The use of a wide angle lens is usually found in architectural, nature, landscape and travel photography. As a Nikon user, you can choose from a wide variety of options that are suitable lenses for your digital camera. Whether you prefer a focal length of 28 mm, 24 mm or even something a bit lengthier. Nikon, as well as other high-quality gear brands, offer several choices for you to select from.

If you’re wondering what makes a wide angle lens a suitable choice for your images, you will want to look at the technical aspects and specifications that are developed with each model. For many photographers shooting and creating wide angled compositions, aspects such as quick aperture, flexible and versatile focal length and a powerhouse in low lighting – are all factors that are considered important when selecting a lens.

Also, you will want a lens that has high-quality glass and a body that is durable and made to last. When we purchase lenses, the cost may be expensive, but if you take care of tools then they will last you a long time in your photography career.

What Lens Should I Choose?

When making a decision of what lens you should purchase, you will want to consider the focal length, desired price point, and technical capabilities. Digital cameras by Nikon are in two sections, one on the level of photographer two is on sensor size.

A beginner Nikon user would begin with the models up to the D500 option as they have smaller sensors. APS-C, or better known as DX within the Nikon community.  A more advanced or professional Nikon user would opt for a camera with a full-frame sensor option that is found in the models from D610 and above. Nikon refers to these types of cameras as having an FX sizing format.

As with all lenses, a wide angle lens must be chosen based on the type of sensor your camera contains. In simple terms, a cropped sensor versus a full frame will offer different results with your imagery.  As you will see on our list, the price points vary based on sensor size and brand. We have organized our recommendations from lowest price to highest – for those who are considering purchasing a wide angle lens at varying price points.

We have compiled a list of best wide angle lenses for your cropped censored or full-frame Nikon DSLR. Here are our recommendations:

For Cropped Sensor (DX) Nikon DSLRs:

Nikon 10-20 mm

This wide angle lens by Nikon is known for its build; compact, lightweight and durable for photographic situations outdoors and while traveling. The focal length ranges from 10-20 mm and has an aperture range of f/4.5-5.6 with a minimum aperture of f/29. This lens is only compatible with DX, cropped sensor, cameras. It has a built-in vibration reduction with keeps your photographs sharp and crisp while shooting in low light.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Focus Type: Ring-Type Ultrasonic | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 20 mm | Minimum Aperture: 29 | Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Sigma 10-20 mm

This lens is super wide with a zoom from 10-20 mm with a maximum aperture of f/3.5. It can be used effectively in many situations, including those with low lighting conditions. With its fast aperture range, you can effectively control the depth of field without compromising detail and sharpness. The lens is fully functional for cameras with APS-C sensors and has a four aspherical build that allows for reducing of distortion.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Focus Type: Ring-Type Ultrasonic | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 20 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm | Photo Filter Thread Size: 82 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Tamron 10-24mm

This wide angle lens by Tamron has a focal length of 10-24 mm and an aperture range of f/3.5-6.3. With features such as vibration compensation, moisture-resistant construction, fluorine coating, and electromagnetic diaphragm system, this lens is of high quality at an affordable price point. The lens is compact and is best in class by the manufacturer. With a strong stabilization, the lens creates high quality images despite the potential effects of handheld shooting.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F | Focus Type: Autofocus | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm | Minimum Aperture: – | Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm | Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Sigma 8-16 mm

As an ultra-wide zoom lens, this Sigma has a minimum focal length of 8 mm and a maximum of 16 mm. Designed for cropped sensor, APS-C sized image sensors, the lens is considered “one of a kind” by the manufacturer. With an inner focusing system, the lens produces high definition images with high contrast and low flare. The lens has an aperture range of f/4.5-5.6. The lens does well in shooting landscapes, building photography, wedding photographs and more.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Focus Type: Ring-Type Ultrasonic | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 16 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 8 mm | Photo Filter Thread Size: 72 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Nikon 10-24 mm 

This wide angle lens by amazon is in landscape, cityscape, interiors and architecture photography. With a focal length of 10-24 mm and an aperture range of f/3.5-f/4.5, this lens is a great option for your Nikon DX DSLRs. The lens has strong sharpness and color correction to reduce chromatic aberration. Additionally, it has a sharp and quiet autofocus capability. You can choose to purchase the lens with or without a polarizing or protection filter.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Focus Type: Ring-Type Ultrasonic | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/3.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 10 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

For Full Frame (FX) Nikon DSLRS:  

