The lens that Nikon gives with your camera 18-55mm is a very good and sharp lens, Now the question is How to choose your next Nikkor lens ?: what kind of photos do you want to take? Read our recommended lens article and get your answer,
Recommended Portrait lens for D5100
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens, Best and affordable all purpose prime lens for Nikon D5100 , this lens is prime lens(non-zoom) and more faster and sharp than the basic kit lens. the 35 mm lens gives you a classic 35mm format and you can use this lens for street photography, for shooting a family event or single / group portraits.
The good – Excellent image quality.
35mm price – $199.00(approx) Buy it from Amazon || $199.95(approx) at B&H
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
Nikon 50mm is a FX format lens and will act as 75mm lens in your Nikon D5100 DSLR (due to 1.5X crop factor), the lens gives you a very less working area but highly recommended if you want to shoot professional looking portrait with your DX format camera.
Nikon 50mm lens price – $229 Buy it from Amazon | $216 (approx) at B&H
Recommended Zoom Lens for D5100
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR The Best Zoom lens available under $250(street price), the images are sharp and VR (Image Stabilization) works perfectly.
The Good – from Price POV the lens is sharper and a excellent performer, Drawback – Auto Focus is bit slow .
55-200mm Price – Available Under $250, Buy it from Amazon || Price: $224.95 at
B&H
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens, Auto focus is faster than 55-200mm VR lens, very low or no Chromatic aberration even at 300mm, This lens is remarkably flare resistant and Bokeh quality excellent at f/8 (aperture).
The good – Very good optics and VR works perfectly, Drawback of this lens are same as other zoom lenses, Images taken at 300mm images are bit soft.
Nikon 70-300mm Price – $549.00, Buy it from Amazon || Price: $519.95 at
B&H
Travel Lens – Nikon 18-200mm VR
This lens covers all your requirements from wide to standard zoom lens, the optics is really very good and good for outdoor use.
The Good – Very good optics and covers a very good range. Drawback? In low light you need a good flash, some minor distortions, A bit expensive and heavy.
18-200mm price -Available Under $850 at Amazon || Price: $799.95 at B&H
[…] Links New Camera Nikon D5100 Recommended Lenses See the list of recommended lenses for Nikon D5100 and D3100 DSLR Canon 600D / 1100D recommended […]
[…] Links New Camera Nikon D5100 Recommended Lenses See the list of recommended lenses for Nikon D5100 and D3100 DSLR Canon 600D / 1100D recommended […]
is 50-200mm lens recommendable for video shooting too?
Yes, but not recommended for low light situation.
Mind is swirling…the best lens recommended for me at the best low cost would be?….I have a Nikon D5100, my photos consist of family, horse photography, and those horses in action…I want to be able to get closer as well when my feet wont permit it. Do you have a “1” lens recommendation?
Thanks
Rochelle, Do you have kit lens? 18-55mm VR?
Want good portrait images with blur background? Buy Nikon 35mm F/1.8 lens..good for family and pet/horse portrait shooting…but not good for “horse in action shooting”
The optics of 35mm f/1.8 lens is very good and available at low cost..but remember it is a Prime lens so no zoom available here…but the image quality is very good
thnks for such a easy to understand article …really good 🙂
is this 35mm which u recommended is better than AF 50 mm f1.8? is yes, in what ways?
I have on old Nikor AF S 18-70 mm 3.5 4.5 G ED lens that is on my old D70…
Question: would it be suitable to use on a D 5100??
@Larry
Yes Larry your Old AF-S 18-70mm lens will work with new D5100,
The D70 had the focus motor built into the camera. Your D5100 does not. Lenses for your camera should have the AF-S designation to be Fully compatible with your camera.
@ AH
Nikon D5100 is a DX format camera so I have recommended DX format AF-S 35mm F1.8 Lens for portrait shooting.
If you use AF 50mm F1.8 Lens with D5100 or other new DX format camera, you have to adjust focus manually, Lenses for your camera should have the AF-S designation to be FULLY compatible with your camera.
The Second issue with AF 50mm F1.8 lens is sensor crop-factor, On a DX-sensor Nikon digital SLR the focal length is equivalent to 75mm (due to a 1.5x ‘crop factor’).
Hi, I am looking just starting out with digi photog and have interests in many areas. Am looking at a Nikon d5100 twin lense kit, but cant decide whether to pay the little extra for the 55-300 over the 55-200. Alternatively I could get a Canon 550d Twin Kit with 55-250. Any comments?
Hi,
55-200mm will give you 3.6x Optical Zoom
55-300mm will give you 5.5X Optical Zoom
Canon 550D and Canon 600D have same core specification see here – http://thenewcamera.com/?p=3783
Better to see a comparison review between Nikon D5100 or Canon 600D/550D – http://thenewcamera.com/?p=4464
Please can u suggest for wildlife the lenses for D5100
which 50mm lens of Nikon is the best to use with D5100?
