Are you looking for the best all in one lens for Nikon D5100 that combines versatility, image quality, and affordability? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, finding the right lens is crucial to capturing stunning shots with your Nikon D5100. This powerful DSLR deserves a lens that can match its performance across wide-angle, zoom, and telephoto needs.
In this guide, we’ve carefully reviewed and ranked the top Nikon D5100 compatible lenses to help you make an informed decision. From wide-angle lenses perfect for landscapes to telephoto zoom lenses built for wildlife and sports, this list covers it all. We’ve also included all-purpose lenses for travel and everyday photography, best prime lenses for Nikon D5100 for superior sharpness, and even affordable Nikon D5100 lens options for those on a budget.
For more Nikon gear picks, check out our best lenses for Nikon D7500 and best lenses for Nikon D7100 guides.
Whether you’re looking for a versatile lens for Nikon D5100 that can handle portraits, street photography, and action shots, or a dedicated telephoto lens Nikon D5100 setup for long-distance subjects, our expert-reviewed recommendations are here to guide your next purchase.
Let’s dive into the top Nikon D5100 lens recommendations for 2025.
1. NIKKOR DX AF-S 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR – Best All Purpose Lens for Nikon D5100
If you’re searching for the best all in one lens for Nikon D5100, the NIKKOR DX AF-S 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a top-tier choice for everyday use. This versatile lens for Nikon D5100 offers a flexible 7.8x zoom range that covers everything from wide-angle landscapes (18mm) to telephoto zoom (140mm), making it ideal for travel, portraits, street photography, and casual shooting.
Engineered with Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, this lens minimizes blur from handheld shots, even in low-light situations. Whether you’re capturing family memories or distant cityscapes, the image stabilization ensures crisp, sharp photos and videos.
The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) delivers fast, accurate, and near-silent autofocus—perfect for both stills and video. Its 0.45m minimum focusing distance allows for close-up shots without switching lenses, making it a true all purpose lens for Nikon D5100 users.
Optical performance is enhanced with ED glass and aspherical lens elements that reduce chromatic aberration and distortion. Combined with Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC), you’ll enjoy consistent color and minimized flare, even in bright lighting conditions.
Features:
-
18-140mm focal length for wide to telephoto versatility
-
Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization
-
Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet autofocus
-
ED and aspherical elements for sharper images
-
Compact design ideal for travel and daily use
Pros:
-
Great everyday Nikon D5100 compatible lens
-
Excellent image quality across focal range
-
Reliable autofocus and stabilization
-
Lightweight for an all-in-one lens
Cons:
-
Not ideal for very low-light or professional zoom reach
For detailed specs and compatibility information, visit the official Nikon 18-140mm lens product page on Nikon USA.
2. NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR – Best Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon D5100
If reach and flexibility matter most, the NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-300mm is one of the best telephoto zoom lenses for Nikon D5100. With an astounding 16.7x zoom range, this all-in-one lens captures everything from sweeping landscapes to tightly framed wildlife or sports shots.
It’s ideal for travelers and hobbyists who don’t want to switch lenses frequently. The Nikon D5100 telephoto lens features Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, ensuring sharper handheld shots and steadier video recording even at full zoom.
The optical design includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) elements and aspherical lenses to reduce chromatic aberration and distortion throughout the zoom range. The result? Crisp, colorful, and clear images, whether you’re shooting wide-angle group shots or distant subjects.
Despite its powerful zoom, this lens remains relatively lightweight and compact—perfect for those on the go. It’s truly a versatile lens for Nikon D5100 photographers who want one lens to handle all shooting scenarios.
Features:
-
18-300mm ultra-zoom range
-
VR image stabilization for handheld shooting
-
Silent Wave Motor for quiet autofocus
-
ED and aspherical lens elements
-
Lightweight for travel and everyday use
Pros:
-
Ultimate zoom versatility
-
Great for portraits, wildlife, sports, and landscapes
-
Sharp and vibrant image quality
-
Compact for its range
Cons:
-
Slight distortion at extreme focal lengths
3. NIKKOR AF-S FX 85mm f/1.4G – Best Prime Lens for Nikon D5100
For photographers who prioritize sharpness, background blur, and low-light performance, the NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is arguably the best prime lens for Nikon D5100. Its wide f/1.4 aperture delivers exceptional bokeh and excels in dim lighting situations like weddings, night portraits, or indoor events.
