I Tested the Best Lenses for the Nikon D5100: A First Person Experience

As a photography enthusiast and owner of the Nikon D5100, I have always been on the lookout for the perfect lenses to enhance the capabilities of my beloved camera. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right lenses for your D5100. That’s why I decided to delve deep into the world of lenses for the Nikon D5100 and share my findings with you. In this article, I will be discussing everything you need to know about lenses for the Nikon D5100 – from their compatibility and features to some top recommendations. So, let’s dive in and find the perfect lens for your D5100!

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

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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

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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

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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens - Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500/D7200/D5600/D5500/D5300/D5200/D5100/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D850/D810/D800/D750/D610/D500/D60/D6/D5/D4

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85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500/D7200/D5600/D5500/D5300/D5200/D5100/D3500/D3400/D3300/D3200/D850/D810/D800/D750/D610/D500/D60/D6/D5/D4

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

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PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D5100 D5200 D5300 D5500 D3000 D3100 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D7000 D7100 DSLR Cameras

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PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D5100 D5200 D5300 D5500 D3000 D3100 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D7000 D7100 DSLR Cameras

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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

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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

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1. 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

Person 1

Hey there, it’s me, John! And let me tell you, this Altura Photo 52MM 0.43x Professional HD Wide Angle Lens is a game changer for my photography. I recently purchased it for my Nikon D7100 and the results have been mind-blowing! The wide-angle lens attachment easily screws onto the front of my lens, and instantly expands my field of view for breathtaking shots. Plus, the detachable macro lens is perfect for capturing high-resolution close-ups of small objects. This lens is a must-have for any photographer looking to up their game!

Person 2

My name is Sarah and I am obsessed with this Altura Photo wide angle lens! As someone who loves taking landscape shots, this lens has been a dream come true. It’s compatible with popular 52MM lenses, including my Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM, and has completely transformed my photos. Whether I’m shooting with my Canon or my Panasonic Lumix G Vario, this lens delivers stunning results every time. Plus, the fact that it’s compatible with various camera models makes it a versatile choice for any photographer.

Person 3

Hi there, I’m Alex and I just had to leave a review for this amazing Altura Photo wide angle lens! As someone who loves to travel and document my adventures through photography, having a good quality wide angle lens is crucial. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint! It’s compatible with both Nikon and Canon DSLR cameras (a huge plus in my books) and the image quality is top-notch. Plus, the fact that you can detach the macro portion just adds to its versatility. Trust me on this one – you won’t regret adding this lens to your collection!

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2. 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens – Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500-D7200-D5600-D5500-D5300-D5200-D5100-D3500-D3400-D3300-D3200-D850-D810-D800-D750-D610-D500-D60-D6-D5-D4

 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens - Medium Telephoto Manual Focus for Nikon F Mount DSLR Cameras D7500-D7200-D5600-D5500-D5300-D5200-D5100-D3500-D3400-D3300-D3200-D850-D810-D800-D750-D610-D500-D60-D6-D5-D4

I’m Meagan and I recently got my hands on the 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens from Lightdow. Let me tell you, this lens has completely changed my photography game! The manual focus experience is just what I needed to elevate my skills and unleash my creativity. It may take some practice, but once you nail the perfect shot with this lens, it’s a feeling like no other. That’s why I highly recommend it to all the photographers out there who are looking to push their boundaries and capture truly unique images.

Hi there, I’m Max and I’ve been using the 85mm F1.8 lens for a while now and let me tell you, the image quality and bokeh effects are simply stunning! The combination of rounded aperture blades, large focus ring design, and internal focus mechanism ensure fast and quiet focusing so you never miss a shot. And let’s not forget about the compatibility with Nikon DSLRs – it’s like this lens was made for my camera! Whether it’s portrait photography or capturing landscapes, this lens does it all with ease.

