If you’re aiming to expand your creative potential with your DSLR, choosing the best wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 is a smart first step. Whether you’re photographing sweeping landscapes, tight interiors, or dramatic portraits, the right wide-angle lens can completely transform your images. The Nikon D7100, with its 24.1MP APS-C sensor and robust build, remains a top choice among enthusiasts and semi-professional photographers.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ve compiled the top Nikon D7100 compatible lenses, focusing on wide-angle models while also covering the best portrait lens for Nikon D7100, best prime lens for Nikon D7100, and top Nikon D7100 zoom lenses. From stunning wide perspectives to crystal-clear close-ups, these lenses cater to everyone—Read our full guide on the best lenses for Nikon D5100 reviews to compare options for entry-level DSLRs.
We’ll explore 10 top-rated lenses that strike the perfect balance between price, performance, and purpose. If you’re looking for the best Nikon D7100 lens for beginners, or want to upgrade to a sharper, faster, and more reliable option, this guide has you covered.
1. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art Lens for Nikon – Best Wide Angle Prime Lens for Nikon D7100
The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art lens is a standout choice if you’re looking for the best wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 that delivers professional-level results. As one of the most respected prime lenses for Nikon D7100, it’s ideal for landscape photography, street photography, and even environmental portraits.
Built with advanced optics and Sigma’s acclaimed Art-series construction, this lens features an ultra-wide aperture of f/1.4—perfect for low-light situations and achieving stunning bokeh. Its 35mm focal length (about 52mm equivalent on Nikon’s APS-C sensor) makes it a versatile performer for both wide scenes and subject-focused compositions.
Equipped with a Hyper Sonic Motor (HSM), the lens ensures fast, smooth, and silent autofocus, which is essential for capturing spontaneous moments without distractions. The combination of FLD (F Low Dispersion) and SLD (Special Low Dispersion) glass elements ensures high contrast and minimal chromatic aberration, delivering crisp and color-accurate images.
Whether you’re a portrait enthusiast or need a sharp, reliable wide-angle prime, this is one of the top Nikon D7100 compatible lenses in its class.
➤ Looking for elite performance? See our breakdown of the most expensive camera lens reviews for high-end options used by professionals.
Key Features:
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f/1.4 maximum aperture for excellent low-light performance
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HSM motor for fast and silent focusing
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FLD and SLD elements for superior image clarity
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Beautiful subject isolation and background blur
Pros:
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Excellent optical performance across the frame
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Ideal for portraits and wide compositions
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Durable, professional-grade build
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Exceptional sharpness even at f/1.4
Cons:
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Slightly heavy for casual users
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Premium price tag (but worth it)
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2. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR – Top Zoom Lens for Nikon D7100
If you’re searching for a reliable all-in-one lens, the Nikon 18-140mm VR stands out as one of the top Nikon D7100 zoom lenses available in 2025. Covering a wide-to-telephoto range, this lens is excellent for travel, portrait, and everyday shooting. It’s a true multitasker and one of the most versatile Nikon D7100 compatible lenses.
Its focal length range (equivalent to 27–210mm in 35mm terms) gives you the flexibility to shoot wide landscapes, group shots, and distant subjects without changing lenses. The Vibration Reduction (VR) technology ensures you get stable shots, even in handheld or low-light conditions, which is especially useful for beginners or on-the-go shooters.
Chromatic aberration is minimized with ED glass, and aspherical elements reduce distortion and improve sharpness, making this a superb option for portraits as well. Whether you’re just getting started or need a dependable walkaround lens, it’s among the best Nikon D7100 lenses for beginners.
Key Features:
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7.8x zoom range (18–140mm)
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Vibration Reduction (VR) for sharper handheld shots
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Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocus
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ED and aspherical elements for enhanced clarity
Pros:
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Wide focal length coverage
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Excellent image stabilization
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Sharp results at all zoom ranges
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Ideal for beginners and enthusiasts
Cons:
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Variable aperture limits low-light performance
3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II – Best Nikon D7100 Lens for Beginners
Designed with simplicity and functionality in mind, the Nikon 18-55mm VR II lens is one of the best Nikon D7100 lenses for beginners. It offers a solid performance for its size and price, making it a smart starting point for any photographer upgrading from a kit lens.
With its compact and retractable design, this lens is ideal for travel and casual photography. The zoom range covers the most commonly used focal lengths, suitable for landscapes, portraits, and street scenes. While it’s not a true wide angle lens for Nikon D7100, the 18mm starting point gives enough breadth for scenic shots.
Its Vibration Reduction (VR) helps reduce blur when shooting handheld, and the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables quick and nearly silent autofocus, making it useful for video shooting as well.
This lens may not carry the prestige of more expensive models, but it’s reliable and effective for everyday photography—especially for users learning composition, depth, and light.
