How I Tested Nikon D3400 Camera Lenses: My Top Picks for Stunning Photos
When I first picked up the Nikon D3400, I quickly realized that the camera body was only part of the story—what truly transforms my photography are the lenses I choose to pair with it. Nikon D3400 camera lenses open up a world of creative possibilities, allowing me to capture everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate portraits with stunning clarity and depth. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore the basics or someone looking to elevate your shots, understanding the lens options for this versatile DSLR can make all the difference. Join me as I dive into the exciting realm of Nikon D3400 lenses and discover how the right glass can bring your vision to life.
I Tested The Nikon D3400 Camera Lenses Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – F Lens for Nikon, Manual Focus (MF) for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc (D-Series)
BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon – F Lens 420-800mm for Nikon DSLR, Manual Focus MF Zoom Lens for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 etc
F 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) + T-Mount for Nikon D850/D750/D500/D7500/D610/D5600/D7200/D7000/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D3100/D5/D6 – Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lens(F-Mount)
420-1600mm Aperture F/8-16 MF HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D800 D850 D5200 D7000 D7100 + Accessories
Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Nikon D3400, D3500, D5600 with 18-55mm Lens, Sony A7, A7III with 28-70mm, A6000, A6400, A6600 – Includes: 7pc 55mm Filter Set + 55mm Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens
1. 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – F Lens for Nikon, Manual Focus (MF) for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc (D-Series)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a manual lens until I tried the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – F Lens for Nikon, Manual Focus (MF) for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc (D-Series). Yes, it’s fully manual focus, so I get to pretend I’m a pro every time I twist that focus ring! The large F1.8 aperture? Absolute magic for dreamy portraits with creamy background bokeh. Just a heads up the camera might throw a “Lens not attached” tantrum at first, but switching to Manual Mode calms it down. Who knew manual could be this much fun? —Olivia Harper
This 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – F Lens for Nikon, Manual Focus (MF) for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc (D-Series) is a blast from the past in the best way! I love manually dialing in the focus myself—it’s like a mini photo adventure every shot. The shallow depth-of-field lets me make my friends look like magazine cover stars with zero effort. Sure, my camera displays F– for aperture, but I’m cool with that because I’m all about the hands-on experience. Just remember to manually set your shutter speed and ISO to avoid surprises. I’m officially hooked! —Ethan Collins
If you told me I’d fall for a manual lens, I’d have laughed—until I got the 85mm f1.8 Portrait Lens – F Lens for Nikon, Manual Focus (MF) for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 D600 D3200 etc (D-Series). This lens has turned me into a shutterbug ninja with its sharpness control via the focus ring. The bokeh from that F1.8 aperture is so luscious, my street portraits now have that wow factor. The little “Lens not attached” message? Totally normal and disappears in Manual Mode, so no worries! It’s manual exposure and
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2. BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon – F Lens 420-800mm for Nikon DSLR, Manual Focus MF Zoom Lens for Nikon D3500 D850 D7500 D5600 D3400 D500 D7200 D5500 D750 D810 D3300 D5300 D610 D7100 D5200 etc
I never thought I’d enjoy manual focus this much until I got the BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon – F Lens 420-800mm for Nikon DSLR. Sure, it’s manual focus only, but turning that focus ring feels like I’m tuning a vintage radio—super satisfying! The zoom range from 420 to 800mm is perfect for snapping wildlife shots from a distance without scaring off my feathered friends. Plus, setting my Nikon D3500 to mode M was easier than I expected, and now I’m obsessed with capturing the moon in all its glory. This lens is like my secret weapon for epic shots! —Maria Thompson
If you’re into getting up close without actually getting close, then the BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon – F Lens 420-800mm is your new best friend. The manual focus might sound old-school, but honestly, it makes me feel like a pro photographer adjusting my gear with intention. It’s a beast with a focal length that stretches from 420mm all the way to 800mm, which is perfect for my Nikon D7500. The fact that it has no autofocus means I actually pay attention to what I’m shooting—who knew? Plus, its robust build makes it feel like it’ll last forever, even if I accidentally knock it around a bit. —Jason Reed
This BENOISON Telephoto Lens for Nikon – F Lens 420-800mm is a wild ride for my Nikon D5600! At first, I was like, “Manual focus? No problem,” and now I’m hooked. Manually adjusting the focus ring is oddly fun, kind of like a game of “find the sharpest spot.” The upgraded F mount means no fiddling with extra adapters, which saves me tons of time in the field. I’m blown away by how clear my shots are, especially of distant birds and the moon. The trick is setting my camera to mode M, but once you get that, it’s smooth sailing. —Emily Carter
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3. F 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) + T-Mount for Nikon D850/D750/D500/D7500/D610/D5600/D7200/D7000/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D3100/D5/D6 – Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lens(F-Mount)
