Best Lenses for Nikon D5500 2025: 12 Top Picks Tested & Reviewed

The Nikon D5500 remains a capable DSLR in 2025, but choosing the right lenses can be confusing with so many options available. After testing dozens of lenses with this camera, I’ve discovered that compatibility is the biggest hurdle many photographers face.

The best lenses for Nikon D5500 are the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX for everyday photography, the Nikon 55-300mm VR for wildlife, and the Nikon 18-140mm VR as an all-in-one solution. These lenses balance performance, compatibility, and value while working perfectly with the D5500’s limitations.

Your D5500 uses Nikon’s F-mount system but lacks an internal autofocus motor, which means you need lenses with built-in motors (AF-S or AF-P). This crucial detail affects every lens choice you’ll make, and getting it wrong means buying glass that won’t autofocus on your camera.

In this guide, I’ll share my hands-on experience with 12 lenses that actually work with your D5500, including budget options under $100 and professional choices under $500. You’ll learn which lenses excel in low light, which are best for portraits, and which ones you should avoid entirely.

Our Top 3 Lens Recommendations

Complete Lens Comparison Table

Compare all 12 compatible lenses at a glance with key specifications and ideal use cases.

Detailed Lens Reviews

1. Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G – Best Prime for Everyday Photography

This lens transformed my D5500 experience. At just 7.1 ounces, it barely adds weight to your camera, yet delivers stunning image quality that blows away the kit lens. The f/1.8 aperture means you can shoot in dim restaurants without flash, capturing natural moments that would be impossible with slower zooms.

I’ve used this lens for everything from street photography to indoor events, and it rarely disappoints. The Silent Wave Motor focuses quickly and quietly, making it ideal for candid shots. DX-optimized design means it’s smaller than full-frame alternatives while still covering the useful 52mm equivalent field of view.

Customer photos consistently show sharp center performance even at f/1.8, with beautiful background blur that makes portraits pop. The wide aperture also allows for faster shutter speeds, reducing motion blur in low light situations where other lenses struggle.

Build quality exceeds expectations for the price point. While not weather-sealed, the lens feels solid enough for daily use. At under $250, it’s the single best investment you can make for your D5500, delivering professional-looking results without breaking the bank.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners upgrading from kit lens, street photographers, and anyone needing excellent low-light performance in a compact package.

Who Should Avoid?

Photographers who need zoom versatility or shoot primarily sports and wildlife from a distance.

2. Nikon AF-S FX 50mm f/1.8G – Best Portrait Lens on a Budget

The 50mm f/1.8G became my go-to portrait lens after testing it extensively on the D5500. While designed for full-frame cameras, it works perfectly on your DX body, providing a 75mm equivalent that’s ideal for portraits. The sharpness wide open is remarkable for its price point.

I was impressed by how this lens renders skin tones – natural and flattering without excessive warmth or coolness. The 9-blade aperture creates smooth, pleasing bokeh that really makes subjects stand out. Autofocus is quick enough for most portrait situations, though it’s not instantaneous.

Customer images demonstrate excellent center sharpness even at f/1.8, with decent corner performance stopped down to f/2.8. The lens handles backlighting reasonably well, though some chromatic aberration appears in high-contrast situations.

At 6.5 ounces, it’s feather-light and balances perfectly on the D5500. The plastic construction doesn’t inspire confidence like pro lenses, but for casual portrait work, it’s more than adequate. The 58mm filter thread is standard, making polarizers and ND filters easy to find.

Who Should Buy?

Portrait photographers on a budget, those wanting a lens that will work if they upgrade to full-frame later.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing weather sealing and those who prefer wider angles for general use.

3. Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (Refurbished) – Best All-in-One Solution

This refurbished 18-140mm became my travel companion after testing it thoroughly. The 7.8x zoom range covers everything from wide landscapes to medium telephoto shots, making it perfect when you can’t carry multiple lenses. Vibration Reduction works impressively well, allowing sharp handheld shots at surprisingly slow shutter speeds.

I found the image quality surprisingly good for such a versatile lens. Center sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with only slight softening in the corners at the wide end. The ED glass element helps control chromatic aberration, visible in high-contrast scenes but well-controlled for consumer glass.

Customer photos show consistent performance across the zoom range, with decent contrast and color reproduction. The autofocus is quick enough for general use, though not sports-fast. Build quality feels solid, with smooth zoom action and minimal creep when pointed down.

At 1.28 pounds, it’s heavier than primes but lighter than carrying multiple lenses. The refurbished units I’ve seen look brand new and come with a 90-day warranty. For travelers and casual photographers who want one lens to do everything, this is an outstanding value proposition.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers, beginners wanting one lens for everything, and those on a budget who need versatility.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing maximum sharpness and those who primarily shoot in low light.

4. Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR – Best Telephoto for Wildlife

The 55-300mm VR is my top recommendation for D5500 owners wanting to shoot wildlife without spending a fortune. The 300mm reach gives you 450mm equivalent on your DX camera – enough for most wildlife situations. Vibration Reduction works impressively well, allowing sharper shots at slower shutter speeds than you’d expect handheld.

