Best Lenses for Nikon D5100 (2025)

The Nikon D5100 remains a favorite among beginner and intermediate photographers for its balance of image quality, features, and affordability. But if you’re still using the kit lens, you’re missing out on the full potential of what this DSLR can achieve. Choosing the best lenses for Nikon D5100 can drastically enhance your photography—whether you’re shooting landscapes, portraits, macros, or faraway subjects.

In this 2025 lens guide, we’ve rounded up the best lenses for D5100 users, including options from Nikon and trusted third-party brands like Tamron. From wide angle lenses for Nikon D5100 to macro lens choices, best zoom lens for Nikon D5100, and even cheap lenses that punch above their price point—this list covers every style and budget.

Whether you’re searching for the best portrait lens for Nikon D5100, a reliable telephoto lens for wildlife shots, or need help with Nikon D5100 lens recommendations, this comprehensive guide has something for you. We also include top picks for Tamron lenses for Nikon D5100, giving you both native and third-party options that work flawlessly.

Ready to upgrade your kit and take sharper, more professional-looking photos? Let’s dive into the top 10 Nikon D5100 compatible lenses to elevate your photography game.

Table of Contents

1. Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

If you’re looking for the best telephoto lens for Nikon D5100, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Nikkor is a powerful pick. This high-performance 4.3x zoom lens offers extended reach, perfect for wildlife, sports, and portrait photography. It’s one of the most recommended Nikon D5100 compatible lenses, especially for users who want an affordable telephoto option with vibration reduction technology.

What makes this one of the best lenses for Nikon D5100 is its ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements, which reduce chromatic aberration and improve sharpness and contrast across the entire frame. The built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) allows handheld shooting at up to 4 stops slower shutter speeds—ideal for capturing sharp images without a tripod.

Its internal focusing mechanism means the lens doesn’t change length while focusing, ensuring quiet, fast operation—great for both stills and video. For those seeking cheap lenses for Nikon D5100 that still offer serious optical quality and features, this lens hits the sweet spot.

🔍 Features:

70-300mm telephoto zoom (equivalent to 105–450mm on DX)
VR image stabilization (up to 4 stops)
2 ED glass elements for reduced chromatic aberration
Silent Wave Motor for fast and quiet autofocus
Compatible with Nikon D5100 and other DX-format DSLRs

✅ Pros:

Excellent telephoto reach
Sharp images with VR enabled
Smooth and silent autofocus

❌ Cons:

Not ideal for low-light indoor shooting
Some sharpness loss at 300mm

2. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens

If you’re seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly, and feature-packed telephoto option, this lens is among the best zoom lens for Nikon D5100. The Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR offers a 105-450mm equivalent zoom range, making it great for wildlife, sports, or long-distance portrait shots.

One ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration and maintains clarity throughout the zoom range. The Super Integrated Coating (SIC) boosts color accuracy and reduces lens flare. With the pulse stepping motor (AF-P), you get fast and virtually silent autofocus, which is a big plus for videographers.

What really stands out is the Vibration Reduction (VR) feature, allowing for sharper handheld shots—ideal for users looking for Nikon D5100 compatible lenses with image stabilization. It’s also a strong contender in the cheap lenses for Nikon D5100 category considering its optical performance at this price point.

🔍 Features:

ED glass element for better sharpness
VR for shake reduction
Pulse motor AF-P for quiet autofocus
Super Integrated Coating
Full camera menu compatibility for lens settings

✅ Pros:

Lightweight and compact
Excellent for handheld shooting
Budget-friendly

❌ Cons:

Limited low-light performance
No manual focus ring on some bodies

3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Prime Lens

Looking for the best portrait lens for Nikon D5100 that’s compact, fast, and sharp? This 35mm f/1.8G prime lens is a fan favorite for good reason. Its large f/1.8 aperture makes it a low-light beast while also creating beautiful background blur (bokeh), ideal for portraits, indoor photography, or street shooting.

Its aspherical lens elements reduce distortions and aberrations, offering sharp image quality across the frame. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast and near-silent focusing, a plus for both video and candid photography.

Whether you’re upgrading from the kit lens or building your collection of Nikon D5100 compatible lenses, this 35mm prime is a must-have. It’s also incredibly lightweight—perfect for travel and daily use.

🔍 Features:

f/1.8 wide aperture for low light
Silent Wave Motor for quiet autofocus
Aspherical elements for image sharpness
Compact and lightweight build
Excellent for portraits and general photography

✅ Pros:

Affordable and sharp
Great in low light
Creamy bokeh effect

❌ Cons:

No zoom capability
Slight chromatic aberration at wide open

4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

This is one of the most versatile Nikon D5100 lens recommendations you’ll find. Covering a wide range from wide angle lenses for Nikon D5100 (18mm) to mid-telephoto (140mm), this all-in-one lens is perfect for travel, street photography, and even casual portraits.

Thanks to the VR image stabilization, you can shoot handheld even in low light. Its ED glass and Silent Wave Motor provide sharp, vivid images with quick focusing performance.

It’s ideal for those looking for a flexible zoom lens without having to constantly switch between focal lengths. If you want to minimize your gear without compromising image quality, this is one of the best lenses for Nikon D5100 to consider.