While this is technically an FX-format lens, it’s fully compatible with the Nikon D5100’s DX-format sensor, resulting in an effective focal length of about 127.5mm. That makes it ideal for stunning close-up portraits with a flattering compression effect.
Its premium build includes Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to reduce flare and ghosting. Plus, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides fast and quiet autofocus, giving it an edge for both still photography and HD video recording.
If you’re looking for a Nikon D5100 compatible lens that delivers dreamy bokeh, top-tier sharpness, and elite performance, this is a must-have.
Features:
-
FX-format lens, fully DX-compatible
-
f/1.4 wide aperture for shallow depth of field
-
Nano Crystal Coat for reduced glare
-
Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for smooth bokeh
-
Ideal for portraits and low-light shooting
Pros:
-
Stunning background separation
-
Razor-sharp subject focus
-
Exceptional build quality
-
Great for pros and enthusiasts
Cons:
-
Premium price
-
No image stabilization
4. NIKKOR AF-S FX 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR – Nikon D5100 Telephoto Lens
For those wanting to extend their reach without breaking the bank, the NIKKOR 70-300mm VR is a solid telephoto lens Nikon D5100 users will appreciate. This lens provides excellent zoom performance, making it ideal for sports, wildlife, and outdoor photography.
It features Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) for steadier handheld shooting at long focal lengths. The Silent Wave Motor enables quick and near-silent autofocus, which is particularly helpful for capturing moving subjects from afar.
Though designed for FX-format cameras, this lens works flawlessly with the D5100, yielding an effective 105–450mm zoom—plenty of reach for distant scenes.
This is one of the most affordable Nikon D5100 lenses for anyone seeking solid telephoto power with reliability and high optical performance.
Features:
-
70–300mm focal range (105–450mm equivalent on DX)
-
VR II stabilization for handheld shooting
-
SWM autofocus motor
-
FX-format lens compatible with D5100
-
ED glass elements for sharpness
Pros:
-
Impressive zoom reach
-
Good low-light and action performance
-
Affordable telephoto option
-
Compatible and reliable
Cons:
-
Lacks weather sealing
-
Heavier than kit lenses
5. NIKKOR AF-S 85mm f/1.8G – Affordable Prime Nikon D5100 Lens
The NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is a lighter, more affordable alternative to the f/1.4G version while still offering outstanding image quality. For D5100 users looking for a best prime lens for Nikon D5100 on a budget, this lens punches well above its price point.
With an f/1.8 maximum aperture, it handles low light with ease and creates beautiful, softly blurred backgrounds. Its 7-blade rounded diaphragm enhances the natural bokeh effect, making it a strong choice for portrait work.
The lens also features Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor for fast and precise autofocus. Whether you shoot weddings, family portraits, or lifestyle sessions, this is a fantastic Nikon D5100 lens recommendation for quality on a budget.
Features:
-
85mm focal length (DX equivalent ~127.5mm)
-
Fast f/1.8 aperture
-
Internal focusing system
-
SWM for quiet autofocus
-
Compatible with FX and DX-format Nikon DSLRs
Pros:
-
Great for portraiture
-
Excellent value for money
-
Lightweight and compact
-
Smooth background blur
Cons:
-
No VR stabilization
-
Limited versatility outside portraits
6. NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR – Best Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D5100
When capturing sweeping landscapes, interiors, or architecture, a best wide angle lens for Nikon D5100 is a must—and the NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR delivers on all fronts.
This FX-format wide-angle zoom lens is fully compatible with the Nikon D5100 and offers an effective 24–52.5mm field of view. It’s one of the sharpest wide zooms Nikon has produced, thanks to high-end ED and aspherical elements and Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat.
Image stabilization via VR helps compensate for slower shutter speeds, so even handheld twilight shots come out tack-sharp. Despite being a professional-grade lens, it’s surprisingly light and manageable.
For those who want a Nikon D5100 compatible lens that handles wide-angle photography with minimal distortion and maximum clarity, this is the top pick.
