Despite lower barriers than ever before, photography still isn't known to be an affordable pursuit, especially if you want the highest quality results. Luckily however, there are some real bargains out there for the more discerning shooter, and often with little or no compromise needed.
Working closely with the local photography community, I've been lucky enough to own or try most of the lenses available for both Nikon and Canon systems over the years. Here is a list of my top 5 "bang-for-buck" lenses for Nikon. You may feel differently and rue the omission of your favourite piece of glass, but this is not supposed to be an authoritative list, only some suggestions based on my experience. Where necessary, I've included some information about alternatives.
(If you shoot Canon, click here)
1 - Nikon 85mm 1.8G
Nikons extremely popular 85mm 1.8G is perfect for portraits on either crop or full frame cameras. It's light, well made, and has stunningly sharp optics. Only released in 2012, it features cutting edge optics for excellent control of chromatic aberrations. With 7 rounded blades forming the aperture, bokeh is creamy wide open. At around 440 dollars it holds its own against much more expensive alternatives such as the Sigma 85mm 1.4, and Nikon 85mm 1.4. Many professionals prefer this lens for its lighter weight, and simply don't have the need for a wider aperture.
Price: Around $460
Best used for: Portraits, headshots
2 - Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Di
Some may have never heard of this old stalwart. The Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 zoom lens has been around for a long time but many pros choose the more traditional and expensive 24-70mm focal length. It's very light, kinda loud, but optically almost as good as the Nikon ($1700) 24-70mm. If you only want one lens that will do a lot, without breaking the bank, this is an excellent option.
Price: Around $450 new but can be found around $250 used
Best used for: Travel, events, landscape, group shots, general purpose
3 - Nikon 50mm 1.8G
They say everyone should have a 50mm lens, and while I don't entirely agree, it's hard to argue with the sheer quality of this lens for the money. On a full frame camera, the 50mm focal length creates a look that's very close to how human eyes see the world, hence the term "normal lens". Not only is the 50mm 1.8g extremely sharp, it's also well made, very light, and produces excellent bokeh. Within this focal range, you will have to spend rather a lot of money to better it, with something like a Tamron 45mm VC or Sigma Art, both of which cost upwards of $550.
Price: Around $200
Best used for: Portraits, Street, Weddings, An amazing all rounder
4 - Nikon 105mm f2.8D "Mirco"
Dedicated macro lenses are a must for serious macro shooters. Yes, there are alternatives such as reverse rings an close-up filters, but a dedicated macro lens gives you the convenience of aperture control, and the best possible optical results. There is a newer version of this lens, the "G" version which features vibration compensation, but to be frank, no serious macro photographer relies on Vibration Compensation. In fact, most turn it off because they are either using a tripod, or strobes. The older "D" version of this lens is cheaper, lighter, and optically the same as the new one. This lens also doubles up as a brilliant portrait and headshot lens.
Price: Around $300 used
Best used for: Flowers, insects, beauty, headshots, etc
5 - 180mm AF f2.8 ED
The 180mm is quite a niche sort of lens. Such a long focal length is not practical to use indoors. The results however, are stunning. Such a long focal length helps you completely separate your subject from the background, with creamy bokeh and compressed backgrounds. It's a sharp lens and beautifully made, from all metal, including the elegant pop-out lens hood. There are many different versions of this lens on the market as it has been redesigned and updated over the years. The "n" or "d" versions (which have AF) can be found used for around $380, despite the new price tag of around $850. If you want that long focal length "wildlife" look, this lens can get you there without breaking the bank.
Price: Around $380 used
Best used for: Dramatic Portraits, headshots