The Nikon D5100, released in 2011, is a versatile entry-level DSLR that quickly became popular among photography enthusiasts due to its impressive features, including a 16.2-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor, an articulated LCD screen, and full HD video recording. However, one of the key aspects that make the D5100 a flexible and capable camera is its compatibility with a wide range of lenses. In this review, we will explore the various lenses that are compatible with the Nikon D5100, their specific use cases, and how they can enhance your photography experience.
Table of Contents
1. Understanding Nikon Lens Compatibility
Before diving into specific lenses, it’s essential to understand the types of lenses that are compatible with the Nikon D5100. The Nikon D5100 is equipped with an F-mount, which has been a standard for Nikon cameras since 1959. However, not all F-mount lenses are fully compatible with the D5100 due to differences in features like autofocus and metering.
1.1 Autofocus Compatibility
The Nikon D5100 lacks a built-in autofocus motor, which means that it relies on lenses with built-in motors for autofocus functionality. Lenses that have this feature are known as AF-S (Autofocus-Silent Wave Motor) or AF-P (Autofocus-Pulse Motor) lenses. These lenses will autofocus on the D5100 without any issues. On the other hand, older AF lenses, which do not have a built-in motor, will not autofocus on the D5100 but can still be used in manual focus mode.
1.2 DX vs. FX Lenses
Nikon produces two main types of lenses: DX and FX. DX lenses are specifically designed for cameras with APS-C sensors, like the D5100, and produce an image circle that covers the smaller sensor. FX lenses, on the other hand, are designed for full-frame cameras but can still be used on DX cameras. When using an FX lens on a DX camera, the image will be cropped by a factor of 1.5x, effectively increasing the focal length.
1.3 VR (Vibration Reduction) Lenses
Vibration Reduction (VR) is Nikon’s image stabilization technology, which helps reduce camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds. VR lenses are particularly beneficial when shooting handheld in low-light conditions or when using telephoto lenses. The D5100 can fully utilize the VR capabilities of compatible lenses.
2. Standard Zoom Lenses
Standard zoom lenses are versatile and often cover a focal range from wide-angle to short telephoto, making them suitable for a wide variety of photography genres, including landscapes, portraits, and street photography.
2.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II
The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is a popular kit lens often bundled with the D5100. It offers a versatile focal range that’s ideal for beginners. The lens is lightweight, compact, and features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology, which helps in reducing camera shake.
- Pros:
- Affordable and widely available.
- Decent optical quality, especially for beginners.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Cons:
- Limited maximum aperture, making it less effective in low-light conditions.
- Plastic build, which may not be as durable as higher-end lenses.
2.2 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
The Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a step up from the standard kit lens, offering a broader focal range that extends to 85mm, making it more versatile for portrait and telephoto shots. The lens also features Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements that help reduce chromatic aberrations.
- Pros:
- Versatile focal range.
- Excellent sharpness across the zoom range.
- Robust build quality.
- Cons:
- More expensive than the standard kit lens.
- Still relatively slow with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6.
2.3 Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
The Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is an excellent third-party alternative to Nikon’s offerings. It provides a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, making it a great choice for low-light photography and achieving a shallow depth of field.
- Pros:
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for better low-light performance.
- Optical Stabilization (OS) for reducing camera shake.
- Sharp and vibrant image quality.
- Cons:
- Heavier than some Nikon alternatives.
- Autofocus can be slightly slower than Nikon’s AF-S lenses.
3. Prime Lenses
Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, meaning they don’t zoom in or out. However, they often offer superior image quality and faster apertures compared to zoom lenses, making them excellent for portraits, low-light photography, and creative effects.
3.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is one of the most popular prime lenses for DX cameras like the D5100. Its 35mm focal length is equivalent to approximately 52.5mm on a full-frame camera, making it a versatile lens for everyday photography.
- Pros:
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field.
- Sharp image quality with pleasing bokeh.
- Lightweight and affordable.
- Cons:
- Some chromatic aberration can be 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 is another excellent prime lens that’s compatible with the D5100. On a DX camera, it has an effective focal length of 75mm, making it ideal for portraits and headshots.
- Pros:
- Fast f/1.8 aperture for beautiful background blur and low-light capability.
