By Tati Taylor 17 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
What is the best portrait, tele and wide-angle lens for Nikon d7100?
Nikon D7100 is a worthy successor to its earlier version, the D7000. This model was succeeded by the D7200. Just like them, it’s a mid-range DSLR that delivers a terrific performance. It features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and comes with the Expeed 4 image processor.
This camera is considered to be a flagship device in the APS-C series, which speaks volumes about its build quality.
It might be difficult to find a lens that fits into your camera perfectly. If you can’t choose between lenses for Nikon D7100 available on the market, make sure to read on. I will tell you which lenses work best with this camera thus allowing you to take stunning images regardless of the photography genre you are most into.
When compiling this list of the best lenses for the Nikon D7100, I took into account prices, functionality and image quality so that you can choose the option that suits your needs.
Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 1.1m | Max magnification: Unknown | Filter thread: 52mm | Dimensions (WxL): 71x83mm | Weight: 300g
⊕ Small-sized and lightweight
⊕ Perfect image quality
⊕ Quick and noiseless autofocus
⊕ Amazing image stabilization
⊕ Well put together
⊖ Aperture is slow at the wide end
⊖ Variable aperture
Thanks to its 55-200mm zoom range, this lens is a perfect choice for portraits, group photos, pictures of sports and school events. This best lens for Nikon D7100 is quite portable, has a well-thought-out design and comes at a budget price.
Just like with other similar telephoto lenses, you might notice some barrel distortion when you use it at the minimal focal distance. At longer focal distances (80mm or more), it produces pincushion distortion.
Despite that, the images remain incredibly sharp across the focal range. It delivers better sharpness at the short focal distances. You might also notice some blur in the corners, as the sharpness in the center is a bit higher.
By adding an image stabilization system and full-time manual focus override, Nikon has ensured that this upgrade will become one of the best options available. This DX telephoto lens has a variable aperture which might come in handy if you experiment with different photography genres.
Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (DX) | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.28m | Max magnification: 0.12x | Filter thread: 82mm | Dimensions (WxL): 89x106mm | Weight: 725g
⊕ Perfect for photos and APS-C 4K videos
⊕ Impressive sharpness
⊕ High brightness
⊕ Even image quality across the frame
⊕Amazing bokeh
⊖ Not weather-proof
This lens produces a sharp image thanks to its quick f/2.0 aperture. It offers an equivalent 21-30mm zoom range. Thanks to its small weight, you can easily take it with you when you go on a hiking trip. It allows you to take bright photos with high contrast. The lens delivers decent performance even in poor light conditions producing images and videos without any noise.
This third-party lens was created by Tokina as a part of their PRO lens lineup. This wide angle lens for Nikon D7100 has a nice design, solid build, internal focus and a manual focus clutch.
You are also bound to appreciate its sharpness. The f/2.0 aperture is extremely fast and spans an equivalent 21-30mm range. This constant aperture collects much light, which is great for taking photos in poor light conditions. Besides, this option is small and lightweight.
Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.22m | Max magnification: 0.17x | Filter thread: 72mm | Dimensions (WxL): 77x73mm | Weight: 230g
⊕ Small and portable
⊕ Covers impressive angle of view
⊕ Decent sharpness
⊕ Optical stabilization
⊕ Affordable
⊖ Effect of edge blur at 10mm
⊖ Some signs of barrel distortion
If you don’t have loads of cash laying around, take a look at this lens, as it’s one of the cheapest options for Nikon SLR cameras. Besides, it can easily beat other APS-C (DX) lenses when it comes to wide-angle coverage. It makes it a wise choice for landscape and travel photography as well as for shooting in small spaces.
Another advantage of this lens is VR. Vibration Reduction greatly simplifies the image stabilizing process. When you take stills in a handheld mode, make sure that your camera’s shutter speed is equal or even faster than 1 divided by the focal length. It will allow you to capture sharp images at 1/10 second.
Besides being quite affordable and portable, this best lens for Nikon D7100 features a convenient focal length and is perfect for traveling. It ensures that your photos will be bright and sharp.
Mount: Nikon F (FX) | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 2.2m | Max magnification: 0.22x | Filter thread: 95mm | Dimensions (WxL): 108x268mm | Weight: 2300g
⊕ Worth its money
⊕ Stunning image stabilization
⊕ Perfect min focusing distance
⊕ Constant aperture across the entire range
⊖ Slow focusing in poor light
⊖ Similarly priced lenses have a better zoom range
Unlike basic small-sized lenses, this one has a maximum aperture of f/5.6 and the 200-500mm range. It weighs 5 pounds and measures 4.5 x 11 inches. If you use it with the hood and zoom out to the max, its length will be extended to almost 17 inches. Some photographers use this telephoto lens for Nikon D7100 in a handheld mode, but it might cause muscle strain during extended shooting sessions.