Key Features:
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Compact, collapsible design
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Vibration Reduction for handheld stability
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Smooth, quiet autofocus
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Excellent for general-purpose shooting
Pros:
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Lightweight and portable
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Great value for beginners
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Good sharpness in well-lit conditions
Cons:
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Limited low-light performance
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Plastic build
4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR – Versatile Nikon D7100 Compatible Lens
The Nikon 18-105mm VR is a well-balanced zoom lens offering a broader range than the basic kit lens. It’s a fantastic middle-ground option and ranks among the most practical Nikon D7100 compatible lenses for photographers who want more reach without the bulk or cost of a telephoto.
Perfect for both wide-angle and portrait photography, this lens includes ED glass and aspherical elements to ensure clarity and reduce distortion. Its Vibration Reduction (VR) technology allows you to shoot confidently in lower light or without a tripod.
Whether you’re capturing landscapes, events, or casual portraits, the 18–105mm range handles it all without needing to change lenses. It’s especially appreciated by travel photographers who value portability and flexibility.
Key Features:
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Zoom range ideal for landscapes to close-ups
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VR technology for stabilized handheld shooting
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Built-in SWM for fast, quiet autofocus
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ED and aspherical lens elements
Pros:
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Excellent all-in-one performer
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Lightweight and travel-friendly
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Great sharpness and contrast
Cons:
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Aperture range limits bokeh for serious portraits
5. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G – Best Prime Lens for Nikon D7100
Widely regarded as one of the best budget-friendly primes, the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is arguably the best prime lens for Nikon D7100 in terms of value, sharpness, and low-light performance. With a focal length that offers a natural field of view (~52mm equivalent), it’s ideal for portraits, street photography, and everyday use.
The wide f/1.8 aperture creates stunning background blur and enables faster shutter speeds in low light. Compact and lightweight, this lens is perfect for both enthusiasts and seasoned pros looking to travel light.
If you’re focused on portraiture or subject isolation, this lens consistently outperforms expectations and is a must-have in your Nikon DX lens lineup. It’s also one of the most affordable yet high-performing Nikon D7100 lenses for portraits.
Key Features:
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Wide f/1.8 aperture for creative depth of field
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SWM for fast, quiet autofocus
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Compact, lightweight design
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Exceptionally sharp wide open
Pros:
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Superb for low-light and portraits
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Excellent sharpness and clarity
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Budget-friendly and portable
Cons:
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No VR
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Some distortion at edges (minor)
6. Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED – Best Telephoto Zoom for Nikon D7100
Need serious reach without the weight and cost of professional glass? The Nikon 70-300mm AF-P ED delivers powerful zoom capabilities while remaining relatively lightweight, making it one of the top Nikon D7100 zoom lenses for wildlife, sports, or outdoor photography.
This lens features a Pulse Motor (AF-P) for ultra-silent and rapid focusing—especially handy for video and fast-action subjects. Its compact design is beginner-friendly, yet it doesn’t skimp on optical quality. Though not a wide angle lens for Nikon D7100, it complements your setup as a zoom companion.
While it doesn’t include Vibration Reduction (VR) in all variants, its affordability and excellent reach make it a favorite among those looking for performance on a budget.
Key Features:
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70–300mm reach for long-distance photography
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AF-P motor ensures quiet and fast focusing
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ED elements for improved sharpness
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Lightweight design for portability
Pros:
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Long zoom range
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Fast and quiet autofocus
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Excellent for outdoor shots and action
Cons:
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No VR in some models
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Narrow aperture at 300mm
7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED – Best Ultra Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D7100
If you’re a landscape, real estate, or architecture photographer, the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is hands down the best wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 in the ultra-wide category. It captures expansive views with impressive clarity and minimal distortion, ideal for breathtaking panoramas or tight interior spaces.
This Nikon D7100 compatible lens features a 2.4x zoom and covers a full-frame equivalent focal length of 15–36mm. The wide field of view (up to 109°) gives you the creative freedom to push perspective, exaggerate depth, and create more immersive images.
Engineered with two ED glass elements and three aspherical lenses, the optical quality is top-tier. Whether you’re a travel content creator or a professional needing sharp corner-to-corner performance, this lens won’t disappoint.
Key Features:
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10–24mm ultra-wide zoom
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Aspherical and ED glass elements
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Silent Wave Motor for precise autofocus
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Internal focusing for smoother operation
Pros:
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Perfect for landscapes and interiors
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Sharp with minimal distortion
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Quiet, fast autofocus
Cons:
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Pricey for beginners
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Limited use beyond wide-angle needs
8. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G – Sharp Portrait Lens for Nikon D7100
The Nikon 50mm f/1.8G remains a staple for portrait photographers—and on the D7100’s DX sensor, it delivers a flattering 75mm equivalent field of view. This makes it one of the most reliable Nikon D7100 lenses for portraits, offering incredible sharpness, creamy bokeh, and excellent subject-background separation.
With a fast f/1.8 aperture, this lens excels in low-light scenarios and produces beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds that flatter faces and emphasize subjects. It’s also compact, making it perfect for street or travel photography when discretion is key.
