Updated on February 7, 2020

When you’re heading out on the road for an adventure, photos make some of the very best souvenirs, so you should always have your camera with you. Great lenses are the key to truly stunning photos, but it’s hard to choose which travel lenses to bring with you when space is limited. If you have a Nikon camera, you have a multitude of lens options. To help cut through the confusion, we here at The Adventure Junkies will help you determine the best Nikon travel lenses for your next trip.

For more of our top travel photography gear recommendations, check out the Best Travel Lenses

 

Quick Answer - The Best Nikon Travel Lenses

  1. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm
  2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm
  3. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm
  4. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm
  5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm
  6. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm
  7. Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm
  8. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm
  9. Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm
  10. Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm

 

Comparison Table - Best Nikon Travel Lens

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NameFocal LengthWeightPriceRatingReview
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm24-100mm1.6 lbs$$$4.1Read Review
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm28-300mm1.8 lbs$$$4.5Read Review
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm24-85mm1 lb$$4.5Read Review
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm24-70mm2 lbs$$$4.8Read Review
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm35mm10.8oz$$4.7Read Review
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm10-20mm8.1oz$$4.6Read Review
Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm70-300mm1.5lbs$$4.2Read Review
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm50mm6.5oz$4.9Read Review
Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm16-35mm1.5lbs$$$4.5Read Review
Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm85mm12.3oz$$4.7Read Review
NameFocal LengthWeightPriceRatingReview
Want to learn more about a technical term? Check out our Features Explained section below.

Need buying advice? Take a look at these Things to Consider.

Reviews - The Best Nikon Lens for Travel

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 24-100mm
  • Weight: 1.6 lbs
Features
  • Zoom Ranges From Wide Angle To Telephoto
  • Precise Autofocus Can Easily Be Overridden Manually For More Control
  • Image Stabilization Provides Sharp Photos Even When Shooting Handheld

BEST FOR: ALL-AROUND VERSATILITY

If you’re looking for one travel lens to take with you that can do it all, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm offers a versatile range of focal lengths in a single, high-quality zoom lens. With this lens, you can shoot wide-angle closeups then quickly zoom to a short telephoto to capture distant subjects, all without switching lenses.

The NIKKOR 24-120mm has excellent image stabilization, so your shots won’t be blurry, even when you’re on-the-go shooting handheld. The Silent Wave Motor provides precise and fast autofocus capabilities, yet you can simply switch to manual focus if you want complete control.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 28-300mm
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs
Features
  • Long Telephoto Range To Zoom In On Far Away Objects
  • Image Stabilization Prevents Blur Even When Zoomed In
  • Zoom Lock Switch Prevents Lens From Accidentally Extending During Travel

BEST FOR: ZOOM RANGE

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm lens is the travel lens of choice when you need a long zoom range. This lens can zoom in to full telephoto so you can capture clear shots of subjects far in the distance. At the wide end, it is suitable for landscape photos as well. However, the NIKKOR 28-300mm has a fairly slow aperture when it is zoomed in all the way, meaning it does not let in as much light as lenses with a faster aperture.

One feature that makes the NIKKOR 28-300mm lens especially nice for travel is the zoom lock switch which prevents the lens from extending accidentally in your bag during transport.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 24-85mm
  • Weight: 1 lb
Features
  • Fast Autofocus So You Always Get A Sharp Shot
  • Image Stabilization Helps In Low Light & Handheld Situations
  • Produces Accurate Colors In Strong Lighting Conditions

BEST FOR: GENERAL USE

If you don’t need a long zoom range, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm is a good choice for a general lens. You can shoot wide angle landscapes and also capture great portraits with this lens, but you won’t be able to zoom close to objects far away. The autofocus is precise, and you can easily switch it to manual if you need more control.

The Vibration Reduction image stabilization system is a real asset when shooting handheld, and it also automatically detects when you’re using a tripod for video and adjusts the image stabilization to allow you to still pan smoothly.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 24-70mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 24-70mm
  • Weight: 2 lbs
Features
  • High Performance In Low Light Conditions
  • Excellent Clarity And Color Reproduction
  • Durable Construction That Is Both Dust & Moisture Resistant

BEST FOR: CAPTURING CANDIDS

You can’t beat the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm for taking pictures of people when you’re traveling. This lens captures beautifully illuminated images through its full range of zoom, and in low light, it’s great for playing with depth of field and focusing on select subjects. Internal elements in the lens are designed to provide clarity and reduce weird color effects, while special coatings prevent distracting lens reflections.

This zoom lens can capture landscapes as well, although the zoom range is not super long, so if you want a telephoto lens, you should add another lens to your kit as well.

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 35mm
  • Weight: 10.8oz
Features
  • Compact Size Is Useful For Travel
  • Performs Well In Various Lighting Conditions
  • Integrated Coating On Lens Elements Enhances Contrast

BEST FOR: VERSATILE FIXED LENS

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm is a fixed prime lens, so you can’t zoom with it, but this focal length imitates the perspective you naturally see with your eyes, making it extremely versatile for natural shooting. The fast aperture lets in a lot of light which creates clear images, even in low light conditions. It also means the background ends up blurrier than the subject you focus on, providing a beautiful depth of field effect.

The small size of this lens means it is very easy to carry when you’re traveling. If you already have a zoom lens, this makes a great complementary lens to have in your camera bag.

