So, you have your Nikon D3100, and you’re ready to make magic. But wait. Something’s missing. You need to know… what are the compatible best lenses for Nikon D3100?
See our Editor’s Picks if you’re in a hurry!
A powerful and amazing DSLR, the Nikon D3100 is a camera sure to appeal to all. But if you really want to make magic while it’s in your hands… you’re going to want to pick out the perfect lens for it.
And there’s plenty of compatible lenses to choose from. All with different specialties and pros and cons.
I want to help you out with this task. It’s nothing to be taken lightly. This is a decision that requires some research and investigating and pondering.
In this article, I’m going to review the 10 compatible best lenses for Nikon D3100.
I will go over the tech details and pros and cons of various best prime, zoom, wide-angle and telephoto lenses.
And then provide an actionable Buyers Guide including a relevant FAQ section to help you make an informed buying decision.
Let’s start with our Editors’ Picks!
Great Nikon D3100 / Lens Bundle on Amazon
Best Overall Prime Lens
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
A great compact and lightweight prime lens with a fast aperture so you shouldn’t worry about low-light situations.
Having many elements with Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating, aberrations, distortion, ghosting and lens flare will be effectively prevented in your shots and videos.
It is also great in producing beautiful background blur in your photos!
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Overall Zoom Lens
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
This all-in-one, budget, super telephoto zoom lens is compact and versatile with many fantastic features, and it can be a nice choice for travelers or every-day use for beginners and professionals.
With 17 Elements in 13 Groups all with Super Multi-Layer Coating, it’s the best recommended zoom lens for Nikon D3100 to fight off the largest range of all aberrations, ghosting and lens flare.
Also, it’s great for Macro; I mean “close-up” shooting will be best with this lens.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Value yet Budget Prime Lens
Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM
This normal-length prime lens (at 30mm) with a bright aperture of f/1.4 and 9 elements with Super Multi-Layer Coating is a great budget option for the average users.
It effectively suppresses all sorts of aberrations, distortion, some lens flare and ghosting.
Thanks to its rounded nine-blade diaphragm, you can also achieve decadent background blurs in your shots.
Also, you can freely use it in environments with varying temperatures due to its Thermally Stable Composite material.
If your uses aren’t going to be extremely specific, you’ll be fine with this excellent budget lens.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Budget Zoom Lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
A nice compact, lightweight, budget telephoto lens with a superior zoom range and a quite nice 13 Elements in 9 Groups with Super Integrated Coating to prevent some aberrations, lens flare and ghosting.
It is a nice option for shaky hands because of its four stop-effective Vibration Reduction system.
Interested in bokeh? A rounded seven-blade diaphragm is in place to capture some nice bokeh!
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Value Zoom Lens
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
This all-in-one, budget, super telephoto Macro lens is compact and versatile with various fantastic features, and it can be a great choice for travelling or every-day use for beginners and professionals.
It’s great for Macro; I mean “close-up” shooting will be best with this lens.
With 17 Elements in 13 Groups all with Super Multi-Layer Coating, it’s the best recommended zoom lens for Nikon D3100 to fight off the largest range of all aberrations, ghosting and lens flare.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
The Nikon D3100 has plenty about it to love. An easy-to-use Guide Mode should please all.
The ability to shoot full 1080p HD movies is phenomenal to note. And all types of gorgeous photos can be captured with this DSLR.
But you now need to get the perfect lens.
Think about it. Are you strictly a photographer?
Are you strictly a videographer?
Are you some blend of both?
Will this camera be your vehicle to show the comedic shorts you can produce?
Are you wishing to create something more serious in nature?
Do you live by some beautiful landscapes just begging to be photographed?
Do you have sports-loving kids, literally begging to be photographed?
We all have our different interests and intrigues when it comes to cameras. So, focus on your own, and let’s decide what you specifically need.
Here, we will review plenty of compatible prime and zoom lenses for Nikon D3100, all with differences and pros and cons.
By the end of this article, you will have the answer to your question, what are the best lenses for Nikon D3100 for your specific needs and budget?
So, let’s find out!
Read also: Best Lenses for Nikon Z50
Read also: Best Lenses for Nikon Z5
Read also: Best Lenses for Nikon D6
Read also: Best Lenses for Nikon D780
Read also: Best lenses for Sports photography
Read also: Best Lenses for Wildlife photography
Read also: Best lenses for Real Estate photography
Read also: Best Lenses for Car photography
What are the Best Lenses for Nikon D3100 in 2021?
