12 Best Lenses for Nikon d3100 in 2023 | Guide & Reviews |

Which is the best lens for Nikon D3100? Interested in learning which lenses will work best with the Nikon D3100 in 2023?

It is for this reason that you have come to the right place:

You will find the best Nikon D3100 lenses for each type of photography in our ultimate Nikon D3100 lenses guide.

There are so many options available on the market today that choosing the perfect lens is not an easy task.

There are many factors that influence the quality of the lens and the final appearance of the photographs you capture. Do you intend to engage in a particular type of photography? Is photography a profession for you, or do you enjoy it as a hobby?

Buying lenses is a big investment, so you should know the answers to these questions before you make the final decision.

You don’t need to worry. We will discuss the best lens Canon EOS Rebel T8i. Whether you’re looking for a versatile all-in-one lens or a specialized prime lens, we’ll help you find the right one for your needs.

This Nikon D3100 buying guide will answer all these questions and help you choose the right lens.

Top Three Pick

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12 Best Lenses for Nikon d3100 in 2023

IMAGE	PRODUCT	Rating	PRICE
	Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8	4.7	Check on Amazon
	Sigma 10-20mm f/3.5	4.6	Check on Amazon
	Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G Lens	4.8	Check on Amazon
	Nikon AF S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G	4.8	Check on Amazon
	NIKON NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S	4.7	Check on Amazon
	Sigma 70-200mm F2.8 Sports DG	4.7	Check on Amazon
	Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3	4.8	Check on Amazon
	Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED Auto Focus	4.6	Check on Amazon
	Rokinon HD8M-N 8mm f/3.5 HD	4.3	Check on Amazon
	Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 40mm	4.7	Check on Amazon
	NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S	4.9	Check on Amazon
	Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm	4.2	Check on Amazon

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1. SIGMA 17-50MM F2.8

The following factors make it the best overall Nikon D3100 lens:

This Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM lens is ideal for the Nikon D3100 because of its outstanding sharpness. As a result of its fast aperture of f/2.8, it is very easy to use, it has a quiet and fast autofocus system, and it is also very affordable. This is the best lens for the price!

Standard kit lenses (the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5 – 5.6G and the Nikon 16-70mm f/3.5 – 5.6G) usually come with Nikon D3100 cameras. There are many ways in which the Sigma 17-50mm F2.8 is an improvement over that lens. A wide f/2.8 aperture is available throughout its focal range, making the depth of field shallower and creating bokeh (dreamy blurred backgrounds).

Thanks to its wide aperture, this lens can also be used in dim lighting. This will make it easier for you to take nighttime photos. In low light conditions, you can still take sharp and blur-free photos and videos thanks to its vibration reduction (VR).

It has decent central sharpness for its zoom range, but the edges deteriorate with f/2.8 (widened). At f/5.6, there is excellent edge-to-edge sharpness, and the corners get sharper as you stop down. Taking pictures at 17mm will also result in distortions and vignetting (although they can be fixed in a camera or post-processed).

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2. SIGMA 10-20MM F3.5

Here are some of the reasons why it is the best wide-angle lens for the Nikon D3100:

As a result, the lens compensates for color aberration, reduces flare, and reduces ghosting, allowing you to capture stunning, high-contrast wide-angle shots throughout the zoom range. Astrophotography and low-light photography are also great uses for it.

Furthermore, I like the fast, precise, and almost silent autofocus of this lens. In addition to capturing high-quality photos and videos even when zoomed in, its f/3.5 wide aperture across the zoom range delivers very impressive central sharpness.

Its close focusing distance of 0.24m (0.78 ft) is also useful when shooting in tight spaces, so you don’t have to back out too far to capture grand landscapes and architecture.

In low light, if you slow down the shutter speed too much when shooting handheld, you might see some blur if this lens lacks vibration reduction (VR).

A good tripod and remote control can resolve the issue. The center of the image is extremely sharp throughout the focal range, but the edges are somewhat soft when shooting wide open (f/3.5).

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3. NIKON 50MM F1.8 G

This lens is one of the best portrait lenses for the Nikon D3100 for the following reasons:

A lightweight and affordable prime lens, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-S G is one of my absolute favorites. As a FX lens, I find it works with both FX and crop sensors (DX) cameras, including the Nikon D3100. One of its best features is that it works with both DX and full-frame cameras. With this future-proof lens, you can keep using your existing camera if you upgrade to full-frame later (like I did).

The f/1.8 aperture of this lens delivers razor-sharp results and stunning bokeh, making it one of my favorite lenses. For beginners, this means the subject is in focus while the background is blurry, so you can take dreamy portraits.

Low-light performance is also a great advantage of this lens. With this lens, your ISO basically quadruples over that of an f/2.8 zoom, so you can shoot in darker conditions without having to worry about noise.

Furthermore, this lens has a very fast, accurate, and easy autofocus system. Furthermore, even at f/1.8, it can capture fantastically sharp and in-focus portraits.

