Best Lenses for Nikon D3100

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Nikon D3100 is a camera compatible with many other lenses in the market but then you might get confused with what to pick and necessarily all lenses are not going to give you the same result that you expect. You only want the best lenses for Nikon D3100.

Every lens comes with a decent set of features and unique functionality. Without having an idea after having used these lenses you cannot decide whether which lens is best for your Nikon 3100.

Many times the lenses that are called to be suitable for this camera come very expensive. But we have some selected options  for you and these lenses are compatible with Nikon D3100.

Nikon has over 60+ lenses to pick from, including wide-angle, macro, telephoto, and more. Thus, you’ve got as much liberty and distinct options. It’s easy to get lost if you do not understand precisely what you ought to look closely at. Let’s have a look at the best ones currently available.

Best Lenses for Nikon D3100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G : Best Pick for Nikon D3100

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR lens stands unique among the crowd. You will love macro photography, making this good lens for close-range shots. This is an F Mount lens with an Fx format. The lens comes with a dust blower to keep it safe from dust and weather damage. It also comes with a cap keeper. These lenses are good for silent shoots because it comes with a Silent Wave Motor to reduce any noise that could be produced otherwise.

The lenses have Super Integrated Lens coating and 6 graduate filters with different colors and effects to give your pictures unique wonderful effects. The aperture ranges between f/1.4 to 16.

The focal length of the lens is 50 mm, and it weighs 9.9 Oz. The carrying case makes it very convenient for you to carry the lens safely wherever you are traveling. If you are into taking close and creative shots, this lens could boost your performance as a photographer.

The lens has a good, sturdy build, includes plastic outside, and includes a steel bracket. It is known to be a bit larger and about 0.2 pounds heavier when compared to Nikon 50mm f/1.8G. There’s been a change in the filter dimensions also as it’s been improved to 58mm from the previous 52mm.

The lens comes complete with a bundled accessories kit, including a carrying case. This makes it perfect for traveling purposes and makes it possible to conserve a little money—one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100, available currently.

Features

1. Lens Type: F Mount
2. Focal length: 50mm
3. Aperture: f/1.4G to f/16
4. Autofocus: Manual focus override
5. Image Stabilization: No
6. Weight: 9.9 ounces
7. Great for: Close up shots, bokeh

Pros

• FX-Format F Mount
• Flexible aperture range
• Silent Wave Motor system
• Super Integrated Lens Coating
• includes an entire kit
• Contains dust blower

Cons

• Lacks VR image stability and AF

Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR Lens

A very compatible option for Nikon D3100 lenses is our Nikon AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR lens. The entire kit with the macro lens can add a lot of filters to your pictures. The color filter kit and Multi-Coated HD filter kit are there in the kit.

These filters make the kit very interesting. The focal length is 127.5mm with an aperture ranging between 3.5 to 32. You won’t have a problem focusing on the subject much; the lens has an Autofocus Motor. Users have mostly suggested it for short term photography.

The lenses weigh 4.29 lbs. Overall, if you are not a professional photographer dealing with long hours of shooting, you can keep this lens for consideration. Or else, you can also keep it for an alternative option.

Features

1. Lens Type: Telephoto / Macro
2. Focal length: 127.5mm (Equivalent to 35mm)
3. Aperture: f/3.5 to f/32
4. Autofocus: Yes
5. Picture Stabilization: No
6. Weight: 4.29 pounds
7. Great for: Short-range and Portrait photography

Pros

• Adjustable aperture range
• Extra-Low Dispersion Element
• Multi-Coated HD Filter Kit included
• includes a carry bag

Cons

• Lacks VR image stability
• Useful only for short-range photography

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

Again this is a very decent lens that can take close-up shots. It comes with a proper accessory kit that has a cap keeper. It also includes a dust blower to keep the lenses clean from any dust and sometimes slight moisture accumulation like a fingerprint.

A beginner-friendly kit helps you in your photography. Focal length averages between 80 to 400mm, and the aperture lies between f/4.5 to 5.6.

Both these features are flexible, and you can adjust them according to your own choice. They are not restricted or rigid; that makes an essential point with the lenses. These are macro lenses 77mm, and they are meant for giving you a high-quality image with amazing close-up shots; hence, they are overpriced.

