The Nikon D5100 is a great option for those looking for a simple, straightforward DSLR. It can be seen as a middle ground between the complexity of the D7000 and basic functionality of the D3100. It is great value for certain uses as it contains the 16.2 megapixel DX format CMOS sensor of the D7000. As this is what we’d label a nifty camera, we have chosen to feature several lens with particularly long zoom ranges to match its convenience.
Travel & Casual Photography
Due to the compact size of the Nikon D5100, it fits perfectly with many versatile everyday lenses. Here are some of the best:
Sigma 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM
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The Sigma 18-200mm is apart of Sigma’s Contemporary line of lens that are constructed that use the latest technology to give high optical quality and compactness for use in a variety of situations. Although it compares moreso to a generic standard zoom lens in size-weighing at 600g-it has more than a 7x zoom ratio. It’s special low dispersion corrects chromatic aberration exceptionally well at its telephoto range (~200mm). It has a magnification ratio of 1:3 and a minimum focusing distance of 39cm. It’s working distance is 14.7cm-a great standard for shooting in natural light. It’s Super Multi-Layer Coating reduces glare and it’s Hyper Sonic Monitor gives quiet performance and high AF speed.
Review
This lens is well suited for everyday purposes and a diversity of shot types. It’s use as a macro lens makes it a great option for unique shots of everyday life-including food, flowers, clothing and other miscellaneous scenes. It’s optical stabilization and compact design make it a useful handheld option for challenging indoor, nighttime and close-up shots. From wideangle to telephoto to macro uses, this is surely one of the most versatile lenses to match the Nikon 5100.
Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
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This lens offers a stunning 16.7x zoom ratio. It features second generation vibration reduction that allows quality throughout its entire range. This is in addition to 3 extra dispersion glass elements that also contribute to image sharpness. With a 9-blade rounded diaphragm and Silent Wave Monitor, its autofocus mechanism is top notch. Overall it has a compelling total of 19 elements in 14 groups.
Review
As arguably the best lens on this list, the Nikon 18-300mm is for an amateur photographer looking to take their skills to a professional level. This impressive lens doesn’t warrant too much of a review. It is great for both travel and everyday use as you’d be prepared for just about any shot. Also, its lightweight and nifty build makes it a comfortable attachment to a comfortable camera.
Sports, Action and Concerts
The Nikon D5100 has great settings to make for the ideal action shot-be in sport or stage event. It is typically best in low aperture mode as the subject is in great focus, with blurred surroundings. Shutter speed is ideal ~1/500 and the ISO can be raised for such to adjust for bad lighting. Be sure to check out:
Nikon 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR II
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This lens is similar to the role that the 55-300mm plays with the D7xxx models, however this model is more compact and this a better option for the D5100. It is constructed with 13 glass elements in 9 groups. It is a low weight in its class at 300g.
Review
As it is relatively easy to handle, we suggest this lens be used for close ups that require agility and maneuverability. It could fit many different types of nature, wildlife and sports shots. It’s 7 diaphragm blades give it a modest quality bokeh-a bit less than 9 diaphragm blades, of course. Therefore we recommend this for shots that find their excitement in the level of action versus a sensational moment. It is equipped with a vibrational reduction that gives this action centered lens great image quality.
Tamron SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2
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This lens is equipped with vibration reduction, fast autofocus and a shortened minimum object distance of 0.95. The latter allows for great flexibility for action shots. It’s 9 diaphragm blades give generally ideal image quality. This camera is pretty heavy at 1500g.
Review
The Tamron 70-200mm image quality is nearly identical to the Nikon 70-200mm and it is only half the price. This heavy option can take a lot of wear and tear and is built for the most intense of action shots.
Nature and Wildlife
This category includes features such as waterfalls, wildlife and all of the other unique aspects of nature in a state of perpetual motion. The Nikon D5100 isn’t the best for wildlife photography as its body is not ideal for most larger zoom lenses. However, it still has its use-especially for a more specialist photographer. Telephoto and wideangle lenses will make up this category. These include:
Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC
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The Tamron 18-200mm is a quality telephoto lens enabled with vibration compensation, image stabilization and an overall high performance autofocus capacity. The stabilization system has a 4 stop handling ability that offers amazing image quality. It is generally lightweight at 400g.
Review
The zoom range on this lens makes it perfect for convenient casual shots of a range of types. It’s just as versatile as the other long range Tamron models however image quality is not exactly as great simply due to its range. Nonetheless, we recommend this as an amateur photographer would be satisfied with its capabilities and could use it in so many ways-travel, portraiture, events, landscape and wildlife. We classify it under nature and wildlife as we’d say this is most relevant due to adaptability of shot amidst the unpredictability of the outdoors.