This lens does not have vibration reduction (VR), but since it has an aperture of f/1.8, it is not an issue for me.

There can be barrel distortion on this lens (straight lines look curved), but that is easily fixed after the fact or in the camera. The value for money here is simply outstanding, given its fantastic image quality and affordable price.

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4. NIKON 85MM F1.8 G

This Nikon D3100 lens is one of the best for portraits due to the following reasons:

There are several factors to consider when choosing the Nikon 85mm f/1.8 AF-S G over the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G previously mentioned.

As a first point, Nikon’s 85mm f/1.8G is one of its sharpest lenses. In spite of that, you won’t notice much of a difference between it and the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G. There is also a slight weight and price difference between the two lenses.

The more important question, though, is will you be taking close-ups or zoomed-out portraits? For headshots, the 85mm lens is a better choice due to its longer focal length. The faces of your subjects will be amazingly sharp and detailed.

In contrast, if you plan to zoom out or take full-body portraits with your Nikon 50mm f/1.8 AF-S G, you will not need to be too far away from your subject.

What’s your favorite creaminess for your backgrounds? When compared to the 50mm, the 85mm provides a smoother bokeh, so if that is your preference, then the 85mm should be considered.

Alternatively, you can control how blurry your background will be with the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 G. That’s the lens you want if you want a more defined bokeh. Because both lenses have an f/1.8 aperture, they’re great in low light, and you can use them on full-frame cameras too if you want.

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5. NIKON 35MM F1.8

Among Nikon D3100’s best portrait lenses:

Among the most portable, affordable, and best-value lenses available for Nikon DX cameras is the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX. In my opinion, it’s one of the best prime lenses for Nikon D3100, especially if you’re a first-time photographer.

The ease of traveling with this lens really appeals to me. The lightweight, compact design makes it easy to fit into any small bag. Furthermore, the results are superb, especially considering its size and price.

The lens will provide you with sharp photos no matter how wide open you shoot (although the two other pricier portrait lenses will give you even better results). The wide f/1.8 aperture also creates beautiful bokeh and blurred backgrounds.

A smooth, fast, and quiet autofocus is provided by this lens. Moving subjects are also tracked well with the optical viewfinder. The f/1.8 aperture also makes this lens a great choice for low-light situations. It’s the best lens for zoomed-out street shots & environmental portraits if you’re looking for the best low-light lens.

The Nikon 35mm f/1.8G is only compatible with crop sensor (DX) cameras like the Nikon D3100, unlike the other two portrait lenses above. This lens will be useless if you switch to a full-frame camera in the future. In post-processing you can easily fix barrel distortion and mild vignetting (straight lines appear curvy).

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6. SIGMA 70-200MM SPORTS F2.8

Here are some of the reasons why it is the best telephoto lens for the Nikon D3100:

With the Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 Sports DG OS HSM lens, you can do so much with your camera. Although it is marketed as a sports product, it is extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of circumstances.

Additionally, this lens is great for landscapes and architectural close ups, wildlife, and portraits! This Nikon D3100 lens is among the best for sports and stage events because of its wide f/2.8 aperture and ability to tackle low-light situations.

Taking candid street photos with this 70-200mm lens is also possible while remaining discreet and not getting too close to your subjects.

It is real useful for almost any type of close-up photography, as you can see from the images above. In spite of its price and weight, it provides a wide focal range, excellent low-light performance, and top-notch image quality.

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7. SIGMA 150-600MM F5-6.3

Nikon D3100’s best super telephoto lens:

Getting close-up wildlife and sports shots without spending a fortune is easy with the Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 DG OS HSM. Although it may not be a budget lens due to its incredible focal range, its value for money is truly impressive.

This lens is definitely a strong performer in terms of image quality. If you use a wide-open aperture, the results are very sharp at 150mm, and get softer as you move toward 500mm.

As well as vibration reduction (VR), you can also shoot handheld at 600mm with no blur.

Fast, quiet, and reliable autofocus is available on this lens. The lens works well for close-ups of landscapes, architecture, and aerial shots too, and you’ll probably enjoy shooting sunsets and mountain peaks the most!

In low-light conditions, you won’t expect exceptional performance, as the maximum aperture is only f/5-6.3, which means you’ll probably have to bump up the ISO to noisy levels.

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8. NIKON 55-200MM F4-5.6

Nikon D3100’s best budget telephoto lens is this:

With its lightweight, compact, and travel-friendly design, the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II AF-S is also a great value. Moreover, it is extremely cost-effective.

The image quality won’t be earth-shattering, since it is a budget option. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a low-cost entry-level telephoto lens and don’t need high performance, this lens is perfect for you.

You can expect excellent sharpness in the center and slightly soft edges when shooting wide open at 55mm. Although the central sharpness of the image is still very good, the edge sharpness is noticeably reduced at 105mm.

I still find the autofocus to be very good considering how little and inexpensive this lens is, even though it’s not as fast and silent as the previous two (much more expensive) telephoto lenses.