Quick Answer:
Best Prime Lenses for Nikon D3100
Best Zoom Lenses for Nikon D3100
Comparison Table for the Best Prime Lenses for Nikon D3100 (2021)
| Camera Lens | View on Amazon | Elements | Weight (g) | Coating | Diaphragm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sigma EX 10mm f/2.8 DC HSM Fisheye |
 
|
12 elements in 7 groups | 475 | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Seven-blade |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G |
 
|
11 elements in 9 groups | 330 | Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating | Rounded seven-blade |
| Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM |
 
|
9 Elements in 8 Groups | 435 | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Rounded nine-blade |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G |
 
|
8 elements in 7 groups | 280 | Super Integrated Coating | Rounded nine-blade |
| Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G |
 
|
9 elements in 9 groups | 350 | Super Integrated Coating | Rounded seven-blade |
Comparison Table for the Best Zoom Lenses for Nikon D3100 (2021)
| Camera Lens | View on Amazon | Elements | Weight (g) | Coating | Diaphragm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX-II |
 
|
13 Elements in 11 Groups | 555 | Multi-coated | Nine-blade |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR |
 
|
17 Elements in 12 Groups | 490 | Super Integrated Coating | Rounded seven-blade |
| Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM |
 
|
17 Elements in 13 Groups | 585 | Super Multi-Layer Coating | Rounded seven-blade |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II |
 
|
13 Elements in 9 Groups | 300 | Super Integrated Coating | Rounded seven-blade |
| Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR |
 
|
17 Elements in 11 Groups | 580 | Super Integrated Coating | Rounded nine-blade |
Best Prime lenses for Nikon D3100 (in 2021)
1. Sigma EX 10mm f/2.8 DC HSM Fisheye
We’re going to start with an interesting Sigma prime lens. A real, wide-angle at 10mm, so you can capture plenty in your shots. And it’s a Fisheye lens!
With Sigma, the EX refers to the lens series that have excellence in engineering and new technology.
This lens captures a rectangular 180° view in all directions. If you’ve never seen the distortion and exaggerated perspective that can be captured with a fisheye lens, you should take a look.
This lens isn’t going to produce shots that look exactly as you see them, unless of course you are a fish.
What it will do is allowing you to capture plenty in your shots and portray them in a fresh and different perspective.
It could be useful in crowded city shots when you’re trying to capture some beautiful architecture or real estates.
The aperture of f/2.8 is not actually superb. It is the lowest aperture of all the prime lenses being reviewed here.
That’ll be important for you to decide how important that is for you.
This Fisheye from Sigma has a minimum focus distance of 5.3 inches and a maximum magnification of 1:3.3, which means subjects can be as close as 0.7 inches from the lens.
Desire to capture some extreme close-ups? Then, this might be the best lens for Nikon D3100.
It has a Hyper Sonic Motor, which will afford you quick and quiet auto focus, but focus-controllers need not worry, as there is a full-time manual focus override available.
Worried about unwanted light, lens flare, ghosting, etc.?
Well, this Sigma lens has a built-in lens hood and Super Multi-Layer Coating to fight off these undesirables.
The lens is constructed of 12 elements in 7 groups. It has a diaphragm with seven blades for you bokeh lovers.
One downside though, it’s the heaviest prime lens here, weighing 475 grams. And it costs about $799, making it the most expensive one.
But if you like the great features it offers, it’s definitely worth it.
Pros
- Wide-angle (widest of the prime lenses)
- Greatest number of elements
- EX refers to excellence in engineering and new technology. And has Hyper Sonic Motor.
Cons
- Worst prime lens for aperture
- Heaviest of the prime lenses
- Most expensive prime lens
2. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G
We zoom out from the real wide-angle to view this 28mm lens, which is less of a wide angle and more so a normal-length prime lens.
And right away, you’ll notice the improvement in terms of aperture, with f/1.8. A nice fast aperture for you so you won’t have to worry about low-light situations.
This prime lens has 11 elements in 9 groups, which includes a pair of aspherical elements. Aspherical aberrations and distortion will be prevented from occurring in your shots and videos.
And talking about quality and blocking out undesirables… this lens has a Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating applied to its elements.
Lens flare and ghosting will be ghosts to your memory if you go with this prime lens. With such a lack of lens flare, we’re calling this lens The Anti-J.J. Abrams.
To help give quick and quiet autofocus performance, this lens has been equipped with a Silent Wave Motor.
But just like the Sigma Fisheye Lens, if you feel the need to focus manually, you may switch over to a full-time manual focus mode.
