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The D5100 is a Nikon DX F-mount DSLR. It autofocuses AF-S and AF-I lenses; Nikon lists AF-P lenses as incompatible, so do not buy an AF-P zoom for autofocus on this body. DX lenses give their intended coverage, while FX lenses mount but have a 1.5× field-of-view crop.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR | $550–$650 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR | $750–$900 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR | $350–$450 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II | $250–$350 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR | $850–$1,050 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED | $900–$1,400 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM for Nikon | $350–$500 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD for Nikon | $600–$750 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary for Nikon | $500–$650 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
DX F-mount AF-S zoom with VR and autofocus on the D5100; 27–210 mm equivalent framing.
- 18–140 mm
- AF-S and VR
- versatile range
- variable aperture
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR
DX F-mount AF-S superzoom with VR and D5100 autofocus; 27–450 mm equivalent framing.
- 18–300 mm
- AF-S and VR
- one-lens reach
- f/6.3 long end
AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
DX F-mount AF-S telezoom with VR and D5100 autofocus; 82.5–450 mm equivalent.
- 55–300 mm
- AF-S and VR
- long telephoto range
- slower aperture
AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II
DX F-mount AF-S telezoom with VR; autofocus works on the D5100 and framing is 82.5–300 mm equivalent.
- 55–200 mm
- AF-S and VR
- compact telezoom
- less reach than 300 mm
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR
DX F-mount AF-S zoom with VR and D5100 autofocus; 24–120 mm equivalent coverage.
- 16–80 mm
- AF-S and VR
- brighter than kit zoom
- premium DX price
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
DX F-mount constant-f/2.8 AF-S zoom that autofocuses on the D5100; 25.5–82.5 mm equivalent.
- 17–55 mm f/2.8
- AF-S
- constant aperture
- no VR
Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 EX DC OS HSM for Nikon
DX F-mount f/2.8 zoom with OS and HSM autofocus for the D5100; 25.5–75 mm equivalent.
- 17–50 mm f/2.8
- OS and HSM
- stabilized f/2.8
- older design
Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD for Nikon
DX F-mount superzoom with VC stabilization and HLD autofocus; 27–600 mm equivalent on the D5100.
- 18–400 mm
- VC and HLD
- maximum reach
- large superzoom
Sigma 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM Contemporary for Nikon
DX F-mount superzoom with OS and HSM autofocus; 27–450 mm equivalent on the D5100.
- 18–300 mm
- OS and HSM
- macro close focus
- variable aperture
Buying tips
- Avoid AF-P zooms: Nikon lists the D5100 as incompatible.
- Buy only Nikon F-mount versions, and confirm autofocus and VR switches on used listings.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.