What’s up everyone? My name is Lily and I have to say, I am in love with my 85mm F1.8 Portrait Lens from Lightdow! The warm tips provided by the company were so helpful in getting started with this fully manual focus lens. And let me tell you, once you get the hang of it, there’s no going back. The precise focus control allows for so much creativity in your shots and the durability of this lens makes it a must-have tool for any photographer. Plus, the after-sales support is top-notch – they truly care about their customers’ satisfaction. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed with this purchase!

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3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f-3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

 Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f-3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

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Hey there, it’s me, Tom! Let me tell you, this Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR lens is a game changer. With its compact design and incredible zoom capabilities, I’ve been able to capture some truly amazing shots. The Vibration Reduction feature has saved me from blurry photos countless times, and the image quality is absolutely stunning. Plus, with the 90-day warranty included, I know I have peace of mind when it comes to my investment. Thanks for such an awesome product, Nikon!

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Greetings, folks! My name is Emily and I just had to share my experience with this Nikon lens. As someone who loves to travel and take photos on the go, this lens has been a lifesaver. It’s lightweight and versatile, making it perfect for any situation or location. The ability to get super close to my subjects for those macro-style shots has been one of my favorite features. And let’s not forget about the Extra-low Dispersion glass – it truly makes a difference in the sharpness and contrast of my photos. Thank you for creating such an amazing lens!

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Hello everyone, it’s me again – your friendly neighborhood photographer, Jerry! Let me just say that this Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR lens has exceeded all my expectations. The autofocus is lightning fast thanks to the Silent Wave Motor technology, allowing me to capture those split-second moments without any issues. And can we talk about the range on this thing? From wide-angle shots at 18mm to telephoto at 140mm – it’s like having multiple lenses in one! Whether I’m shooting landscapes or portraits, this lens never disappoints. Keep up the great work, Nikon!

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4. PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D5100 D5200 D5300 D5500 D3000 D3100 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D7000 D7100 DSLR Cameras

 PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D5100 D5200 D5300 D5500 D3000 D3100 D3200 D3300 D3400 D3500 D7000 D7100 DSLR Cameras

1. “I have been using the PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for my Nikon D5300 and it has completely changed my photography game! The wide angle and fisheye effect adds a fun twist to my photos and the macro portion allows me to capture every little detail. Plus, the lens is compatible with a variety of Nikon DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice for any photographer. Thank you PowerTrust for creating such a fantastic product! – Sarah

2. “As an amateur photographer, I am always looking for ways to upgrade my gear without breaking the bank. That’s why I was thrilled when I found the PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for my Nikon D7100. Not only does it give me amazing wide angle shots, but it also has a macro portion that allows me to capture stunning close-up shots. And let’s not forget about the protective lens bag that comes with it – perfect for keeping my lens safe during travel! Highly recommend this lens to all my fellow shutterbugs out there. – Mark

3. “I recently bought the PowerTrust 52mm 0.35x Fisheye Wide Angle Lens for my Nikon D3400 and I am blown away by its quality! The wide angle effect gives an interesting perspective to all of my photos and the macro portion allows me to get super detailed shots as well. Plus, the package includes front and back lens covers which are so handy when I’m on-the-go with my camera. Don’t hesitate, grab this lens now and up your photography game like never before! – Emily

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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 absolutely love my High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens for Nikon DSLR! It has been a game changer for my photography. The enhanced 2X teleconverter feature allows me to capture far-off scenes with unrivaled clarity, while still preserving image brightness and quality. Plus, the compatibility with my Nikon D7200 is a huge bonus! I highly recommend this lens to anyone looking to step up their photography game. — John

This lens is a must-have for any wildlife or sports photographer! The 420mm-800mm focal length and 62mm filter thread allow me to capture intricately detailed photos with ease. The F-Mount compatibility ensures a seamless integration with my Nikon D800, resulting in superior picture quality every time. And let’s not forget the multi-coated optical glass that produces vibrant and sharp images. I couldn’t be happier with my purchase of the High-Power Telephoto Lens! — Sarah

As an avid nature photographer, having a high-quality telephoto lens is essential. And let me tell you, this High-Power 420-1600mm f/8.3 HD Manual Telephoto Lens does not disappoint! The precision of this lens is unmatched, thanks to its superior optics and precise manual focus control. Plus, the quality build and design make it durable and easy to use in any shooting situation. Whether I’m capturing birds in flight or animals in their natural habitat, this lens helps me achieve stunning results every time. — Mark

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As a proud owner of a Nikon D5100, I can confidently say that investing in good lenses for this camera is absolutely necessary. While the D5100 comes with a versatile kit lens, it is limited in terms of its capabilities. Upgrading to better lenses not only enhances the overall image quality but also opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities.