For anyone who wants bokeh in the building… a rounded seven-blade diaphragm is present in this relatively compact lens.
It weighs 330 grams, making it one of the light choices among the prime lenses.
And it costs roughly $627, the second-most expensive one here.
Overall, I think it’s one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Large number of elements; most aspherical elements
- Nano Crystal Coat and a Super Integrated Coating
- One of the light prime lenses
Cons
- Only decent for bokeh
- One of the expensive prime lenses
Expert Opinion:
3. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM
Another Sigma lens, though you’ll notice it is not from the EX line, so it’s not comparable in quality in terms of engineering and newest technology.
Still a great quality lens, and especially for its much lower price of around $377. This is the cheapest prime lens reviewed here.
More comparable to the previous Nikon lens in terms of focal length, this normal-length prime sits at 30mm, which is a great range for the average user.
If your uses aren’t going to be extremely specific, you’ll like this range. And you’ll love the fast aperture it provides.
An even brighter aperture of f/1.4, this is tied for the best aperture of all the prime lenses being reviewed. For the low price, that’s really nice! Right?
This lens has 9 Elements in 8 Groups, including one aspherical element to do its part in blocking out aspherical aberrations and distortion. And it includes Super Multi-Layer Coating to suppress some lens flare and ghosting.
Here’s yet another lens that has full-time manual focus mode if you desire, but has fast and near-silent autofocus performance thanks to its Hyper Sonic Motor, along with a rear focusing system.
This lens is part of Sigma’s Art Line and it is intended to be best used for creative and artistic endeavors with its excellent optical performance.
Speaking of, the rounded nine-blade diaphragm is going to assist in you achieving decadent bokeh (background blur) to die for.
And it’s constructed using Thermally Stable Composite material so you can use it in environments with varying temperatures.
The minimum focus distance for this Sigma is 30cm. And it’s on the heavier side, at 435 grams.
But that may be something you’re willing to bear with for all these great qualities at such a low price.
This is indeed one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- One of the best for aperture and great for bokeh
- Cheapest of the prime lenses
- Has a Hyper Sonic Motor and is constructed of Thermally Stable Composite material
Cons
- Rather heavy
- Doesn’t have the greatest number of elements
Expert Opinion:
4. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G
Here’s another normal-length prime lens bordering on the telephoto range with it’s 50mm focal length range. And another prime with that tasty f/1.4 aperture.
Along with the previously reviewed Sigma, this is where you’ll have the fastest aperture and never will have to worry about any kind of low-light situations.
This is surely one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
This lens is well suited for many different situations and a lot of subject matters you could possibly desire to shoot.
It’s a great versatile lens for all your changing wants and needs.
And a Super Integrated Coating on the elements will keep your colors accurate and will keep the ghosting and lens flare away.
Another lens with a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for creamy, beautiful bokeh.
It possesses a modest 8 elements in 7 groups. And also, it has a Silent Wave Motor for that fast and quiet autofocus, along with the ability to switch to full-time manual focus mode. Focus anyway you possibly want!
The minimum focus distance on this lens is 45cm.
And some more nice details, the weight is 280 grams, meaning this is definitely the lightest prime here.
This is a nice, lightweight travel-buddy, easy to carry around with you everywhere.
And it costs about $407, which is one of the budget prime lenses. Great inexpensive lens for the traveling photographer on a budget.
Pros
- One of the best for aperture and great for bokeh
- Lightest prime lens, and one of the cheap ones
- Silent Wave Motor
Cons
- Minimum focus distance of 45cm
- Least number of elements
Expert Opinion:
5. Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G
Now, let’s zoom all the way over to this bright f/1.8 aperture telephoto prime lens with it’s 85mm focal length.
This is a great choice for portraiture, anything in a bust shot, talking head interviews for the next version of The Office, whatever your heart desires.
This compact prime lens has 9 elements in 9 groups. These elements have Super Integrated Coating, so you can avoid lens flare and ghosting quite nicely.
I’m sure you were wondering… is this prime lens also going to be a quick and quiet autofocus master that also allows me to switch to full-time manual focus mode just in case I need to make all the expert focusing tweaks and changes?
The answer is… YES. And it does so with the Silent Wave Motor.
Additionally, an internal focusing design is used so that only the internal lens groups move during the process of focusing, which will help the fast-focusing speed be even speedier.
This lens has a rounded seven-blade diaphragm for capturing pleasing bokeh as well.
