Best Lenses under $500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR 12-28mm

89.1 Travel Score
12-28mmf/3.5Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

As the widest APS-C lens for Nikon Z cameras, this 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 power zoom combines a 205g lightweight build, internal zooming, and 4.5-stop Vibration Reduction. Its STM autofocus and 11-speed power zoom operate silently for smooth video, while the 0.21x magnification captures close-up details. It’s ideal for vloggers and street shooters wanting a stabilized ultrawide zoom for travel and content creation.

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 20085 50-250mm

80.8 Travel Score
50-250mmf/16Nikon ZIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lens provides a 75-375mm equivalent reach with 5-stop Vibration Reduction, delivering sharp telephoto shots even in dim light. At just 404g and a high-value price point, it maintains portability while adding near-silent stepping motor AF and suppressed focus breathing for polished video. Best for budget-minded DX Z-mount shooters needing a versatile zoom for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects, especially hybrid creators capturing both stills and video.

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

72.5 Travel Score
10-20mmf/29Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

The 10-20mm focal length paired with optical VR and a mere 232g body lets you capture stable ultrawide vistas handheld on APS-C cameras. Its AF-P stepper motor delivers fast, nearly silent autofocus, while the three aspherical elements and Super Integrated Coating control aberrations without extra bulk. Best suited for Nikon DX DSLR users seeking a cost-effective, travel-ready lens for landscapes, architecture, and casual video.

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Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 2162 18mm

57.5 Travel Score
18-135mmf/3.5Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

The lens stands out with a 7.5x zoom spanning 18-135mm, an ED glass element that controls chromatic aberrations, and an AF-S motor delivering fast, quiet autofocus. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm renders pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, and the 67mm filter thread accepts common accessories, while the renewed option offers tested reliability at a lower cost. This lens is best for DSLR beginners and travel photographers needing a single, affordable cover-all zoom for everyday shooting.

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Nikon 2177

48.1 Travel Score
60mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this ▼

Delivering true 1:1 reproduction with edge-to-edge sharpness, its optical formula includes one ED and two aspherical elements alongside Nano Crystal Coat to suppress flare and chromatic aberration. The internal focusing design and silent wave motor provide fast, quiet autofocus without a rotating front element, making filter use straightforward. This lens is best for Nikon DSLR shooters who need a precise, lightweight macro lens for detailed close-up work and copy stand reproduction.

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Nikon 2197

36.1 Travel Score
55-300mm
Why we recommend this ▼

The 55-300mm focal range on a DX body provides a 5.5x super-telephoto reach in a lightweight 580g package, making distant subjects accessible. Its second-generation Vibration Reduction system compensates for up to 4 stops, enabling sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds despite the f/4.5-5.6 aperture. This lens is best for DX-format Nikon DSLR users seeking an affordable, portable telephoto zoom for daylight sports, wildlife, or travel.

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Best Lenses under $1,000 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR

95.5 Travel Score
18-140mm22-40Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A lightweight 315g all-in-one zoom with a 7.8x range (27-210mm equivalent), 5-stop VR, and weather sealing makes this a practical walkaround lens for Nikon Z DX cameras. It earns high scores in landscape (91.6) and budget categories, pairing versatile reach with solid dust/moisture resistance for outdoor use. Best for travel photographers or casual shooters wanting a single lens for landscapes, portraits, and distant subjects without swapping glass.

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Price $677
Nikon NIKKOR Z 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR lens

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Nikon NIKKOR AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Telephoto Zoom

80.6 Travel Score
70-200mmf/2.8Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this ▼

Extends AF-S NIKKOR lens reach by 40% with only a one-stop exposure loss, turning a 70–200mm f/2.8 into a 98–280mm f/4 while preserving VR and metering. The fluorine-coated elements and weather-resistant barrel hold up in harsh conditions, and at 190g it adds minimal bulk. Best for wildlife and sports photographers using Nikon F-mount DSLRs who need extra focal length without carrying a second heavy telephoto lens.

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Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III

30.5 Travel Score
Nikon F
Why we recommend this ▼

Doubling focal length while maintaining autofocus, this teleconverter uses an aspherical element and a 7-element/5-group optical design to preserve superior contrast and resolution. Its compact, 329g build makes it a highly portable way to extend telephoto reach without the cost of a new super-telephoto lens. This accessory is best for wildlife and sports photographers using compatible Nikon F-mount primes who need 2x magnification and can accept the resulting light loss.

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Best Lenses under $1,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR 16-80mm

73.5 Travel Score
16-80mmf/2.8Nikon FIS
Why we recommend this

The 16-80mm focal range and bright f/2.8-4 aperture make this a versatile 5x zoom, with Nano Crystal Coatings and four ED elements controlling flare and aberrations effectively. Its compact 59g build and 4-stop VR stabilization enable sharp handheld shooting across a 24-120mm equivalent field of view. This lens is best for street and travel photographers using Nikon DX bodies who need a single, high-quality walkaround zoom.

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Nikon 2191

35.9 Travel Score
28-300mm
Why we recommend this ▼

Its 10.7x zoom range with VR II stabilization and ED glass delivers sharp results across FX and DX formats, enabling handheld shooting at shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower. The lens maintains a close 1.6-foot minimum focus distance throughout the entire zoom range, adding unexpected versatility for near-macro detail work. This is best for travel and walkaround photographers who want a single, all-in-one lens to cover everything from wide landscapes to distant portraits without swapping glass.

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Best Lenses under $2,500 for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR

66.9 Travel Score
180-600mmf/5.6Nikon ZISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

Internal zooming maintains constant balance across the 180-600mm range, aided by 5.5-stop VR and STM autofocus for steady handheld shooting. The zoom ring reaches 600mm in just a 70° turn and close-focuses to 4.27 feet (0.25x magnification), while compatibility with Z teleconverters extends reach to 1200mm. This lens suits wildlife and sports photographers who need a durable, weather-sealed super-telephoto for quick framing and long-range tracking without a tripod.

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Premium Lenses for travel

Best Pick

Nikon NIKKOR 20082 500mm

39.7 Travel Score
500mmf/32Nikon FISWeather Sealed
Why we recommend this

A Phase Fresnel element and magnesium alloy build shrink this 500mm prime to just 3.2 lbs, enabling handheld shooting with 4-stop Vibration Reduction. Its Nano Crystal Coat and three ED elements deliver high contrast and sharpness across the frame, even wide open at f/5.6. This lens is best for wildlife and sports photographers who need a lightweight, full-frame super-telephoto for extended field use.

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