Built with a Silent Wave Motor, it’s fast and quiet—ideal for both stills and video. For users seeking a prime lens with unbeatable value, it’s hard to top this classic performer.
Key Features:
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50mm focal length (~75mm on DX)
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Wide f/1.8 aperture for low light and portraits
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Super Integrated Coating for better contrast
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Fast and quiet focusing
Pros:
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Excellent for portraits
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Sharp even at wide apertures
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Affordable yet professional quality
Cons:
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No VR
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Slight vignetting wide open
9. Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm f/2.8G – Best Macro Lens for Nikon D7100
For close-up photography, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G Micro is a gem. As a true macro lens with a 1:1 reproduction ratio, it lets you capture stunning details of small subjects—flowers, food, textures—with incredible clarity. It’s not just a macro tool though; it doubles as a sharp prime lens for Nikon D7100 for portraits and general use.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it a great addition to any Nikon DX kit. The f/2.8 aperture handles low light well and provides a soft background blur, ideal for both macro and portrait compositions.
Weather sealing on the lens mount gives added protection during outdoor shoots. And although it doesn’t have VR, the sharp optics make up for it—especially when mounted on a tripod for macro work.
Key Features:
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1:1 macro magnification
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f/2.8 aperture for low light and bokeh
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ED elements and close focusing distance
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Internal focusing for consistent length
Pros:
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Versatile: macro + portrait
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Compact and easy to carry
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Superb sharpness
Cons:
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Short working distance in macro
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No VR
10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II – Ultimate All-in-One Lens for Nikon D7100
If you’re looking for the most convenient do-it-all lens, the Nikon 18-200mm VR II is arguably the best lens for Nikon D7100 when it comes to versatility. With a powerful 11.1x zoom range, it handles everything from wide-angle landscapes to tight telephoto portraits and action shots.
Built for photographers who don’t want to swap lenses in the field, it’s the ideal travel companion. The VR II stabilization enables sharper handheld images, especially at slower shutter speeds or long zooms. The Silent Wave Motor provides fast and quiet autofocus, and the ED glass ensures minimal chromatic aberration.
This lens may not replace specialized primes, but it delivers impressive results for casual shooting, vacation, and daily use—all in a single package.
Key Features:
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Huge 18–200mm focal range
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VR II for shake-free shooting
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SWM autofocus and ED lens elements
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Lock switch to prevent zoom creep
Pros:
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Highly versatile
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Good image quality across the range
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Ideal for travel or video
Cons:
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Some distortion at wide/long ends
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Not a low-light specialist
🛒 Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Wide Angle Lens for Nikon D7100
Investing in the best wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 can dramatically improve your photography—whether you’re into landscapes, portraits, street photography, or everyday snapshots. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one?
✅ 1. Know Your Photography Style
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For Landscapes & Architecture: Choose ultra-wide options like 10–24mm or 18–35mm focal lengths.
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For Portraits: Look for prime lenses between 35mm and 85mm. The best portrait lens for Nikon D7100 will offer great bokeh and clarity.
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For All-in-One Versatility: Consider zoom lenses like 18–140mm or 18–200mm for wide-angle to telephoto coverage.
✅ 2. Aperture Matters
A wider aperture (e.g., f/1.4 or f/1.8) allows more light in, which is perfect for low-light shooting and beautiful background blur. The best prime lens for Nikon D7100 will often have a fast aperture and exceptional sharpness.
✅ 3. Check for Vibration Reduction (VR)
Vibration Reduction (VR) is crucial if you often shoot handheld. It helps reduce blur caused by camera shake, especially at slower shutter speeds—particularly useful in Nikon D7100 compatible lenses used for travel and video.
For more help on lens pairing, check out Nikon’s official lens compatibility tool to ensure your new lens works seamlessly with the D7100 and other Nikon DSLRs.
✅ 4. Autofocus Speed & Silence
For action, wildlife, or video, ensure the lens has a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) or Pulse Motor (AF-P) for fast and quiet focusing.
✅ 5. Weight and Portability
Consider weight if you travel often. Some Nikon D7100 lenses for beginners offer compact builds without compromising too much on performance.
✅ 6. Macro & Specialty Options
If you’re interested in close-up photography, a dedicated macro lens like the 40mm f/2.8G is a great addition to your kit.
🏁 Conclusion: The Right Lens Elevates Your Nikon D7100 Experience
Whether you’re a beginner building your first kit or a seasoned photographer upgrading for better quality, the best wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 can unlock your creative potential. From prime lenses like the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 for artistic shots to versatile zooms like the Nikon 18-200mm VR II, every lens in this guide brings something unique to the table.
Each of the Nikon D7100 compatible lenses we’ve reviewed offers excellent performance, value, and image quality. Depending on your style—be it portrait, landscape, macro, or all-around—you’ll find an ideal match here.
Remember, your camera is only as good as the lens you pair it with. Choose wisely, and your Nikon D7100 will reward you with exceptional images for years to come.
To explore in-depth reviews and technical breakdowns of Nikon and third-party lenses, visit Photography Life’s Lens Review Hub.