Best Nikon lenses for traveling

The Best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024

ByElliot Clennam Hours

Are you a travel photographer who uses Nikon cameras? Choosing the right lens is crucial in capturing stunning landscapes, cityscapes, and other travel photography. With so many lens options available, it can be challenging to determine which one to invest in.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024. Not only will we cover the top lenses for landscape, city, and all-around travel photography, but we’ll also provide essential information about lens mounts and filters to help you make informed decisions when choosing a lens.

Nikon has been a leading name in photography for decades, producing some of the highest-quality cameras and lenses on the market. Whether you’re a professional or an amateur photographer, having the right lenses can make all the difference in capturing stunning travel photos. So, read on to discover the top Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024, including budget-friendly options, and make sure you capture every moment of your next adventure in stunning detail.

Nikon Lens mounts

A lens mount is an essential part of a camera that allows you to attach a lens to the camera body. It’s crucial to ensure that the lens mount is compatible with the camera body, or else you won’t be able to use the lens with the camera. Different camera brands have different lens mounts, and within a brand, there can be different types of lens mounts as well.

Nikon has been producing cameras for over a century, and over the years, they have introduced several different lens mounts. The F-mount is the most common and has been used since 1959, making it compatible with a wide range of Nikon cameras, including the Nikon D3500. It has a diameter of 44mm and a flange focal distance of 46.5mm, providing excellent image quality and versatility.

In recent years, Nikon has also introduced the Z-mount, designed for mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z6. The Z-mount has a larger diameter of 55mm and a shorter flange focal distance of 16mm compared to the F-mount. The Z-mount is designed to provide better image quality and faster autofocus performance, making it an excellent choice for photographers who want to take advantage of the latest camera technology.

Nikon also has a variation of the F-mount called the DX-mount. The DX-mount is designed specifically for Nikon’s APS-C sensor cameras, and DX lenses are smaller and lighter than full-frame F-mount lenses. However, they only cover the smaller APS-C sensor, which means you won’t be able to use them with full-frame cameras.

When buying a lens for your Nikon camera, it’s essential to make sure that the lens mount is compatible with your camera. For example, you won’t be able to use an F-mount lens with a Z-mount camera. However, with an adapter, you can use F-mount lenses on some Nikon mirrorless cameras. Understanding the different lens mounts available can help you make informed decisions about buying camera equipment and expanding your photography skills.

Lens filters

Lens filters are accessories attached to the front of a camera lens to modify how light enters the lens and affects the image captured by the camera. They come in various shapes, sizes, and types and can serve various purposes depending on the photographer’s needs.

Lens filters come in different types, such as:

  • UV Filter: A UV filter blocks ultraviolet light from entering the lens, which can help reduce haze and improve clarity in outdoor photos. It can also serve as a protective layer for the lens, shielding it from scratches and damage.
  • Polarizing Filter: A polarizing filter reduces reflections and glares from shiny surfaces, such as water or glass, and can also enhance color saturation and contrast in landscape photos.
  • Neutral Density (ND) Filter: An ND filter reduces the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for a longer exposure and slower shutter speeds. This can be useful in bright daylight conditions to achieve a desired level of blur in motion photography or when shooting video to maintain a cinematic look.

It’s important to pick the right filter size for your lens to ensure that it fits securely and doesn’t interfere with image quality. The size of a filter is determined by its diameter, measured in millimeters. The diameter of the filter should match the diameter of the lens’ front element, which is usually printed on the lens itself or can be found in the lens manual.

The 3 Best Nikon Lenses for Landscape Photography

When it comes to landscape photography, having the right lens is crucial to capturing the beauty and grandeur of the natural world. For Nikon camera users, a variety of lenses can help you capture stunning landscapes on your travels. 

In this chapter of our article on the best Nikon lenses for traveling, we’ll take a closer look at the top Nikon lenses for landscape photography. From wide-angle lenses to telephoto zooms, we’ll explore the features and capabilities of each lens so that you can find the best Nikon lens for your travel photography needs.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is a high-end option for photographers who want to capture stunning landscapes. This lens boasts a wide-angle focal length of 14-24mm, making it ideal for capturing vast, sweeping vistas with incredible detail. With a fast maximum aperture of f/2.8, it provides excellent low-light performance and allows for greater control over depth of field, making it a top pick for landscape photography enthusiasts.

Nikon lenses for traveling - The Best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024

Moreover, this lens is a great Nikon lens for traveling, thanks to its compact and lightweight design. Its ability to capture sharp and vibrant images makes it a favorite of professional photographers who value its superior image quality. The lens is designed with Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor, which ensures fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus, allowing you to focus on the subject quickly and accurately.