- Very sharp and contrasty images.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Cons:
- The 75mm equivalent focal length may be a bit tight for indoor shooting.
- No image stabilization.
3.3 Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G
For those interested in macro photography, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G is a fantastic choice. This lens allows you to get close to your subject while maintaining sharpness and detail, making it perfect for photographing small objects, insects, or flowers.
- Pros:
- 1:1 reproduction ratio for true macro photography.
- Fast f/2.8 aperture for decent low-light performance.
- Very sharp images with minimal distortion.
- Cons:
- Short working distance, which can be challenging for certain macro subjects.
- No VR, so a tripod is recommended for the best results.
4. Telephoto Lenses
Telephoto lenses allow you to zoom in on distant subjects, making them ideal for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography where you want to isolate your subject from the background.
4.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens that pairs well with the D5100. It offers a versatile focal range that’s great for capturing subjects from a distance, whether you’re at a sporting event or photographing wildlife.
- Pros:
- Affordable and lightweight.
- Effective VR system to reduce camera shake.
- Good image quality for the price.
- Cons:
- Relatively slow maximum aperture, which can be limiting in low light.
- Plastic build, which may not be as durable as more expensive lenses.
4.2 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
If you need more reach, the Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR is an excellent option. This lens provides an effective focal range of 82.5-450mm on a DX camera, making it ideal for photographing distant subjects.
- Pros:
- Extensive zoom range.
- Vibration Reduction helps in capturing sharp images at longer focal lengths.
- Good build quality with a metal mount.
- Cons:
- Slow maximum aperture, which can be limiting in lower light conditions.
- Autofocus can be slower at the longer end of the zoom range.
4.3 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
The Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR is a versatile lens that works well on both DX and FX cameras. On the D5100, it offers a focal length equivalent to 105-450mm, making it a great choice for sports, wildlife, and portrait photography.
- Pros:
- Superior image quality with sharpness across the zoom range.
- Fast and accurate autofocus.
- Effective VR system that helps reduce camera shake, even at longer focal lengths.
- Cons:
- Heavier and bulkier compared to other telephoto options.
- The maximum aperture is not ideal for low-light conditions.
4.4 Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary
For those looking for extreme telephoto reach, the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM Contemporary is a powerful option. This lens is suitable for serious wildlife and sports photographers who need to capture subjects from a great distance. Though it’s a third-party lens, it offers compatibility with the Nikon D5100 and provides excellent performance.
- Pros:
- Exceptional zoom range, ideal for capturing distant subjects.
- Optical Stabilization helps in reducing camera shake.
- Solid build quality with weather sealing.
- Cons:
- Quite heavy and large, requiring a sturdy tripod for extended use.
- The narrow maximum aperture makes it challenging to use in low-light situations.
5. Wide-Angle Lenses
Wide-angle lenses are essential for landscape, architecture, and interior photography. They allow you to capture expansive scenes and are ideal for situations where you want to include more of the environment in the frame.
5.1 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
The Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a versatile ultra-wide-angle zoom lens designed for DX cameras like the D5100. It covers a wide focal range that’s perfect for landscape and architectural photography, allowing you to capture sweeping vistas and expansive interiors.
- Pros:
- Wide focal range that covers most wide-angle needs.
- Excellent image quality with minimal distortion.
- Lightweight and compact for an ultra-wide lens.
- Cons:
- The aperture range isn’t particularly fast, which can limit low-light performance.
- More expensive than some other wide-angle options.
5.2 Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX II
The Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 is a popular third-party wide-angle lens that offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, making it an excellent choice for low-light situations and achieving a shallow depth of field in wide-angle shots.
- Pros:
- Constant f/2.8 aperture for better low-light capability.
- Solid build quality with a metal construction.
- Sharp images with good control over distortion.
- Cons:
- Limited zoom range compared to other wide-angle lenses.
- Autofocus can be slower and noisier compared to Nikon’s AF-S lenses.
5.3 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
The Nikon 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED is another excellent ultra-wide-angle option. With a slightly narrower field of view than the 10-24mm, this lens offers a constant f/4 aperture, making it a reliable choice for landscape photographers who often shoot in changing light conditions.