The minimum focus distance is 80cm, which is expected for a telephoto lens and really not all too bad considering the focal length.
It weighs 350 grams putting it right in the middle of the pack and the cost is about $427, also right in the middle.
There’s lots to love about this telephoto lens. And it won’t weigh you down or hurt your bank account too much.
I surely consider this telephoto prime lens as one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Super Integrated Coating
- Best telephoto lens in the prime lenses
- On the lighter side for a telephoto lens
Cons
- Only decent for bokeh
- Lesser number of elements
Expert Opinion:
Best Zoom lenses for Nikon D3100 (in 2021)
6. Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX-II
Starting off the zoom lenses here with an ultrawide-angle, the 11-16mm focal length range starts from wide-angle and goes to slightly less wide-angle.
The zoom range isn’t much to write home about, but it affords you a bit of flexibility.
And this lens is definitely suited well for landscapes, architecture, real estates, and interior shooting, especially crowded interiors.
The bright aperture of f/2.8 is the brightest among the zoom lenses, so keep that in mind if you’re interested in that.
It’s also a consistent aperture throughout the zoom range; the only zoom lens here that can say that.
This lens has 13 Elements in 11 Groups, which includes two SD low dispersion elements, which will prevent some chromatic aberrations and color fringing.
It also has two aspherical elements, including one large-diameter molded element, so say bye to the aspherical aberrations and distortion that may attempt to creep into your shots.
And these elements are all multi-coated to resist ghosting and lens flare.
This Tokina lens can be switched between autofocus and manual focus modes using the One-Touch Focus Clutch Mechanism, to make things quick and easy for you.
Speaking of focus, and out-of-focus, interested in bokeh? The nine-blade diaphragm can nicely assist you in that.
This lens has a minimum focus distance of 30cm. And it weighs 555 grams, so it’s a tad on the heavy side. And it finds itself right among the average cost of zoom lenses at about $399.
This Tokina ultrawide-angle zoom lens is one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Widest angle of the zoom lenses
- Best aperture of the zoom lenses and is the only one with a consistent aperture
- One of the best for bokeh
Cons
- Rather heavy
- Lesser number of elements
Expert Opinion:
7. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Moving up to a zoom lens that has a larger zoom range; the 18-140mm focal length range starts from wide-angle and ranges to a decent telephoto length.
It’s not the most wide-angle you can get, but it’s close. Use this lens for landscapes if you like, but don’t feel limited to just one subject.
In addition to the decent range, this is the second-best aperture afforded to you among these zoom lenses.
The f/3.5 – 5.6 is not consistent but is fairly bright.
Along with the nice aperture, you’ll likely enjoy the 17 Elements in 12 Groups, including one aspherical element and one extra-low dispersion element for fighting off multiple kinds of aberrations.
Perhaps, not as well as the Tokina reviewed previously, but still act decently.
The individual elements are covered in Super Integrated Coating, which does a good job stopping any lens flare or ghosting.
And don’t forget about the rounded seven-blade diaphragm, good to note for pleasing bokeh.
The VR stands for Vibration Reduction, which minimizes camera shake up to four stops.
Along with the Image Stabilization system, this lens will help produce some of the sharpest images.
And switching between autofocus and manual focus is possible with this lens, and it’s quick and easy using the Silent Wave Motor.
This decent ranging zoom has a pleasing minimum focus distance of 45cm.
A weight of 490 grams isn’t too light, but is not nearly among the heaviest of these zoom lenses.
However, it costs roughly $497, so you are looking at the most expensive zoom lens of them all.
Having said that, it is definitely one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Wide-angle with decent zoom range
- Large number of elements
- Vibration Reduction and a Silent Wave Motor
Cons
- Only decent for bokeh
- Aperture range is fairly inconsistent
- Most expensive zoom lens here
Expert Opinion:
8. Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM
Gather round to see the best zoom range of them all!
The 18-300mm focal length range covers more ground than any of the other zoom lenses.
If your idea of the best lens for Nikon D3100 is for it to be an all-in-one lens, then this might be the one.
The aperture of f/3.5 – 6.3 is not a consistent aperture, and ranges from fairly bright to one of the least bright.
This is in Sigma’s Contemporary-series lens, so it means they kept it compact and versatile for the use of travelers. More details to complement this being an every-day use, all-in-one type of zoom lens.
More things to like about this lens, it has 17 Elements in 13 Groups. Three aspherical elements, One Special Low Dispersion and Four FLD elements all with Super Multi-Layer Coating.
