The Nikon D5100 is a quality camera that many photographers around the globe use on a daily basis. It’s not the most powerful and advanced model on the market, but it’s a very capable device that’s fairly affordable and gives you the ability to capture quality images in a wide range of different situations.
When it comes to making the most of the D5100, having multiple lenses is essential. That gives you the ability to adapt to the environment around you and have versatile options at your disposal.
Here, you will find some of the best lenses for the Nikon D5100 that will all enhance the capabilities of the already solid camera.
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Quick Summary
- A great zoom lens option to pair with your Nikon D5100 is the Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Nikon. This is a versatile option that will give you the ability to capture great images in a variety of different situations.
- Another high-quality option is the Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro Lens. This macro lens is fairly affordable and offers versatile and quality capabilities for both digital and film cameras.
- The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens is another good option. This is built by Nikon and produces great results with many different types of photography.
Who Should Get This?
The lenses you’ll find on this list are obviously intended for anyone with a Nikon D5100 camera. They will also work with a few other options in the Nikon lineup.
However, if that’s your goal, be sure to check the compatibility before you buy. By getting multiple lenses, you increase your abilities and capabilities as a photographer.
Getting multiple lenses can be expensive, but it’s worth it if you take photography seriously and plan to pursue it full time as a profession or hobby.
The lenses you’ll find here give you the versatility to work within different environments, and ensure you can adjust various elements to get the perfect shot.
If you’re a beginner or amateur photographer, you might not want to invest a bunch of money in additional lenses.
Best Lens for Nikon D5100: Our Picks 2022
1. Sigma 18-35mm F1.8 Art DC HSM Lens for Nikon
This Sigma lens is a great option to pair with your Nikon D5100. This model provides quality capabilities and is quite versatile. It’s unique thanks to its larger aperture of 1.8, and it comes with a wide-angle zoom lens.
On top of that, it features special Low Dispersion glass that lessens curvature and allows for accurate images at extremely wide angles.
This lens’s versatility allows you to shoot anything and everything from portraits and landscapes to extreme close-ups and stills.
Fast autofocusing is made possible by the Hyper Sonic Motor, and the 9-blade rounded diaphragm will enable you to achieve desirable background blur effects. This is a high-quality lens that will open up new possibilities within your photography.
Pros:
- Unique, versatile design
- Large aperture
- Special Low Dispersion glass
- Accurate imaging at wide angles
- Fast autofocusing
- Capable of quality background blur
- USB dock compatibility
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy
2. Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro Lens
Another top option for your Nikon D5100 is the Tokina at-X PRO M 100mm F2.8 D Macro Lens. This option is capable of close up focusing at a distance of 11.8 inches, a trait that makes it a great option when you want to capture small subject matter in stunning detail.
It also has a One Touch Focus Clutch that allows you to easily switch between manual and automatic focus. The F&R aspherical glass provides even and accurate lighting as well.
Pros:
- Capable macro lens
- 100mm zoom range
- 11.8-inch minimum focus range
- One Touch Focus Clutch feature
- F&R aspherical glass design
Cons:
- Noisy automatic focus motor
- Some issues with AF feature
3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED Zoom Lens
For a high-quality lens that’s built by the same brand as your camera, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom lens is another one of the best options around.
This is a great landscape lens with a focal length of 10-24mm and an aspherical lens design that works to get rid of negative elements at wide angles.
It uses a Silent Wave Motor to reduce flare and ghosting. In that way, it gives you reliable image quality time and time again.
Pros:
- Built and designed by Nikon
- Excellent landscape photography lens
- Silent Wave Motor reduces flare and ghosting
- Aspherical lens elements improve overall image quality
- 109-degree angle of view
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Some customer service issues reported
Best Lens for Nikon D5100: What to Consider in 2022
Zoom Lens and Prime Lens
If you’re looking for multiple lenses for your Nikon D5100, it’s a good idea to get options that are different from one another so you’re always ready no matter what comes your way.
Zoom lenses and prime lenses are two distinct categories of camera lenses. Both are quite different from one another, but each are good to have in your photography bag.
A zoom lens is a convenient option for every photographer because it allows you to focus on subject matter that’s different distances away.
Instead of changing lenses to accommodate for this difference, a zoom lens allows you to touch a button and achieve focus.
A prime lens can give you better overall image quality and also allow for a wider aperture. It’s not quite as versatile, but can lead to better photos if you know how and when to use it.
Cost
Photography is expensive. Especially when you’re getting multiple lenses for different situations. A nice camera can cost hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.
That can then easily go up when you start adding multiple lenses into the picture. Unless you have unlimited resources, it’s always a good idea to make a budget of how much money you’re willing to spend on lenses and accessories. That can help narrow down your search and find the best lens for you.
Weight & Size
Another thing to think about when looking for lenses for your Nikon D5100 is their size and weight. Do you plan on traveling often with your camera? If so, smaller and lighter-weight options can save room in your travel bag and take up less space.
What sort of photographer are you? If you shoot weddings or other photoshoots, a large camera bag can become a burden after a few hours of constant shooting.
Useful Tips & Resources
Even though the Nikon D5100 camera is almost a decade old, it’s still a fairly popular and quality camera that’s well worth having.
Here are some good tips on how to make the most out of the device, and here are some quick tips for getting sharper photos out of any camera or lens you might own.
Final Words
Having multiple camera lenses at your disposal is nice, but it’s not essential when it comes to taking good photographs.
With some practice and knowledge, you can improve your abilities by just getting out there and snapping shots. If you can get them, the lenses on this list will be a welcome addition to your photography arsenal.
Do you have a favorite lens to pair with the Nikon D5100 that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments below!