Taking photos and videos handheld at slower shutter speeds will still be blur-free thanks to the lens’ vibration reduction (VR). However, with only an f/4-5.6 maximum aperture, you’ll probably have to use noisy ISO settings if you want to take pictures in low light.

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9. ROKINON 8MM F3.5

There are several reasons why it is the best fisheye lens for the Nikon D3100:

With the Rokinon 8mm f/3.5 HD Fisheye lens for Nikon D3100, you can have some fun and get creative with your photography. Using strong distortions, you can produce visuals from a fish eye’s perspective using this ultra-wide-angle lens.

Your photos will be bright and colorful when you use this fisheye lens. Flares and ghosts can also be controlled well.

Many photographers use this lens for astrophotography and creative night shots since it has an ultrawide focal length and a fixed aperture of f/3.5. You’ll get impressive value from this lens if you love taking “unusual” photos and experimenting with visual distortions.

Since this lens does not have autofocus, you’ll have to focus manually (even if you’re just starting out, this is a simple and useful skill to learn).

This lens is also incompatible with filters due to its shape, so if you use them, you’ll see black corners in your pictures. Furthermore, this lens doesn’t feature vibration reduction (VR), so you’ll need a tripod or video stabilizer kit if you plan to shoot handheld in dark conditions.

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10. NIKON 40MM F2.8 G

This Nikon D3100 macro lens is one of the best because:

You can use the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G DX to get some stunning portraits of flowers, food, and other medium-sized objects (FYI, Nikon refers to macro as “micro” – they are the same thing).

Although it is good for shooting insects, bugs, and small objects, it isn’t ideal for shooting insects and bugs. The Nikon 105mm f/2.8 G is my recommendation for that (I explain why in the section below).

Therefore, the Nikon 40mm f/2.8G macro lens offers excellent value for money, as it is lightweight, compact, and affordable. This lens produces stunning bokeh and gorgeous colors throughout its aperture range, as well as incredibly detailed and sharp results. 

In addition, it is capable of controlling distortions and chromatic aberrations very well. In non-macro mode, autofocus is relatively fast, but in macro mode, it can suddenly lose speed and accuracy. Actually, manual focus is usually better for macro shots anyway, so it’s not a big deal.

Since they have similar focal lengths, you might wonder how they compare. Nikon’s 40mm f/2.8G has an all-purpose lens, while Nikon’s 35mm f/1.8G is more of an all-purpose zoom lens. It offers 1:1 magnification, which is perfect for capturing details and macros.

 Nikon’s 35mm f/1.8G has a slight advantage over the Canon 35mm f/1.8G due to its wider aperture.

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11. NIKON 105MM F2.8 VR G

This Nikon D3100 macro lens is one of the best because:

Whenever you need to capture small objects such as insects, bugs, or drops of water, the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR G is the ideal lens.

In comparison with the previously mentioned Nikon 40mm f/2.8 G, this lens is more suitable for small subjects because it’s longer and allows you to stand further away.

As one of Nikon’s sharpest lenses, the 105mm f/2.8 is one of the best. This lens is also great for low-light photography due to its wide f/2.8 aperture and vibration reduction (VR).

In addition to being a great macro lens, it is also 1:1 magnification, which means you will be able to see your subject in its actual size on the sensor. This feature should be included in a macro lens.

Also, it’s perfect for capturing portraits and flowers. When you shoot wide open, even at the edges, you’ll find absolutely stunning details. Among Nikon’s macro lenses, this one has one of the fastest autofocus systems.

A stunning bokeh can also be captured. Its only downside is its hefty price tag. When it comes to macro photography, however, you’ll get exceptional value for your money.

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12. NIKON 18-140MM F3.5-5.6

These characteristics make it the best Nikon D3100 all-in-one lens:

Its versatility and multipurpose make it a great lens for everyday use, which eliminates the need to switch between several lenses at the same time. This lens is ideal for traveling because of its large focal range, which makes it a fantastic tool for capturing landscapes, portraits, and wildlife.

Its edge-to-edge sharpness, even wide open, is the first thing you will notice about this lens. In addition to delivering outstanding image quality, it also features vibration reduction (VR) to ensure that handheld shots are blur-free. 

It also has a very fast, accurate autofocus, and manual focusing is simple – the focus ring can be moved on the lens with just a fingertip. At 140mm, you’ll get stunning bokeh. Given its wide focal range, this lens is lightweight and reasonably priced – offering excellent value.

There is some distortion with this lens, which is quite normal for lenses of this type.

It’s not a big deal since the Nikon D3100 corrects distortions in the camera (with the latest firmware), so you won’t run into any issues here. This lens is also made of plastic, which makes it more vulnerable to damage.

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FAQs

Conclusion:

I hope you like all the best lenses for Nikon D3100. I highly recommend SIGMA 17-50MM F2.8. If you have any other lens, you can share your experience with us. Or any best Lens for the Nikon d3100 is missing from this list you can mention them below in the comments.