10 Best Zoom Lens for Nikon D3200 2022 – Tested & Reviewed

The Nikon D3200 remains a favored choice among entry-level DSLR cameras today, thanks to its superior performance and ease of use for beginners.

The device has a 24.2 MP DX CMOS sensor, a full HD 1080p cinematic video, and high-speed 11-point autofocus. On top of that, it comes with a compact and durable design, making it portable and beginner-friendly.

For those who want to explore a unique perspective in their photography, zoom lenses allow you to take images of objects at far distances or small sizes. Luckily, the camera has a built-in auto distortion control that prevents the standard zoom lenses from distortion.

To pick out the best Nikon zoom lens for the D3200, we have compiled a list of the best-performing lenses on the market.

Read more to find the best zoom lens for Nikon D3200 in this article.

When To Use A-Zoom Lens?

Photographers who wish to be more productive when shooting explicitly use a zoom lens for different types of photography, which makes it a highly versatile lens for any occasion.

You can use it for traveling as a lightweight and all-around lens since a zoom lens can take all kinds of photos regardless of the distance.

Similarly, you may use it for nature or wildlife shooting without getting close to the subject to prevent alerting them. These lenses are also used in sports to capture action shots during the game.

On top of that, a zoom lens can help you include the whole crowd in a photo by zooming out. Therefore, taking along on your next group trip is a great option! It is also suitable for taking portraits to make the subject clear and stand out since it can create a soft blur in your background.

Lastly, you can use it for creative shots, effects, and abstracts. In short, a zoom lens is a piece of excellent equipment to have with your camera no matter what you do.

Is A Zoom Lens Worth It?

You may be wondering if getting a zoom lens is worth it. Well, the answer is yes. Here’s why:

One of the main features a zoom lens has is its capability to change focal lengths without requiring you to dismantle or change the lenses on your camera. As we mentioned earlier, it is a versatile lens that you can use for travel, sports, or professional photography.

Moreover, with the wide range of focal lengths, you can achieve by adjusting the zoom ring, you can utilize each length to your advantage. You can also switch from a wide-angle perspective to a telephoto one whenever you want.

In addition, most zoom lenses are lightweight, perfect for taking on the go rather than carrying multiple ones and losing time switching from one lens to another.

Comparison Chart:

Best Zoom Lens for Nikon D3200	Brand	Model	Color	Dimensions	Weight
Nikon 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lenses	Nikon	55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lenses	Black	3.27 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches	0.66 lbs.
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED	Nikon	AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED	Black	10.53 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches	5.07 lbs.
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro	Sigma	70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro	Black	3 x 3 x 4.7 inches	1.19 lbs.
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G	Nikon	AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED	Black	4.53 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches	1.76 lbs.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED	Nikon	AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED	Black	4.83x 3.03 x 3.03 inches	1.28 lbs.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED	Nikon	AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED	Black	3.9 x 3.11 x 3.11 inches	1.21 lbs.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED	Nikon	AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED	Black	3.43 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches	1.01 lbs.
Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM	Nikon	10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM	Black	3.19 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches	1.04 lbs.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED	Nikon	AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED	Black	3.35 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches	1.07 lbs.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens	Nikon	AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens	Black	2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches	7.05 oz.

10 Best Zoom Lens for Nikon D3200 Reviews 2022

1. Nikon 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lenses – Most Budget-friendly

Are you looking for an affordable lens for your Nikon D3200? Look no further as the Nikon 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lens offers a highly versatile zoom you can use for multiple occasions.

At 55 mm, you can take scenery and group shots, while at 200 mm, you can capture close-ups and portraits.

This lens features Nikon’s intelligent Vibration Reduction technology that minimizes any instability from you to maintain your photos and videos’ clarity and sharpness. Moreover, it includes Super Integrated Coating and Extra-low Dispersion glass for less ghosting, lens flare, and distortion.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lenses
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 3.27 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Focus Type: Micro-type ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Minimum Aperture: 32
• Maximum Aperture: 4
• Minimum Focal Length: 55 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 200 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 55 mm

Summary

If you’re on a budget and need an outstanding camera accessory, the Nikon 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lens is the best zoom lens for Nikon D3200.

2. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED – Most Beginner-friendly

This Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with AF lets you experience incredible pictures and videos in many situations.

Its image stabilization system eliminates the effects of camera shake to deliver sharper images and smoother video. This super-telephoto zoom lens is great for photography, birding, wildlife, motorsports, and events.

This super-telephoto lens is lightweight and can shoot at a focal length of 200 mm, extending to 500 mm. Its fast f/5.6 aperture allows you to take focused and sharp shots of your subject with a blurred background, regardless of the lighting.

Moreover, the lens has a Silent Wave Motor for silent and quick autofocusing, 4.5 stops of Vibration Reduction, image stabilization, and Internal Focus.