I tested this lens extensively on birds and distant subjects, finding the image quality surprisingly good for the price. Center sharpness is excellent up to about 200mm, with some softness at 300mm that improves stopped down to f/8. The two ED glass elements help control chromatic aberration, visible but not objectionable in most situations.

Customer photos show this lens can capture impressive detail on distant subjects when technique is good. The VR system provides about 3 stops of stabilization, making handheld shooting feasible at 1/125s at 300mm – remarkable for this price point.

The build quality exceeds expectations with a metal lens mount and decent weather sealing. Zoom is smooth with moderate resistance preventing creep. At 1.28 pounds, it’s manageable for handheld shooting but benefits from a monopod for extended sessions.

Who Should Buy?

Wildlife enthusiasts, sports photographers on a budget, and parents wanting to capture their kids from the sidelines.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing faster autofocus and those primarily shooting in low light.

5. Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR – Lightest Modern Telephoto

This lens surprised me with its combination of reach and portability. At just 14.6 ounces, it’s significantly lighter than the 55-300mm while offering similar reach. The AF-P motor provides fast, nearly silent autofocus that’s great for video and discreet shooting. VR works effectively, providing about 3 stops of stabilization.

I found the image quality impressive for such a compact telephoto. Center sharpness is excellent throughout the range, with only minor softening at 300mm wide open. The single ED element keeps chromatic aberration well controlled, visible only in extreme contrast situations.

Customer photos consistently show sharp results when technique is good, with pleasing colors and contrast. The AF-P motor focuses quickly and quietly, making it ideal for video work. However, note that VR is controlled through the camera menu – there’s no switch on the lens.

The plastic mount keeps weight down but raises durability concerns. The compact design makes it perfect for travel when you want telephoto reach without the bulk. For D5500 owners who prioritize weight savings, this is an excellent choice.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers needing telephoto reach, hikers, and those who value lightweight gear.

Who Should Avoid?

Those with older Nikon cameras (check compatibility) and professionals needing rugged build quality.

6. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR – Best Budget Telephoto

I was impressed by the image quality at this price point. Center sharpness is excellent through most of the range, with only slight softening at 200mm wide open. The ED glass element controls chromatic aberration reasonably well, though some purple fringing appears in high-contrast situations.

Customer photos show this lens can deliver impressive results when technique is good. The VR system provides usable handheld shots down to about 1/60s at 200mm – remarkable for a lens at this price point.

At 11.8 ounces, it’s light enough for all-day carry. The plastic mount keeps costs down but should be handled with care. For beginners or those on a tight budget who want to try telephoto photography, this lens offers outstanding value.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners on a budget, casual wildlife observers, and those wanting to try telephoto without big investment.

Who Should Avoid?

Those needing maximum reach and professionals requiring faster autofocus and build quality.

7. Nikon AF-P DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR – Modern Kit Lens Upgrade

I found the image quality noticeably better than original kit lenses, with improved sharpness across the frame and better contrast. The 18-55mm range covers most everyday situations, from wide landscapes to medium portraits. Close focusing to about 9.8 inches allows for some quasi-macro work.

Customer photos show crisp results in good light, with the VR system helping in dimmer conditions. The retractable design makes it very compact when not shooting, perfect for travel. However, note that AF-P compatibility is limited – check if it works with your camera.

At 7.2 ounces, it’s incredibly light. The lack of physical switches means VR and AF modes are controlled through camera menus, which takes getting used to. For D5500 owners wanting a modern, compact everyday lens, this is a solid choice.

Who Should Buy?

Those wanting to upgrade their old kit lens and photographers prioritizing compact size and fast AF.

Who Should Avoid?

Users with older Nikon cameras and those needing wider apertures for low light.

8. Meike 85mm f/1.8 – Best Third-Party Portrait Option

I found center sharpness quite good at f/1.8, improving to excellent by f/2.8. The lens renders pleasing skin tones and handles backlighting reasonably well. However, autofocus performance varies – sometimes it’s quick and accurate, other times it hunts.

Customer photos show impressive portrait capability for the price, with subject separation that rivals much more expensive lenses. The 127.5mm equivalent on DX makes it ideal for head and shoulder portraits. The included lens hood and storage bag add value.

At 1.17 pounds, it’s heavier than Nikon’s 50mm and 35mm primes but still manageable. The micro USB port for firmware updates is a nice touch, allowing improvements over time. For portrait photographers on a tight budget, this lens deserves consideration.

Who Should Buy?

Portrait photographers on a budget and those wanting a classic portrait focal length without spending much.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing reliable autofocus and those shooting fast-moving subjects.

9. Yongnuo YN50mm f/1.8N – Ultra-Budget Prime Lens

I found center sharpness surprisingly good, especially stopped down to f/2.8. The lens produces pleasing images in good light, with decent contrast and color reproduction. However, the autofocus motor is loud and sometimes hunts, making it less suitable for discreet shooting.

Customer photos show this lens can deliver impressive results for the price, with many users praising its value proposition. The metal mount is a nice touch at this price point, providing better durability than plastic alternatives.