- Pros:
- Consistent f/4 aperture across the zoom range.
- Excellent sharpness and color rendition.
- Durable construction with weather sealing.
- Cons:
- More expensive than the 10-24mm option.
- Slightly heavier and bulkier.
6. Macro Lenses
Macro lenses are designed for close-up photography, allowing you to capture tiny details with great precision. They are ideal for photographing small subjects like insects, flowers, or product details.
6.1 Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
The Nikon 85mm f/3.5G ED VR is a dedicated macro lens that offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio, meaning the subject is captured at life-size on the sensor. The lens also features VR, making it easier to shoot handheld in challenging conditions.
- Pros:
- True macro capability with a 1:1 reproduction ratio.
- Vibration Reduction for stable handheld shooting.
- Good working distance for photographing small subjects.
- Cons:
- The f/3.5 aperture is relatively slow, limiting bokeh effects.
- Autofocus can be slow, especially 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 high-end macro lens that doubles as an excellent portrait lens. It offers a longer working distance than the 85mm, making it easier to photograph skittish subjects like insects.
- Pros:
- Fast f/2.8 aperture for excellent bokeh and low-light performance.
- VR helps to stabilize handheld shots.
- Exceptional sharpness and detail.
- Cons:
- Larger and heavier than the 85mm macro lens.
- Higher price point.
6.3 Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD
The Tamron 90mm f/2.8 is a well-regarded third-party macro lens that offers a 1:1 reproduction ratio and Vibration Compensation (VC) technology, Tamron’s equivalent to Nikon’s VR.
- Pros:
- Great value for money with excellent image quality.
- Vibration Compensation for stable handheld shooting.
- Fast f/2.8 aperture.
- Cons:
- Build quality isn’t as robust as Nikon’s lenses.
- Autofocus may not be as fast as Nikon’s AF-S lenses.
7. Specialty Lenses
Specialty lenses include those designed for specific photography needs, such as fisheye lenses, tilt-shift lenses, and portrait lenses with unique features.
7.1 Nikon AF DX Fisheye-NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
The Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8G ED is a fisheye lens that offers a 180-degree field of view, producing a distinctively curved, distorted image that’s ideal for creative photography and unique perspectives.
- Pros:
- Extremely wide 180-degree field of view.
- Compact and lightweight.
- Excellent build quality.
- Cons:
- The fisheye effect is highly specialized and may not be suitable for all types of photography.
- Expensive for a lens with limited everyday use.
7.2 Nikon PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED
The Nikon 45mm f/2.8D ED is a tilt-shift lens designed for precise control over perspective and depth of field, making it ideal for architecture and product photography. This lens allows you to correct perspective distortion and achieve perfect focus in difficult situations.
- Pros:
- Tilt-shift capabilities for controlling perspective and depth of field.
- Sharp images with minimal distortion.
- High-quality construction.
- Cons:
- Expensive and specialized, not a general-purpose lens.
- Manual focus only.
7.3 Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G
The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is a premium portrait lens known for its incredibly shallow depth of field and beautiful bokeh. It’s ideal for portrait photographers who want to isolate their subjects from the background and achieve a dreamy, defocused effect.
- Pros:
- Fast f/1.4 aperture for exceptional low-light performance and background blur.
- Superior image quality with excellent sharpness.
- Durable, professional-grade construction.
- Cons:
- High price point.
- Larger and heavier than many other prime lenses.
8. Conclusion
The Nikon D5100 is a versatile camera that can be paired with a wide range of lenses to suit almost any photography style. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple and affordable lens, or a more experienced photographer seeking specialized glass for specific needs, there’s a compatible lens available for you.
For general-purpose photography, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is a reliable starting point. If you’re looking to explore portrait photography, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G offers excellent value with its fast aperture and sharp image quality. For those interested in wildlife or sports photography, a telephoto lens like the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR provides the necessary reach and stability.
Macro enthusiasts will appreciate the Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR for its true 1:1 magnification, while landscape and architecture photographers can benefit from the wide-angle capabilities of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED.
Ultimately, the best lens for you will depend on your specific photography needs and budget. The Nikon D5100’s compatibility with such a broad range of lenses ensures that you can continue to grow and experiment with your photography as your skills and interests evolve.