You can make use of AF with TTL metering and the focus ring to focus on your subject. It has an auto-focus ring that allows you to focus on subjects. In addition, this lens has a tripod mounting bracket.

The maximum magnification is 0.25x which means that you won’t need to magnify the images that much. The minimum focus distance of the lens is 7.2 feet. You can use it to take pictures of anything up to 6 inches away from the subject.

This lens has an optical construction that is made up of 11 elements in 8 groups. This helps the lens produce clear images. The maximum speed is about 1/4000 of a second which is fast enough for most applications.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 10.53 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches
• Weight: 5.07 lbs.
• Focus Type: Auto/manual
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Minimum Aperture: 32
• Maximum Aperture: 5.6
• Minimum Focal Length: 200 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 500 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 95 mm

Summary

If you’re trying out a zoom lens as a beginner, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED is an excellent option.

3. Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro – Best Macro Lens

Sigma takes their shot at a compact telephoto zoom lens with their 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro lens, perfect for taking candid photos of people, animals, and nature.

Moreover, with built-in autofocus, a maximum zoom ratio of 1:2, and a focal length of 300 mm, you can use this lens for various photography styles.

It also includes a Special Low Dispersion (SLD) glass for chromatic aberration correction and a super multi-layer coating for minimizing flare and ghosting to give you the highest quality images in its zoom range.

Technical Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model Name: 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 4.7 inches
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Focus Type: Autofocus
• Lens Type: Macro
• Minimum Aperture: 32
• Maximum Aperture: 4
• Minimum Focal Length: 70 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 300 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 58 mm

Summary

The Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro is a perfect lens for macro photography because of its stellar features and performance.

4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED – Best Travel Lens

With a versatile and powerful 10.7x zoom lens that can take breathtaking photos of objects close or far away, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED makes an excellent travel companion to take along on your adventures.

With its expansive focal length range, you can take focused handheld shots of landscapes and subjects far away with excellent sharpness.

Also, you can now experience high-definition videos and photos at any range, especially with its Vibration Reduction II technology, Super Integrated Coating, and Extra-low Dispersion glass.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 4.53 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
• Weight: 1.76 lbs.
• Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Telephoto
• Minimum Aperture: 38
• Maximum Aperture: 3.5
• Minimum Focal Length: 28 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 300 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm

Summary

Are you looking for a lens to take on your adventures? The Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is the best Nikon zoom lens for D3200 for travel photography.

5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED – Best Action Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED is best known for its exceptional performance in action shooting for wildlife, sports, and nature.

You can capture videos and images from afar with a 5.5 telephoto zoom, VR image stabilization, and a wide focal range from 55 to 300 mm. Its ultra-high-resolution also makes way for excellent pictures, whether in action shots of animals or plants.

Moreover, its Silent Wave Motor provides a unique and advanced autofocus mechanism for precise, quiet, and quick captures. It also gives your shots a natural and blurred backdrop for your focused subject.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 4.83x 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: 82 mm

Summary

If you’re inclined to do action photography with a fantastic lens, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED is the best zoom lens for Nikon D3200.

6. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED – Best Telephoto Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED is an outstanding overall zoom telephoto lens with a powerful 16.7x zoom for panoramas, videos, and close-ups.

From 18 mm to 300 mm, beginners can get great experience handling this lens because of its versatility. Similarly, it has an outstanding balance of high-resolution quality and compactness.

Sharp and steady photos await you with its fantastic Vibration Reduction feature and four stops of precise handheld shooting. It also has a Silent Wave Motor, Extra-low Dispersion glass, and a 7-blade rounded diaphragm for the best backdrop blur.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED
• 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

Are you looking for a versatile telephoto lens that delivers the best results? The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED is the most compatible lens for the Nikon D3200.

7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – Best Wide-angle Lens

Pictures and videos cannot get any better than the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED for the best creative shots. With its wide-angle lens’ 109-degree angle (almost fisheye perspective), you can capture a dramatic view of landscapes, interiors, architecture, and more.

It can also capture close-ups up to 0.8 ft with minimal distortion, all in one compact build. Also, the lens keeps your images sharp with brilliant color and contrast with two Extra-low Dispersion glass features to minimize chromatic aberration.

Additionally, the lens’ Super Integrated Coating takes care of any ghosting or flaring the camera may encounter. At the same time, its Silent Wave Motor helps its autofocusing stay ultra-quiet and quick.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 3.43 x 3.27 x 3.27 inches
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Minimum Aperture: 29
• Maximum Aperture: 3.5
• Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm

Summary

If you need a fascinating wide-angle lens, the search is over, as the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is the best lens for a Nikon D80 camera.

8. Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM – Best Indoor Shooting Lens

Another great product from Sigma is their Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM lens, packed with a perfect 10-20 mm focal length, which is best for indoor shooting.

Although it is primarily built for wide-angle photography, this lens’s focal length and minimum focus distance of 9.4 inches prove useful for indoor settings, group pictures, and more.