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 10-20mm
  • Weight: 8.1oz
Features
  • Ultra Wide Angle Offers A Unique Perspective
  • Lens Elements Designed To Eliminate Distortion
  • Very Lightweight For Traveling

BEST FOR: WIDE ANGLE

When you want to play around with a super wide angle lens, the Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 10-20mm lets you find an interesting new point of view. This lens excels at landscapes and cityscapes, which is extremely useful when you’re traveling. It also provides a fun perspective for closer shots of people and animals, and you can focus on subjects as close as 0.8 feet away.

Though this lens lets you take cool wide angle photos with compatible Nikon cameras, it won’t work properly with all cameras, so double-check that you have a compatible camera before adding this lens to your camera kit.

Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 70-300mm
  • Weight: 1.5lbs
Features
  • Large Zoom Ring Makes Adjustments Easy
  • Dust And Water Resistant Construction
  • Smooth Autofocus Is Also Quiet When Shooting Video

BEST FOR: ACTION PHOTOS

The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm lens lets you zoom in or out to follow the action of adventure, wildlife, or whatever you might encounter on your travels.The versatile focal length range of this zoom lens lets you capture both wider landscape shots along with telephoto images, and the large zoom ring makes it easy to quickly adjust your framing. The smooth autofocus also helps you catch fast-moving subjects with clarity.

Due to its durable construction which is both dust and water resistant, the NIKKOR 70-300mm lens can handle adventure travel, and the short length for a zoom lens makes it easy to pack.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 50mm
  • Weight: 6.5oz
Features
  • Captures Clear Shots In Various Lighting Conditions
  • Extremely Lightweight Making It Easy To Carry On-The-Go
  • Switch Allows You To Seamlessly Change From Auto To Manual Focus

BEST FOR: NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm is a dream lens for capturing outdoor scenes just as you see them with your naked eye, since this focal length mimics your natural perspective. It is a great choice to travel with on an outdoor adventure because you can never predict weather conditions, and the NIKKOR 50mm performs extremely well in whatever lighting conditions you might find yourself in.

Because this prime lens has a fixed focal length, you’ll need to bring another lens along if you want a zoom or telephoto option. But the NIKKOR 50mm makes an ideal additional lens, especially since it is so small and lightweight.

Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 16-35mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 16-35mm
  • Weight: 1.5lbs
Features
  • Internal Elements Reduce Lens Distortion
  • Image Stabilization Counteracts Blurriness
  • Fast Autofocus Makes It Easy To Capture Your Subject Clearly

BEST FOR: LANDSCAPES

If you love landscape photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm lens belongs in your travel camera bag. This zoom lens lets you choose from a variety of wide angle focal lengths to perfectly capture the beautiful landscapes you discover on your outdoor travels. The image stabilization keeps your shot steady, even when you’re shooting handheld, and the design of the lens keeps your image sharp through the entire zoom range.

Since the NIKKOR 16-35mm lens only offers wide angle options, it is best paired with another lens when you’re traveling if you want a full range of focal length options.

Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm

Specs
  • Focal Length: 85mm
  • Weight: 12.3oz
Features
  • Lightweight & Compact Size Is Ideal For Travel
  • Aperture Provides Shallow Depth Of Field For A Blurred Background
  • Handles Low Light Conditions Well

BEST FOR: PORTRAITS

If you want to capture gorgeous portraits that highlight your subject while blurring the background (called a bokeh effect), the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm lens will make a useful addition to your travel lens collection. This lens also captures skin tones beautifully and handles low light conditions well, thanks to a wide aperture.

While the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm shines at portraiture, it is is a prime lens with a fixed focal length, so it is not the most versatile lens. But it is lightweight and small, so it makes a good extra travel lens.

 

 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING NIKON TRAVEL LENSES

Lenses are crucial pieces of gear for any photographer and have a strong influence on the quality of shots you can capture. They also are a big investment, so it’s important to be educated as you make your choice of Nikon travel lenses. First and foremost, you should decide if you just want one lens to bring along on your travels, or if you want to build a kit of multiple lenses for more versatility. Adorama gives some great tips for figuring out which lenses you need for your travel photography.

FOCAL RANGE

When you’re choosing a Nikon lens for travel, the biggest decision is focal length. A zoom lens lets you shoot objects in the distance, while a selection of fixed prime lenses can give you the range to shoot everything from close-ups to landscapes, if you change out the lenses.

If you just want to bring one lens with you on your travels, a lens with a wide zoom range gives you the most flexibility, but a variety of lenses really opens up your options.

 

WEIGHT

Obviously, when you’re traveling, weight is an important consideration. If your lenses are heavy, you’re not going to want to bring them with you, and then you might miss the shot you want. Depending on where you’re traveling, it might make sense to bring only one lens, in which case it’s probably okay if it’s a heavier zoom lens. But if you’re planning to bring a few of lenses with you, it’s a good idea to note the weight to make sure your camera bag doesn’t become a burden.

 

 

FEATURES EXPLAINED

AUTOFOCUS

The internal system designed to automatically focus on the subject and maintain sharpness and clarity.

APERTURE

The part of the lens that opens to let light pass through.

IMAGE STABILIZATION

A digital system that counteracts the effects of a shaky camera and reduces blur.

ZOOM

A lens that can be adjusted between various focal lengths.

TELEPHOTO

A lens that is long enough to capture subjects that are far away in the distance.

PRIME

A lens that only has one focal length, so it is fixed and can’t zoom in.

READ MORE

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