Of all the zoom lenses, this one is best equipped to fight off the largest range of all aberrations and ghosting and lens flare.
The Macro means, close-up shooting will be best with this lens.
It has a 1:3 maximum magnification and Minimum Focus Distance of 39cm.
And you can decide if you like autofocus or manual focus whenever you please. This lens gives you both, and Hyper Sonic Motor to make focusing quick and quiet.
It is also equipped with an Optical Stabilizer to keep things sharp.
Constructed with Thermally Stable Composite material, so any temperature variations need not scare you off, and you can use this lens in many situations. It really does it all.
The rounded seven-blade diaphragm isn’t the best of all the zoom lenses, but it will definitely help to produce pleasing bokeh you will love.
The cost of roughly $390 is right about in the middle when compared to the other zoom lenses.
With all these fantastic features, that feels like a steal.
Though all the features do come at a different price, the weight of 585 grams makes it the heaviest zoom lens here.
This Sigma zoom lens is indeed one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Wide-angle with largest zoom range, also deepest telephoto angle
- Large number of elements including Three aspherical elements, One Special Low Dispersion and Four FLD elements
- Hyper Sonic Motor, Optical Stabilizer, and constructed from Thermally Stable Composite material
Cons
- Only decent for bokeh
- Heaviest zoom lens here
- Aperture ranges to the worst number and is very inconsistent
Expert Opinion:
9. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
The 55-200mm focal length range is one of the best ranges among these zoom lenses.
The aperture of f/4 – 5.6 isn’t the brightest, but it’s not the worst. It’s not consistent throughout the zoom range but it’s more consistent than some of the other zoom lenses.
This lens has a quite nice 13 Elements in 9 Groups, though just one extra-low dispersion element and no aspherical elements.
It will prevent some aberrations but isn’t the lens that will stop them all. Though a Super Integrated Coating is a nice detail to suppress lens flare and ghosting.
This is another lens with a Silent Wave Motor for quiet autofocus that performs quickly and can be switched over to full-time manual focus mode.
And shaky hands need not worry as this lens has a four stop-effective Vibration Reduction system.
Take this telephoto lens wherever you want and zoom in as far as you want on any subjects… you don’t have to worry about camera shake.
Interested in bokeh? A rounded seven-blade diaphragm is used to capture some nice bokeh and the lack of aspherical elements will actually complement that.
This lens gives you long reach in a sleek, compact form.
And a retractable lens barrel design keeps this lens quite compact when not in use.
The minimum focus distance of this lens is all the way up to 1.1m.
However, this is the lightest zoom lens here, weighing only 300 grams.
Compact and light, this is the best lens for Nikon D3100 for those who want a zooming companion that doesn’t take up much room.
And it’s the cheapest zoom lens, just about $349.
This Nikon super telephoto zoom lens is my strong suggestion as one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 on a budget.
Pros
- Cheapest and lightest zoom lens
- Vibration Reduction system and Silent Wave Motor
- Between the two telephoto lenses starting at 55mm, this one has a better maximum aperture
Cons
- Only decent for bokeh
- Lesser number of elements
- Aperture is fairly inconsistent
Expert Opinion:
10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
And here is another super telephoto zoom lens with a focal length that starts at 55mm but reaches up to 300mm!
The 55-300mm focal length range ties the Sigma for the largest focal length available. The Sigma’s range is larger, but this Nikon comes in a close second.
The aperture is not quite as good as the Nikon before it, which also starts at 55mm, but it’s a little more consistent at f/4.5 – 5.6.
The brightness you deal with won’t be changing all that much throughout the zoom range.
This is a great lens if you’re all about telephoto shooting and want to be afforded plenty of flexibility with your zoom.
The optical design has 17 Elements in 11 Groups. This includes two extra-low dispersion elements to prevent chromatic aberrations and color fringing, and one high refractive index element, which will stop spherical aberrations, distortion, and field curvature.
Field curvature being something most lenses are not fighting off as well as this one right here.
These elements also have Super Integrated Coating for suppressing lens flare and ghosting.
And a nice treat, a rounded nine-blade diaphragm for some tasty bokeh for the bokeh-connoisseurs out there.
You’ll love the Vibration Reduction, which is used for up to three stops of camera shake. This’ll give you some sharp images!
And you can leave it on autofocus mode, or you can switch it to manual focus mode. Your choice! Either way, the Silent Wave Motor is going to make your focusing quick and quiet!
The minimum focus distance is sitting up there at 1.4m.
