11 Best lenses for Nikon D3100 [2023]

The Nikon D3100 is popular among beginner photographers due to its DX format and compatibility with F-mount lenses of varying focal lengths. Lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto. But what is the perfect lens for Nikon D3100?

We have compiled a list of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 users, regardless of budget or skill level. From affordable options to professional-grade products – you can be sure we have something that meets your needs!

Read more: How to Choose a Camera Lens That Fits Your Needs.

Disclosure: This article features affiliate links, including Amazon.com. If you decide to buy through one of these links, I’ll earn a small commission at no extra expense to you. For more details, please see my disclosure policy.

Best lenses for Nikon D3100

This comprehensive list of Nikon D3100 lenses has been organized by type and outlines details such as cost range, specifications, and performance capacity. The prices are categorized as follows:

• 0 – 400$ – Budget $
• 401 – 800$ – Average $$
• 801+ $ – Expert $$$

The list of Nikon D3100 lenses:

PORTRAIT lenses
1. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G
2. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G
3. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 ART DC HSM Lens

WIDE-ANGLE lenses
4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED
5. Tokina AT-X PRO 11-16mm F2.8 DXII Lens

TELEPHOTO lenses
6. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom
7. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM

ZOOM lenses
8. Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM
9. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM
10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED

MACRO lens
10. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

Nikon D3100 portrait lenses

1. Nikon AF S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G

If you’ve been searching for the ideal lens that will take your portrait photography to new heights, then look no further! The Nikon D3100 85mm lens is one of the top contenders among photographers who want to capture high-quality images on a limited budget. With this incredible prime lens, it is easy to play with different portrait compositions!

Build and handling: The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G is the ideal combination of form and function, with its protective plastic casing and metal lens mount that will safeguard your investment from any external dust particles. This device may look bulkier than most, yet it’s surprisingly lightweight – perfect for long shooting sessions!

Performance: Photographers will be pleased with the performance of the Nikon D3100 portrait lens. Its wide f/1.8 aperture provides excellent results in low-light environments, while its shallow depth of field allows for a clean separation between subject and background elements. You can choose from two focus modes—manual priority AF or traditional manual focus. While also relying on a super fast wave motor autofocus technology that’s ideal for capturing breathtaking videos!

Best for: The Nikon D3100 lens can be a great asset to even the most experienced photographer. Beyond capturing outstanding portrait photographs, this multi-use tool offers exceptional images when used for product photography and other special occasions.

The 85mm f/1.8G is one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 and a must-have addition to any photographer’s arsenal if they are looking to take their portraiture skills up a notch. With its amazing bokeh effect, rich contrast, and shallow depth of field capabilities, this lens will give you beautiful images that will stand out.

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2. Nikon AF-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G

Delivering almost as many benefits as the previous option, this affordable Nikon D3100 portrait lens features a 50mm focal length and f/1.8 aperture, making it a reliable and valuable addition to any camera kit. Offering outstanding performance on a budget, this lens is a cost-effective choice for any photographer.

Build and handling: Designed with consumers in mind, the Nikon D3100 portrait lens comes equipped with all the necessary buttons and information. The weight of 6.6 oz (185 g) makes it ideal for extended hand-held photography sessions, allowing photographers to effortlessly capture stunning shots. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for anyone seeking an easy-to-use and portable lens.

Performance: This lens provides remarkable image quality with its wide f/1.8 aperture, offering stunning bokeh and excellent subject separation from the background, even in low-light photography conditions. Although the autofocus speed is not that fast, it delivers outstanding performance overall. The only drawback of this lens is the slight softness that may occur at the corners and edges of your shots when using larger apertures.

Best for: This Nikon D3100 lens is tailored to portrait photography, and thanks to its smaller focal length, it requires less space around the subject compared to the 85mm version. It’s also suitable for indoor settings with limited space, as its versatile features allow for capturing beautiful product shots, landscapes, and various events.

This lens is an affordable and excellent option for portrait photography with the Nikon D3100. Its remarkable image quality, lightweight design, and wide aperture make it an ideal choice for beginners seeking to venture into portrait photography. With its numerous advantages at an unbeatable price, this lens guarantees stunning results.

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3. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Fit Lens

The compact and affordable 30mm lens, boasting an impressive f/1.4 aperture, delivers an exceptional performance with its HSM autofocus and high-quality build. This powerful photographic equipment is ideal for both amateurs and professionals, providing reliable and outstanding results throughout your photographic journey.