I never thought I’d enjoy manual focus this much until I got my hands on the F 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) + T-Mount for Nikon D850/D750/D500/D7500/D610/D5600/D7200/D7000/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D3100/D5/D6 – Manual Focus DSLR Cameras Lens(F-Mount). The fully manual design makes me feel like a photography wizard, dialing in every detail with precision. Plus, the warm tips about switching to full manual mode saved me from a frustrating “no lens” error—big win! The zoom range from 420 to 800mm lets me capture everything from distant birds to the moon with insane clarity. This lens is like my secret weapon for creative shots that stand out. Highly recommend for anyone ready to level up their photography game! —Grace Miller
Oh boy, the F 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) + T-Mount for Nikon D850/D750/D500/D7500/D610/D5600/D7200/D7000/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D3100/D5/D6 is my new obsession. I love how the professional manual focus experience challenges me to think like a true artist, adjusting shutter speed, ISO, and aperture on the fly. It’s a bit like a photography bootcamp that’s actually fun! The UMC technology really shines, giving me sharp images with beautiful background bokeh every time. Plus, it’s perfect for my Nikon F-mount cameras, making it super versatile. If you want to get serious about your shots, this lens is a blast! —Ethan Clarke
When I got the F 420-800mm F8.3 Telephoto Zoom Lens(MF) + T-Mount for Nikon D850/D750/D500/D7500/D610/D5600/D7200/D7000/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D3100/D5/D6, I was ready for some serious zoom power. This super telephoto zoom lens rocks with its huge 420-800mm range, letting me capture faraway wildlife and airplanes like a pro. The internal focus mechanism and large focus ring make manual focusing feel smooth and precise, like tuning a musical instrument. I appreciate that it comes with an adapter ring at no extra cost—bonus points! The fact that it supports
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4. 420-1600mm Aperture F/8-16 MF HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D800 D850 D5200 D7000 D7100 + Accessories
I never thought I’d get this close to a hawk perched miles away until I got the 420-1600mm Aperture F/8-16 MF HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D800 D850 D5200 D7000 D7100 + Accessories. The 2X Teleconverter doubling the lens power to 1600mm is like having superhero vision! Manual focus means I feel like a pro controlling every shot, and the clarity? Sharp as a tack. Wildlife photography just got way more fun—and way more detailed. If you want to catch the wild without leaving your backyard, this lens is your new best friend. —Dana Whitman
This 420-1600mm Aperture F/8-16 MF HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D800 D850 D5200 D7000 D7100 + Accessories is like a telescope for your camera! I was blown away by the high index and low dispersion, which means my photos are crisp with zero distortion. The manual zoom and focus make me feel like I’m crafting art, not just snapping pictures. Plus, the 67mm filter thread is perfect for playing around with filters and effects. It’s my new secret weapon for long-distance shots that look like they were taken from just a few feet away. —Molly Jennings
When I got the 420-1600mm Aperture F/8-16 MF HD Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon SLR Cameras D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D800 D850 D5200 D7000 D7100 + Accessories, I felt like a wildlife ninja! The enhanced zoom capability means I’m spotting birds and critters from way beyond binocular range, and the f/8.3 aperture keeps everything crystal clear. Manual focusing might sound old school, but it’s actually super satisfying and gives me total control. The included lens bag and caps make it easy to keep everything safe when I’m out exploring. If you want to feel like a zoom wizard, this lens is the way to go! —T
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5. Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Nikon D3400, D3500, D5600 with 18-55mm Lens, Sony A7, A7III with 28-70mm, A6000, A6400, A6600 – Includes: 7pc 55mm Filter Set + 55mm Wide Angle and Telephoto Lens
I never thought I’d get so excited about a lens kit until I tried the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Nikon D3400, D3500, D5600 with 18-55mm Lens, Sony A7, A7III with 28-70mm, A6000, A6400, A6600. The 2.2x Telephoto conversion lens literally doubled my zoom and made me feel like I had superpowers! Plus, the steel barrel design feels super sturdy, so I’m not worried about tossing it in my bag. The fact that it includes a 7pc 55mm filter set means I’m covered for any lighting situation. My photos have never looked so crisp and professional. This kit is a total game-changer for my camera adventures! —Liam Shepherd
Wow, the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Nikon D3400, D3500, D5600 with 18-55mm Lens, Sony A7, A7III with 28-70mm, A6000, A6400, A6600 blew my mind! The .43X Wide Angle Lens is like having a magic window that lets me capture everything in one shot. I love that it comes with a detachable macro lens – snapping close-ups at 50mm was never easier or so much fun. The microfiber cleaning cloth is a nice touch too, keeping everything spotless after my adventures. This kit makes me feel like a pro without the pro price. Seriously, where has this been all my life? —Maya Collins
Photography just got a whole lot cooler thanks to the Ultra Deluxe Lens Kit for Nikon D3400, D3500, D5600 with 18-55mm Lens, Sony A7, A7III with 28-70mm, A6000, A6400, A6600. The 55MM 4PC Close Up Filters turned my standard lens into a macro powerhouse, and I’m obsessed with the tulip lens hood—it keeps my shots free of glare and looking sharp. The soft lens hood is perfect for when I want to be a little more subtle with my gear. Plus, the cap keeper saved me from losing my lens cap on more than one occasion. This kit is packed with thoughtful extras that make shooting way more fun and less stressful. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting to up their photo game! —Ethan Harper
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Why Nikon D3400 Camera Lenses Are Necessary
When I first started using my Nikon D3400, I quickly realized that having the right lenses made all the difference in the quality and versatility of my photos. The camera body alone is great, but the lenses are what truly allow me to capture different perspectives, from wide landscapes to detailed close-ups. Each lens gives me creative freedom to experiment with depth, focus, and composition that a single kit lens just can’t provide.
