Choosing the best prime lens for your Nikon D5500 can improve your photography sharply. Prime lenses offer sharp images and better low-light performance.
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, giving clear and bright photos. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1. 8G is a popular choice for sharpness and good autofocus. The Meike 85mm f/1. 8 lens suits portrait shots with its large aperture and smooth focus.
These lenses help capture detailed images with natural background blur. Compared to zoom lenses, prime lenses are lighter and often faster, making them great for travel and everyday use. This guide covers top prime lenses that fit the Nikon D5500, helping you pick the right one for your style and needs.
Table of Contents
Nikon Af-s Dx Nikkor 35mm F/1.8g Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens is ideal for amateur photographers and enthusiasts who own a Nikon DSLR camera and are looking to enhance their photography with a versatile prime lens. This lens is perfect for those who want to capture sharp, high-quality images in various lighting conditions, including low light, thanks to its wide f/1.8 aperture. If you seek a lightweight, compact lens that delivers excellent image quality and fast autofocus, this lens is a great choice.
Pros:
- Wide f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and depth of field control
- Compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and handle
- Fast and quiet autofocus system for capturing sharp images quickly
- Compatible with Nikon DX-format DSLR cameras
- High-quality optics that deliver sharp, clear images with minimal distortion
Cons:
- Fixed focal length of 35mm may limit versatility compared to zoom lenses
- No image stabilization feature, requiring steadier hands or a tripod in low light
- Designed specifically for DX-format cameras, not ideal for full-frame Nikon models
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Lens features a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture that allows photographers to shoot in challenging lighting conditions without compromising image quality. This wide aperture also enables beautiful background blur, making it perfect for portrait photography. Its compact size and lightweight construction ensure that users can carry it comfortably for extended periods, ideal for travel and street photography.
Equipped with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), the lens provides fast and quiet autofocus performance, allowing users to capture sharp images without disturbing their subjects. The optical design minimizes chromatic aberrations and distortion, resulting in crisp, vivid photos. Overall, this lens offers excellent image quality and performance for Nikon DSLR owners seeking a reliable and affordable prime lens option.
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Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Portrait Lens For Nikon F Mount Dslr Cameras

The Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens is ideal for photographers who use Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras and want to capture stunning portrait shots with a professional look. This lens is perfect for both amateur and semi-professional photographers seeking a budget-friendly option without compromising on image quality. If you own models like the D850, D750, D780, D610, D3200, D3300, D3400, D3500, D5500, D5600, D5300, or D5100, this lens offers great compatibility and performance.
Pros:
- Large F1.8 aperture allows excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur (bokeh).
- Auto focus feature ensures quick and accurate focusing for sharp images.
- Compatible with a wide range of Nikon F Mount DSLR cameras.
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions of approximately 3.15 x 3.15 x 3.03 inches for easy handling and portability.
- Offers sharp image quality ideal for portrait photography.
Cons:
- May exhibit some vignetting at maximum aperture settings.
- Build quality is good but not as robust as higher-end branded lenses.
- Limited zoom functionality as it is a fixed focal length prime lens.
The Meike 85mm F1.8 lens stands out for its impressive large aperture, which allows photographers to capture images with a shallow depth of field, creating a pleasing bokeh effect that isolates subjects beautifully. This feature is especially beneficial for portrait photographers who want to emphasize facial features while softly blurring the background. The lens’s autofocus system is designed to be fast and reliable, making it easier to capture sharp images even in dynamic shooting conditions.
With its full frame compatibility and wide support for various Nikon DSLR models, this lens offers versatility and convenience. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry around for extended shooting sessions without causing fatigue. Overall, the Meike 85mm F1.8 lens combines affordability with solid optical performance, making it an excellent choice for photographers looking to enhance their portrait photography kit.
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Nikon Af-s Dx Nikkor 35mm F/1.8g Standard Lens

The Nikon – AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens (2183) along with the included Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, and Cleaning Kit is ideal for photography enthusiasts and amateur photographers looking to upgrade from kit lenses. This lens is perfect for those who want to capture sharp, vibrant images with excellent low-light performance without breaking the bank. It is also well-suited for users who appreciate a lightweight, versatile lens for everyday shooting and portrait photography.
Pros:
- Bright f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and beautiful background blur
- Compact and lightweight design making it easy to carry and handle
- Included accessories such as Filter Kit, Cap Keeper, and Cleaning Kit add value and convenience
- Sharp image quality with minimal distortion thanks to Nikon’s advanced optics
- Autofocus (AF-S) motor provides fast and quiet focusing
Cons:
- Fixed focal length of 35mm may limit versatility compared to zoom lenses
- Not weather-sealed, so extra care is needed in harsh conditions
- Autofocus may hunt slightly in very low light despite the wide aperture
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens offers a bright f/1.8 maximum aperture, which allows photographers to shoot in low-light environments while maintaining sharp focus and creating a pleasing shallow depth of field. This feature is especially beneficial for portrait photography, where subject isolation is desired. The lens’ compact and lightweight design, measuring just over 4 inches in height and width and weighing 1.55 pounds, makes it an excellent choice for photographers who prefer to travel light or shoot for extended periods without fatigue.