Features:
-
Ultra-wide 16-35mm zoom
-
Nano Crystal Coat and ED elements
-
VR II image stabilization
-
SWM for fast, quiet focusing
-
Great for landscapes, interiors, and travel
Pros:
-
Professional-grade optical performance
-
Excellent color reproduction
-
Vibration Reduction helps with handheld shots
-
Works beautifully on DX-format DSLRs
Cons:
-
Premium price
-
Slight vignetting wide open on FX
7. NIKKOR AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II – Best All Purpose Lens for Nikon D5100
The NIKKOR 18-200mm VR II is arguably the best all in one lens for Nikon D5100 users who want a single lens that can handle almost any situation. With its powerful 11x zoom, this versatile lens for Nikon D5100 is perfect for capturing everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife and sports events.
Its built-in Vibration Reduction (VR II) helps reduce camera shake, making handheld shots sharper and videos steadier. The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quick and quiet autofocus—ideal for candid moments, travel, or on-the-go shooting.
The optical design features two ED glass elements and three aspherical lens elements to minimize distortion and chromatic aberration, delivering high image clarity and color fidelity. The lens is also compact and relatively lightweight, especially considering its zoom power.
For anyone looking for a Nikon D5100 compatible lens that performs well across a variety of conditions, the 18-200mm is one of the most affordable Nikon D5100 lens solutions with pro-grade versatility.
Features:
-
11x zoom (18–200mm) range
-
VR II image stabilization
-
SWM autofocus motor
-
Compact and travel-friendly design
-
DX-format optimized
Pros:
-
Incredible focal range in one lens
-
Great for travel, events, and everyday use
-
Reliable sharpness and color
-
Excellent build quality
Cons:
-
Slight softness at 200mm end
-
Not ideal for very low-light situations
8. NIKKOR AF-S DX 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – Best Wide Angle Zoom for Nikon D5100
If you’re a landscape, architecture, or real estate photographer, the NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G is a dream come true. It’s hands down the best wide angle lens for Nikon D5100 if you’re aiming to capture expansive scenes with minimal distortion.
With a 109° field of view at 10mm, this lens delivers ultra-wide perspectives while maintaining impressive edge-to-edge sharpness. Its internal focus (IF) and Silent Wave Motor (SWM) offer quiet, fast autofocus, making it suitable for both photography and HD video work.
Engineered with three aspherical elements and two ED glass elements, this Nikon D5100 compatible lens controls ghosting, flare, and chromatic aberration. Whether you’re capturing cityscapes or sweeping mountain views, this wide-angle zoom offers outstanding image quality and creative flexibility.
Though not a telephoto option, this is a must-have Nikon D5100 lens recommendation for any serious wide-angle shooter.
Features:
-
10–24mm focal range
-
Ultra-wide DX-format coverage
-
Advanced optics: 3 aspherical + 2 ED elements
-
SWM for fast and quiet AF
-
Close focus distance of just 0.8 ft
Pros:
-
Minimal distortion
-
Great for interiors and landscapes
-
High-quality optics
-
Smooth zoom and focus rings
Cons:
-
No VR stabilization
-
Not suitable for general-purpose use
9. NIKKOR AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR – Best Telephoto Lens for Nikon D5100 for Long Range
If maximum zoom power is what you’re after, the NIKKOR 200-500mm f/5.6E ED VR stands tall as the best telephoto zoom lens for Nikon D5100 when shooting wildlife, motorsports, or action at a distance. It’s built for serious enthusiasts or pros who demand reach and sharpness.
With an effective focal range of 300–750mm on the D5100’s DX sensor, this telephoto lens Nikon D5100 combo delivers stunning magnification. It features Vibration Reduction (VR) with 4.5 stops of stabilization and a Sport Mode optimized for fast panning, perfect for tracking fast-moving subjects.
Despite its reach, autofocus remains fast and precise, and the constant f/5.6 aperture ensures consistent exposure throughout the zoom range. Three ED elements help minimize chromatic aberrations, while the Super Integrated Coating reduces ghosting and flare.
This isn’t a compact or lightweight option, but it’s the ultimate Nikon D5100 telephoto lens for those who want to shoot distant subjects without sacrificing clarity.
