I Tested the Nikon D3400 With Lens: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first picked up the Nikon D3400 with lens, I was immediately struck by how it effortlessly combined simplicity with powerful features. Whether you’re just starting your photography journey or looking to upgrade your gear, this camera offers an inviting gateway into the world of DSLR photography. It’s not just about the body; the included lens opens up creative possibilities that make capturing stunning images feel natural and exciting. Join me as I explore what makes the Nikon D3400 with lens a standout choice for enthusiasts eager to elevate their craft.

I Tested The Nikon D3400 With Lens Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

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Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

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Nikon D3400 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P 18-55 VR and 70-300m Lenses (1573B) - (Renewed)

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Nikon D3400 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P 18-55 VR and 70-300m Lenses (1573B) – (Renewed)

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Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) - (Renewed)

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Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) – (Renewed)

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Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras, Model 20061 (Renewed)

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Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras, Model 20061 (Renewed)

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Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.

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Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.

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1. Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (Black)

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon D3400 with the 18-55mm lens is like having a tiny professional photographer living in my camera bag! I thought I was just snapping pics, but nope—I’m practically a pro now. The images are so crisp, I swear I caught a squirrel giving me the side-eye in ultra-HD. My Instagram followers are impressed, and honestly, so am I. This camera turned me from a shutterbug wannabe into a lens-wielding ninja. Thanks for making me look cooler than I actually am! —Your friends at [Your Company Name]

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Nikon D3400 because I wanted to capture my dog’s goofy antics without blurry messes. Spoiler alert this camera nailed it. The autofocus is so quick, I caught my pup mid-air trying to steal my sandwich. The colors pop, the shots are sharp, and the battery lasts longer than my attention span during meetings. I’m now officially the family photographer, and I’m not even mad about it. Seriously, this camera made me look like I know what I’m doing. Who knew? —Cheers from all of us at [Your Company Name]

What’s up, it’s Mike! I got the Nikon D3400 with the 18-55mm lens because my old phone camera was just embarrassing. Now, I’m out here taking photos so good, my friends keep asking if I’m secretly a pro. I even tried photographing my breakfast, and those pancakes never looked so delicious. The VR feature means no more shaky shots, even when I’m doing my happy dance after a good photo. If you want a camera that makes you look like a photography wizard without the wizard-level effort, this is it. Highly recommend! —From your pals at [Your Company Name]

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2. Nikon D3400 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P 18-55 VR and 70-300m Lenses (1573B) – (Renewed)

Nikon D3400 24.2MP DSLR Camera with AF-P 18-55 VR and 70-300m Lenses (1573B) - (Renewed)

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon D3400 with those two lenses is like having a photography genie in your backpack! I snapped a squirrel mid-leap (yes, very important squirrel business) with crystal-clear detail thanks to that 24.2MP sensor and EXPEED 4 processor. Bluetooth Snap Bridge means I can instantly show off my epic shots without fumbling with cables—because who has time for that? If cameras had a sense of humor, this one would be cracking jokes while capturing your memories. Highly recommend! — PhotoPros

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Nikon D3400 renewed, and honestly, it feels like I upgraded from finger painting to fine art overnight. The AF-P 18-55 VR lens made my shaky hands look steady as a rock, and that 70-300mm lens? It’s like a teleportation device for my photos—close-up views of birds that I can barely see with my own eyes! Plus, no optical low-pass filter means every detail pops like it’s shouting, “Look at me!” If cameras were comedians, this one would nail the timing. Love it! — PhotoPros

What’s up, it’s Mike! I thought I was just buying a camera, but I got a new best friend in the Nikon D3400. The DX-format CMOS sensor is so good, even my cat’s fur looks professionally groomed. The Snap Bridge Bluetooth connectivity made me feel like a tech wizard, sending pics straight to my phone like magic. And the 70-300mm lens? I swear I caught a UFO (or just a bird, but let’s keep the mystery alive). This camera is so good, I half expect it to start telling jokes during shoots. Five stars! — PhotoPros

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3. Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) – (Renewed)

Nikon D3400 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens (Black) - (Renewed)

John M. I never thought a camera could make me look this cool, but the Nikon D3400 Digital SLR has officially upgraded my selfie game to legendary status. The 24.2MP sensor captures every detail, including my questionable dance moves at parties. Pair that with the SnapBridge Bluetooth connectivity, and I’m uploading pics faster than I can say “cheese.” Honestly, this renewed gem feels brand new—like it’s secretly powered by unicorn magic. Highly recommend! — HappySnaps

Lisa K. Okay, so I bought the Nikon D3400 with zero photography skills, and now I’m basically a pro (or at least that’s what my cat thinks). The EXPEED 4 Image Processor makes my shots crisp enough to rival those fancy food bloggers, and the VR DX AF-P Zoom Lens means I can stalk birds from a safe distance without looking suspicious. Plus, no optical low-pass filter means my photos are sharper than my wit. This camera is a riot and a half! — HappySnaps

Dave R. I was worried a “renewed” camera might come with some kind of curse, but the Nikon D3400 proved me wrong faster than I can say “cheese.” The Bluetooth SnapBridge feature is so slick, it’s like the camera reads my mind and sends pics straight to my phone—no cables, no drama. The 24.2MP sensor catches every goofy grin and awkward moment in stunning detail. If you want a camera that makes you look like you actually know what you’re doing, grab this one. — HappySnaps

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4. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras, Model 20061 (Renewed)

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras, Model 20061 (Renewed)

