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Lenses are one of those accessories that can greatly enhance the results of your camera, given that you use them the right way in the right place.
A number of different lenses are used for different purposes.
In this article, we’ll go through different lenses that work in compatibility with the Nikon D3100, and you can pick one that you think fits your purpose of use.
Contents
- Review of the Best Lenses For Nikon D3100
- Best Overall: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
- Runner-up: Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G
- Best for the Money: Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
- Best Lens for Nikon D3100 Portrait: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G
- Best Zoom Lens for Nikon D3100: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
- Best Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D3100: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G
- Best Nikon D3100 Telephoto Lens: NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
- Best Nikon D3100 50mm Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Best Nikon D3100 Fisheye Lens: Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G EDNo products found.
- Comparison of the Best Lenses For Nikon D3100
- Are All Lenses The Same?
- What Size of Lens Do I Need?
- How Do I Choose a New Lens?
- Advantages of Investing in a Quality Lens
- People Also Ask
- Conclusion
Review of the Best Lenses For Nikon D3100
Now that you know exactly how to find the perfect lens for your use, let’s take a look at a few of the best ones available. Listed are some of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 with everything that you need to know about them. All you need to do is go through them and take your pick.
Best Overall: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Maximum aperture provides beautiful bokeh shots
- Normal angle of view designed to provide a natural feel to the images
- Compact design allows great ease and convenience of use and storage
- Designed with optimization for DX-format cameras to provide optimal results
- Equipped with the f/1.8 maximum aperture designed for ideal low light shooting
CONS
- Users may notice some degree of barrel distortion
- Accessories provided may not be of the best quality
- The bokeh is not ideal as compared to that provided by some other lenses
What Recent Buyers Report
The only thing Nikon has failed at is disappointing its users. And it does so with Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens too, designed for the Nikon D3100 DSLR. Those that have invested in this unit and used it in combination with their Nikon DSLRs will tell you the magic that the lens is capable of creating in all sorts of situations.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is nothing that we do not love about this unit. But one particular feature absolutely steals the show, and that is the silent wave motor system. This highly efficient motor allows not only a great functioning of the unit but also high degree auto focus and silent functioning, which is all one can ask for.
Who Will Use This Most
Here is a unit that excels not only in terms of quality and performance but is also perfectly affordable and ranks higher on the scale of durability. If you want a lens for your Nikon D3100 that can be termed as an all-rounder, then this is the unit that you are asking for.
Bottom Line
Putting this lens by Nikon on the top of this list is mostly due to its outstanding functionality and flawless performance. Another contributing factor is its long list of features and accessories available. No matter what use you intend, it will prove to be perfect for all.
- F mount lens/DX format. Picture angle with Nikon DX format 44 degree
- 52.5 millimeter (35-millimeter equivalent). Rear focusing; Manual focus override
- Aperture range: F/1.8 to 22; Dimensions(approx.) 70 x 52.5 millimeter
Runner-up: Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G
PROS
- Ensures great results even in low light conditions
- Provides great ease of use, even for the beginners
- Image stabilization is of a great degree, eliminating any shaky images
- Equipped with outstanding auto focus that works with great efficiency
- Allows users to experience narrower angles without a compromised quality
CONS
- Not ideal for bokeh shots
- A little more expensive than standard units
- Slight chromatic aberrations may be noticed by users
What Recent Buyers Report
Photographers that have recently invested in Nikon 70-300 mm f/4-5.6G unit and tried it out for themselves will tell you that it is one of the lenses that simply won’t fail you. It not only performs well enough to be your all-time favorite but also comes with a quality of build that will last you a long time.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit comes with a considerably long list of features, out of which what really impresses us is the wide range of filters that it is compatible with. Users often find such units to be hard in terms of filters, but this one, with its great compatibility, completely eliminates that issue.
Who Will Use This Most
There are not a lot of lenses out there that provide a great deal of compatibility with Nikon DSLRs. If you are looking for a lens that not only provides high-quality results but is also highly compatible with a Nikon DSLR, then this is designed just for you.