@ Vijesh buy the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, This is budget wildlife photography lens, recommended for entry level users Buy Nikkor 70-300mm From Amazon
If Money is no problem buy 200-400mm f/4G AF-S super-telephoto zoom lens is perfect for sports and wildlife shooting – Buy it from Amazon
@ Pradyummna – Two 50mm lenses available,
the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm F1.8 lens is budget portrait lens recommended for entry level users – Buy AF-S 50mm F1.8 it from Amazon
Recommended for professionals / The AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G – You can create smooth blur effects buy using a large maximum aperture of f/1.4, the 50mm F 1.4 lens produces sharp pictures and great color and contrast. you can use it easily in dark , such as a dimly lit room. – Buy NIKKOR 50mm F1.4G from Amazon
I just purchased a Nikon D5100. I am looking at purchasing additional an lense. Is the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX compatible with the D5100.
i have an old ” Nikon AF NIKKOR ” lense 70-300mm 1:4- 5.6 D
Can it use with nikon D5100 ????
@ Lynn
Yes 55-300mm AF-S Lens is compatible with Nikon D5100
@duminda
AF NIKKOR 70-300mm Lens is not compatible with Nikon D5100, Nikon D5100 have no focus motor built-in into the camera.
Nikon D90 and D7000 and other current FX series camera have built-in focus motor, so If you have old lenses buy a Nikon camera with built-in focus motor.
Is the lens 70-300mm AF-S posted above compatible whit D5100. Maybe it’s a stupid question, but in my local shop claims that is not compatible . They say that Auto focus does not work in this combination: D5100 and AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF VR Nikon.
Urgent :/ … thanks
All Nikon Nikkor-lenses designated with AF-S and the older AF-I fully autofocus on these cameras D40, D40X, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000, and D5100 models.
Hello!
I’m having difficulty choosing between the 200mm and the 300mm because I’m used to using a 300 for horse photography. I need in action stuff.. but I want it sharp, clear, and detailed yet able to zoom far enough so when I’m at a show and I can’t go in the ring, I can still get that shot. Obviously I need a fast AF, too, for equestrian photography.
Thanks!
-Leigh
I have F60 film cameras intend buying D5100 will my lenes fit/operate.
have NIKON ED,AF NIKKOR 70-300 1.4-5.6D
No, the AF NIKKOR 70-300 will not do AF with Nikon D5100.
Buy D90 or D7000, they are compatible with Type G or D AF Nikkor , AF-S, AF-I Nikkor lenses
I plan to buy : Af-s VR zoom Nik 70-300mm , AF-s Nik 35mm f1.8g. Does my decision right?
Yes bob, Your decision right.
I plan on Buying a D5100, however I want a bit of versatility with my lens, I am going for a month backpacking to Sri lanka, and have room for only one lens, what would you recommend ? I am think about 18mm – 105mm VR lens .. as I can get this in a bundle with the body…
does the nikon d5100 suits for a new wild life photographer?
Any other cameras as suggestions?
Also please include the best lenses.
Hi,
I am planning to buy a camera very soon and start thhe photography as a passion. below are my criteria
>wildlife photography & birds
>nature
let me know which the best model and suitable lens? also is D5100 will work for this
?
also let me where i can get the best discounted price ?
70-300mm – affordable lens for bird and wildlife photography
Yes D5100 is a good camera, but D7000 is more recommended for wildlife and sports photography, Recommended affordable Lens for Wildlife is 70-300mm, Best Lens for Wildlife photography is
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens – Very Good lens for Wildlife and sports photography, Fast and sharp.
Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S – Excellent lens wildlife photography, The Nikon 200-400mm AF-S Lens will work with Nikon D5100 and D7000 DSLR – Highly Recommended.
Hello, I hve a nikon d5100 camera, I want to go into potraits photography and photo journalism. Which is d best lens suitable for me. Thanx
Hello,
First of all thanks alot for your free help. now heres the query. I am getting into this photography hobby for the first time, to taste some professional quality experiences wiht photography. I would be taking single/family/dramatic portraits, outdoor garden/parks/lake photos with people and party photos. I want a professional tinge in my picutres like blurry in the background and detailed photos with some auto correction. Till now as for my research I understand d5100 is quite suitable for that being a starter. Please let me know if I am right and also as for my usage what would be the best lense you would recommend wiht this or any other recommended camera.
Hi,
I’m not an expert with SLR’s, looking to buy d5100. Is it better to buy kit lens 18-55 & 55-300 or Tamron 18-200 or 18-270 lens and Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G AF-S.
Can you tell me the difference between Tamron 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD for Nikon B008N and Tamron AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon
It would be appreciated if you have a better suggestion for a beginner….
Thanks in advance
To cover up 300 to 500 audience in closed room with D5100 what will be best opt lens to go for . Need a best suggestion immediately. Help me out. (Presently having 17 – 55mm) which is not suits best.
Hi, I expect to purchase a D5100. What lens do you recommend for capturing close ups of my baby grandson.
Secondly would i require a different lens for video footage.
thanking you in anticipation
@ Dan Nikon
The D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D5000 and D5100 bodies do not have a focus motor built into the camera body. So, you’ll need to use lenses that do have a motor built into them (if you want Autofocus).