The lenses come with VR image stabilization and accurate autofocus, weighing 7.38 lbs. The lens makes use of a wave Motor, a system along with Nanocrystal lens coating. It is an FX-format lens, which can be very useful for wildlife photography to take close up pictures.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Portable
• Accessory kit
• Rear and Front cap
• Good aperture range
• Optimum Focal length
• Dust Cleaning feature

Cons

• Lacks VR image stabilization and AF

Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ED NIKKOR Lens

The lens is perfect for taking portrait photographs, and it weighs 2.05 lbs. The aperture of the lens is 1.8, and the focal length is 35 mm. Both of these features are not adjustable. The rigid focal length is not a drawback because 35mm of the focal length covers an area fully with enough clarity and precision.

The lens comes with a front Snap-on cap and Ariel cap as well. It also comes with a bayonet Hood. The lens adequately covers an area at which it is focused. In addition to all this, the lens comes with a warranty of 5 years, and it has got UV filters too. The package also includes a Mac software support and service plan. All these features add to the better functioning of the lenses.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Portable
• Snap-on cap and Ariel cap
• Bayonet Hood
• UV filters
• Good aperture range
• Mac software
• Service plan
• Optimum Focal length
• Dust Cleaning feature

Cons

• Costly

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6

Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 is a lens famous for its amazing optical functionality, and it functions as an excellent lens for Nikon D3100 owners. If you’re seeking a lens with the ideal mix of zoom and value, this is the one to select.

The Tamron AF 70-300mm includes an integrated engine that aids with an extremely quiet auto-focus. The lens works nicely if you possess any fast-moving shots to capture, such as sports and racing.

The lens Additionally supports manual focus, which is useful if you wish to fine-tune or create some alterations to the picture once on a whim. Shifting from autofocus to manual focus is simple, and it may be achieved without shuffling any buttons.

If you desire to acquire the best zoom, the lens supplies it in the range of 180mm and 300mm. This variety can be marked on the lens for a golden stripe and assists photographers with rapid placement.

The lens’s body comprises a switch that helps users change from the Macro mode and use the lens to get a close-range focus. This works best when space is about a few feet.

The compact Tele-zoom lens boasts of premium quality and is simple to manage also. The lens is lightweight, and also its mechanical operations can be nicely managed even by a newcomer.

The lens is well suited to outdoor photography, and photographers could create the best use of 300mm range and capture some magnificent images using the focal lengths in the range of 70mm to 135mm.

The Tamron Lens includes integrated design, and the lens gets the “Internal Surface Coatings” combined using multiple-layers engineering of another component.

Thus, users can quit fretting about ghosting or flare that generally happens because of reflections since they’re reduced to a bare minimum when you use this lens.

Users can Also catch an image with the macro result by merely switching to the macro. Photographers can capture pictures together with the focal length in the scope 180mm into 300mm and take the comprehensive benefit of this “telephoto effect” The lens enables a magnification ratio of 1:2. The composition can be corrected using zoom.

If You’re On the lookout for the best lens for Nikon D3100 camera, Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 will surely not disappoint you.

Pros

• Quicker and also Very accurate autofocus.
• Outstanding Vibration management
• The front Element includes a fluorine coating.
• Stylish External layout.

Cons

• Users of Complained of lack of sharpness at the corners of the picture recorded.

Tokina ATX-I 11-16mm CF F/2.8 Lens

Next up on this list Tokina ATX-I 11-16mm CF F/2.8. This is an excellent alternative if you’re searching for a Nikon landscape lens. This is a wide-angle lens with zoom, so it is ideal for landscape photography.

Travelers love these lenses because these lenses are skillful and capable of capturing the best landscape shots. These lenses can give you perfect horizon shots. The cleaning bundle that accompanies the lenses keeps them clean from dust and slight moisture. The focal length ranges from 11mm up to 16mm.

The aperture, however, remains fixed at F/2.8. However, the most exciting part remains the A Digital Filter Kit that adds special effects and enhances your captures’ quality. The Starter kit helps your overall work with assisting tools. This provides you two or three things that help improve your expertise during photography sessions, especially when you are learning.

This Nikon D3100 wide-angle lens contains a cleaning bundle. The cleaning kit can help you maintain your camera kit free of dust and fingerprints.