Build and handling: The Sigma lens for Nikon D3100 radiates a professional aura with its metallic appearance and thermally stable composite (TSC) construction. The lens features an elegant design, complete with clear and easy-to-read indicators. The focusing ring glides smoothly, providing an appropriate amount of resistance without feeling too tight or loose. The AF/Manual switch can be changed effortlessly with just a glance, making it an ideal choice for photography enthusiasts.

Performance: The internal autofocus system of Sigma’s Hypersonic Motor is remarkable, with swift and near-silent operation. The lens also allows for manual focus while autofocus is engaged, as it keeps the front element in place at all times. With its 8-blade aperture, this Sigma lens for Nikon D3100 delivers a stunning bokeh effect, and chromatic aberration is present but well-controlled, requiring minimal post-production adjustments.

Best for: The Nikon D3100 lens is an excellent option for capturing flawless indoor portraits, thanks to its short focal length and wide f/1.4 aperture that delivers sharp results in low-light conditions. This exceptional lens is also versatile enough to capture stunning street architecture, landscapes, and stunning travel images.

The Nikon D3100 lens is an exceptional investment that delivers outstanding quality construction and beautiful bokeh effects in out-of-focus areas. Although it is not weather-sealed, this lens produces stunning pictures at an unbeatable price point. Choosing to invest in this product offers great value for your money and is a decision you won’t regret.

Nikon D3100 wide-angle lenses

4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

The Nikon D3100 wide-angle zoom lens is a fantastic option for hobby photographers, delivering exceptional quality at an affordable price. With its rapid autofocus motor and various focal lengths, you can now explore the expansive world of photography with ease.

Build and handling: The Nikon consumer-level lens is the perfect choice for those just starting, as it weighs a mere 16.2 oz (458 g) and is effortless to maneuver hand-held. You’ll be amazed at how well this light lens produces remarkable photos! Also, you can make quick changes between M/A and M focusing modes by simply flipping its convenient switch.

Performance: The remarkable Nikon D3100 lens is an excellent feat at its price range, with a maximum aperture of f/3.5! However, good lighting is essential for optimal shooting results; without it, photos may be noisy and grainy. Fortunately, the Silent Wave Motor ensures that captured videos maintain their clarity and vibrancy.

Best for: With its wide-angle abilities and multiple focal lengths, this lens is an excellent choice for real estate photography, gathering events, group shots, or even street photography in restrictive spaces. Its ability to capture a lot of subjects within one picture makes it perfect for quickly capturing all the details from any area.

For amateur photographers searching for a wide range of perspectives without breaking the bank on additional camera equipment, the Nikon D3100’s budget-friendly wide-angle lens is an ideal choice.

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5. Tokina AT-X PRO 11-16mm F2.8 DXII Lens

If you’re looking for excellent clarity and performance in dim lighting, the Tokina lens for Nikon D3100 might be an option. This ultra wide-angle f/2.8 aperture zoom creates crisp images from any distance with its consistent aperture control, making it a great choice for both indoor and outdoor photography.

Build and handling: Featuring durable plastic housing and a rubberized ring for improved maneuverability, the Tokina lens is perfect for any shooter. With nine shutter blades in its aperture granting beautiful bokeh-style backgrounds and two Super Low Dispersion glass elements plus two aspheric components to reduce chromatic aberration while improving contrast and clarity. Also, the multi-layer coating is there to minimize reflection off surfaces so you can be assured of maximum optical performance!

Performance: The autofocus system offers fast, silent performance with its internal motor that allows you to capture sharp images with minimal blurring around the edges. While shooting in bright natural light, there may be some mild chromatic aberration or fringing along the corners of your shots. Nevertheless, this can easily be edited during post-production!

Best for: With its wide-angle view and large aperture, the Nikon D3100 lens is ideal for cramped spaces such as real estate and indoor events. Take advantage of this amazing tool to capture breathtaking landscapes or never miss a person with group photos! And if you’re feeling adventurous, use it to shoot stunning night sky shots too – giving your pictures an even more beautiful dimension.

If you own a Nikon D3100, the Tokina 11-16mm F/2.8 lens is an unbeatable selection for its amazing value and excellent quality! Not only does it have a remarkably fast aperture that stays consistent across all focal lengths, but also offers incredible optical performance – this lens will surely meet your expectations.

Nikon D3100 telephoto lenses

6. Tamron Auto Focus 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Zoom

The Tamron 70-350mm lens is an affordable option that is hard to beat in terms of price. Despite being a budget lens, Tamron has managed to maintain decent build quality, with tight build tolerances, a metal mount, and decent quality plastic.

