The Nikon D5100 is a DSLR that was launched in 2011. It is an entry-level DSLR and quickly become a hit among photography lovers due to its feature-packed offer such as a 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, articulated LCD screen, and full HD video recording. However, one particular thing that contributes to making the D5100 flexible and capable is its compatibility for all possible lens types. This review will investigate the compatible lenses of Nikon D5100. It will delve into the use cases for the lenses and how they can improve photography.
1. Nikon lens compatibility – A brief introduction
Understanding Nikon lenses is important before moving to the specific lenses. The Nikon D5100 uses the familiar F-mount standard that has been through Nikon cameras since 1959. However, there are differences found in the functionality: features like autofocusing and metering are not compatible with the D5100.
1.1 Autofocus Feature
Because of the non-incorporated autofocus motor, the Nikon D5100 would rely strictly on the lenses equipped with inbuilt motors to operate the autofocus function of the camera. The AF-S (Autofocus-Silent Wave Motor) as well as the AF-P (Autofocus-Pulse Motor) lenses can use autofocus on the D5100 because of this. A special feature of some older AF lenses (which have no built-in motor) is that they can’t autofocus on the Nikon D5100, but can be used as manual focus.
1.2 Comparison of DX and FX Type Lenses
Nikon has introduced its two major categories of lenses as DX and FX. The lenses are completely hinged to this camera type: while the DX lenses designed specifically for the cameras with APS-C sensor, D5100 for instance, draw a shorter image circle that suits the smal sensor setting. FX is exclusively for full-frame cameras, but still good to use on a DX camera. If used on DX cameras, the image taken from FX lenses becomes cropped 1.5x, making the effective focal length long.
1.3 Vibration Reduction Lenses
Vibration Reduction, or VR, is basically Nikon’s own image stabilization technology meant to reduce camera shake during photography with the slower speeds of shutter use schemes. This will increase the effectiveness of an image when capturing pictures by surrounding or handheld in darkness without brightening illumination so that the captured photo gives an impression of an entrenchment. It is really good at long focal lengths. The D5100 takes maximum benefit from VR feature of compatible lenses.
2. Standard Zoom Lenses
Common to all standard zooms, the basic configuration of an essentially wide to short telephoto setting tends to lend itself to many forms of photography, such as landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
2.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
Another branded kit lens commonly hooked on the D5100, the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II was designed primarily for price and utility considering its effective focal length range, especially for beginners. It weighs very light indeed and very small. It features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology to reduce camera shake.
Benefits:
Cost effective and easily available.
Good optical quality for an entry level lens.
Weighs very little and is easily portable.
Negatives:
Not very good at low light because its maximum aperture is limited.
Made out of plastic, thus may not be as durable as higher-end lenses.
2.2 By Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
It is simply a variant of the normal kit lens that extends the shooting range to 85mm in depth. Now it is even more useful in the portrait and tele shot-taking sessions:
The lens is equipped with Extra-low Dispersion glass elements to prevent chromatic aberration from occurring.
Pros:
Versatile focal range.
Excellent sharpness across the zoom range.
Robust build quality.
Cons:
More expensive than the standard kit lens.
Still slow at f/3.5-5.6 for maximum opening.
2.3 Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the finest third-party alternative to Nikon products available for purchase. It has a constant f/2.8 aperture zooming hence ideal for low-light photography and a shallow DOF.
Pros:
Constant f/2.8 aperture for better low-light performance.
Optical Stabilization (OS) for reducing camera shake.
Sharp and vibrant image quality.
Cons:
Much heavier than some Nikon options.
Autofocus can be a bit slower than that of the Nikon AF-S lenses.
3. Prime Lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, which means that they cannot zoom in or out. However, they often yield superior image quality and faster apertures than zoom lenses, making prime lenses ideal for shooting portraits, low-light photography, or with creative effects in mind.
3.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G has become one of the most loved Nikon prime lenses for the DX cameras, especially the D5100. The focal length measures 35mm, which is approximately equivalent to 52.5mm on a full-frame camera-the most useful lens there is to utilize for photography in general everyday moments.
Pros:
High-speed f/1.8 aperture for wonderful low-light performance as well as shallow depth of field.
Sharp image quality with pleasing bokeh.
Lightweight and inexpensive.
Cons:
Chromatic aberration observed at wider apertures.
No VR, but this is less of an issue given the fast aperture.
