Lens for D3100

Comments

• bruto

  June 2015 edited June 2015

  It depends on what you want.
  
  In terms of complete compatibility, any Nikon F mount auto focus lens which has its own focusing motor will be completely compatible. Look for AF-S and AF-G in Nikon branded lenses. Third party terminology is different, but the same rules apply. Full compatibility requires a Nikon F, auto focus type mount, with a built in focus motor.
  
  All lenses that are specified as "DX" format compatible will work.
  
  Any lens that is listed as compatible with any D3xxx or D5xxx model will be compatible with the D3100.
  
  Auto focus lenses that do not have a focus motor of their own will not auto focus, but will interact with the meter. Nikon lenses labeled AF and AFD will fall into this category. They will function but only as manual focus.
  
  Manual lenses, and all lenses that lack electronic connections, will mount but will not auto focus and will not interact with the camera's meter. You can use them only in manual mode, and must calculate exposure without benefit of the meter. There are a very few odd lenses that are made with manual focus but electronic meter connection: the 500mm AI-P, the PC-E tilt-shift lenses, and the 45mm AI-P. All are shockingly expensive. Some third party lenses from Zeiss and others are also metered but manual, and most cost a great deal more than the camera.
  
  The kit lens that generally came with a D3100 is an 18-55mm millimeter zoom, which works well and gives decently sharp results. It is often supplemented with a 55-200mm or 55-300mm zoom for longer distances, and the 35mm f/1.8 prime lens, which is a normal perspective lens that is very sharp and provides a lot of control.
  
  For more specific information you'll need to be more specific about what you aim to do, and what you aim to spend.
  
  
• BowleggedSnake

  June 2015 edited June 2015

  It mostly depends on your price range and what type photography you like shooting.
  If budget is a concern, for just under $200.00 the Nikkor 35mm f/1.8g for portraits and landscapes, and the afs-dx 55-200mm all purpose zoom are good choices. For under $100.00 a 50mm f/1.8d is ok, but its manual focus and has no image stability.
  Happy Shooting!