Bottom Line
This Nikon lens is one of the highest-rated lenses out there, and that is justified by the features and the quality of images that it provides. It not only satisfies the users but also provides them with a lot more than it promises. For this reason, it is one of our top picks.
- Nikon 70 300 millimeter f/4 5.6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens; Maximum Reproduction Ratio 0.26x
- Focal length range: 70 300 millimeter, minimum focus distance: 4.9 ft.; (1.5 m); maximum angle of...
- Accepts 62 millimeter filters, count on genuine Nikon optics for outstanding picture quality;...
Best for the Money: Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Designed with a fast aperture to take the ideal telephoto shots
- Switch between the manual and auto focus mode with great ease
- Features a minimum focus range of 0.80m for ideal close-up shots
- Silent wave motor functions quietly for a noise-free shooting session
- Experience a better level of photography with the Nikon super integrated coating
CONS
- Not suitably designed for professional purposes
- A slight fisheye bulge may be seen in the images
- May not provide as many features as other units
What Recent Buyers Report
A number of users, before investing in Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G unit, weren’t too sure what to expect of this lens. But once they did, they found that Nikon did not fail them with this lower priced unit. They were pleasantly surprised by the high-quality images that it took and the ease with which it functioned.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What do we like about this unit? The answer is simple; its super integrated coating applied over the lens element. This feature put forth by Nikon exclusively provides the lens with a higher degree of functionality as it greatly eliminates a number of aberrations from the image.
Who Will Use This Most
A number of lenses are designed to function well, but not a lot of them are designed to be affordable simultaneously. But this unit is not like those. It is designed for all those users that want to experience the best of photography without having to spend a fortune on it.
Bottom Line
There’s no more need for overspending for the features that you need. This lens will not only help you save money but also put an end to compromises in quality that you need to make in order to get a lens that fits your budget. Experience high-quality and satisfaction in one unit with this Nikon fixed lens.
- Fast aperture medium telephoto lens
- Internal focus, focal length: 85 millimeter, minimum focus range: 0.80 meter
- Silent wave motor (SWM). Number of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Best Lens for Nikon D3100 Portrait: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G
PROS
- Allows you to get as close as 1.48 feet from your subject using the zoom
- With the silent wave motor, you get to experience an ultra-quiet auto focus
- Features Nikon’s new high-resolution image sensors for peak performance
- Comes with VR image stabilization, so you don’t complain of shaky photos again
- Comes with an extra-low dispersion glass for higher quality and sharpness of images
CONS
- Provided instructions are not sufficient for beginners
- Considerably more expensive than other similar units
- Does not come with sufficient customer support from the manufacturer
What Recent Buyers Report
Users that have invested in Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G unit are those that had not been highly satisfied with their previous lenses, but they claim that investing in this one by Nikon really changed things for them. Not only did it provide greater convenience of use, but also a better quality that buyers really love.
Why it Stands Out to Us
One of the greatest features provided by this lens is that it functions to provide users with a two-in-one use. It comes as a compact all in one DX-format zoom, using which users can find themselves switching between a wide-angle and telephoto image, all with great ease.
Who Will Use This Most
While a zoom lens can provide users with a lot of uses, not every zoom lens is ideal for portraits. Only a few, with the right focal length range and aperture, are fit for the use. This unit is one of the few that performs excellently while taking portraits. If that is the use that you require of your Nikon D3100, then this is the one for you.
Bottom Line
You can now practice your dream portraits with this Nikon lens and your Nikon D3100. Invest in this lens, attach it to your camera, and we assure you that you will notice the difference right from the first shot. This is a unit that you can just not go wrong with, getting the perfect shot every time.
- Includes all original accessories plus a 90-day warranty
- Compact all-in-one DX-format zoom lens that goes from wide-angle (18mm) to telephoto (140mm) for...
- Designed to draw peak performance from Nikon's new high-resolution image sensors. VR image...