Professionals who specialize in the fields of animal and sports photography know that it’s crucial to invest in the long-reach glass optics to earn great returns. Unlike some high-end options that deliver top-notch performance, this lens produces an insufficiently sharp image.
Despite some shortcomings, the Nikon 200-500mm is a great lens that comes at an affordable price. This super-telephoto lens can easily beat its Sigma and Tamron counterparts when it comes to the long-reach performance.
Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (DX), Sony/Minolta Alpha | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.49m | Max magnification: 0.27x | Filter thread: 62mm | Dimensions (WxL): 75x97mm | Weight: 400g
⊕ Lightest option in its class
⊕ Moisture-sealed
⊕ A budget price
⊕ Rounded aperture blade accounts for great bokeh
⊖ Some signs of chromatic aberrations
⊖ Doesn’t enable full-time manual override
⊖ Occasional lens flare
This lens is suitable for multiple uses. It features 17 lens elements in 13 groups, while its 7 aperture blades account for a blurry bokeh effect. The f/22 aperture is perfect for controlling the wide depth-of-field, whereas 50cm min focusing distance is pretty decent for this zoom range.
Tamron has equipped this zoom lens for Nikon D7100 with a Vibration Control system for better image stabilization. It allows you to shoot handheld photos in low light. A lock switch on the barrel prevents the lens from zooming out during transport.
Just like some other long lenses with similar max apertures, it comes with an in-built optical IS system. You won’t need to rotate the 62mm filter thread as it’s the internal focusing mechanism that makes the lens elements move. You will appreciate this feature if you enjoy using polarising filters.
This lens is an impressive upgrade over the previous version. If compared to its Canon and Nikon analogs, it offers similar functionality at a lower price.
Mount: Nikon F (FX) | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 1m | Max magnification: 0.13x | Filter thread: 82mm | Dimensions (WxL): 95x106mm | Weight: 985g
⊕ Ultra-sharp
⊕ A 105mm f/1.4 design
⊕ Reduces diffraction
⊕ Hardly noticeable distortion
⊕ Full-frame coverage
⊖ Overpriced
⊖ Weighs too much
⊖ No image stabilization
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED is a great lens with a short telephoto design. As it has a max f/1.4 aperture, it’s perfect for taking portrait photos with beautifully blurred backgrounds.
With this lens for Nikon D7100 for portraits, you will have no use for a D version that comes without a focus motor. Besides, Nikon upgraded an aperture from f/2 to f/1.4 and got rid of the defocus control feature.
The only significant drawback is its hefty price. Some photographers might be put off by the absence of VR. However, if you can afford it, it’s a great option that will serve you for years to come.
Mount: Nikon F (DX) | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.45m | Max magnification: 0.23x | Filter thread: 67mm | Dimensions (WxL): 78x97mm | Weight: 490g
⊕ Perfect sharpness in the center
⊕ Dust-proof and moisture-resistant
⊕ Wide zoom range
⊕ Stunning background blur at 140 mm
⊕ Decent image stabilization
⊖ Noticeable distortion at 18mm
⊖ Costly
The Nikon 18-140mm VR was released in 2013 as a successor to the old Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm aspherical lens introduced in 2006.
The lens has an 18-140mm focal length. It means that the distance between the camera sensor and the point of convergence can vary between 18 and 140mm. The maximum focal length allows you to zoom in on the most distant subjects. The quality remains pretty decent thanks to a wide-angle view (76°-11°30').
This best lens for Nikon D7100 performs at the top level with nice sharpness across the frame and reduced chromatic aberrations. However, some people might be deterred by its high price. If you compare it to the Nikon’s outdated 18-135mm lens, both of them deliver comparable image quality.