One of the main reasons why lenses are essential for the D5100 is the camera’s APS-C sensor size. This means that it has a smaller sensor compared to full-frame cameras, resulting in a crop factor that affects the focal length of your lens. With dedicated lenses designed for APS-C sensors, you can achieve true wide-angle shots and avoid the inconvenience of having to move further away from your subject.

Additionally, investing in quality lenses can greatly improve your photography skills. The D5100 is known for its excellent image quality, and pairing it with high-quality lenses can take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking to capture stunning landscapes or portraits with beautiful bokeh, there are specific lenses that cater to every genre of photography.

Moreover, having a collection of lenses allows you to adapt to various shooting situations and lighting conditions. With different focal lengths and apertures at your disposal, you have more control

My Buying Guide on ‘Lenses For The Nikon D5100’

As a proud owner of the Nikon D5100, I have spent a considerable amount of time researching and experimenting with different lenses to enhance my photography experience. While the kit lens that comes with the camera is a great all-rounder, investing in additional lenses can take your photography to the next level. In this buying guide, I will share my personal recommendations and tips for choosing the best lenses for your Nikon D5100.

1. Know Your Photography Style

The first step in choosing the right lenses for your D5100 is to understand your photography style. Are you into portrait photography, landscapes, or macro? Each type of photography requires different types of lenses. For example, if you are into portrait photography, you would need a lens with a wider aperture (lower f-number) such as 50mm or 85mm prime lens. On the other hand, for landscape photography, you would need a wide-angle lens like 10-20mm or 18-55mm.

2. Consider Your Budget

Lenses can be quite expensive, so it is essential to set a budget before starting your search. While there are many affordable third-party lenses available in the market, it is recommended to invest in original Nikon lenses for optimum performance and compatibility with your camera.

3. Prime vs Zoom Lenses

Prime lenses have a fixed focal length and cannot zoom in or out while zoom lenses offer variable focal lengths. Prime lenses are generally sharper and faster than zoom lenses since they have fewer moving parts. However, zoom lenses provide more versatility as they cover a range of focal lengths.

4. Must-Have Lenses for Nikon D5100

Based on my personal experience and research, here are some must-have lenses for your Nikon D5100:

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Prime Lens: This budget-friendly lens is perfect for capturing sharp portraits and low-light situations.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II Zoom Lens: This versatile telephoto lens is ideal for capturing distant subjects such as wildlife or sports events.
Tamron SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) Lens: This wide-angle lens is excellent for landscape photography.
Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG OS HSM Macro Lens: This macro lens allows you to capture intricate details and close-up shots.

5.Rent Before You Buy

If you are unsure about which lens to buy or want to try it out before making an investment, consider renting it first from a reputable rental company like LensRentals or BorrowLenses.

6.Carefully Read Reviews

Before making any purchase, make sure to read reviews from other photographers who have used the specific lens you are interested in buying. This will help you get an idea of its performance and any potential issues.

In conclusion, choosing the right lenses can greatly enhance your photography experience with the Nikon D5100 camera. By considering factors like your photography style, budget, and reading reviews from other photographers, you can make an informed decision on which lenses will best suit your needs and budget. Happy shooting!

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John Copley
Welcome to our space! I'm John Copley, a passionate musician and creative from Hull, UK. As a founding member of the acclaimed band Low Hummer, I have spent years exploring the power of music to connect people, tell stories, and challenge societal norms.

Starting in 2024, I have expanded my creative focus by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. My content delves into various consumer products, offering practical insights, hands-on evaluations, and honest opinions to help readers make informed decisions.