In addition, its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat minimize chromatic aberrations and ghosting, producing sharp and detailed images with reduced distortion. If you’re looking to upgrade your landscape photography gear, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED lens is a fantastic option that delivers exceptional results.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens is a versatile tool for photographers who enjoy capturing wide-angle shots of landscapes, architecture, and interiors. It features a wide-angle zoom range of 16-35mm, allowing you to capture a vast field of view, and with a maximum aperture of f/4, you can create a beautiful depth-of-field effect. Moreover, this lens is equipped with Nikon’s VR (vibration reduction) technology, which provides up to 4 stops of stabilization, making it perfect for handheld shooting, particularly in low-light situations. This feature also helps reduce image blur, producing sharp, clear images with incredible detail.

In addition, this lens is an excellent Nikon lens for traveling due to its compact and lightweight design. It’s made with high-quality ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and Nano Crystal Coat technology, which help reduce chromatic aberration and minimize ghosting and flares, delivering excellent image quality even in challenging lighting conditions. The lens is also constructed with a Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocus, ensuring you can capture the perfect shot without disturbing your subject.

Overall, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR is a fantastic option for photographers who are looking for a wide-angle zoom lens with VR technology that can deliver high-quality images and is perfect for both outdoor and indoor photography.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR lens is a must-have for landscape photography enthusiasts who demand versatility, quality, and performance. This lens boasts a great zoom range of 24-70mm, allowing you to easily capture wide-angle and portrait shots. The fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides excellent low-light performance, making it perfect for capturing landscapes during sunrise or sunset, where lighting conditions can be challenging. The lens is equipped with Nikon’s VR (vibration reduction) technology, which delivers up to 4 stops of stabilization, ensuring that your shots are stable and clear, even in low-light conditions. This feature also helps reduce image blur, producing sharp, vivid images with incredible detail.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f 2.8E ED VR

Moreover, this lens is also an excellent Nikon lens for traveling, thanks to its robust and weather-sealed construction. The lens features advanced ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical elements, which reduce chromatic aberration and distortion, delivering high-quality images with accurate colors and contrast. Additionally, the lens is equipped with a Silent Wave Motor, which ensures smooth and silent autofocus, allowing you to capture the perfect shot without disturbing your subject. The lens also features a customizable function button, which allows you to quickly access frequently used settings.

The 3 Best Nikon Lenses for City Trips

City trips offer many photographic opportunities, from bustling streets and towering skyscrapers to vibrant cultures and unique architecture. As a travel photographer, you’ll want to bring along the best Nikon lenses for traveling through the city and capturing the city’s energy and vibrancy. 

The right lens can help you achieve stunning results, whether you’re shooting iconic landmarks or candid street scenes. In this chapter, we’ll explore the top Nikon lenses for city trips, highlighting their features and capabilities, so you can choose the best lens for your needs.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

Nikon AF S NIKKOR 35mm f1.8G ED - The Best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED is a highly recommended lens for anyone looking to capture stunning photos during their city trips. With its wide maximum aperture of f/1.8, this lens can produce exceptional images even in low light conditions. It’s also ideal for taking candid shots, thanks to its fixed focal length, which ensures that you can easily capture the moment without worrying about zooming in or out.

One of the standout features of this Nikon lens for traveling is its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around during your city adventures. It’s also built with high-quality materials and robust construction, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel. Moreover, the lens is equipped with an aspherical element that helps to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, resulting in sharp and clear images.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a versatile Nikon lens for traveling during their city trips. This all-around lens is perfect for capturing the beauty of urban landscapes, allowing you to effortlessly switch from wide-angle shots of architecture to close-ups of street performers. With its f/4 maximum aperture, this lens can provide sharp and clear images in any lighting condition, making it perfect for capturing the hustle and bustle of a busy city.

In addition to its versatile focal length range, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR is equipped with advanced features that make it a reliable lens for travel photography. Its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology ensures that your photos are stable and sharp, even when shooting handheld in low-light situations. The lens also features Nikon’s Extra-low Dispersion glass element, which helps minimize chromatic aberration and produce exceptional image quality.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR

The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is a must-have lens for travelers looking to capture the larger-than-life feel of cities and their impressive architecture. This ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for shooting expansive cityscapes, allowing you to capture the essence of a city in a single frame. With its versatile focal length range, this lens can handle various situations, making it an ideal Nikon lens for traveling during city trips.

The AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is also equipped with advanced features that make it an excellent choice for low-light shooting. Its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology helps to stabilize your shots, ensuring sharp and clear images even in challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the lens features Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating, which reduces ghosting and flare, resulting in vivid and lifelike colors.

The 3 Best All-around Nikon Lenses for Travel Photography

When it comes to travel photography, having the right equipment can make all the difference. The right camera and lens combination can help you capture stunning landscapes, interesting street scenes, and portraits of the people you meet on your journey.

