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
What about 55 -300mm is it new one? is it a right choice for wildlife photography? suggest me pls?
I think you are talking about the New Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR lens, AF is bit slow but the optics is excellent, Nikon 55-300mm lens is more sharp at tele end compared to 55-200mm lens. Not recommended for action / sports shooting.
hi i have Nikon d5100 camera with 18-55mm lenc i am planning to buy two lens which a long lens and a shot lence wich i can take some pic near buy if you can give some idas it may helps to me
my idea is to buy 30 mm sigma lence and buy 55-200mm nikon
please guide for a good lence
Heyyyy,,,
I recently got nikon d1500 nd i dnt hav knowledge about prof cameras nd i dint lik th lens 18-55 coz its not tht much good ..i want to shoot birds,, ppl roads nd buildings photos tht r very different ,. Wat do u suggest ..
which is better for my Nikon D5100, 18-200mm or 55-300mm. Thanks!
i have 55-300 …n its amazing but if u want to use it for taking pictures road bulding it has issue at times a grop picture with it not realy you wont be able to fit ppl in it its more of single shoot like one bird one man one girl …:) get it but trust me the picture it takes is the best .
18-200mm lens is excellent and more costly compared to 55-300mm, so if you can afford 18-200mm Lens go for it.
@Mohammad
>Wat do u suggest
English lessons.
Hi All,
I have a Nikon D5100 really just getting into photography. I have the 18 to 55mm and the 55 to 200mm just curious? I take a lot of fast sport photos ie. Surfing and bike jumping. Any suggestions for a good fast lens and maybe other lenses that might fit the D5100 other then Nikon?
Cheers!
Doug
@Douglas
Nikon Affordable zoom lenses (Mentioned above in the post)
Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikkor AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (105-450mm for your D5100 DSLR)
For Surfing and bike jumping it is Highly Recommended you should buy a lens with constant / fixed aperture with Fast AF – Buy 200-400mm f/4G AF-S super-telephoto zoom lens is perfect for sports and wildlife shooting – Buy it from Amazon
Few More Suggestion
For Fast AF, razor sharp images and excellent IS – prefer the lenses below (Both the lenses will do AF with your camera )
Nikkor AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II
Nikon 200-400mm f/4G AF-S SWM SIC ED IF VR II
[…] Recommended Lenses for NikonD3100 View all Recommended Lenses for Your Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera Nikon D5100 Recommended Lenses See the list of recommended lenses for Nikon D5100 and D3100 DSLR Canon 600D / 1100D recommended […]
I looking for very reasonable price lenses for nikon d5100 to shoot jewelery very close-up.
I have 70-300mm and two 18-55mm really no use when comes to very close up shots Gems etc.. But ideally if I can get a wide/marco reasonable must stress that word. It will be appreciated.
Hi, I have D5100 and planning on buying a 70-300mm telephoto lens. But my main concern is that this lens does not have the tripod mount collar. My question is is it safe if I mount my camera with this lens on tripod? Because of the plastic nature of D5100 and the 50% more weight than the camera I really am concerned about carrying it around the neck or on a strap freely? Thnx
@Ercan Selim
Nikon 70-300 mm lens weight is approx 1.64 lb (745 g) only, where as Lenses with Tripod tripod mount collar are heavier, for example Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Lens weight is approx 2.99 lb (1.36 kg) and 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II Lens weight is approx 3.39 lb (1.54 kg) ,
I you want to buy a light-weight lens prefer Nikon 55-300mm 18.7 oz (530 g) and 55-200mm 9 oz (255 g)
I have a Nikon d5100 and need a good lens that I can use to take pictures of things that might be far way. What would you recommend?
@ Kelli
You need good zoom lens, Buy Nikon 55-300mm DX VR AF-S
Thw 55-300mm DX Lens features Image Stabilization and captures sharp images with nice color and contrast..
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
I am goind to buy Nikon D5100 which lens would be suitable? is it 18-55 or 55-300?
I am a beginner and this is my first DSLR camera.
My budget for lens is not more than 200$
First Buy 18-55mm lens, after that 55-300.
Hey,
I love travel photography and i mostly capture Himalayas and its people. also wildlife interests me. i use a Nikon d5100 with 18-55mm kit. could you suggest a compatible lens? something that gives me a wide angle frame and a great zoom.
Thanks
Priyanka
hi……..
i go buying camera nikon D5100. i am photographer so i want help for choosing lens.
plz give me suggestion……..
thanx.
@ abhi
The article above is about recommended lenses of Nikon D5100, feel free to ask any lens related question.