Tokina 16-28 mm 

Designed for Nikon full frame DSLRs, this wide angle lens has a focal length range of 16-28 mm. It also carries a maximum aperture of f/2.8. It has an aspherical build with a super-low dispersion glass. The lens has a silent DC motor which has quick focus and little to no noise. The lens is quick to change between auto and manual focus just by snapping the focus ring.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon (FX), Nikon Full Frame Cameras | Focus Type: manual and auto | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 | Maximum Focal Length: 28 mm | Minimum Aperture: 16 | Minimum Focal Length: 16 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Nikon 18-35 mm

This wide angle lens is built for a versatile full frame format with a focal range from 18 mm to the standard 35mm. You can focus as close as 0.92 feet from your subject and aperture range is from f/3.5-4.5. The lens does well in travel and landscape photography but also can take HD video. The lens is good for sharpness, color correction and elimination of chromatic aberration. It is fast, quiet and is functions through autofocus.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (FX) | Focus Type: Auto Focus | Lens Type: Ring-type ultrasonic | Maximum Aperture: f/4.5 | Maximum Focal Length: 35 mm | Minimum Aperture: 29 | Minimum Focal Length: 18mm  Photo Filter Thread Size: 77mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Sigma 12-24 mm 

Marked as a lens that allows for zero distortion. The Sigma is a high quality wide angle lens for your full frame Nikon DSLR. With a maximum aperture of f/4, the Sigma is chosen by photographers for its faster shutter speed. The focal length of the lens ranges from 12 to 24 mm. Throughout the entire zoom range it performs with great ability in low light scenarios.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (DX), Nikon (FX), Nikon F, Nikon (DX) | Focus Type: Auto Focus | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/4 | Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 12 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Nikon 16-35 mm 

This autofocus wide angle lens by Nikon has a focal length range of 16 to 35mm and a maximum aperture of f/4. The lens has the capability to create both wide angle and normal framed shots with its standard 35mm maximum focal length. The lens has two focus modes, autofocus, and manual. You can choose to purchase a mount in order to fit this lens to your cropped, DX DSLR. With vibration reduction and image stabilization, it is fast and versatile for many types of photography.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (FX)  | Focus Type: Ultrasonic | Lens Type: Zoom Lens | Maximum Aperture: f/4 | Maximum Focal Length: 35 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 16mm | Photo Filter Thread Size: 77 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Nikon 14-24 mm

This wide angle lens by Nikon has a focal length range of 14 to 24 mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lens can be used on both Nikon’s FX and DX format sensors featuring Nikon’s exclusive ED Glass and Nano Crystal coating. The lens is sharp with low chromatic aberration even at the widest aperture. There is also an M/A focus mode which allows you to switch quickly between auto and manual focus depending on the photographic situation. The lens is quiet, has a heavy build and is resistant to moisture.

Color: Black | Compatible Camera Mount: Nikon F (FX) | Focus Type: Auto Focus | Lens Type: Ultrasonic | Maximum Aperture: f/2.8 | Maximum Focal Length: 24 mm | Minimum Aperture: 22 | Minimum Focal Length: 14 mm

You can buy it on Amazon here.

Achieving Wider Angles

Photography that calls for wider angles, can be effortlessly achieved by using a zoom lens. With a small focal length and a quick aperture, you can create several styles. For Nikon cameras, you have the flexibility of purchasing gear from not only the Nikon manufacturers. There are other high quality brands such as Sigma, Tamron and Tokina.

As we have ranked our selections based on price, you can choose from the list which lens would be the most affordable. Especially, for your budget while considering all other technical aspects of the makeup of the lens. Due to the nature of varying sensor sizes, the lenses for cropped (DX) versions will be more affordable. The full frame (FX) options can run a hefty price for any customer. Prior to purchasing, consider checking whether your lens is suitable for a mount. In which you can use the gear on both DX or FX DSLR body options.

Wide-angle focal lengths are best in photography pertaining to landscape, travel, and architecture. Interiors and any imagery that requires fitting a large amount of content into the frame. It is best to avoid using these types of lenses in situations such as portrait photography. Because you will create great and noticeable distortion for your subject. As most of the lenses we mentioned have quick focusing, less chromatic aberration and little to no distortion. You can use any of these options to create your next best images.

Are you a Nikon user? Do you have a favorite or go-to lens for your wider compositions? Feel free to share with us your recommendations in our comments below.