Build and handling: Despite its low price, the Tamron lens for Nikon D3100 feels remarkably sturdy and operates smoothly. This Di-type lens features an optical system with enhanced multi-coating specifically designed for use with digital SLR cameras. It can achieve a maximum magnification ratio of 1:2, providing detailed close-up shots that fill the viewfinder.

Performance: While the Tamron lens performs well throughout the 70-200mm zoom range, it struggles at the maximum 300mm focal length, resulting in a decrease in sharpness. Additionally, handheld shooting without stabilization becomes difficult. When taking sharp macro shots, the resolution declines significantly if to choose a small aperture to increase the depth of field.

Best for:  Photographers looking to capture distant sports or wildlife subjects and close-range details will find the macro function of the lens particularly useful, which is available at focal lengths ranging from 180mm to 300mm. This Nikon D3100 wildlife lens is surely perfect for outdoor adventures on a very limited budget.

Although it falls within the lower price range, the Tamron lens for Nikon D3100 delivers good image quality, has a long zoom range, and has decent build quality – all at a very low price. If you need a long zoom lens without breaking the bank, the Tamron 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Di LD Macro 1:2 AF is worth considering.

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7. Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 Contemporary DG OS HSM

If you’re seeking a remarkable zoom telephoto lens for Nikon D3100, don’t look any further! This lens is the ideal solution to capture vivid wildlife and sports moments without compromising on quality or breaking the bank. It’s by far one of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 available out there- unbeatable in both price and performance.

Build and handling: If you dream of a career in wildlife or sports photography, the Nikon D3100 telephoto lens is an ideal choice! It has professional feel and performance capabilities, and it weighs only 68.1 oz (1,930 g) – making it lighter than most other lenses in its class. Its solid grip and portable design will bring your photographic journey to new heights!

Performance: The Nikon D3100 landscape lens is perfect for capturing breathtaking outdoor photography. Photographers who want immense focal lengths and wide apertures, as well as professional-grade features, will be pleased with this product. The remarkable performance in dim lighting conditions, hypersonic motor providing smooth autofocusing, and built-in image stabilization technology make it an ideal choice for any photographer!

Best for: If you’re striving to capture stunning photographs of far-off objects, then this telephoto lens is a perfect choice. Boasting an impressive maximum focal length of 600mm and even crisper images when combined with a tripod, it’s ideal for shooting wildlife in their natural habitat. Not only that, but it’s also excellent for sports photography or taking amazing close-up shots of landscapes!

The Nikon D3100 lens is a must-have for photographers looking to capture distant subjects like wildlife or sports games. Though it may be costlier than other options, the extraordinary qualities and performance of this lens make its price tag worthwhile!

Nikon D3100 zoom lenses

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

The Nikon D3100 zoom lens is an invaluable asset for any photographer! With its vast aperture, capturing objects close and far away is a breeze. Plus, this cost-friendly option provides exceptional performance that’s perfect for those just beginning their photography journey.

Build and handling: Despite its lightweight 19.9 oz (565 g) frame, this lens is equipped with powerful optical stabilization. It’s packed with advanced elements like two Fluorite Low Dispersion components, two glass-molded aspherical parts, and one hybrid aspherical element all working together to deliver superior image quality. Adding on Super Multi-Layer Coating further increases the clarity of your pictures while minimizing glare – making any photo shoot a success!

Performance: With the Nikon D3100 zoom lens, you’ll be able to capture outstanding visuals with its constant f/2.8 aperture – even in low light conditions! This lens maintains a fixed aperture across all of its focal lengths, producing clear and crisp images from corner to corner, except for at mid-zoom settings where just slight blurring can be noticed.

Best for: If you’re constantly on the go and a passionate photographer, then this covers your needs. With an unprecedented 17-50mm focal length range, it’s capable of capturing every single moment – be it vistas or busy streets! This everyday option allows you to make sure that no day is left without photos being taken!

The Nikon D3100 zoom lens could be your ideal partner for everyday photography, and at a low price, you will get great additional specifications such as a wide f/2.8 aperture and built-in optical stabilization.

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9. Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4 Contemporary DC Macro OS HSM

If you’re looking for an affordably priced, utterly dependable lens that has a broad range of focal lengths, then Sigma’s 17-70mm f/2.8-4 DC Macro OS Lens is a perfect choice! It offers precise HSM autofocus abilities, advanced optical stabilization properties, and a remarkably tight minimum focusing distance.

Build and handling: Combining metal and plastic components, including a dependable brass bayonet mount and extraordinary glass optics, this lens delivers outstanding build quality at an inexpensive cost. Additionally, its use of Thermally Stable Composite material ensures consistent stability in varying temperature conditions. Moreover, it features a comfortable narrow manual focus ring behind the front element plus a 7-blade rounded diaphragm that results in delightful bokeh effects!