Mount: Canon EF-S, Nikon F (DX) | Diaphragm blades: 7 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 0.45m | Max magnification: 0.34x | Filter thread: 72mm | Dimensions (WxL): 79x124mm | Weight: 710g
⊕ 22.2x zoom ratio
⊕ Decent image quality
⊕ Image stabilization
⊕ Moisture-sealed
⊕ 1:2.9 macro magnification
⊕ Compatible with Nikon and Canon SLRs
⊖ Too much distortion
⊖ The focus ring can be rotated during AF
The 18-200mm lenses were quite expensive until recently. After the Sigma 18-300mm Contemporary and the Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di VC HLD were released, the prices fell sharply, which made these lenses more affordable. The Tamron has the longest reach among other APS-C all-in-one lenses. If you have an SLR camera and don’t want to take several lenses with you on a trip, you will enjoy using this 18-400mm superzoom lens. It is compatible with APS-C DSLR cameras from Canon and Nikon and has a variable 28.8-640mm or 27-600mm equivalent focal length.
Whether you need to take photos of interiors or animals, this zoom lens for Nikon D7100 performs at a decent level. You can mount it on the Canon EOS 1200D APS-C format camera. However, the lens has some shortcomings. The image quality, stabilization and AF aren’t as impressive as those of pro-level lenses.
Mount: Canon EF, Nikon F (FX), Sigma SA Bayonet, Sony/Minolta Alpha | Diaphragm blades: 9 | Autofocus: Yes | Min focus distance: 2.8m | Max magnification: 5x | Filter thread: 95mm | Dimensions (WxL): 105x260mm | Weight: 1930g
⊕ Amazing sharpness
⊕ Low constant aperture
⊕ Solid build
⊕ Quick focusing
⊕ Affordable
⊖ Zoom is inconvenient to use when pointed downwards
The latest lenses released by Sigma perfectly met my expectations as they featured impressive specs and came at a budget price. This lens doesn’t fall short of the standard either. It delivers high image quality and ultimate sharpness while reducing distortions and chromatic aberrations. If you want to purchase a long lens, take a closer look at this option. At 600mm, it is even sharper than you expect. It delivers amazing quality even when used handheld and zoomed in to the max.
The Sigma 150-600mm f/5-6.3 is the best lens for Nikon D7100 if you do sports photography. It is well put together and comes with an impressive set of features, which makes it stand out among other 150-600mm lenses. Its overall performance is a bit subpar as compared to the one that the high-end zoom lenses deliver. However, an impressive range of long focal lengths makes it a perfect choice for anyone interested in sports and animal photography.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G
Our choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Tokina 14-20mm f/2
Ultra-Wide |
CHECK PRICE → | |
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Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G
Wide Angle |
CHECK PRICE → |
There are several types of lenses available on the market. You need to learn about their differences to avoid buying a lens that can’t be mounted on your camera.
These lenses are a top choice for wedding photographers because they have impressive light-gathering capabilities thanks to their wide maximum apertures. They are also useful if you need to take portraits.
Some people prefer calling them all-around lenses. Nikon D7100 compatible lenses are suitable for different types of photography. They will come in handy for those who don’t like carrying around several lenses for various uses.
All lenses cause some distortion, which becomes even more noticeable at ultra-wide angles. High-quality lenses produce less distortion. It becomes possible thanks to the special elements that allow you to take close-to-life images. There are also software products that are perfect for reducing lens distortion.
The task of a camera lens is to gather light so that it can reach the sensor. Great lenses have a large aperture, which allows them to collect more light and direct it onto the sensor. If you are taking photos of animals and sports events, you will need to purchase a fast lens.
Camera lenses cause spherical and chromatic aberrations. The latter refer to the situation when colors do not have the same convergence point. The former are a common issue shared by spherical lenses. You might notice some signs of spherical aberration when the light fails to hit the center of a lens. High-quality Nikon D7100 compatible lenses feature special optical elements and coatings that reduce aberrations.
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G Tokina 14-20mm f/2 Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6E Tamron 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3
If you want to take single-shot photos on a sunny day or in a well-lit studio, the D7100 is pretty similar to the D5200. However, it can easily beat its predecessor when it comes to low-light autofocus and continuous photos. It can capture up to 6.3 fps, which allows you to take a lot of stunning JPEG photos. Besides, it comes with a 95MBps SD card.
You can either purchase the body of the D7100 camera or a kit with the 18-105 f3. 5-5.6 AF-S DX VR. This lens is a pretty decent option, but it will hardly help you to make the most out of this camera. You can still use it if you are a beginning photographer. However, this camera will deliver better performance if you use a glass lens instead of a plastic one.
If you have a full-frame camera, pick an FX lens. FX sensors collect more light, are more sensitive and produce low-noise images. A DX lens has a smaller image circle that fits the size of a DX sensor. FX lenses produce a larger circle that allows an FX sensor to fit inside it.