🔍 Features:

18–140mm focal range
Vibration Reduction technology
ED glass for enhanced sharpness
Silent Wave Motor for smooth autofocus
Compact enough for travel kits

✅ Pros:

All-in-one convenience
Reliable image stabilization
Ideal travel and walkaround lens

❌ Cons:

Not ultra-wide or ultra-telephoto
Slight distortion at wide end

5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

Need serious zoom power on a budget? This lens is an excellent option for those needing a cheap telephoto lens for Nikon D5100. The 55–300mm focal range gives you serious reach for nature, wildlife, and sports photography. It’s also one of the best zoom lenses for Nikon D5100 with excellent stabilization features.

It includes 2 ED elements and a High Refractive Index (HRI) lens for minimal distortion. Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR II) allows you to shoot handheld even at 300mm—ideal for sharp long-range photos.

With the AF-S motor, autofocus is quick and quiet, and the lens works seamlessly with all Nikon D5100 compatible lenses settings. While a bit bulkier, it offers incredible value and performance for its price.

🔍 Features:

55-300mm telephoto reach
VR image stabilization
2 ED glass and HRI element
Super Integrated Coating
Silent Wave Motor autofocus

✅ Pros:

Great value for zoom
Good clarity for its range
Solid VR performance

❌ Cons:

A bit heavy for long use
Softness at extreme zoom

6. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

If macro photography is your niche, this lens is a dream. The 105mm Micro-NIKKOR offers 1:1 reproduction, letting you capture stunning close-ups with extreme detail. As a macro lens for Nikon D5100, it excels in nature, product, and food photography.

It features a fast f/2.8 aperture and Nikon’s VR II stabilization, which helps reduce shake when shooting handheld. The Nano Crystal Coating and ED glass minimize flare and chromatic aberrations, ensuring crisp and clean shots even in challenging light.

While on the pricier side, this is one of the best lenses for Nikon D5100 if you’re serious about macro and portrait work. Its creamy bokeh and razor-sharp focus performance justify the investment.

🔍 Features:

105mm macro focal length
1:1 life-size reproduction
VR II for shake-free handhelds
Nano Crystal Coat + ED glass
Internal focusing for constant length

✅ Pros:

Top-tier macro performance
Great for portraits too
Sharp and vibrant images

❌ Cons:

Pricey for beginners
Heavier than typical primes

7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

This all-around zoom is a solid pick if you’re looking for a practical, budget-friendly option to replace your kit lens. The Nikon 18-105mm is among the best lenses for Nikon D5100 due to its wide focal range and Vibration Reduction (VR), which makes handheld shooting easier in low light or telephoto distances.

As part of Nikon’s DX-format lineup, this lens is fully compatible with the D5100 and delivers excellent sharpness and contrast thanks to the ED glass and aspherical elements. It’s especially useful for beginners who want a single-lens solution that covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to moderate telephoto needs.

For those searching for cheap lenses for Nikon D5100 with strong everyday performance, the 18–105mm checks all the boxes.

🔍 Features:

18–105mm versatile zoom range
Vibration Reduction for sharper handheld shots
ED glass for better clarity and minimal distortion
Super Integrated Coating for improved color accuracy
Aspherical lens elements for edge-to-edge sharpness

✅ Pros:

Great general-purpose lens
Reliable image stabilization
Ideal for travel and casual shooting

❌ Cons:

Some distortion at wide end
Build quality is plastic-heavy

8. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

If you’re after a one-lens solution, this powerful 11x zoom is one of the most convenient Nikon D5100 lens recommendations you can get. The 18–200mm focal length gives you wide angle to telephoto coverage, perfect for everything from group photos to distant scenes.

Designed with Vibration Reduction (VR II) and two ED glass elements, it maintains image sharpness and minimizes chromatic aberrations throughout its range. The lens is also equipped with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocusing—great for both video and stills.

While it’s pricier than some lenses on this list, it’s an ideal travel lens and one of the best zoom lenses for Nikon D5100 if you prefer not to carry multiple lenses.

🔍 Features:

18–200mm focal length covers nearly all photo needs
VR II for steady handheld shooting
ED glass and aspherical elements for image clarity
Silent Wave Motor for smooth focus
Super Integrated Coating to reduce flare
To compare it with similar lenses, visit the Amazon product page for Nikon 55–300mm f/4.5–5.6G.

✅ Pros:

Wide-to-telephoto convenience
Great travel and walk-around lens
Solid image stabilization

❌ Cons:

Some sharpness loss at 200mm
Slight barrel distortion at wide end

9. Tamron 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC All-in-One Zoom Lens

Looking for high zoom flexibility at an affordable price? This lens by Tamron is a top pick in the tamron lenses for Nikon D5100 category. With an 18–200mm range, this all-in-one zoom is ideal for beginners and travelers wanting to cover wide angle to telephoto in a single lens.

Its Vibration Compensation (VC) helps reduce camera shake, and the lens is surprisingly lightweight for its zoom range. This makes it one of the most practical and cheap lenses for Nikon D5100 that still delivers reliable image quality for general photography.