In the Nikon lineup, that means you’ll need AF-S (Silent Wave Motor) lenses. In the Sigma lineup, you’ll need HSM (Hypersonic Motor) lenses. In the Tamron lineup, you’ll need to stick with lenses that specifically mention having a “Built In Motor”.
18-270mm f3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD is recommended over 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD, You get Better optics and more range and piezoelectric AF motor for fast AF.
Finally there are some distortion control option built-in your Nikon D5100 that will work with only Nikon lenses and not third party lenses. So I suggest you yo buy Nikon lenses. Nikon 55-300mm is a sharp lens, try to shoot at F8 aperture to get better result.
@ Adeel
No Budget information?
Based on your needs and you need that Pro quality images, You should buy Nikon D5100 with Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G Zoom Lens
@ winifred
Portraits lens is recommended in the post above and You should buy Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G Zoom Lens for photo journalism. and
some people advise me for canon EOS 60D as for my requirement…what would u say on that?
Secondly My range altogether is around 1000 to 1200, if I buy d5100 would you suggest me to buy it with 18-55 lense (whats the use of thi slense though?) or you would suggest to buy a body of d5100 and buy 17-55 mm ?
Thanks for those tips,
Does that means that if I buy D7000 instead of D5100, I can same more $$$ on buying lens as D7000 has built in focus motor in it?
My purpose is just to get take better pictures of family get together, portraits and out doors, not into very detail level of photography.
@ Adeel
Hi Adeel its not the camera its the lens, canon or nikon you should have good lenses.
camera and lenses based on budget
Nikon D5100 @ $749 at amazon
Nikon 35mm F1.8 Lens @ $196 at Amazon
The kit lens will be a good all around lens, 50mm lens will give you excellent blurred background images as you need.
@Dan for family purpose Nikon D5100 is a very good camera, Buy Nikon D5100 + Kit Lens and 35mm F1.8 Lens for portrait shooting,
Nikon D5100 @ $749 at amazon
Nikon 35mm F1.8 Lens @ $196 at Amazon
For All purpose use and a good alternative to kit lens with more zoom range is 18-200 (mentioned in the post above) >> 18-200mm you get more zoom range and the image quality of 18-200mm is excellent. ($200 extra but better than third party lenses)
@dave
Budget option – Buy Nikon D5100 with kit lens @ $749 at amazon Nikon 35mm F1.8 Lens @ $196 at Amazon ( for portrait shooting and video shooting)
Big Budget Option – Buy Buy Nikon D5100 Body Only @ $749 at amazon and Nikon 17-55mm F2.8 lens for video etc…all purpose use, excellent lenas and Nikon 35mm F1.8 Lens @ $196 at Amazon ( for portrait shooting and video shooting)
Hi,
Thanks for your inputs, I went and bought myself a D5100 twin kit (18-55 & 55-300). DO you suggest to buy another lens for video or it should be ok with 18-55? I saw some youtube videos of LED lights that can be mounted on shoes, are they any better?
And please let me know if you know some websites where I can learn SLR photography and choose better settings for different situations
Thanks
Another newbie here. This website is fantastic, my question is about memory cards and filters. Is there any benefit in getting a sandisk extream pro 16gb (45mbps) than getting cheaper sandisk extream (30mbps) for d5100
And what sort of filters would you suggest to get for my 18-55 & 55-300 lens?
Thanks
I have Nikon D5100 with 18-55 kit lens. And I would like to buy lenses compatible for DX and FX series of Nikon in future.Could you suggest two good lenses(Preferably Nikon/Other)suitable for the following purposes?
1. Portrait, Party & Landscape Photography – Prime Area
2. Wildlife – Secondary
Thanks.
@Tristan
What type of filters you need?
Buy Extreme cards if you are a sports shooter…otherwise no need to spend lot money on cards.
@ Reji
No Budget information? OK
Budget portrait lens for (FX and DX both) is 50mm F1.8 AF-S Lens, but remember 50mm + DX crop factor = 75mm (you get a very limited area)
For landscape and party / event photography I recommend you to buy (DX only) 35mm F1.8 lens, since it cover a wide area.
Budget wildlife photography lens: 70-300mm is a FX lens and will do AF with Nikon D5100 (mentioned in the post)
Now Non Budget Best Nikon D5100 Lens for portrait / event and landscape shooting.
Nikon 24mm F1.4 AF-S Lens, Very Sharp and Excellent Bokeh Quality, Highly Recommended. – Works on DX and FX camera.
Best Wildlife photography Lens
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S, SHARP and Very Fast, VR works like magic on handheld shooting. Recommended for FX and DX camera
Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II, This Lens is an ideal choice for sports photography, wildlife and more. Recommended for DX and FX both
Just bought first Digital SLR camera – Nikon 5100. Children play a lot of sports – what is best zoom lense to get under $300.
thanks
Is D5100 with 70-300 mm will be the best suit for bird photography? can any one suggest me please.
the second which one is the best for night vision ? Admn –
Please suggest and guide me in the above both issues.
Your budget ?
70-300mm is the best affordable lens for bird and wildlife photography,
Is there is any suggested lens for night vision.?