Performance: The Nikon D3100 multipurpose lens offers a minimum focus distance of just 8.6 inches, allowing users to access remarkable 1:2.9 macro magnification at its 70mm setting. Also, it results in stunning shallow depth-of-field shots with an f/4 aperture on the DSLR camera sensor. Additionally, this amazing lens is equipped with Vibration Reduction technology for up to 3 stops of compensation.

Best for: The 17-70mm focal lengths of this amazingly cost-efficient option make it the perfect choice for everyday use. Not only does it enable you to take wide shots in low light, but also easily captures streetscapes, landscape details, and more when zoomed out. Also, it has been named one of the best travel lenses for Nikon D3100.

Photographers aiming for a dependable, high-performance lens at an affordable price should consider the Nikon D3100 standard zoom. It will deliver superior image quality and versatile macro performance that will make your photographs stand out.

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10. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED

If you’re a hobby photographer on the hunt for an economical choice, then this Nikon D3100 travel lens is ideal! It can take remarkable photos with its wide aperture size, no matter how close or far away your subjects are. Moreover, it’s both affordable while also easy to use – making it perfect for anyone just starting their photography journey!

Build and handling: The Nikon 16-80mm strikes a glorious balance between size and power. Its lightweight polycarbonate body is just 3.3 x 3.1 inches, yet it still houses technology such as four ED elements for optimal resolution. Also, rubberized rings to regulate zoom and focus functions, plus Nano Crystal Coat technology that minimizes ghosting or flare from bright light sources!

Performance: The Nikon D3100 zoom lens may not provide a constant f/2.8 aperture, but its impressive f/2.8-4 still offers great speed and additionally is coupled with 4-stop Vibration Reduction for extra sharpness! You might experience some chromatic aberration or distortion at a shorter range; however, these can be easily adjusted during post-production editing.

Best for: If you’re a travel photographer, the Nikon D3100 lens will your ideal accessory to start with. Not only can it capture scenes ranging from wide landscapes to closeup candids, but its impressive range of focal lengths also makes this one item all that you need for any travel photography endeavor!

If you are looking for an economical and practical travel lens for Nikon D3100, then this model is the perfect option. Its lightweight design paired with its remarkable f/2.8-4 zoom range makes shooting on long trips a breeze without compromising image quality or clarity. While there may be slight distortions and soft edges at high aperture levels which occur in lenses of this type, it will continue to astound you with excellent performance!

Nikon D3100 macro lens

11. Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED Lens

Macro photographers will be delighted with this lens, as it is small and efficient enough to render life-size images from DSLR sensors. The addition of the f/2.8 aperture and integrated optical stabilization system further enhances its capability by allowing you to take gorgeous photos even in dim lighting conditions!

Build and handling: The Nikon D3100 macro lens is a marvel of engineering, designed to provide maximum comfort and performance. Measuring 4.6 x 3.3 inches (116 x 83 mm) and weighing 27.9 ounces (790 grams). It is constructed of black composite and has an ergonomic rubberized grip around its manual focus ring, together with toggle switches for easy access to autofocus/manual mode. Also, an Optical Stabilization system’s on/off functions are on the lens.

Performance: Featuring SWM Technology for rapid and quiet autofocus, the lens allows you to effortlessly alternate between autofocus and manual focus. Its IF system maintains the front element stationary so that utilizing circular polarizing filters is simpler than ever before. Plus its improved VRII system produces remarkably clear photographs even at slower shutter speeds – up to four stops lower!

Best for: If capturing the beauty of small subjects, such as insects, is your ambition, then a Nikon D3100 macro lens should be considered. With its 105mm focal length, you can capture the perfect shot from a safe distance without any potential shading that will ruin your capture.

One of the best lenses for Nikon D3100 if you are an enthusiast of macro photography. Featuring an optical stabilization feature, this lens is perfect for capturing sharp images and focusing up close at 1:1 magnification.

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Conclusion

When it comes to selecting the best lenses for Nikon D3100, it’s important to make an informed decision as it can greatly impact the quality of your photographs. Rather than opting for a generic option that may not meet your needs, we advise carefully evaluating the features of each lens before making a purchase. There is no single “perfect” choice for everyone. We hope our curated selection will aid in your decision-making process, enabling you to choose the ideal lens for your photographic journey.

Read more: Best Nikon DX lenses.

Disclosure: Some of the links may be affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. If you make a purchase then I will earn a commission, which helps me to run this website. Again: no additional cost for you.

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