Best Zoom Lens for Nikon D3100: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
PROS
- Nikon vibration reduction for an enhanced image stabilization
- Comes with an easy snap-on lens cap that keeps the unit secure
- 58mm filter thread allows easy compatibility for a number of filters
- Lens element is of high refractive index for a crisp and sharp image
- Features not one but two extra-low dispersion elements for optimal results
CONS
- Users might notice slight creep in images
- Auto focus may result in loss of sharpness of the image
- Telescoping body of the unit may make it hard to carry around
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the users that have invested in Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G unit have found it to be an investment worth making. Buyers agree that it is considerably expensive, but they all also agree that it provides a number of features and functionality that absolutely justifies the cost of the lens.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If we had to name only one of the many features that this unit provides as our favorite, it would definitely be its high refractive index lens element. Such a lens element not only assures users of high-quality build but also greatly enhances the results.
Who Will Use This Most
It might not always be possible for a photographer to get up close to the subject for an ideal shot. In such cases, a zoom lens comes in handy. If you are looking to take the perfect shot at a sports event, or at a wildlife visit with your Nikon D3100, then this zoom lens is the perfect companion for you.
Bottom Line
Be it a shot from a distance, or one up close, this lens will give you the best of both. It is designed not only to provide you with the absolute best of functionality but also ensure your complete satisfaction with its quality of build as well as the quality of images shot with this lens.
- 5.5x Telephoto Zoom lens,Filter Thread: 58 mm
- Nikon VR Image Stabilization; Tripod Detection Mode, Focal Length Range : 55 -300 mm, Minimum Focus...
- HRI (High Refractive Index) Lens Element
Best Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D3100: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G
PROS
- Silent wave motor ensures an efficiently working auto focus
- Extra low dispersion glass used for it is of the highest quality
- With VR image stabilization, users can experience a sharper image
- SIC feature allows an enhanced transmission of light for better colors
- Aspherical lens element allows a minimization of the coma often experienced
CONS
- Costs more than other lenses of its like
- Does not come with a hood for added protection
- Slight chromatic aberrations often observed by users
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have invested in Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G unit will tell you that if you need to capture the perfect inclusive shot, for a view or for a group photo, then no other unit would be better than this one. This Nikon lens has absolutely sold itself to its users with its unique and impressive features.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Of all other wide-angle lenses, what really stood out to us was the unique features that it offered. Of those features, the one we like the most was the extra-low dispersion glass that Nikon uses. This glass allows complete elimination of the coma from images taken.
Who Will Use This Most
While shooting for images that include the involvement of a whole scene in front of you, you do not want your camera to cut the view short. For that purpose, a wide-angle camera serves to be your savior. If you, need to capture the perfect wide-angle images, then this one by Nikon will not disappoint you.
Bottom Line
Experience street photography and shooting scenic views on a whole other level with this wide-angle lens by Nikon. This lens, paired with your Nikon D3100, is going to be a combination that you will not regret, no matter what kind of photos that you opt to take.
- Goes from wide-angle (18 millimeter ) to telephoto (140 millimeter ) for great snapshots and videos...
- Nikon Silent Wave Motor (AFS) enables fast, accurate and quiet autofocus, Minimum focus distance...
- VR image stabilization for sharper handheld photos and videos in low-light situations and at...
Best Nikon D3100 Telephoto Lens: NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
PROS
- Seven blade diaphragm allows your images a better bokeh effect
- 4.0 stops of the vibration reduction allow a blur-free shooting session
- Experience a steadier video shooting and enhances low light performance
- Eliminates optic distortion with its extra-low dispersion glass for better results
- With the super integrated coating, you can observe a more superior color range
CONS
- Not the best unit for professional use
- The manual focus may be tricky to use
- May not be ideal for a great number of uses
What Recent Buyers Report
NIKON AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G is yet another one of those units that absolutely stunned the users with its high functionality and outstanding performance. Not only did it entirely eradicate the issue of shaky images for them, but it allowed them to capture images with a depth that greatly stunned them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What’s so special about this unit, you ask? There is a lot that it has to offer, but one feature that trumps all is the Nikon Vibration Reduction. This feature presented exclusively by Nikon allows the lens motor to function with reduced vibration, providing a greater image stabilization.
Who Will Use This Most
Telephoto lenses are designed to provide users with images that may be a little more narrow than standard images in dimension, but at the same time, they allow users to capture a better image with objects in the distance. If that is the sort of photography you’re looking forward to, then this unit is the one you need.