Although it’s not the fastest in low light, the price-to-performance ratio makes this one of the best lenses for D5100 if you’re on a budget.

🔍 Features:

18–200mm zoom range
Tamron VC image stabilization
Lightweight and beginner-friendly
Compatible with APS-C Nikon DSLRs like the D5100
Covers everyday shooting needs

✅ Pros:

Excellent value for money
All-in-one flexibility
Very lightweight

❌ Cons:

Autofocus can be slow in dim light
Plastic mount (not metal)

10. High-Power 500mm/1000mm f/8 Manual Telephoto Lens with T-Mount

For those wanting extreme reach on a tight budget, this manual telephoto lens is an interesting pick. Compatible with the D5100 via a T-mount adapter, this lens reaches an impressive 500mm, or 1000mm with the included 2x teleconverter.

While not the sharpest or fastest option available, it’s one of the most affordable ways to explore long-range photography. You won’t get autofocus or image stabilization here, but with the right technique (and a tripod), it can deliver solid results for the price.

This model caters to hobbyists wanting to experiment with telephoto and wildlife photography without spending thousands, making it a valid mention among cheap lenses for Nikon D5100.

🔍 Features:

500mm native reach (1000mm with teleconverter)
Manual focus lens
Multi-coated optics to reduce flare
Includes T-mount adapter for Nikon
Built-in tripod mount

✅ Pros:

Huge telephoto reach on a budget
Compatible with many Nikon DSLRs
Good for beginners exploring telephoto photography

❌ Cons:

Manual focus only
Soft image quality at full zoom
Needs tripod for best results

🛒 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lenses for Nikon D5100

When choosing the best lenses for Nikon D5100, it’s crucial to consider your photography style, skill level, and budget. The D5100 is a highly capable DSLR, and pairing it with the right lens can elevate your images whether you’re a hobbyist or aspiring pro. Here’s what to look for when picking your next lens:

🔍 1. Zoom Lenses vs. Prime Lenses

Zoom lenses (like 18–140mm or 70–300mm) are great for versatility, allowing you to cover a wide range of focal lengths without switching lenses. They’re perfect for travel, everyday use, and general photography.
Prime lenses (like the 35mm f/1.8) offer fixed focal lengths but deliver superior sharpness, low-light performance, and beautiful bokeh. They’re ideal for portraits, indoor shooting, or street photography.

If you’re just starting out, it’s smart to own one of each—perhaps a best zoom lens for Nikon D5100 for flexibility and a best portrait lens for Nikon D5100 for creative shots.

💡 2. Lens Compatibility with Nikon D5100

Not all Nikon lenses work the same with the D5100. While it supports most Nikon F-mount lenses, make sure the lens supports autofocus with bodies that lack built-in AF motors. All lenses reviewed in this guide are fully Nikon D5100 compatible lenses and support autofocus features (unless stated otherwise).

Also, don’t overlook high-quality Tamron lenses for Nikon D5100, which offer great alternatives to Nikon-branded options—often with a more affordable price tag.

🌄 3. Specialized Lenses: Wide Angle, Macro, and Telephoto

Wide angle lenses for Nikon D5100 (like 18–55mm or 18–105mm) are ideal for landscapes, architecture, or group shots.
A macro lens for Nikon D5100 (like the 105mm f/2.8G) lets you capture stunning close-up shots of flowers, textures, insects, or product photography.
If you’re shooting wildlife or sports, consider the best telephoto lens for Nikon D5100 like the 55–300mm or 70–300mm options reviewed above.

💰 4. Price and Value

Photography can become expensive fast, especially when adding more gear. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of cheap lenses for Nikon D5100 that don’t compromise on quality. Brands like Tamron, or older Nikon models, offer great value for beginner to intermediate users.

🎒 5. Size and Portability

If you travel frequently or prefer lightweight setups, look for compact lenses like the 35mm f/1.8 or Tamron 18–200mm. Heavy telephoto lenses offer reach but may require a tripod and more effort to carry around.

🏁 Conclusion: Our Nikon D5100 Lens Recommendations for 2025

Whether you’re just beginning your photography journey or upgrading your gear, this list of the best lenses for Nikon D5100 provides a wide variety of options tailored to different needs and budgets.

For a best all-in-one zoom, we recommend the Nikon 18-200mm VR II. If you want a high-quality, affordable portrait lens, go with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G. Need reach for wildlife or sports? The Nikon 70-300mm VR is an excellent choice for the best telephoto lens for Nikon D5100.

Each lens reviewed here is a proven performer and fully Nikon D5100 compatible, ensuring smooth performance and stunning results. From wide angle lenses for Nikon D5100 to macro and Tamron lenses, this guide helps you choose lenses that match your creativity and vision.

Start with one or two lenses based on your priorities—zoom, portrait, macro, or telephoto—and you’ll immediately see the difference in your shots. The right lens doesn’t just capture a photo; it captures the moment the way you imagined it.

If you also shoot with a Panasonic camera or own a hybrid kit, be sure to explore our guide on the best lenses for G85 and G7 to find top-performing Micro Four Thirds lenses tailored for Lumix shooters.