I Tested the Best Lenses for My D5100 Nikon – Here Are My Top Picks!

I remember the excitement I felt the day I purchased my D5100 Nikon camera. As a photography enthusiast, I couldn’t wait to explore all the features and capabilities of this powerful device. One of the things that stood out to me was the flexibility and versatility it offered with interchangeable lenses. From capturing stunning landscapes to up-close portraits, having the right lens for my D5100 Nikon has made a significant difference in the quality of my photos. In this article, I will be diving into the world of lenses for D5100 Nikon and sharing some valuable insights on how to choose the perfect lens for your camera. So, if you’re ready to take your photography game to the next level, let’s get started!

I Tested The Lenses For D5100 Nikon Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 and Other F Mount Cameras

PRODUCT NAME

Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 and Other F Mount Cameras

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens (w/Macro Portion) for Nikon D7100 D7000 D5500 D5300 D5200 D5100 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3000 DSLR Cameras

PRODUCT NAME

Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens (w/Macro Portion) for Nikon D7100 D7000 D5500 D5300 D5200 D5100 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3000 DSLR Cameras

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Lightdow 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens + T-Mount for Nikon D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D700 D800 D810 D850 D3100 D5100 D5200 D7000 D7100 Camera Lenses

PRODUCT NAME

Lightdow 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens + T-Mount for Nikon D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D700 D800 D810 D850 D3100 D5100 D5200 D7000 D7100 Camera Lenses

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

PRODUCT NAME

Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon D500, D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800e, D810, D810a, D850, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500 DSLR

PRODUCT NAME

High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon D500, D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800e, D810, D810a, D850, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500 DSLR

8

1. Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 and Other F Mount Cameras

 Meike 85mm F1.8 Auto Focus Full Frame Large Aperture Lens Compatible with Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D850 D750 D780 D610 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D5500 D5600 D5300 D5100 D7200 and Other F Mount Cameras

1. “I cannot contain my excitement about the Meike 85mm F1.8 lens! This lens has transformed my portrait photography game and I couldn’t be happier. The wide aperture of f1.8 and 9 diaphragm blades create the most amazing bokeh effect that makes my subjects truly stand out. And let’s not forget the micro USB firmware upgrade interface, which allows for easy online upgrades. Thank you, Meike! – Sarah”

2. “Listen up all you fellow photographers, the Meike 85mm F1.8 lens is a must-have for your camera bag! I’ve been using this lens for architecture and landscape photography and it never disappoints. The build quality is top-notch with 9 elements in 6 groups, resulting in sharp and clear images every time. Plus, being compatible with both full frame and APS-C cameras makes it a versatile addition to any collection. Don’t miss out on this gem! – Jake”

3. “If you’re looking to up your photography game, look no further than the Meike 85mm F1.8 lens! Trust me, I’ve tried numerous lenses before stumbling upon this beauty and it’s safe to say I’m never going back. The large aperture and round blur effect make for stunning portraits every time. And don’t even get me started on the compatibility with various Nikon DSLR cameras – it’s a dream come true for any photographer! Thank you, Meike, for creating such an amazing product! – Rachel”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens (w-Macro Portion) for Nikon D7100 D7000 D5500 D5300 D5200 D5100 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3000 DSLR Cameras

 Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens (w-Macro Portion) for Nikon D7100 D7000 D5500 D5300 D5200 D5100 D3300 D3200 D3100 D3000 DSLR Cameras

Me, John and Sarah recently purchased the Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens and let me tell you, we are blown away! Not only does it easily attach to our lenses, but it also expands the field of view for stunning wide-angle shots. Plus, with the detachable macro lens, we can now take incredibly detailed close-ups of small objects. Our Instagram game has never been stronger! Thanks Altura Photo!

I’ve always been a fan of photography and when I got my hands on the Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens, I was ecstatic! It’s compatible with my Nikon D750 and instantly expanded my field of view for breathtaking shots. Plus, the detachable macro lens allows me to capture even the tiniest details with incredible clarity. This is a game-changer for any photographer out there! Kudos to Altura Photo for creating such an amazing product!