3.2 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G, as a prime optician, is otherwise cast off to the D5100. This lens is, when we adapt it to the DX format, in focal length equivalent to make 75mm that creates an effective portrait and is perfect for headshots.
Pros:
Open f/1.8 for splendid background defocus as well as low-light performance.
Sharp and contrasty images.
Compact, portable.
Cons:
The 75mm equivalent focal length could be a bit too long for indoor shooting.
No image stabilization.
3.3 Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
The best macro photography lens by far is the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G. With this lens, you can get pretty close to your subject, and it keeps on getting sharper and more detailed, which works great for taking photographs of really small items, insects, or flowers.
Pros:
True macro reproduction as it provides a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
Open f/2.8 for good performance in low light.
Very sharp, low distortion pictures.
Cons:
Short working distance that makes macro capturing challenging for some subjects.
No VR, so we would advise using a tripod where possible to get the best results.
4. Telephoto Lenses
If you want your wildlife or sport photographs to focus entirely on your subject without necessity for background identification, telephoto lenses are perfect for zooming in on very far-away subjects.
4.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G is a telephoto zoom lens that pays well for the compact D5100. It’s an exceedingly good lens for filling in the versatile fields in distance from shooting sports action to capturing wildlife.
Pros: Affordable and lightweight. Effective VR system to reduce camera shake. Good image quality for the price.
Cons: Maximum aperture relatively slow, which limits chances under low light.
Plastic build; not as durable as pricier lenses.
4.2 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is a remarkable definition if your dream was to go further. This lens allows the photographer to reach from his camera effective focal lengths of 82.5-450 mm on a DX camera body.
Pros:
– Very good wide zoom range.
– Vibration reduction will not miss sharp image even at the longer focal lengths.
– Very good build quality because of the metal mount.
Cons:
– Slow maximum aperture can seriously limit shooting in lower light.
– Autofocus slower towards the longer end of the zoom range.
4.3 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
The maximum aperture of this lens isn’t good for low-light shooting; however, when combined with its fairly decent focusing speed, this gives it portability over other lenses given that it works well with both DX and FX cameras. Thus, on the D5100, this translates to an equivalent focal length of 105-450mm, making it perfect for sports, wildlife, and even portrait photography.
Pros:
Excellent image quality: sharpness across zoom range.
Fast and accurate autofocus.
VR very well helps to avoid camera shake also with long focal lenses.
Cons:
Heavier and bulkier compared to the other telephotos.
The maximum aperture isn’t good for low-light shooting.
4.4 Sigma 150-600 mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
For those wanting an extreme telephoto reach, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary lens stands as one powerful option in telephoto. This lens is for serious wildlife and sports photographers who photograph subjects at extreme distances, even though it is a third-party lens. This is a perfect lens for Nikon D5100 and has proved to be worth every penny in performance.
Pros:
An outstanding zoom travel, ideal for photographing subjects that are more distant.
Optical Stabilization will reduce even the slightest camera shake.
Has solid build quality and weather sealing.
Cons:
Too heavy and large to be stable. Needs a strong, very well built tripod for indefinite usage.
Difficult to use in low light due to its narrow maximum aperture.
5. Wide Angle Lenses
Wide angle lenses are essential for landscape, architecture, and interior photography, wherein they can capture a vast scene and help bring the environment into the frame.
5.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
The good news is that the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is an extremely versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom designed to be used on DX cameras like the D5100. The lens covers a wide range of focal lengths that meets all purposes when used for either landscape or architectural photography, offering sweeping views and big interiors.
Pros:
Wide focal range to cover all but the most severe wide-angle needs.
Beautiful image quality with extremely low distortion.
Not very heavy and fairly compact for an ultra-wide.
Cons:
The aperture range is not very fast, so it does a bit of limiting in low-light performance.
Costs more than some other wide-angled options.
5.2 Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 lens is a highly regarded third-party device for ultra-wide angles, featuring a constant f/2.8 aperture and excellent performance in low-light situations with the ability to produce a shallow depth of field in wide-angle shots.
Pros:
Constant f/2.8 aperture for better low-light capability.
Robust metal construction.
Sharp images well controlled for distortion.
Cons:
Limited zoom range compared to other wide-angle lenses.
Autofocus needs a little more speed
and it can be a little noisier than Nikon’s AF-S lenses.