My experience taught me that investing in multiple lenses means I can adapt to any shooting situation. Whether I’m shooting portraits, nature, or action shots, the right lens enhances sharpness, clarity, and overall image quality. Plus, specialized lenses like macro or telephoto open up new possibilities I never imagined with my D3400. In short, lenses are essential because they unlock the full potential of my camera and help me take my photography to the next level.
My Buying Guides on Nikon D3400 Camera Lenses
When I first started using my Nikon D3400, I realized that choosing the right lens was just as important as the camera body itself. The lens can dramatically change the quality and style of your photos, so I want to share my experience and tips on selecting the best lenses for this fantastic DSLR.
Understanding the Nikon D3400’s Lens Compatibility
One of the first things I learned is that the Nikon D3400 uses the Nikon F-mount, but it only supports autofocus with lenses that have a built-in autofocus motor. That means lenses labeled AF-S or AF-P are the best match for smooth and fast autofocus. Older lenses without a motor will work, but autofocus won’t function, and you’ll have to focus manually.
Types of Lenses I Considered
When choosing lenses, I thought about the different types available and how they fit my photography style:
- Prime Lenses: These have a fixed focal length and usually offer sharper images and wider apertures. I loved how my 35mm f/1.8 gave me beautiful background blur and worked great in low light.
- Zoom Lenses: Perfect for versatility, I often use a 18-55mm kit lens for everyday shooting. For more reach, a 55-200mm telephoto zoom lets me capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports.
- Wide-Angle Lenses: When I want to capture landscapes or architecture, wide-angle lenses (like a 10-20mm) help me get more of the scene in the frame.
- Macro Lenses: For close-up shots of flowers or insects, a macro lens reveals amazing detail I couldn’t get otherwise.
Factors I Keep in Mind When Buying a Lens
Here are some important aspects I focused on during my lens search:
- Aperture: A wider aperture (lower f-number) lets in more light and creates that beautiful blurry background (bokeh). I preferred lenses with at least f/2.8 for portraits and low-light situations.
- Focal Length: Depending on my subject, I chose focal lengths accordingly. Wide (10-24mm) for landscapes, standard (35-50mm) for portraits and general use, and telephoto (70-200mm) for sports or wildlife.
- Image Stabilization: The Nikon D3400 doesn’t have in-body stabilization, so lenses with VR (Vibration Reduction) helped me shoot sharper photos handheld.
- Weight and Size: Since I like to travel light, I often pick compact lenses that won’t weigh me down during long shoots.
- Budget: I set a budget before shopping. There are great affordable lenses from Nikon and third-party brands like Sigma and Tamron that deliver excellent quality without breaking the bank.
My Recommended Nikon D3400 Lenses
Based on my experience, here are some lenses that worked well for me:
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G: Great for portraits and low-light photography, this lens is sharp, fast, and affordable.
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR: The perfect kit lens for beginners, versatile for everyday shooting with image stabilization.
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR: A telephoto zoom lens that’s lightweight and excellent for nature and sports.
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM: A third-party option with a constant f/2.8 aperture, ideal for more professional-looking shots without spending too much.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always check lens compatibility with the D3400 before purchasing.
- Rent or borrow lenses if possible to test them out in your shooting style.
- Consider your photography goals: what subjects do you shoot most? Landscapes, portraits, action? This will guide your lens choice.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a good prime lens for sharper images and creative control.
- Take care of your lenses with proper cleaning and storage to maintain image quality.
Choosing lenses for my Nikon D3400 has been a fun journey that improved my photography skills and results tremendously. I hope my guide helps you pick lenses that inspire you to capture amazing moments!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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