Best Lens for Nikon D5100 After the 18-55mm

After your initial 18-55mm kit lens, what next? This choice depends on your photography needs and preferences. Here are some of the best alternatives, along with their uses and benefits:

1. Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX

Usage: Prime lens ideal for portraits, low-light scenarios, and general photography.

Benefits: With a fast f/1.8 aperture, it offers shallow depth of field, perfect for creating dramatic subjects and backgrounds, and ensures excellent image quality even in low light conditions.

2. Nikon 50mm f/1.8G

Usage: Optimal for portraits and low-light situations.

Benefits: It provides great sharpness and background blur, and it comes with an affordable price point. It's a versatile lens that’s easy to carry and use for various scenarios.

3. Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR

Usage: Perfect for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.

Benefits: Its versatile focal length allows a range of photography styles, and the VR (Vibration Reduction) feature ensures steady shots, even in low light or at long focal lengths.

4. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM

Usage: Excellent for events, landscapes, and low-light conditions.

Benefits: It offers a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, enhancing low-light performance and providing ample background blur for creative photography. The HSM (Hyper Sonic Motor) ensures fast and quiet autofocus.

5. Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DiII VC HLD

Usage: Ideal for landscapes, architecture, and interior photography.

Benefits: With a wide field of view, this lens is perfect for capturing expansive scenes and architectural details. The VC (Vibration Compensation) feature helps maintain sharp images in low light or when shooting at slower shutter speeds.

Choosing the Right Lens

Deciding which lens to buy depends on the type of photography you enjoy. Here are some general suggestions:

If you’re into portraits, consider the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G DX or the Samy Sakyi's recommendation of the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G. For low-light situations, the Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM is an excellent choice. If you plan on shooting wildlife or at a distance, the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR is highly versatile and offers good stability. For landscapes and architecture, the Tamron 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 DiII VC HLD is a great choice, providing a wide field of view and ensuring steady shots.

Samy Sakyi’s personal recommendation for the Nikon 18-140mm is highly praised as a versatile lens that’s perfect for everyday use. Its wide range of focal lengths, coupled with excellent image quality and autofocus, made it a go-to lens for endless photo opportunities.

Here is a snippet from the DXO Mark website showcasing the overall score of the Nikon 18-140mm. DXO Mark's tests, while laboratory-based, confirm its exceptional performance, leading to its status as an "everyday" lens that almost never left the camera.

Ultimately, the key to making the right choice is to first determine your future photography needs and preferences.

Conclusion

Choosing the right lens can greatly enhance your photography. Whether you lean towards portraits, landscapes, or low-light photography, there is a lens out there that fits your needs. The Nikon alternatives mentioned offer excellent performance and versatility, making them top choices for your Nikon D5100.