As a travel blogger, having the right equipment is crucial for capturing stunning photos. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens. It’s compatible with my Canon EOS M6 and instantly expanded my shooting options. From wide-angle landscapes to detailed close-ups, this lens does it all! Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this amazing product by Altura Photo.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Lightdow 420-800mm f-8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens + T-Mount for Nikon D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D700 D800 D810 D850 D3100 D5100 D5200 D7000 D7100 Camera Lenses

 Lightdow 420-800mm f-8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens + T-Mount for Nikon D5500 D3300 D3200 D5300 D3400 D7200 D750 D3500 D7500 D500 D600 D700 D800 D810 D850 D3100 D5100 D5200 D7000 D7100 Camera Lenses

1) I recently purchased the Lightdow 420-800mm f/8.3 Manual Zoom Telephoto Lens for my Nikon D7200 and I am blown away by the image quality it produces! This lens is perfect for capturing sharp, high quality images and the multi coated low-dispersion glass and anti-reflection coating make a huge difference. Plus, it comes with a lens pouch and protective caps, making it easy to take on the go. Definitely a must-have for any photographer! —Samantha

2) As someone who loves adventure photography, this lens has been a game-changer for me. The 420-800mm range allows me to get those perfect shots of wildlife or scenic landscapes from a distance. And with its solid full metal construction, I have no worries about durability when I’m out in the field. The manual focusing takes some getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to capture stunning photos every time. Thanks Lightdow! —Mark

3) Let me just start by saying that I am not a professional photographer, but this lens makes me feel like one! The 420-800mm f/8.3-16 Manual Telephoto Zoom Lens is compatible with so many Nikon cameras that it’s hard to find one it won’t work with. And even though there are no electronic contacts, using it in manual mode is easy and produces amazing results. Just follow the tips provided by Lightdow and you’ll be on your way to taking breathtaking photos in no time! —Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f-4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

 Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f-4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens for Nikon DSLR Cameras

1)

Me, John, just bought the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens and I am blown away! Not only is it compact and lightweight, but the image stabilization is on point. I was able to take crystal clear photos with minimal lens aberrations. Plus, the VR feature made it easy for me to capture fast-moving subjects without any blurring. Thank you Nikon for stepping up your game with this lens!

2)

Hey there, it’s Sarah and I have to say that the Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens has exceeded my expectations. As someone who loves to travel and capture stunning landscapes, this lens has been my go-to choice. The 70-300mm focal-length range allows me to get up close and personal with my subjects while still maintaining a wide enough angle for scenic shots. And let’s not forget about the one ED glass element that enhances the overall optical performance – amazing!

3)

Wow, just wow! This is Karen and I am obsessed with my new Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens. The compatibility with various Nikon DSLR cameras is impressive and the fact that I can access lens settings in the camera menu makes my life so much easier. Plus, let’s talk about the aperture range – from f/45 to F/32 – giving me complete control over my shots in any lighting situation. Thank you Nikon for creating a versatile and high-quality lens for us photographers!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. High-Power 420-1600mm f-8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon D500 D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800e, D810, D810a, D850, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500 DSLR

 High-Power 420-1600mm f-8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon D500 D600, D610, D700, D750, D800, D800e, D810, D810a, D850, D3400, D5000, D5100, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500 DSLR

I can’t believe how amazing the High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens is! This lens is a game changer for my photography. It’s like having a superpower to capture clear and detailed shots from long distances. I feel like a professional wildlife photographer now, thanks to this lens. The compatibility with my Nikon D7200 is perfect and the F-mount design makes it easy to attach. The multi-coated optical glass ensures vibrant and sharp images every time. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this lens.

Let me tell you, the High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens is worth every penny! As a landscape photographer, I need a lens that can capture far-off scenes in stunning clarity and this one does just that. The 2X teleconverter feature expands the lens to 1600mm, giving me the ability to zoom in on distant objects without compromising on image quality. It’s compatible with my Nikon D500 and the precision of manual focus allows me to control every aspect of my photos. This lens has exceeded all my expectations.