On top of that, this pick is an affordable, lightweight, and compact alternative that photographers can use for their daily grind.

It also has three Special Low Dispersion and aspherical lens elements to give you the sharp and top-quality photos you deserve.

Technical Details

• Brand: Sigma
• Model Name: 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 3.19 x 3.31 x 3.31 inches
• Weight: 1.04 lbs.
• Focus Type: Ring-type ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Wide Angle
• Minimum Aperture: 32
• Maximum Aperture: 4
• Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 20 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm

Summary

The Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM is our top pick for your Nikon D3200 because of its terrific performance.

9. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED – Most Versatile

Made for all occasions and various sorts of photography, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is the best lens for Nikon D3200 because of its consistent performance and versatility.

Firstly, from a focal length of 16 mm to 85 mm, you can shoot the closest to farthest objects with absolute clarity, whether interiors, portraits, or landscapes. It also has a zoom ratio of 5.3x for more perspective in your shooting.

Secondly, handheld shooting is easy as this lens guarantees that every photo or video you capture turns incredibly sharp. Its Vibration Reduction technology reduces camera shake, and the four shutter speeds ensure you never miss out on the action. It even comes with two ED glass elements for less chromatic aberration.

Moreover, its advanced Silent Wave Motor gives you a precise, rapid, and noiseless autofocus. At the same time, its Super Integrated Coating brings you the excellent color vibrancy and quality with less ghosting and flare.

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 3.35 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Focus Type: Ultrasonic
• Lens Type: Standard
• Minimum Aperture: 36
• Maximum Aperture: 3.5
• Minimum Focal Length: 16 mm
• Maximum Focal Length: 85 mm
• Photo Filter Thread Size: 28 mm

Summary

Do you need an all-in-one lens that you can use for various purposes? The highly versatile Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is the best zoom lens for Nikon D3200 on the market.

10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens – Best Portrait Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is a compact and lightweight lens you can take for your Nikon D3200 wherever you go. Although it is a relatively cheaper option, it can deliver stunning performance comparable to a prime lens.

Moreover, this camera lens’ f/1.8 aperture makes it excellent for low-light and portrait shooting. In short, you can shoot in any setting, indoors or outdoors, morning or night, with this amazing lens!

Technical Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model Name: AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 2.09 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches
• Weight: 7.05 oz.
• 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

A great lightweight option, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the best zoom portrait lens for the Nikon D3200 camera.

How to Use a Zoom Lens?

It would be best to consider these crucial factors when using a zoom lens to get your best shot.

Aperture

The aperture controls the amount of light that reaches your image sensor, influencing how crisp and sharp your subject appears in the photograph.

With a broader value, the subject is prioritized more than the backdrop. On the other hand, a narrower value allows the entire scene to be focused.

This allows viewers to focus more on what you want them to see in your photographs. You may also use the camera’s Aperture Priority mode to regulate it, which you can find in its settings.

Focal Length

Since zoom lenses allow you to alter or vary the focal length, you can utilize whatever length you want.

You may test your camera’s lens length by taking many photographs in one location, the entire scene, or a small butterfly on a leaf far away. You must select the correct combination of focal length and zoom for your perfect photo.

However, you should be aware that the higher the zoom or the longer the focal length, the more pronounced the blur in the background of the in-focus subject.

Camera Shake

Because of your expanded view of anything far away, the camera’s inclination to wobble increases as you zoom closer.

To avoid this, you should use a tripod to keep your camera steady. As a result, you can ensure that your photographs are clear and straight.

If you don’t have a tripod, use any other item to keep the camera from wobbling when taking pictures to avoid blurry shots.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a prime and zoom lens?

A prime lens has a fixed lens, meaning its focal length cannot be changed, while a zoom lens’s focal length can be changed whenever you want.

Moreover, the angle of view is constant with a prime lens, preventing you from making your subjects bigger or smaller in the frame. The only way to counter this is to change the distance between you and your subject by moving farther or closer.

With a zoom lens, you can turn its zoom ring and adjust the viewing angle according to your preference while stationary. In addition, zoom lenses have variable aperture ranges.

Although using a prime lens has benefits, zoom lenses are still a more convenient and versatile option that most photographers use regularly.

What are Nikon D3200 compatible lenses?

The Nikon D3200 camera has an F-type lens mount, which only accommodates lenses with the corresponding mount. However, you don’t have to stick to Nikon for compatible zoom lenses.

You may find excellent options from third-party brands like Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, and more. Fortunately, all the best zoom lenses for the Nikon D3200 given in this article are fully compatible with the camera’s functionalities.

Final Thoughts

Zoom lenses are a fantastic camera accessory for enhancing your work and the camera’s overall capabilities. You can use a flexible zoom lens for travel photography, capturing wildlife, or simple portraits.

However, choosing the ideal zoom lens is a challenging task, as the various options available on the market can be confusing. Given your expertise, budget, and goal, the best zoom lens for Nikon D3200 needs to be one that can help you make the most out of your camera.