The additional accessories such as the Filter Kit protect the lens and enhance image quality by reducing glare and reflections, while the Cap Keeper helps prevent losing the lens cap during shoots. The included Cleaning Kit ensures that users can maintain their lens in optimal condition. Nikon’s precision engineering ensures sharp images with minimal distortion, and the integrated AF-S autofocus motor provides fast, quiet, and reliable focusing performance, enhancing the shooting experience for both stills and video.
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Nikon Af-s Dx Nikkor 55-300mm Zoom Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and hobbyists who use Nikon DSLR cameras and want to capture distant subjects with clarity. Whether you’re into wildlife, sports, or travel photography, this lens offers a versatile zoom range and image stabilization that suits users looking for an affordable yet powerful telephoto zoom option.
Pros:
- Vibration Reduction (VR) technology minimizes blur caused by camera shake, resulting in sharper images.
- Wide 55-300mm focal length range allows flexibility in framing distant subjects.
- Auto Focus (AF-S) with Silent Wave Motor ensures quick, quiet, and accurate focusing.
- Compact and lightweight design enhances portability for on-the-go shooting.
- Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements reduce chromatic aberrations for improved image quality.
Cons:
- Aperture range of f/4.5-5.6 may be limiting in low-light conditions.
- Not compatible with full-frame Nikon cameras, designed specifically for DX-format DSLRs.
- Build quality is primarily plastic, which may feel less durable compared to professional-grade lenses.
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Zoom Lens boasts a powerful telephoto zoom range from 55mm to 300mm, making it perfect for capturing distant subjects with ease. Its built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology plays a crucial role in reducing image blur caused by hand shake, enabling sharper handheld photography even in challenging conditions. The lens’s Silent Wave Motor (AF-S) ensures fast and quiet autofocus, a valuable feature for capturing wildlife or sports moments without disturbing the scene.
Additionally, the inclusion of Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements significantly enhances image sharpness and color accuracy by minimizing chromatic aberrations. Its lightweight and compact design makes it convenient for travel and outdoor photography, while maintaining compatibility with Nikon’s DX-format DSLR cameras. Although the aperture range is somewhat narrow for low-light situations, the lens provides excellent value and versatility for users seeking to expand their telephoto capabilities without investing in more expensive professional lenses.
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Nikon Af-s Dx Nikkor 18-140mm Zoom Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens is ideal for photography enthusiasts and semi-professional users who own a Nikon DSLR camera and desire a versatile lens that covers a broad zoom range. This lens is perfect for those looking to capture everything from wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups without the hassle of switching lenses frequently.
Pros:
- Wide zoom range of 18-140mm for versatile shooting options
- Built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology for sharper images
- Auto Focus (AF) for quick and accurate focusing
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- High-quality Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements to reduce chromatic aberrations
Cons:
- Variable aperture may limit low-light performance
- Not weather-sealed, requiring careful handling in harsh conditions
- Renewed product may have minor cosmetic wear
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens offers an impressive zoom range that covers wide-angle to telephoto perspectives, making it a highly adaptable tool for various photography styles. Its Vibration Reduction (VR) feature helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially useful when shooting handheld or in low-light environments. This ensures crisp, clear images without the need for a tripod in many situations.
Additionally, the lens incorporates Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements that minimize chromatic aberrations, resulting in sharper images with better color fidelity. The Auto Focus (AF) system is fast and silent, allowing for quick capture of moments without distracting noise. Compact and weighing only 1.28 pounds, this lens is easy to carry around, making it an excellent companion for travel and everyday photography.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Prime Lens For Nikon D5500?
The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1. 8G is the best prime lens for Nikon D5500. It offers sharp images and excellent low-light performance, making it ideal for everyday photography and portraits.
Can Meike 85mm F1.8 Lens Work With Nikon D5500?
Yes, the Meike 85mm F1. 8 lens is fully compatible with the Nikon D5500. It provides a large aperture for beautiful portrait shots with smooth background blur.
How Does Nikon 35mm F/1.8g Compare To 55-300mm Lens?
The 35mm f/1. 8G is a prime lens with a wide aperture, perfect for low light. The 55-300mm is a zoom lens, ideal for distant subjects but with a smaller aperture.
Is The Nikon 18-140mm Lens Suitable For Nikon D5500?
Yes, the Nikon 18-140mm lens is suitable for the D5500. It offers versatile zoom range with vibration reduction for sharp images in various shooting conditions.
What Accessories Come With Nikon 35mm F/1.8g Lens Kits?
Some Nikon 35mm f/1. 8G kits include a filter kit, cap keeper, and cleaning kit. These accessories help protect and maintain the lens for long-term use.
Conclusion
Choosing the best prime lens for your Nikon D5500 depends on your photography style and needs. The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1. 8G is great for everyday shooting and low light. For portraits, the Meike 85mm f/1. 8 offers sharp images with nice background blur.
The Nikon 55-300mm zoom lens gives you extra reach for distant subjects, while the 18-140mm lens covers a wide range of situations with good image quality. Each lens brings unique strengths to your camera kit. Think about what photos you want to take and pick a lens that fits your style.
With the right lens, your Nikon D5500 can capture stunning images that tell your story. Take your time to choose and enjoy the process of creating beautiful photos.