Small Objects and Minute Detail
Macro shots are those intended to convey minute detail. These include those for scientific and artistic purposes as well as close up shots of nature and insects. These lenses magnify smaller objects to real life size and typically rely on a lens of 60-180mm. Check out:
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro
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The Nikon 40mm is a light, tidy and versatile macro lens with a 1:1 ratio and an ability to focus as close as 0.163m. The maximum aperture of f/2.8 in conjunction with a rounded 7-blade diaphragm gives exquisite and distinct detail. It’s Silent Wave Monitor creates high speed and remarkably quiet autofocusing.
Review
For someone looking to experiment with macro shots, this is a great option. For less than $300, this can make outdoor shots interesting and can allow one to capture details in unique ways in many other situations. This includes more detailed portraits, cool aspects of nature, honored collectibles and, particular, great shots of flowers and other items that have a greater beauty and majesty up close.
Nikon 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
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This Nikon lens is fully suited with vibration reduction for creating quality life size (1:1) macro images using 3.0 stops. The Silent Wave Monitor provides an efficient and quiet autofocus and, even, a highly useful manual focus override. Super Integrated Coating eliminates flare while extra low dispersion elements help offer consistent sharpness.
Review
This macro lens offers a bit more control than models such as the 105mm. Also it beats out competitors such as Tamron’s 90mm ƒ/2.8 as the latter does not feature optical stabilization. However those using those functions benefit from great ergonomics and a manual autofocus override that is as simply as pulling a it’s ring. It’s handling makes it great for nature shots and especially portraiture. However for those photographers that are not the most enthused about vibration reduction and autofocus assistance then the Tokina 100mm f/2.8 Macro is a superior choice for the D5100.
Portraits
Certain portrait shots are a great fit for the Nikon D5100. This is especially the case for a photographer who may have to take a good amount of pictures for a photo shoot session due to the camera’s compact design. Have a look at:
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX
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This 35mm aperture lens offers tidy dimensions and high quality optics. Seven diaphragm blades make up its length. It’s lens is built with 8 elements in 6 groups, with one aspherical lens. The advanced optical construction is present at the lens’ corners for ideal image sharpness at edges. It’s Silent Wave Monitor offers a smooth and quiet autofocus. The bokeh with this addition is much greater than other lenses and portraits stand out due to the shallow depth of field.
Review
This Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is actually the most affordable of Nikons prime selection of lenses. The vibrancy and sharpness of this lens helps it add a special character to portraits, certain events and particularly settings with low light. This is particularly great for getting close to the subject and collecting a relatively large amount of the given scene in the frame-therefore it is also suited well for travel and street photography.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
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This lens is just about identical to the Nikon 35mm. However there are certain differences such as a 47 degree angle of view versus 44 degrees and a faster minimum aperture of f/16 in contrast to f/22. It also happens to weigh 15g less than the 35mm at 185g. This lens can also pass a bit more light through and has better depth of field and bokeh as it is a longer lens.
Review
One should choose this lens over the 35mm if they are seeking greater versatility. Also, this option could be more practical if one is seeking a lighter weight between the two as it is 15g lighter than the 35mm.
Landscape and the Built Environment
The Nikon D5100 has great lens options for landscape and the built environment. The built environment consists of municipal shots, architecture and interior designs. Consider:
Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
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Good range 10-24mm lens that can focus as close as 0.8 feet. It has a picture angle of 109 degrees through 61 degrees. The Silent Wave Monitor offers a great autocus and greatly reduces chromatic aberration. Also the Super Integrated Coating helps reduce glare in such wider wavelength lenses and allows maximum color balance throughout images. Aspherical lens elements also help with different types of aberrations and through the range of this apertures.
Review
This lens is truly an exclusive match to the D5100. For awesome wideangle shots, photographers can have some fun considering the handiness of the camera’s design and the list of capabilities with this lens. Cool and composite angles of real estate, cityscapes and landscapes are worth fighting for with this nifty match. We recommend a polarizer with this lens in outdoor as you may be driven to test the limits of your creativity. For more intimate shots, it works amazing in low light has great vignette at the 10mm range due to its wideangle composition. If you’re interested in city photography, make sure to check out our article on the Best Nikon Lenses for City Photography.
Sigma 10-20mm f4-5.6 EX DC HS
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The Sigma 10-20mm is an ultra wide lens with a wide angle view of up to 102 degrees. It has a minimum focusing distance of 9.4 inches and a close focus distance of 24cm. For its lens class it is lightweight and compact, weighing 470g and measuring 8.1cm x 8.4cm.
Review
There are many reasons why the Sigma 10-20mm is a complex option well tailored to the Nikon D5100. It fits the bill of versatility as ideal for lenses suggested for this camera and can be for wide purposes such as real estate, events and travel. However, due to its super wide offering, it could a bit soft in photo corners.