You will love the experience with the wide-angled zooming lens. It’s a very decent choice for scene shoots. The lens weighs about 3.4 lbs and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Features

1. Lens Type: Wide Angle Zoom
2. Focal length: 11-16mm
3. Aperture: f/2.8
4. Autofocus: Manual focus
5. Image Stabilization: No
6. Weight: 3.4 pounds

Pros

• Wide-angle: Perfect for landscape photography
• Starter kit
• Optimum Focal length
• Good aperture range
• Includes a cleaning kit

Cons

• Lacks VR image stability and AF
• Heavy

Nikon AF-S FX Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G: Best Daytime Lens

If You’re searching for an all-around lens, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G will be an ideal addition to your kit. It is more suited for professional and seasonal photographers whose sole aim is to catch picture-perfect pictures.

You get a large aperture of f/1.8, making it ideal to select from low light conditions. The depth of field is shallow, and this also allows the users to isolate some undesirable subjects in the background. This also can help capture pictures that have fantastic bokeh.

It replaces its old version, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D. The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is amongst the first from Nikon, which has employed aspherical elements that aren’t seen in lenses such as 50mm f/1.4G.

It is quite durable, and on account of using a sizable lens, the lens element doesn’t extend or rotate during operation. The lens also includes the silent wave motor, which supplies close to quiet autofocus functionality.

The lens has that the Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating that helps reduce ghosting and flare. Works flawlessly with FX and DX detectors of Nikon but is well-suited for FX detectors for daylight photography.

It has a strong and has a plastic outside. It weighs approximately 187 g and is only 31 grams heavier compared to its predecessor. Budget wise, the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G is a superb pick that offers sharp images across the framework, with balanced colors and skin tones.

It was released back in June 2011, its present status remains powerful online, and this also proves that lots of photographers still like to use this one for both daytime and regular photography.

Pros

• Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
• Accurate and quick autofocus
• Eliminates coma and aberrations
• simple to change between autofocus and manual operations
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating
• Superior color consistency
• Reduced flaring
• Astonishing bokeh.

Cons

• Vignette is somewhat heavy once the lens is used at maximum aperture.

Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E EDIF VR Lens

The Nikon AF-P NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6E EDIF VR Lens is a multipurpose option that’s fantastic for several photography functions.

When searching For Nikon D3100 telephoto lens alternatives, this can be one to look at. Including landscape photographs and even wildlife.

You can use these lenses for in fact any kind of photography that you are interested in. The lenses are multi-purpose or almost all-rounder the lenses that suit multiple choices and areas of your requirement.

Especially when it comes to recording HD quality video, these lenses are great and they come with a 5 years manufacturer’s defect warranty but then you do not get this warranty for an international user. International users get only one year of manufacturer’s warranty.

The beginners can enjoy the accessory kit that comes along with the lens. Further speaking about the lens’s focal length, it is 70 to 300mm, and the aperture range is between 4.5 to 5.6. Both the focal length and the aperture are adjustable. The ultrafast Auto Silent Motor removes any noise from the image shot.

If you plan to shoot landscapes or wildlife, or any other imagery, you can opt for the lens. You also have autofocus and VR image stabilization. These are tele zoom lenses weighing 3.65 lbs.

The camera includes an ultra-fast and near-silent autofocus engine. This helps to keep noise to a minimum while using the lens. The kit includes a few extra accessories that may help novices get started with photography.

Features

1. Lens Type: Tele zoom lens
2. Focal length: 70-300mm
3. Aperture: f/4.5-5.6E
4. Autofocus: Yes
5. Image Stabilization: VR Image Stabilization
6. Weight: 3.65 pounds
7. Great for: Wildlife, worries, landscapes

Pros

• The aperture range could be adjusted.
• The focal length is flexible.
• Five-year warranty in the united states
• Advanced optics
• HD video recording

Cons

• Expensive
• Only a one-year global warranty

Sigma EX 10mm f/2.8 DC HSM: Best Wide Angle Lens With Fisheye

If you’ve always wanted to have a fisheye lens for Nikon D3100 and happen to be searching for you, your search ends at Sigma EX 10mm f/2.8 DC HSM Fisheye. A fisheye lens is a must-have if you’ve got a particular method of studying the entire world. Having a 180-degree view, shooting a fisheye lens may be an eye-opening encounter.

Fisheye Lenses are no more these novelty pieces of equipment that aren’t pulled from this bag frequently. The lens includes a durable build, and it’s regarded as among the most exceptional lenses made by Sigma. The lens is constructed from metal and superior quality plastic.