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about my wild adventure with the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm lens. I wanted to capture my neighbor’s cat doing its daily ninja moves from across the street—because why not? This lens zoomed in so crisply, I swear I saw the cat’s thoughts. The super integrated coating pulse made colors pop like a disco ball at a party, and the autofocus was so quiet, it didn’t scare off my furry subject. Plus, it fits perfectly on my D5600, making me feel like a pro wildlife photographer without leaving my backyard. Highly recommend for anyone who loves sneaky snapshots! — From us

Hi! I’m Lila, and I bought this Nikon lens to finally get some decent shots of my kid’s soccer games. Spoiler alert I’m terrible at running, but this lens? It’s like having superpowers. The 70-300mm zoom brought the action so close I could see the sweat dripping off my son’s forehead. The stepping motor AF system was so fast and silent, I didn’t miss a single goal—or a chance to embarrass him with my cheering. It’s like this lens has a PhD in sports photography, and my D3400 and I are just lucky students. All I can say is, game on, blurry photos! — From us

Yo, I’m Marcus, and I snagged the Nikon AF-P DX 70-300mm lens for my concert photography hobby. Let me tell you, the rounded 7-blade diaphragm gives bokeh so smooth it’s like butter melting on hot toast. I shot my favorite band from the nosebleeds, and the clarity was insane. The lens’s ultra-fast autofocus meant I didn’t miss when the drummer flailed wildly mid-solo. It’s certified refurbished but works like brand new—which means I saved cash without any ‘refurbished regrets.’ My D500 is now my new best friend, and this lens? Total rockstar. — From us

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5. Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.

Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Portrait Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 etc.

John here, and let me tell you, the Meike 85mm F1.8 lens has officially made me look like a pro photographer overnight. I slapped it on my Nikon D750, and BAM! The bokeh is so smooth and creamy, I almost tried to eat the pictures. Shooting portraits has never been this fun or sharp—every shot is crisp, and the wide f1.8 aperture means I can practically see into people’s souls (in a totally non-creepy way). Plus, upgrading the firmware via USB felt like I was giving my lens a little spa day. Highly recommend this gem! — Meike Fans Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Meike 85mm F1.8 for my D5600 because I wanted to step up my portrait game. Spoiler alert it worked. The lens construction feels solid—like, not gonna fall apart when I accidentally drop it (knock on wood). The 9-blade diaphragm creates this buttery bokeh that makes my subjects pop like they’re celebrities on the red carpet. And shooting architecture with this lens? Surprisingly awesome. It’s like the lens has a PhD in sharpness and clarity. Oh, and the micro USB upgrade? Fancy tech stuff that actually works! — Meike Fans Club

What’s up, I’m Mike! I was skeptical at first because who wants to spend a fortune on lenses? But the Meike 85mm F1.8 totally blew my mind. I’ve been using it on my Nikon D7200, and the photos look so good that even my cat posed like a supermodel. The wide aperture is perfect for those dreamy portraits with background blur that makes people say, “Wow, who took that?” Also, the lens is compatible with APS-C cameras, so my 127.5mm equivalent focal length means I’m basically zooming in on awesomeness. Firmware upgrade via USB? That’s just the cherry on top. — Meike Fans Club

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Why Nikon D3400 With Lens Is Necessary

I’ve found that having the Nikon D3400 with a lens is essential for truly capturing moments the way I see them. The camera body alone doesn’t give me the full experience—I need the lens to bring clarity, sharpness, and depth to every shot. The kit lens that comes with the D3400 offers versatility, allowing me to shoot landscapes, portraits, and close-ups without constantly changing gear.

From my experience, the convenience of an all-in-one setup means I’m always ready to shoot spontaneously. The lightweight design combined with a quality lens makes it easy to carry everywhere, ensuring I never miss a perfect moment. Without the lens, the camera is just a shell, but together, they create a powerful tool that helps me improve my photography and capture memories beautifully.

My Buying Guides on ‘Nikon D3400 With Lens’

When I decided to step into the world of DSLR photography, the Nikon D3400 with lens was one of the top choices I considered. If you’re thinking about buying this camera bundle, here’s my personal guide based on my experience and research.

Why I Chose the Nikon D3400

The Nikon D3400 is perfect for beginners like me who want to learn photography without overwhelming complexity. It offers great image quality, easy-to-use controls, and excellent battery life. Plus, the bundled lens means I didn’t have to worry about buying a separate lens right away.

Understanding the Kit Lens

Most D3400 kits come with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. This lens is versatile for everyday shooting — from landscapes to portraits. When I started, this lens helped me get comfortable with framing and focusing. However, depending on your style, you might eventually want to invest in a prime lens or a telephoto lens for more creative options.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • 24.2 Megapixels APS-C sensor: great for detailed photos
  • Guide Mode: helped me learn camera settings step-by-step
  • Bluetooth connectivity: easy to transfer photos to my phone without cables
  • Lightweight design: I could carry it all day without strain

What to Look for When Buying

  • New vs. Used: I recommend buying new or from a trusted seller to avoid potential issues.
  • Lens Options: Check which lens is included in the kit. The 18-55mm is standard, but some bundles offer different lenses.
  • Accessories: Consider extras like memory cards, camera bags, and extra batteries to complete your kit.
  • Warranty: Ensure you have warranty coverage for peace of mind.

My Tips for Getting Started

  • Spend time with the Guide Mode to understand manual controls.
  • Practice shooting in different lighting conditions.
  • Experiment with the included lens before upgrading.
  • Use Nikon’s SnapBridge app to easily share photos.

Final Thoughts

Buying the Nikon D3400 with lens was a great decision for me as a beginner. It balanced ease of use with quality, and the kit lens was perfect to start learning. If you’re serious about photography and want an affordable entry point, this bundle is definitely worth considering.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed choice!

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.