Best all-purpose Nikon lens for everyday shooting?

Question

Hey everyone! I’m trying to simplify my Nikon setup and could really use some advice on a solid “one lens I can leave on the camera” option for everyday shooting.

Right now I keep bouncing between a couple lenses depending on the day, and I’m realizing I’m missing shots (or just getting lazy) because I don’t want to swap lenses while I’m out. Most of my photos are just normal life stuff: family hangouts, quick street shots while running errands, the occasional indoor dinner where the lighting isn’t great, and some casual travel photos on weekends. I’m not trying to build a perfect kit for every niche—just something versatile that produces consistently good images.

A few details that might help: I’m shooting on a Nikon DSLR and I’d love a lens that can handle everything from wider scenes (like small group photos or a city street) to a bit of zoom for candid shots without getting right in someone’s face. Autofocus speed matters to me because I often shoot kids and things that don’t stay still. Also, I’m a little torn between going for a constant aperture zoom vs. something lighter with a variable aperture. I’ve used kit lenses before and they’re “fine,” but I’m hoping for a noticeable step up in sharpness and low-light performance without carrying a brick.

Budget-wise I’m flexible, but I’d love to keep it around $500–$800 if possible (used is totally fine). Size/weight matters because I actually want to take the camera out regularly.

So: what’s your pick for the best all-purpose Nikon lens for everyday shooting, and why—especially if you’ve used it as a true walk-around lens for a long time?

GlowingTiger42 · Accepted Answer

For your situation, i get it… swapping lenses is where good moments go to die 😅. I’ve done the “one lens lives on the camera” thing for years, and these are the 2-3 that actually make sense.

1) Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR (DX only)
- Why it works: super useful range for family/travel, noticeably sharper than most kit zooms, and VR helps a lot indoors.
- Low light: not a true f/2.8, but that f/2.8-4 + VR combo is honestly solid for dinners/indoors.
- Downsides: not cheap new, but used it’s usually right in that $500–$800 sweet spot.

2) Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED (DX only)
- Pro: constant f/2.8, fast AF, built like a tank. This was my “kids running around” lens for a long time and i was reallyyy satisfied.
- Con: it’s kinda a brick and no VR, so indoors you’ll still lean on ISO.

3) Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR (FX + works on DX)
- Pro: if you’re FX (or might go FX), this is a legit walkaround. Great range, VR, no complaints.
- Con: on DX it’s not very wide (24mm becomes meh indoors).

My pick: #1 if you’re DX and want versatile + not too heavy (at least thats what worked for me). cheers, gl!

Michaelamabs · Answer

Story time: I tried the “one lens” thing w/ Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4G ED VR used (~$450-650) and loved the range, but honestly indoor dinners were rough at f/4—ISO got ugly fast; I ended up grabbing it from MPB/KEH w/ warranty tho.

Kroumklii · Answer

So yeah, +1 on that mid-range f/4 walkaround zoom idea—solid value used. - Tip: buy from KEH/MPB for warranty, and check VR + zoom creep before you pay Honestly thats what saves you money long-term