It feels somewhat heavy but is little in dimension. Users may quickly think that the lens and state there is a great deal of glass and premium quality. Many consumers felt that the lens isn’t hefty, but you may feel a little exhaustion if you would like to shoot it daily with only a wrist strap.

The top of this lens includes a distance scale, which helps with focusing. This is among a rare attribute barely found on lenses nowadays. The distance scale isn’t useful since the focal length of this lens is simply 10mm. It may also be put to infinity whenever you’re shooting a subject that’s at a distance of 10 feet.

It may be Fairly challenging to examine the optics when it has to do with fisheye; the distortion inside this lens is intense — in the easiest way possible.

The Sigma 10mm is one lens that stands right for the guarantee and performs nicely. If you’re seeking an average priced fisheye lens, then this is the one to select.

Pros

• Is accompanied by an autofocus motor, built-in
• Includes a lens hood
• Super Multi-Layer coat
• offers high image quality.

Cons

• No Image Stabilization
• The lens isn’t sealed against dust or moisture.

Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G: Best All-Purpose Lens

Wildlife photographers must have come across these lenses because this is a very nice lense for shooting landscapes.  It comes with an aperture ranging between 3.5 to 5.6 and a focal length ranging between 18 mm to 140 mm. 

These are adjustable and flexible to give your beautiful wide-angled shot. The lens has Vibration Reduction image stabilization and autofocus but it lacks extra filters. 

The telephoto lens is a completely multifunctional lens that can be used for various purposes.  You have a built-in extra-low dispersion glass that keeps it simple for you and yet delivers amazing pictures. The lens comes with an F-mount and a CPU. Making it one of the Best all-purpose lenses for Nikon D3100, all credits to its flexibility.

The lens Also offers the Vibration Reduction Technology of Nikon that prevents the formation of a blur, which frequently happens because of shaky hands. Using the silent wave motor makes the autofocus fast and quiet.

Though the Manufacturers haven’t claimed that the lens is weatherproof, the rubber seal around the lens protects it from dust and moisture. It is also demanded due to the precise focal length it provides.

Pros

• Vibration Reduction Technology
• Silent Wave Motor
• Excellent performer
• Autofocus is eloquent and fast.

Cons

• The lens may be a bit too heavy for a few.

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Lens is perfect for photographing a range of various items, such as close-up artwork and merchandise shots.

It’s a Fantastic zoom lens for Nikon 3100. The macro lens includes a complete package as well, with the purchase.

The lens Itself includes a front and back cover. Additionally, it has a lens hood and a carrying case.

The package includes a large number of additional accessories that make close-up photographs simpler.

The lens comes with an f/1.4 default aperture, which may be corrected up to 16 if desired –that the focal length of the camera speeds at 30mm, which is not uncommon among Nikon camera lenses.

The Item Includes a minimum focus distance of 11.8 inches. A Hyper Sonic Motor can be utilized to offer a more powerful autofocus method.

Features

1. Lens Type: Macro Lens
2. Focal length: 30mm
3. Aperture: f/1.44 into 16
4. Autofocus: Yes
5. Picture Stabilization: No
6. Weight: 4.11 pounds
7. Great for: Close up shots

Pros

• comprises a tripod and attachment kit
• Characteristics an F Mount
• Flexible aperture array
• Short minimal focus distance
• utilizes a brass Bayonet mount

Cons

• Some close-up shots need shorter focus distances.

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6: Best Lens for Wildlife Photography for Nikon D3100

A compact telephoto zoom lens, the Nikon 55-200mm F/4-5.6, is among the best lens to use with your Nikon D3100 for wildlife photography. The lens provides a focal range of 82.5-300mm and includes the built-in autofocus and Vibration reduction system.

The lens Additionally features rounded blades that aid with the rendering of regions that are out of focus. The lens also offers a Super Integrated Coating along with 13 lens elements, which can be organized into nine classes.

The lens is Lightweight and weighs approximately 300 g and compliments smaller DSLRs out of Nikon too. The build quality of this lens is quite decent.

Though the Outer rings of this lens are made from vinyl, the optical components used are of excellent top glass. The zooming with this lens not inner, and you can observe the front part of the lens will not stretch when flashed.