And the weight is also sitting up there at 580 grams, making it one of the heaviest lenses reviewed in this article.
So, all the pluses with this lens are nice, but that might be something for you to consider.
And the cost is about $399 making it right on par with the average zoom lens here.
This Nikon super telephoto lens is obviously one of the compatible best lenses for Nikon D3100.
Pros
- Great telephoto zoom range and large number of elements
- Between the two telephoto lenses starting at 55mm, this one has a more consistent aperture range
- Vibration Reduction, Silent Wave Motor, and great for bokeh
Cons
- One of the heaviest zoom lenses
- Minimum Focus Distance is 1.4m
- Between the two telephoto lenses starting at 55mm, this one has a worse maximum aperture
Expert Opinion:
Best Lenses for Nikon D3100 — Buyers Guide
There you are! 10 different Nikon D3100-compatible lenses, all with some different details, ability, prices, advantages and disadvantages.
All with their own claim as to why they’re the best lenses for Nikon D3100. And all can be just that, depending on what you need the lens for.
You probably had some ideas on what you were looking for before you started reading, perhaps you’ve accumulated some more.
You have your interests when it comes to photography and videography and you know plenty of details on varying lenses now.
The details are where your decision will lay.
Any one lens here would be a fantastic fit your Nikon D3100 for some fantastic works. But you want the lens to fit perfectly for your work.
So, maybe some of your questions have already been answered. Maybe they have begun to approach an answer. Maybe you just need a little more reassurance.
So, let’s go over some relevant frequently asked questions regarding the best lenses for Nikon D3100.
We’ll cover your questions and questions closely related to your desires in a lens for Nikon D3100 in 2020, and we’ll get everything all crystal clear for you.
What are the cheapest lenses for Nikon D3100?
The cheapest prime lens is the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM and the cheapest zoom lens is the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II.
What are the best lenses for Nikon D3100 if I want to produce shots with great bokeh?
For prime lenses you could choose the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G or you could choose the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM.
Both have the same bright aperture.
The main difference is the focal length, so perhaps you should decide if you prefer a 30mm or 50mm focal lengths.
For zoom lenses, you could go with the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX-II if it’s bokeh and wide angles you want or take the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR for equally beautiful bokeh but at telephoto ranges.
What are the best lenses for Nikon D3100 if I want fast aperture?
For prime lenses, this is another tie between the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.4G and the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM.
Once again, you should decide between the 50mm and 30mm focal lengths.
The clear-cut choice among the zoom lenses is the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX-II.
It’s also the only zoom lens that keeps a consistent aperture throughout the zoom range.
What are the best lenses for Nikon D3100 if I want to shoot wide angles/landscapes?
For zoom lenses, if it’s only wide angles you care about, then you definitely want the Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f/2.8 PRO DX-II.
For prime lenses, the Sigma EX 10mm f/2.8 DC HSM Fisheye is not only a nice wide-angle lens but also is a fisheye and grants you distortion and interesting perspective.
If you don’t want distortion such as that, then stick with the Tokina mentioned above.
Putting cost aside, what are the absolute best lenses for Nikon D3100?
For the prime lens, I would say the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 28mm f/1.8G.
A nice bright aperture, lots of elements to combat aberrations, incredible coating on the elements, so it excels in many areas.
For the zoom lenses, I’d pick the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM, which has the most elements of all the lenses.
It will keep aberrations at bay better than any of the others, and has the largest zoom range allowing you to use it for all different purposes.
What are the best lenses for Nikon D3100 if I want some ‘bang for my buck’?
For the prime lenses, I’d pick the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM.
It’s the cheapest prime lens available, and it’s one of the lenses with the best aperture, and has plenty of other great features.
For the zoom lenses, go with the same choice as in the previous question, the Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM.
All those features… and it won’t cost you too much.
Best Lenses for Nikon D3100 — Conclusions
We’ve gone over all the compatible best lenses for Nikon D3100.
As you can see, there really isn’t any one perfect answer. Sometimes there are 10 perfect answers.
And among those 10 perfect answers, several people can show up wanting to shoot landscapes, or portraits, or film a comedic web series, and they may all leave with a different lens.
The lenses above are all exquisite quality. You could take any of them and produce some great work.
But no one grabs a lens and says, “I’ll make my life’s work, whatever this lens does best”.
No. You figure out what you do best. And then you find the lens that helps you achieve that.
All in all, if you have a Nikon D3100, you’re in good hands. Now, pick out your best compatible lens, and put yourself in the best hands.
