Are you looking to upgrade your camera system? The best way to do that is to invest in some glass. For the newbies, “glass” means lens in the photography world. The good thing about buying a lens is that it will follow you to your next camera body. Here I have given my best recommendations for what lens you should use for different photography scenarios.

Travel and Landscape

Inexpensive:

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II: This is considered a kit lens, meaning that a lot of times it comes with a camera body. The zoom range this lens offers is ideal for everyday use and its compact size makes it a perfect travel lens. It also offers a wide enough zoom for landscape shots. Cost: 249.95

Expensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR: This professional lens offers a fixed 2.8 aperture. This allows you to shoot in low light. It will also freeze the image allowing you to get that signature touristy “jump in the air moment”. Cost: 1,799.95

Sports and Action

Inexpensive:

AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR: This is a great beginner lens because it gives you the zoom to get up close on a friendly budget. Watch out you might be limited in low light scenarios. This lens will allow you to capture a bull rider without being able to smell the bull. Cost: $399.95

Expensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR: While they make lenses that offer a more powerful zoom this lens is nothing short of a powerhouse. From baseball games to rodeo events you will be able to freeze any moment in time without impacting the quality of your picture. Cost: $2,099.95

Portrait/Event

Inexpensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 50 mm f/1.8G: They call this a “nifty fifty” because there are 50 reasons you should always have this lens in your camera bag. Starting with a wide aperture you are guaranteed to get those warm portrait shots everyone is striving for. You will also be able to perform well in low light events due to the extremely wide 1.8 aperture. Cost: $219.95

Expensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 24-70 f/2.8E ED VR: We’re using this again which proves why this is essential in your camera arsenal. This lens offers the range you need to cover the entire group at an event down to just the bride and groom during their first dance. Cost: $2,399.95

Nature/Wildlife

Inexpensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR: This lens offers an impressive zoom package at an “affordable” price. Although, it appears to come with a hefty price tag this just scratched the surface when it comes to wildlife photography lenses. The only limiting factor with this lens is the inability to properly capture that fox at dusk. If you can live with the disadvantage of struggling in extremely low light, this is the lens for you. Cost: $1,399.95

Expensive:

AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR: This beast of a lens will get you not only the award-winning photograph of a bear while maintaining a safe distance and avoiding a disturbance of wildlife. The only limiting factor with this lens is the weight (8 pounds). Cost: $12,299.95

Close-up

AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G: This microlens boasts a minimum focusing distance of 6 inches and for that reason, it is the professional/beginner lens bundled in one. It gives the professionals who know how to use all of their cameras features a front row seat to the intricate details of their subject. While allowing the beginners to get a professional quality up-close image even on auto-mode. Cost: $279.95

Click here to visit the Nikkor DSLR web page to find the perfect lens for your camera.

Note: Nikon, Canon, and Sony offer very similar lenses. So, if you shoot Canon or Sony adjust to the best lens suited towards you.