Best Lenses under £400 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX 55-200mm

82.4 Travel Score
55-200mmf/4Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The compact 437g body with 4.0-stop Vibration Reduction enables sharp handheld shots at 200mm, while extra-low dispersion glass controls distortion. As a Certified Refurbished lens with a 90-day warranty, it delivers like-new optical quality at a budget-friendly price, with Super Integrated Coating reducing flare. This lens suits Nikon DX DSLR owners needing a portable telephoto for travel, family events, and outdoor action.

View Details & Prices

Best Lenses under £800 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR 16-85mm

89 Travel Score
16-85mmf/3.5Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

Covering a 24-127.5mm equivalent range, its 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements paired with Vibration Reduction (4 stops) deliver consistent sharpness and color accuracy across the zoom. The included filter kit and lens cap keeper enhance its value, and the AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast, quiet autofocus for discreet shooting. Best suited for Nikon DX-format hobbyists and travelers who need a single, stabilized lens for everything from wide-angle landscapes to tight portraits.

View Details & Prices

Great Alternatives

These options also score highly and may better suit your specific needs

Nikon NIKKOR Z 2164 70mm

70.3 Travel Score
24-70mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

The constant f/2.8 aperture and internal zoom mechanism, a first for its class, maintain the lens's center of gravity for stable gimbal use while its Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements suppress flare and ghosting. Its optical formula delivers sharpness and pleasing bokeh in a weather-sealed, 900g body that is smaller and lighter than typical 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses. This lens is best for landscape photographers and video shooters who need a durable, stabilized workhorse zoom with silent, fast autofocus.

View Details & Prices

No Lenses under £1,000 yet. See our top picks under £2,000

Best Lenses under £2,000 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 2191 28-300mm

88.2 Travel Score
28-300mmf/22Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

A 10.7x zoom (28-300mm) with VR II stabilization giving 4 stops of correction and ED glass, plus a constant 0.5m close focus, sets this lens apart for all-in-one flexibility. Edge-to-edge sharpness is optimized for full-frame and DX sensors through 3 aspherical and 2 ED elements, and the 798g build keeps it portable for travel. Ideal for Nikon FX DSLR users wanting a single lens for everything from wide landscapes to telephoto portraits and event coverage, eliminating the need to swap optics.

View Details & Prices

Premium Lenses for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR 22-70mm

72.6 Travel Score
24-70mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Offering a constant f/2.8 aperture across the 24-70mm range, this lens pairs Nikon's Vibration Reduction (4 stops) with a 1:2 maximum magnification for unusually close focusing in a standard zoom. Its robust weather-sealed build and fluorine-coated front element resist the elements, while the electromagnetic diaphragm ensures precise exposures even during high-speed bursts. This lens is best for landscape photographers who need a single, sharp zoom, as well as macro enthusiasts looking for 0.5x magnification without switching lenses.

View Details & Prices