This section will discuss the best Nikon lenses for traveling, focusing on all-around lenses that are versatile enough to handle a wide range of photographic situations. Whether you’re a hobbyist photographer or a seasoned pro, these lenses will become your go-to choice for your next travel adventure.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is a highly versatile Nikon lens for traveling that is perfect for all-around travel photography. Its zoom range from wide-angle to short telephoto allows you to capture various subjects, from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits. The fast maximum aperture of f/2.8 provides excellent low-light performance, allowing you to capture stunning shots even in challenging lighting conditions. With its durable construction and advanced features, this lens is an excellent choice for travel photographers who want to capture a wide range of subjects on their journeys.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f 2.8E ED VR

In addition to its versatile zoom range and fast maximum aperture, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR is also equipped with advanced features that enhance its performance. Its VR (Vibration Reduction) technology minimizes camera shake, ensuring that your shots are sharp and clear even when shooting handheld. The lens also features Nikon’s electromagnetic aperture control, which delivers consistent exposures during high-speed bursts. Additionally, the lens features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat which reduces ghosting and flare, resulting in vivid and lifelike colors.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR lens is an excellent choice. This lens is perfect for all-around travel photography, thanks to its telephoto zoom range, fast maximum aperture, and advanced features.

One of the key benefits of this Nikon lens for traveling is its ability to easily capture distant subjects, such as landscapes, cityscapes, and wildlife. The lens is also perfect for portrait photography, allowing you to create stunning background blur and isolate your subject. With a fast maximum aperture of f/4, this lens delivers exceptional low-light performance, making it perfect for shooting in various lighting conditions.

In addition to its advanced optical features, the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR is equipped with VR technology, which minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, clear shots even when shooting handheld. The lens also features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology, which provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, making it perfect for capturing candid moments on your travels. With its lightweight and compact design, this lens is an excellent choice for photographers who want to travel light without compromising image quality.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

For travel photographers who want a versatile and lightweight lens, the Nikon Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an excellent choice. With a wide zoom range, this lens is perfect for capturing various subjects, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits.

One of the key benefits of this Nikon lens for traveling is its advanced VR feature, which minimizes camera shake and delivers sharp, clear shots even when shooting handheld. This makes it ideal for capturing fast-moving subjects, such as street performers, or shooting in low-light conditions. Additionally, the lens has a fast and quiet autofocus performance, thanks to Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor technology.

With its compact and lightweight design, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an ideal travel companion, allowing you to capture stunning photos without weighing you down. 

The 3 Best Budget Nikon Lenses for Travel Photography

Photography is a passion that doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when it comes to travel photography. Even on a budget, you can still find excellent Nikon lenses that deliver great image quality and versatility, making them perfect for travel photography. 

This section will discuss the best budget Nikon lenses for traveling, providing you with options that won’t break the bank but will still produce stunning images. These lenses prove that you don’t need to spend a fortune to capture beautiful memories from your travels, and they will help you get the most out of your Nikon camera without sacrificing quality.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

For budget-conscious travelers who still want high-quality photos, the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens is a reliable and affordable option. Although it’s a basic lens that often comes bundled with Nikon cameras, its VR feature and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for capturing stunning travel photos without weighing you down.

With a versatile zoom range, this Nikon lens for traveling is perfect for capturing a variety of subjects, from wide landscapes to close-up portraits. Its VR feature helps to minimize camera shake, resulting in sharp and clear photos even when shooting handheld or in low-light conditions. Plus, its fast and quiet autofocus system ensures you can capture those perfect shots on the go, without missing a moment.

Nikon 18 55mm lens - The Best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024
Nikon 18 55mm - The Best Nikon lenses for traveling in 2024

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a great lens for those looking for an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality. The wide maximum aperture makes it perfect for low-light conditions and allows for beautiful bokeh, while the fixed focal length is great for capturing candid shots. Additionally, this lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around during your travels.

With its fast and accurate autofocus system, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is a versatile lens that can be used for various purposes, from street photography to portraits. Its sharpness and contrast are impressive, making it an excellent choice for amateur and professional photographers looking for a reliable Nikon lens for traveling.

Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD

The Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD is a versatile and affordable lens for travel photography. Its focal range makes it perfect for capturing distant landscapes or close-ups of wildlife, while the VC feature helps to stabilize the shot in challenging lighting conditions. The lens is also compatible with full-frame and crop-sensor cameras, making it a great option for photographers looking for an affordable way to capture stunning shots on the go.

In addition, this Tamron lens has a fast and accurate autofocus system, allowing you to easily capture moving subjects. It also features a high-quality optical design that minimizes distortion and produces sharp, vibrant images. The lens is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry with you on your travels.

Our favorite Nikon lenses for travel photography listed.

Lenses and RangePriceWeight (grams)
Landscape Photography
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED$ 1,7461000 g
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR$ 549.99680 g
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR$ 2,1961070 g
City Photography
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED$ 320305 g
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR$ 1,097710 g
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR$ 259.99230 g
All-around Travel Photography
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR$ 2,1961070 g
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR$ 474850 g
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR$ 159.99490 g
Best Budget lenses
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR$ 69205 g
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G$ 99,98200 g
Tamron SP 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di VC USD$ 289765 g

Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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