At 7.2 ounces, it’s lightweight and balances well on the D5500. Quality control can be inconsistent – some units work perfectly while others have autofocus issues. For photographers on an extremely tight budget who want to try prime photography, it’s worth considering.

Who Should Buy?

Beginners on an extremely tight budget and those wanting to experiment with prime lenses without financial risk.

Who Should Avoid?

Those needing reliable autofocus and professionals who can’t risk inconsistent performance.

10. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR (Refurbished) – Budget Telephoto Alternative

I found image quality comparable to new units, with good center sharpness and decent contrast. The ED glass element helps control chromatic aberration, though some purple fringing appears in high-contrast situations. AF speed is adequate for general use but not fast enough for sports.

Customer photos show this lens can deliver impressive results when technique is good, with the VR system providing usable handheld shots. The refurbished units typically look and function like new, with only minor cosmetic blemishes.

At 1.02 pounds, it’s light enough for handheld shooting. The 90-day refurbished warranty provides some peace of mind, though not as comprehensive as new lens coverage. For budget-conscious photographers wanting telephoto capability, refurbished units offer excellent value.

Who Should Buy?

Photographers on a tight budget needing telephoto reach and those comfortable with refurbished equipment.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing reliable performance and those wanting full warranty coverage.

11. Nikon AF-S DX 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR – Best Walkaround Lens

I found image quality consistently good throughout the range, with excellent center sharpness and decent corner performance stopped down. The ED glass element controls chromatic aberration well, visible only in extreme contrast situations.

Customer photos show versatile performance across various subjects, from landscapes to portraits to street photography. The close focusing distance of 1.48 feet allows for some close-up work. Included accessories (lens hood and pouch) add value.

At 14.8 ounces, it’s heavier than kit lenses but still manageable for all-day carry. The build quality feels solid enough for regular use, though not professional-grade. For D5500 owners wanting one lens for most situations, this is an excellent choice.

Who Should Buy?

Travel photographers, hobbyists wanting one lens for most situations, and those upgrading from kit lenses.

Who Should Avoid?

Those needing maximum aperture for low light and professionals requiring weather sealing.

12. Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR (Refurbished) – Alternative Telephoto Option

I found image quality comparable to what I’ve seen from new units, with good center sharpness up to about 250mm and some softness at 300mm wide open. The two ED glass elements help control chromatic aberration reasonably well.

Customer photos show this lens can capture impressive detail on distant subjects when technique is good. The refurbished units typically function like new, though some show minor cosmetic wear. VR II works effectively, providing sharper shots at slower shutter speeds.

Build quality is decent though not professional-grade. The refurbished units come with a 90-day warranty, providing some peace of mind. For budget-conscious wildlife photographers, this represents excellent value compared to buying new.

Who Should Buy?

Budget wildlife photographers and those comfortable with refurbished equipment.

Who Should Avoid?

Professionals needing reliable performance and those wanting full warranty coverage.

Nikon D5500 Lens Compatibility Guide

Understanding lens compatibility is crucial for D5500 owners. Your camera uses Nikon’s F-mount system but lacks an internal autofocus motor, which significantly impacts which lenses will work properly.

The D5500 requires lenses with built-in autofocus motors. AF-S lenses use Silent Wave Motors and work perfectly. AF-P lenses use newer pulse motors but have limited compatibility – some work, others don’t. AF-D lenses require your camera’s motor and won’t autofocus on the D5500.

DX lenses are optimized for your camera’s sensor and are typically smaller and lighter. FX lenses work but provide a 1.5x crop factor, making them longer than intended. A 50mm FX lens becomes 75mm on your D5500.

How to Choose Your Next Lens

Choosing the right lens depends on your budget and photography interests. I’ve helped dozens of D5500 owners make this decision, and here’s what I’ve learned.

For Portraits on a Budget: Look for Prime Lenses

Prime lenses with wide apertures (f/1.8 or wider) create beautiful background blur for portraits. The 35mm DX and 50mm G offer excellent value under $250 each. They force you to move more, but the image quality improvement over kit lenses is dramatic.

For Wildlife and Sports: Prioritize Reach

You need at least 300mm equivalent for serious wildlife work. The 55-300mm VR offers the best balance of reach and price under $300. For more budget, the 55-200mm provides decent reach at half the cost.

For Travel and Everyday Use: Consider All-in-One

Superzoom lenses like the 18-140mm or 18-105mm cover most situations without changing lenses. They compromise some image quality but excel in convenience. Vibration Reduction is essential for handheld travel shots.

Understanding Focal Lengths

• 18-35mm: Wide angles for landscapes and architecture
• 35-85mm: Normal to short telephoto for portraits and street photography
• 85-300mm: Telephoto for portraits, wildlife, and sports

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing dozens of lenses with the D5500, I’m confident these recommendations will serve you well. Start with the 35mm f/1.8G DX if you’re upgrading from the kit lens – it’s the single best improvement you can make for under $250.

Remember to check compatibility carefully before buying, especially with AF-P lenses. The used market offers excellent value as photographers migrate to mirrorless systems, so don’t overlook quality used glass that’s built better than new budget alternatives.