When it comes to the attributes, it may be stated that the NIKON 55-200mm F/4-5.6 has a few notable ones. The lens as Vibration Reduction and autofocus built-in.

The lens is as fantastic as some superior lenses from Nikon. Additionally, it offers an off and, on a switch,, which can be set on this lens’s diameter, but there’s not any choice to select between the standard and the effective manners.

The lens Does have quite a few plastic components, as well as the lens mount is made from quality vinyl. This is precisely what makes it lightweight. The lens isn’t weatherproof, but it will include a rubber seal that protects against dust and dirt.

The lens Works nicely when you’re using to catch stunning images of objects that are stationary. The autofocus is a bit slow, and therefore, it can’t be used to capture images when in movement. If you’re searching for very best lenses for Nikon D3100 at a budget, then that is the lens to select.

Pros

• Great center sharpness
• Attractive Bokeh
• Well-controlled vignetting
• Vibration Reduction

Cons

• Focusing Isn’t inner
• Autofocus is a little slow

Buying Guide to select a good Nikon D3100 Lens

Different Types of Lenses Available in the Market

Wide-angle

Useful for shooting a great deal on your scene (generally from 8 to 35mm). Wideangle Lenses are usually employed for character, indoor and landscape photography.

Standard

This is what most of the photographers use (from 35 to 85mm)

A standard Lens is the most like the way we view the world and is ideal for many photography kinds. Our favorite choice is Nikon 35mm f/1.8G, and in case you’re searching for sharpness and decent picture quality, also having the ability to shoot at night, then you love it.

Telephoto

For subjects far away (85 to 600mm, just a few lenses which move higher). Telephoto Lenses are more extended and often thicker since they will need to create your subject seem much nearer than it is. However, occasionally moving nearer does the task. However, there are events where you require a telephoto lens, for example, you can not only jump a basketball court to get a couple of seconds to shoot a few images, let alone capture out in character with harmful animals. A cheap and lightweight alternative is the Nikon 55-250mm f/4-5.6.

Macro

1:1 ratio which magnifies your topic to actual life-size (generally from 60 to 180mm). The final on our listing are macro lenses. They behave like a magnifying glass and create your topic appear as large as it is in real life (called 1:1 magnification ratio). They are ideal for specifics, bugs, and product photography, notably smaller things.

Zoom

In case of a zoom lens, the Focal length can be played with and altered

In Other Words, A zoom lens permits you to get closer to a topic by rotating the zoom ring (such as a 55-300mm, which goes out of 55mm, everything involving, and 300mm).

Prime

These are the ones with the same focal length. A prime lens is always in the same focal length (by way of instance, 50mm). Quality is generally better, and the maximum aperture could be larger without making the lens enormous in proportion.

Things to look for in your lens:

1. Good AF (Autofocus): Some lenses lack AF, and you may experience a struggling time while focusing on the subject.
2. Filters: Accessory kits come with filters. These filters give unique effects to your usual clicks.
3. VR Image Stabilization: VR image stabilization is essential for precise still captures while objects are in motion.
4. Weight: The weight of the lenses should be light, yet their build should be solid.
5. Weather seal technology: A dust cleaner or a Weather seal must tolerate minor weather wear and tear.
6. Aperture: If the aperture is adjustable, well and good. Otherwise, we have an aperture ranging between 3.5 to 5.6; you can decide among them.
7. Focal length: If the focal length is flexible and you can manually adjust it, you are sorted. But if you get a fixed focal length, do not settle down for anything less than 32 mm.

Important Factors to consider before buying a new lens for D3100:

• Always go for lenses that have better quality. This will make sure that they last for their worth in the long run.
• It is recommended to get lenses that have better low light performance.
• This goes without saying; pick the ones with a broader or longer focal length. Otherwise, if you are selecting one for a specific task, choose accordingly.
• Always know the purpose for which you will be buying the lens.

Conclusion

Wrapping it up for this article , ultimately everything depends on the type of photography that you are into.

•  If you are a wildlife photographer you should go for lenses that can take good landscape pictures for example you can go for wide-angle lenses. 
• If you are a portrait photographer then you can go for Bokeh lenses.

You basically need to classify your usage of your field and then select a lens accordingly with optimum settings and features.

I hope you liked this article on the Best Nikon D3100 lenses. I tried to cover the lenses that I personally love. Let me know if you have any suggestions in your mind.