@ priyanka sardana
All purpose lens – Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II The lens sharpness is excellent at wide and tele end, the 18-200mm comes with VRII image stabilization and highly recommended for travel and event shooting.
For wide angle — AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED – your get 180-degree angle of view. and the lens is designed for DX format camera like D5100
For Zoom – the lenses recommended above in the article are good and sharp, you can use any of them.
I shoot a Lot of low light photography from a distance… especially theatrical shows and concerts. Sometimes my pictures of dancers are blurred because of the motion. I currently shoot with a Nikon D40X and a 55-200 1.4G lens. Am thinking about upgrading to the 5100. What camera upgrade and lenses would you suggest for what I do,
Hi I have the Nikon 5100D and I am starting up a beach photography business in the future, also taking real estate photos, and I like the fish eye look of photos and panoramic lens pictures.
Any suggestion of those three comparable lenses, at a reasonable price and doesn’t have to be y Nikon if you know of a suitable other brand.
Thank you!!
@ Cindy
Nikon D5100 is a great camera but you need lenses recommended below to get clear shot
+ use a tripod if possible
1. Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX
2. Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom
@ Tiffany Rhae
For beach, real estate and panoramic photography Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX is highly recommended but if you want a affordable option you can try Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di-II LD SP, available at less than half price compared to Nikon but AF speed is bit slow.
For fish eye purpose Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX lens is highly recommended, I will not recommend you to buy third party ultra-wide lenses for Nikon D5100 or any DX fomrat camera.
what is the best lense for nikon d5100 that be practical to bring during traveling that i can use both near and far distance purpose and will give me an excellent image? i am not an avid fan of bringing too much heavy lenses for travelling..thanks
Hi. I bought a Nikon D5100 with a 18-55mm lens. I want to buy another one that has more zoom since the 18-55mm is not very useful for far distance pictures.
However, I am not a professional photographer so I do not want a big and too sophisticated lens…I was considering the 55-300mm, but I think it may too big for me. I just want a lens with a better zoom that is not too incovenient for travelling. What would you recommend??
Thank you for your help!!
With DSLR you have to carry weight and size there is no other option, Large Sensor need more glass to capture the light perfectly, so you get images with more details and more dynamic range.
for travel purpose you can buy compact superzoom such as Nikon P510 or Canon SX 40 HS, or High End compact camera such as Canon S100 or Sony RX 100
I want to buy this camera NIKON D5100 primarily for shooting artwork. The artwork is usually large— from 6 to 10 feet wide, and around 7 feet in height. I also shoot smaller works- 18 x 24 inches. What lens do you recommend? Normally I have approx 18 feet for backup in my studio. My main concern: clear, sharp, pictures, for printing in catalogs etc.
Try keep your focal length 50mm+ to avoid wide angle distortion in your images and set your aperture at F8 to get sharp images, always use tripod and remote shutter release to avoid camera shake,
Recommended lenses for you
1. All purpose
Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
2. Macro Lenses
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens
OR – Nikon 85mm f/3.5G AF-S DX ED VR Micro Nikkor Lens
Purchased the D5100 a few weeks ago. I’m going on vacation soon and wanted to capture some good pics. I have the 18-55 and 55-300 lenses. I see you recommend the 35 mm. But what is your take on the 50mm AF-S F/1.8G? Is it a good match with the D5100? Is there a big difference between the 35mm and 50mm? I leave soon and the store was out of the 35mm but recommended the 50mm as being closely comparable. Is this true? Thanks
Hi, there is no big difference, with 35mm you get more working area and more natural looking portrait images, also you can use your 35 mm lens for street / low-light and landscape photography.
50mm AF-S F/1.8G is also a good lens, but its a FX format lens so you get DX Crop factor X 50mm = 75mm lens.
If you want to capture portrait only, you can buy anyone, both lenses are excellent.
Hi, Im planning to buy d5100, and a newbie. Im choosing whether to buy the 18-55mm kit lens or upgrade it to a 18-105mm VR lens or get the prime lens AF-S 35mm 1.8G. I like to shoot portraits, landscapes, and i want a lens good in low-light conditions. Thank you in advance.
AF 35mm is good for low light condition and recommended for portraits and landscapes shooting, but remember the 35mm is a prime lens.
18-55mm lens cover a wide range and 18-105mm cover more range than the basic kit lens and BOTH act as a good allrounder lens,
Buy Nikon D5100 + (kit lens or 18-105mm / anyone) + 35mm F1.8 Lens (for professional looking portraits and low light photography)
thanks for the prompt reply. appreciate it. since i have no budget yet to buy both lenses, which is better to buy first?
