight: 1.28 lbs.
- Focus Type: Micro-type ultrasonic
- Lens Type: Telephoto
- Minimum Aperture: 32
- Maximum Aperture: 4.5
- Minimum Focal Length: 55 mm
- Maximum Focal Length: 300 mm
- Photo Filter Thread Size: 58 mm
Summary
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a superb all-rounder lens, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G, with its unique features and performance, is the perfect pick for your Nikon D90 camera.
Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Lens for Nikon D90
If you have a Nikon D90, you are already at an advantage since it is a fantastic camera, to begin with. However, you must match it with an equally good lens to improve your photos in different conditions.
Before buying a lens, you have to make sure it is something you can keep as an investment for a long time, so here are some factors you should consider before buying one.
Focal Length
You must already be familiar with focal length, the distance between the camera’s lens and the sensor. You should know that with a higher focus, you will get a better close-up. At the same time, the photo will appear broader and farther away if your lens has a low focal length.
Aperture
The aperture regulates the amount of light that enters your camera. So, the smaller it is, the bigger the front, and the lighter can enter your camera. As a result, you get sharper images, despite the lighting.
Purpose
You must be acquainted with the type of photography you want to do. By knowing this, you will be able to choose the most appropriate lens.
For example, if you plan to shoot landscapes and scenery, go for a wide-angle lens. In contrast, you may prefer a prime lens for portraits, whereas a macro lens would be best for close-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lenses Should Beginners Get As Their First Piece Of Equipment?
Beginners can start with lenses that are universal in use and easy to operate.
If you’re a beginner who is unsure about the type of photography you may pursue, we recommend getting the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G (listed as the best zoom lens in the article).
As a result, you can practice both close-ups and standard shots with this lens before moving on to more advanced lenses.
What Are The Best Lenses Anyone Should Have?
A macro lens would be excellent for stunning close-ups whenever you need to take zoomed-in photos.
A wide-angle lens is perfect for panoramic photographs, especially for those who enjoy taking environmental shots or pictures of natural beauty, such as landscapes.
However, if you’re stuck in the middle, you can always get a multi-purpose lens for versatile use.
Final Word
As previously stated, the Nikon D90 is a fantastic camera in and of itself, but with the proper lens, you may open up new possibilities beyond your imagination.
Lenses are the key to a more advanced camera, though everyone’s choice and approach to working with the lens differ. Regardless, there should be a balance of quality and pricing to maximize the benefits.
Choosing the best lens for the Nikon D90 requires some effort and research, but always remember to put your needs over the idea of having a flashy lens.