Features:
-
200–500mm FX range (~300–750mm on DX)
-
Constant f/5.6 aperture
-
4.5-stop VR with Sport Mode
-
3 ED elements and SIC coating
-
Internal Focusing for speed and accuracy
Pros:
-
Extreme zoom range
-
Great image stabilization
-
Excellent for birds, sports, wildlife
-
Smooth zoom and manual override
Cons:
-
Heavy and large
-
Requires tripod or monopod for extended use
10. NIKKOR AF-P DX 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED – Affordable Nikon D5100 Telephoto Lens
On a budget but still want long-range capabilities? The NIKKOR AF-P 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED is an excellent entry-level telephoto lens for Nikon D5100. It delivers sharp telephoto performance in a lightweight and compact form—ideal for beginners, travelers, and casual shooters.
Thanks to Nikon’s AF-P stepping motor, the autofocus is extremely fast and virtually silent, which is great for video and continuous shooting. The lens is particularly well-suited for daylight outdoor photography, whether you’re capturing wildlife, sports, or candid moments from afar.
Although it lacks Vibration Reduction (some variants have it), the quality of its optics and ease of use make it one of the most affordable Nikon D5100 lens options with solid reach. It’s also incredibly lightweight—perfect for handheld shooting.
If you’re just getting started with telephoto photography or want a low-cost lens to expand your gear, this is a top Nikon D5100 lens recommendation.
Features:
-
70–300mm focal range (DX)
-
AF-P motor for smooth, quiet autofocus
-
One ED element for clarity
-
Compact and ultra-lightweight
-
Ideal for outdoor and daytime use
Pros:
-
Very affordable
-
Lightweight and travel-friendly
-
Sharp image quality
-
Easy to use
Cons:
-
No VR in some variants
-
Not ideal for low light or fast action
🛒 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best All in One Lens for Nikon D5100
Choosing the best all in one lens for Nikon D5100 means identifying what kind of photography you do most often—travel, portrait, sports, landscape, or casual everyday use—and matching it with the right lens features. Here’s what to consider before making your purchase:
📷 1. Compatibility with Nikon D5100
Not every Nikon lens works seamlessly with the D5100. Be sure to pick Nikon D5100 compatible lenses, ideally DX-format lenses that are designed for crop sensor cameras. However, FX-format lenses also work well and offer future-proofing if you upgrade your body later.
🌐 2. Focal Length & Versatility
An all purpose lens for Nikon D5100 should offer a wide focal range—something like 18-140mm, 18-200mm, or 18-300mm—to handle a variety of shooting situations. If you’re looking for wide-angle landscapes, consider the best wide angle lens for Nikon D5100; for wildlife or sports, go for a telephoto lens Nikon D5100 can handle like a 70-300mm or even a 200-500mm.
🌟 3. Aperture & Low Light Performance
A fast aperture (like f/1.8 or f/1.4) is especially useful for low-light photography and creating creamy bokeh. These are ideal if you’re after the best prime lens for Nikon D5100 for portrait or indoor shooting.
🤳 4. Image Stabilization (VR)
Look for lenses with Vibration Reduction (VR) if you plan to shoot handheld or at slower shutter speeds. This feature is essential for ensuring sharper photos and smoother videos—especially in telephoto zooms.
🎯 5. Autofocus Speed & Noise
A good versatile lens for Nikon D5100 should feature fast and quiet autofocus, especially important for capturing action or recording video. Lenses with Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) or AF-P stepping motors offer best-in-class performance.
💸 6. Budget & Build Quality
If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry—there are plenty of affordable Nikon D5100 lens options that still offer great performance. Be mindful of features you can compromise on, like weight or constant aperture, to save money.
✅ Conclusion: Which Lens Should You Choose?
If you’re serious about capturing stunning photos with your DSLR, investing in the best all in one lens for Nikon D5100 is a smart move. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced shooter, choosing the right lens will elevate your photography experience.
Our top overall recommendation is the NIKKOR DX AF-S 18-140mm VR, a powerful all purpose lens for Nikon D5100 that balances image quality, focal range, and price. If you need more zoom reach, the 18-300mm is the best telephoto zoom lens for Nikon D5100 users who want it all in one. For portraits, the 85mm f/1.8G stands out as the best prime lens for Nikon D5100 with beautiful bokeh and sharp detail.
Each lens on this list has been carefully selected based on performance, price, and compatibility. Whether you’re after the best wide angle lens for Nikon D5100, a compact travel zoom, or a pro-level telephoto, our Nikon D5100 lens recommendations have you covered.
Take your time, consider your needs, and choose the lens that matches your vision. With the right glass in front of your D5100, your photos will speak for themselves.