Bottom Line
This telephoto lens designed by Nikon is one that is designed to impress. Disappointing is definitely not one of its features. It comes with a degree of functionality and quality that one needs to experience for themselves. So if you’re looking for a telephoto lens, you can’t go wrong with this one.
- Compact telephoto zoom that's great for action, people and travel. Metering - Full aperture
- Focal Length Range : 55 -200 mm, Minimum Focus Distance : 3.7 ft. ( 1.1 m). Maximum angle of view...
- Super Integrated Coating (SIC) delivers superior color quality while reducing ghosting and lens...
Best Nikon D3100 50mm Lens: Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
PROS
- Designed for optimal edge to edge sharpness of the images
- Auto focus works smoothly, without any hassles or interruptions of the motor noise
- Allows you to efficiently and conveniently switch between the manual and auto focus
- Designed with a brand new optical system for elimination of any chromatic aberrations
- A combination of the 50 mm focal length and 1.48 feet of minimum focal distance allows for the perfect shots
CONS
- Putting it on may be a little tricky
- Use of the lens may not be suitable for beginners
- The build of the lens may not be as strong as others
What Recent Buyers Report
Users that have recently invested in this 50mm lens by Nikon have a lot to say about it, but nothing negative. Users will tell you not only about its high quality build, but also its ideal compatibility with a Nikon 3100 and the outstanding results it provides for every shot taken.
Why it Stands Out to Us
A 50mm lens in itself is a great incentive for users, but what really makes it stand out for us is the M//A focus mode switch. This convenient switch allows users to toggle between a manual focus and auto focus, in between shots, with no extra hassles at all.
Who Will Use This Most
A 50mm lens is widely known for the lifelike photos that it creates. The 50mm focal length is very close to that of a human eye. Therefore, the shot that it captures is almost like what a human eye sees. If you are looking forward to capturing such shots, then this unit might be the one for you.
Bottom Line
The possibilities with a 50mm lens and a Nikon D3100 camera put together are endless. They are two high-quality units, that when put together, provide great results. This 50mm lens by Nikon is all you need to complete this ideal duo. With this unit, you can rest assured that you are investing in the best.
Best Nikon D3100 Fisheye Lens: Nikon AF DX NIKKOR 10.5mm f/2.8G ED
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PROS
- Allows users a close range of focus as close as 5.5 inches
- The focus and functionality of the aperture are considerably fast
- Silent wave motor allows auto focus but without any disturbance
- Users can find an easy and convenient use given the compact size
- Provides a close-range correction for consistency and quality of images
CONS
- Does not provide a zoom feature for users
- The quasi hood of the unit is not removable
- Finding compatible filters may be an issue with this lens
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have found themselves to be highly impressed by No products found. lens. According to them, not only does it provide the ideal fisheye effect, but it also greatly enhances the quality of the image. But that’s not where it ends. Users also enjoyed its fixed zoom functioning and found its functionality to be ideal.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The fisheye feature of this lens is enough to make it stand apart from the rest, but another feature that really makes it shine among the rest is its 180-degree diagonal angle of view. Such an angle provides a wider range of coverage for the shot, making it considerably more attractive.
Who Will Use This Most
Finding a fisheye lens, and one that is compatible with the Nikon D3100 is quite a task. But Nikon itself has solved that issue for its users, putting forth this lens for them. If you are interested in using a fisheye lens for your camera, then we doubt there is a unit better than this.
Bottom Line
Fisheye lenses are not only unique but also rare to find. If you are looking for one to use for your Nikon D3100, this fixed zoom lens will serve to be the perfect option for you. It will not only allow you a great satisfaction of use but also greatly enhance your pictures, bringing out the best of them.
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Comparison of the Best Lenses For Nikon D3100
Are All Lenses The Same?
When it comes to lenses for cameras, the basic components of almost all are the same. The basic pattern of construction is usually shared by more or less all of them. But are they completely the same? No, they are not.
Lenses are of multiple types and given their type, they provide users with a different range of features. Some allow you to capture a wider angle, while others provide you with a better zooming capability. Some lenses are designed for better photography, while others are made for videography.