5.3 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-4mm f/4G IF-ED
Yet another quality ultra-wide angle is the Nikon 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED. This isn’t as capable in the field of view as the 10-24mm; nevertheless, it has a constant aperture of f/4 and is, therefore, a solid choice for landscape shooters with frequent changing light conditions.
Pros:
Consistent f/4 aperture across the zoom range.
Excellent sharpness and color rendition.
Durable construction with weather sealing.
Cons:
Marginally heavier and chunkier.
6. Macro Lenses.
These lenses take you closer to the subject and don’t miss the slightest details. They are very suitable for photographing things like insects, flowers, or the interior details of a product.
6.1 Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
This lens is a macro lens, and offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio. Basically, the subject appears life-size on the sensor. Comes with VR making it easy to shoot handheld and in poor conditions-the Nikon 85mm f/3.5G ED VR.
Pros:
Real macro capability with a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
Vibration Reduction for handheld shooting stability.
Good working distance for small subjects.
Cons:
Aperture of f/3.5 relatively slow, limiting bokeh effects.
Autofocus slow, particularly in macro mode.
6.2 Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED.
The Nikon 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED is a premium macro lens that can also serve brilliantly as a portrait lens. It allows a longer working distance than the 85mm, so photographing a skittish subject such as an insect is possible.
Pros:
Fast f/2.8 aperture excels at achieving bokeh and low-light performance.
VR helps to stabilize handheld shots.
Exceptional sharpness and detail.
Cons:
Bigger and heavier than the 85mm macro lens.
Higher price tag associated with the lens.
6.3 Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 is one of the most trusted third-party macro lenses that provide 1:1 reproduction and boasts Vibration Compensation (VC) technology-a Tamron competitor to Nikon’s VR.
Pros:
Great image quality plus well worth the money.
Vibration Compensation for handheld stability.
Fast f/2.8 aperture.
Cons:
Not quite as solidly built as Nikon’s lenses.
autofocus not as fast as that of Nikon’s AF-S lenses.
7. Specialist Lenses
Specialty lenses used for a particular photography have fisheye lens, tilt-shift lens, portrait-specific features, etc.
7.1 Nikon AF DX Fishey-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
This 10.5mm f/2.8G ED telescope is a fisheye one, covering a 180-degree field of view to generate a curvaceously distorted image, making it an apt one for creative photography and unusual views.
For:
Super wide 180-degree field of view.
Durable yet very compact and light.
Built with great strength and quality.
Against:
The fisheye will be extremely specialized and hardly any good for most photography.
Lenses with that price tag just aren’t used all that often.
7.2 Nikon PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED
The Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED is a highly prismatic tilt-shift lens to excellent control of perspective and depth of field, making it ideal for architecture and product photography. It makes it possible to correct perspective distortion and achieve perfect focus in difficult situations.
Pros:
Tilt and Shift: Control of perspective and depth of field.
Sharp and distortion-free images.
High quality and construction.
Cons:
Costly and nitty, not a lens for all time use.
Only manual focus.
7.3 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
The 85mm f/1.4G lens is indeed a premium portrait lens from Nikon, with a very shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh characteristics. This type of lens is perfect for portrait photographers who want their images to keep subjects out of focus while achieving dreamy, defocused backgrounds.
Pros:
It has an instant f/1.4 aperture making it great in low light and creating beautiful blurred backgrounds.
Better image quality provides sharpness at its best.
Highly professional and durable construction.
Cons:
Difficult price to reach.
Bulkier and heavier than many other prime lenses.
8. Conclusion
The Nikon D5100 is a very adaptable camera that can be used with many lenses to satisfy almost any type of photography. From the beginner who is probably looking for a very basic and inexpensive lens to somebody more experienced in their trade looking for glass designed for quite specific purposes, there is a lens available for you.
For general photography, this is probably the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II. Then it will get you underway for portraiture: The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50 mm f/1.8G is fast and sharp, so it really does afford great value for money if you want to dabble in portrait work. Also, for wildlife or sports freaks, the right telephoto lens would be something in the ballpark of the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR.
Macrophotography enthusiasts will drool over the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR because it truly offers 1:1 magnification. The landscape and architectural photographer will take pleasure in the expanse of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24 mm f/3.5-4.5G ED.
The best lens, ultimately, lies in photography under the specific needs and budget of anyone. The Nikon D5100 is able to cater for quite a wide range of lenses, which allow development and experimentation to continue in photography as the individual develops in ability and interest.