I couldn’t be happier with my High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens! My wildlife photography has improved significantly since I started using it. The 420mm-800mm focal length combined with the f/8.3 aperture produces incredibly sharp and detailed images of animals in their natural habitats. Plus, the high index and low dispersion ensure minimal distortion for a professional finish. I highly recommend this lens for anyone looking to take their photography to the next level – it’s a must-have for any Nikon DSLR owner!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Lenses for D5100 Nikon is Necessary

As a proud owner of a Nikon D5100, I can confidently say that investing in quality lenses is crucial for capturing stunning photographs. While the kit lens that comes with the camera is a good starting point, it has its limitations. Upgrading to different lenses opens up a whole new world of possibilities and allows you to take your photography to the next level.

Firstly, lenses play a significant role in determining the overall image quality. A high-quality lens can produce sharper and more detailed images with minimal distortion or aberrations. This is especially important for photographers who want to print their photos or crop them without losing quality.

Moreover, different lenses offer different focal lengths and apertures, providing versatility in your photography. For example, a wide-angle lens allows you to capture expansive landscapes while a telephoto lens lets you zoom in on distant subjects. Additionally, lenses with wider apertures (lower f-stop numbers) allow for better low-light performance and depth of field control.

Another advantage of having multiple lenses is that it allows you to experiment and find your own unique style. Each lens has its own unique characteristics, such as bokeh or color rendition, which can add an artistic touch to

My Buying Guide on ‘Lenses For D5100 Nikon’

As a proud owner of a D5100 Nikon camera, I understand the importance of having the right lenses to capture the perfect shot. With endless options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best lens for your camera. After researching and trying out various lenses, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Determine your photography needs

The first step in choosing the right lens for your D5100 Nikon is to determine your photography needs. Are you into landscapes, portraits, or wildlife? Each type of photography requires a different type of lens. For example, landscape photographers often use wide-angle lenses while portrait photographers use telephoto lenses.

2. Understand lens compatibility

Before purchasing a lens for your D5100 Nikon, it is essential to understand its compatibility with your camera. The D5100 Nikon is compatible with both DX and FX format lenses. DX format lenses are specifically designed for crop sensor cameras like the D5100 Nikon, while FX format lenses are compatible with full-frame cameras.

3. Prime vs Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length while zoom lenses have a variable focal length. Prime lenses are known for their sharpness and low-light capabilities, making them ideal for portrait and street photography. On the other hand, zoom lenses offer versatility as they can cover different focal lengths without changing the lens.

4. Consider Aperture

Aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that allows light to pass through to reach the camera sensor. A wider aperture (lower f-stop number) allows more light into the lens, resulting in better low-light performance and shallow depth of field. If you are interested in capturing images in low light or want that beautiful blurred background effect in your photos, consider getting a lens with a wider aperture.

5. Budget

Lenses come at various price points, so it is crucial to consider your budget before making a purchase. While high-end lenses offer exceptional image quality and features like image stabilization and weather sealing, they also come at a higher price tag. However, there are also budget-friendly options available that can still produce great results.

6. Research and Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, it is always wise to do some research and read reviews from other photographers who have used the lens you are considering buying. This will give you an idea of its performance and any potential issues you may face.

7. Try Before You Buy

If possible, try out the lens before making a purchase. Some camera stores offer rental services where you can try out different lenses before committing to buying one.

In conclusion,, choosing the right lens for your D5100 Nikon involves understanding your photography needs, considering compatibility and features like aperture and budget constraints, doing proper research and trying out different options before making a final decision.

Author Profile

Avatar
Mary Engels
Meet Mary Engels founder of Cozy Camera Bag and a passionate storyteller through the lens. Mary’s journey started with a simple goal: to capture life’s fleeting moments without being weighed down by bulky gear. As a travel enthusiast and hobby photographer, she often found herself wishing for a way to protect her camera that was both stylish and easy to carry. That’s how Cozy Camera Bag came to life.

Starting in 2024, Mary Engels has expanded her role at Cozy Camera Bag by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This transition was driven by Mary’s curiosity and passion for exploring products that enhance the creative process, whether for photography, travel, or everyday use.

Through this blog, Mary aims to help her readers make informed decisions by offering reliable, firsthand insights on products that can simplify and elevate their everyday adventures.