Which of these lenses work better for users depends upon the use that they require. A wide-angle lens would work the best for street photography, while a zoom lens proves to be the better pick for sports photography. Each one is designed to provide users with a specific purpose.
What Size of Lens Do I Need?
The size of the lens that you choose for your camera depends upon the function that you require of it. Different sizes of lenses allow a different set of features. The size of the lens that you pick eventually should be appropriate for the use you require of it.
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)
There are a number of factors that depend upon the size of your lens, and the most important of those factors is the focal length. It is perhaps the most essential element to be considered when picking a lens. The focal length determines what sort of photographs can be best taken.
How Do I Choose a New Lens?
Choosing a new lens can mean a lot to any user. It can serve as the making or breaking factor for the photos or videos that are taken with the camera. It is, therefore, essential to pick a new lens with great consideration. Here are a few factors that you need to consider before investing in a unit.
Use
As mentioned above, the type of lens that ultimately works the best for you depends upon the use that you intend for it. Before you pick one for yourself, take a second to ask yourself what kind of use do you intend it for? Is it for fun? For sports photography? For portraits? Or to shoot videos? And once you have decided, you can go on to choose a lens.
Focal Length
Once you have determined the use for your lens, find one with a focal length that is best suited for the purpose. Different focal lengths will give you different types of results. While some are good for wide shots, others work better for close-ups. And then there are some that allow a great number of special effects.
Quality and Durability
While some lenses may be comparatively cheaper than the others, in general, lenses tend to be quite expensive. And when you invest in a unit that costs a considerable amount, you need to ensure that it is made out of high-quality materials and will last long enough. If an item seems frisky and of low quality, it is advisable not to invest in it.
Advantages of Investing in a Quality Lens
Since these lenses can cost the users a considerable amount, it is only natural for one to wonder if they really need to invest in one. If you are wondering why you should invest in a quality lens, here are a few advantages that you get out of investing in these units.
Better Quality Results
A good lens to a camera is like salt in food; it really brings out the best of it. A camera alone may be able to function fine, but the right use of the right sort of lens can really make all the difference that one needs to see in their shots.
High-Quality Material
You might even consider investing in a standard rated lens to save money, looking at how much a high-quality unit costs. But in the long run, these standard units may cost you a lot more since they do not last as long and need frequent replacements. A good quality lens is, however, designed for high-quality materials and will last longer.
Special Effects
While using a camera, you may be able to take a photo or a video and then edit it later for special effects using different computer software. That not only makes your shots look unrealistic but also messes with their quality and resolution. With an appropriate lens, you can achieve almost any effect you want, without any of the aforementioned issues.
People Also Ask
In order to make the best use of these lenses, it is essential that the users have a firm grip over the Nikon D3100 camera itself. In case you have some questions, we would like to answer them so you can find the best use for your lenses. Here are some frequently asked questions, answered for your convenience.
Does Nikon D3100 Have WIFI?
Nikon has only recently started designing cameras that come with Wi-Fi compatibility. So while quite a few of its models feature Wi-Fi, not all of them do. Unfortunately, the D3100 is not one of those. Unlike the newer models, this model does not feature the Wi-Fi capability or the WU-1a adapter that allows the use of Wi-Fi.
Can You Charge Nikon D3100 With USB?
There are a few cameras out there that can be charged using a USB, but not all. Nikon D3100 is one of the latter. The charging capacity of this model is simply too high to be met by a USB port. This is why a Nikon D3100 should only be charged using the charger that it comes with.
Is Nikon D3100 Full-Frame?
A full-frame camera is one that allows users to capture a picture that is the same size as the single traditional frame of 36 x 24mm. There are a number of such cameras by Nikon, but D3100 is not one of those. D3100 comes with a crop factor that does not allow the resultant image to be of the standard frame size.=
Conclusion
The best part about photography is getting to try new things and experimenting with your camera. Nikon D3100 is the perfect camera to test your skills with. All you need to do is pick the best lens for your use, and get shooting. With keen consideration of the right aspects, you’ll find yourself taking some amazing shots.