Jem,
Finally its decision time so read some good and bad things about both the lenses,
The 35mm when used at F1.8 aperture will give you stunning portraits
35mm when used at F8 aperture will give you amazing clear landscape images with excellent color and contrast.
You will not get the zoom range as kit lens
The kit Lens will not give you image quality as the prime lens will give you.
As you already said that you want shoot portrait and landscape with you new DSLR, then you can buy prime at first and after that collect some money and buy kit lens later, but remember Its your decision and you have to take it.
Best of Luck
Recommendations for low(poor) light, fast action and distance? I shoot a lot of ice hockey games. From the stands or worse, behind glass. Thanks for your help.
Recommendations for low(poor) light, fast action and distance –
#1 Best for action and sports photography for Nikon D5100 – Nikon 300mm f/2.8G AF-S ED VR II – Best lens but comes at high price, features excellent optics and VRII Image stabilization, the AF is very fast and you get razor sharp images even at low light condition.
#2 Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S – you get a limited zoom range, but it features constant Fast F2.8 aperture and Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization.
(Affordable action and sports lens) #3 AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED – Nikon 300mm f/4.0D ED-IF AF-S, The lens will do AF with Nikon D5100 but have no image stabilization, so you need a good tripod with this lens.
Hey,
I just bought the D5100 with the 18-55mm. I am a beginner. I am planning to shoot portraits and landscapes/nature as i travel a lot. also i like to take photos of family/friends indoor. After reading your article & the well answered replies, i am thinking of buying a Nikon 35mm AF-S 1.8G but am confused which 2nd lens to buy: the Nikon 18-200mm or the Nikon 55-300mm or even the Nikon 55-200mm. I don’t plan to shoot action/sports or close ups. Money is not an issue. Thanks in advance
I forgot to ask you which Nikon flash do u recommend? Thx again
Hello I am a beginner who plans to take photography classes in the future. I have done some research and decided to go with the D5100. I am on a budget and i need help choosing the right lens that will fit my needs.I will be taking picture in low light at night at concerts, parties, school events, etc. I will also take pictures during the day when i travel out the country, go to family events, field trips, go to the beach, etc. Finally, I will need to take family portraits, group pictures, and mini-photo shoots with my friends. Here is what I came up with after some research:
Option 1: D5100 kit with 18-55mm, 55-300mm,AF-S DX NIKKOR
35mm f/1.8G
Option 2:AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G, AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Please let me know what you guys thinks. I am obviously new to this and your inputs will be greatly appreciated. thanks in advance.
Option 2 is better, since you get max range on single 18-300mm lens and for portrait + low light photography you have 50mm lens, excellent choice.
thank you so much for the quick response. I read a previous post where you recommended the 35mm f1.8 lens over the 50mm f1.8G. You mentioned it does low light, portrait, street and landscape. would it be better to buy the 35mm instead of the 50mm that i mentioned in my second option? I want my portraits to look professional and blurred background.
@mica
35mm lens is the (only) best and affordable prime lens available for DX format camera, the classic 35mm format can be used for any type of low light work, you can capture portrait or street or landscape.
About 50mm with D5100 – actually no real 50mm lens available for Nikon D5100 DSLR, so the only available Nikon 50mm AF-S Lens will work as a (50 X 1.5) 75mm lens, so if you are looking for professional type portraits with a DX format camera go with 50mm F1.8.
@ Gaby
Nikon 18-200 lens is a all-rounder and best for travel photography, with Nikon 55-300mm you get more zoom range.
i have the nikon d5100 with both the 18-55 and 55-200
lenses, what is your view on the 16-85 lens,i am not concerned about the loss of telephoto range
more concerned about the mid range
thanks
My view, Excellent zoom lens for a DX format camera, COSTLY but sharper than the kit lens at wide and tele end.
A 35mm/1.8G is the perfect upgrade to the kit lens?
Street photography, day-to-day & single/group photos is what I click. Is there a better alternative?
Also which polarizer would I need with this lens?
Next, which is the best all round zoom lens fit for a D5100 body?
Thanks in advance.
Hi,
I am a photo enthusiast and have recently bought a D5100. it comes with the basic 18-55mm lens and it is good for close ups. However I am planning to buy a new lens which will cover landscapes and far away things. Which lens should I go for? I don’t know much about lenses which is why I am having a hard time to choose. Please advise.
@ Venus
Yes 35mm is a good lens, but remember its a prime lens, zoom lens is recommended in the post above.
@Praneeth
Its written above in the Post, both 55-200mm and 70-300mm are good lenses.