The phrase "Japanese optics" is not as familiar as "Japanese electronics" or "Zeiss optics", but it also sounds convincing and speaks about the undoubted quality. Amateur photographers wishing to have high-quality lenses should certainly pay attention to the products of Nikon, created in 1917 to provide the Japanese army and navy with binoculars, telescopes, periscopes, and sights. Nikon optical devices have always met the most stringent requirements of the Japanese military, which means that photo lovers will not let them down.
Nikon photo lenses are chosen by professional photo reporters, who sometimes cannot explain why the technical characteristics of optics are better than those that are technically equal to the competitors' technical characteristics of optics. Nikon lenses are distinguished by tenacity and accuracy of focusing, the ability to reproduce the smallest details and transmit the dynamics of moving objects to a static photo.
But we will not consider professional optics, as experienced photographers prefer to rely on their own opinions. Let us dwell on lenses for beginning amateur photographers, who often experience the torments of choosing lenses that combine affordable price with decent quality. Most newcomers who have chosen Nikon begin their acquaintance with SLR cameras from one of the starting models D 3100, D 3200, D 3300. The first two have already been discontinued, but are still commercially available.
Top Lens Rating for Nikon D3100, D 3200, D 3300 - TOP 5
Consider the top 5 different purpose lenses for the Nikon D3100 and similar models. Our choice was influenced not only by the quality of the lenses, but also by the prices. For each category, you can pick up a higher-grade lens, but the entry-level camera will not be able to reveal all the possibilities of optics, surpassing the camera itself at a price of 5 - 10 times.
|
Model |
Nomination |
Our rating |
|
AF-S VR II DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200 mm f / 3.5-5.6 ED-IF |
Best Universal Zoom for Nikon D3100 |
9.3 out of 10 |
|
AF NIKKOR 20mm f / 2.8D |
The best wide-angle for the Nikon D3100 |
9.5 out of 10 |
|
AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f / 1.8G |
The best portrait lens for Nikon D3100 |
9.6 out of 10 |
|
AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR 40mm f / 2.8G ED |
Affordable macro lens on the Nikon D3100 |
9.5 out of 10 |
|
AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f / 1.8G |
Budget Fast Fix for Nikon D3100 |
9.0 out of 10 |
1. Best Universal Zoom for Nikon D3100 - AF-S VR II DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-200 mm f / 3.5-5.6 ED-IF
Photo: www.findlens.ru
Advantages:
It would seem an expensive lens, at a price significantly higher than the "carcass", but it is really universal in terms of focal lengths. The range from wide-angle to telephoto makes it possible in most cases to manage with one lens. Having our own autofocus system allows you to have this pleasant quality even on the simplest camera, which is not equipped with a motor for such purposes. There is also stabilization, necessary with a large focal length. Lens perspective. When switching to more serious cameras up to the 7000th series, it can remain in the arsenal of the photographer as the same universal “glass”
Disadvantages:
It is necessary to take into account the low luminosity, especially at the long end, only 5.6. At the maximum focal length gives a noticeable geometric distortion.
From reviews of the lens Zoom-Nikkor 18-200 mm:
"The best lens as a universal travel, when you carry around a set of glasses lacks enthusiasm or space."
2. The best wide-angle for the Nikon D3100 -AF NIKKOR 20mm f / 2.8D
Photo: www.findlens.ru
Advantages:
Wide viewing angle, 94 degrees diagonally. It is used by wedding photographers when shooting scenes of “bride price” in a room where it is difficult to choose a good shooting point. If the lens is preserved even when moving to a camera with a full-format matrix, then its frame coverage and shooting opportunities in a close room will open even better. At the same time, NIKKOR 20mm f / 2.8D is also good for landscape, architecture, panoramas.The optimum working range of apertures is from 4 to 7.1. But at 2.8 you can get high-quality images. Compact, convenient and durable (the case is assembled from metal parts).
Disadvantages:
Slow autofocus, lack of sharpness on the open diaphragm, easily dusting.
From NIKKOR 20mm lens reviews:
“High-quality and relatively inexpensive wide-angle. After him on the superzoom 18-200VR2 do not want to take off at all. The quality is incomparable. Fixes they rule!
3. The best portrait lens for Nikon D3100 - AF-S NIKKOR 85 mm f / 1,8G
Photo: static.pricepanda.com
Advantages:
Very popular portrait lens. It may be expensive for beginners, but it can easily be bought (and sold too) on the secondary market. The focal length (85 mm) is optimal for portrait shooting on a sprinkled matrix. Build a good, despite the plastic case. There is good dust protection. The main advantage of NIKKOR 85 mm f / 1.8 G is the aperture ratio. And the sharpness of emotional photographers, starting with F2,8, is simply called "razor". In good hands, he can convey the smallest details of the face and at the same time provide an amazing bokeh. At the same time, autofocus is accurate and fast, which makes it possible to use the lens for sequential shooting.
Disadvantages:
Up to F4, chromatic aberrations are observed at high magnification. Sometimes vignetting is noted.
From reviews of the lens NIKKOR 85 mm:
“Very sharp even with a diaphragm of 1.8, higher than 2.2 sharpness is even better, by 4 there is generally a peak of sharpness ..., pleasant boke, color rendering at a height. Beautiful portrait.
4. Affordable macro lens on the Nikon D3100 -AF-S Dx Micro NIKKOR 40mm f / 2.8G ED
Advantages:
Especially the lens is convenient for beginners who are not yet sure of their addiction to the shooting of the microworld. Not too much bias in the direction of macro allows you to use it not only for miniature objects. The viewing angle of 38.8 ° on the DX makes it also a good portrait glass. The landscape also manages, if not too carp. Built-in autofocus usually handles its tasks fairly accurately. And it works at much smaller distances than the stated 16 cm. Since it is necessary to shoot from very small distances, the designers set the minimum relative aperture F36 to get a sufficient depth of field. Otherwise, when shooting a “portrait” of a chameleon, we will get a sharp image only on his eye, and the rest of his head will blur.
Disadvantages:
Unpromising to go to the FF-matrix. Full frame gives strong vignetting. Slow autofocus.
From reviews of the Micro NIKKOR 40mm lens:
“.. a chamomile in a field, an ant on a straw, stamens-pistils of a flower, cilia of a child - his element. At the same time, elegant portraits are very close up! The colors are bright, but natural. ”
5. Budget Fast Aperture for Nikon D3100 —AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f / 1.8G
Photo: www.findlens.ru
Advantages:
Aperture 1.8, allows you to successfully shoot indoors for fairly short exposures and provides an artistic "boke". Excellent sharpness. High resolution glass, with a peak at f4. In this, it surpasses many more expensive models. Compact size and low weight, which is important for many users.
Disadvantages:
Chromatite Overshot in autofocus, often backlash focus wheel.
From NIKKOR 35mm lens reviews:
“It is fully capable of replacing a whale lens, a convenient DF, amazing sharpness and great aperture. The most universal fix for cropping. Cutting on the open aperture, aberrations are easily removed in the editor (if you shoot in RAW) ".
What lenses are better?
So, we see that Nikon is ready to provide a novice amateur photographer with starting lenses for all occasions. You can save a little by buying the right third-party optics, but is it worth it? More likely no than yes! Especially if the plans include improving skills and switching to more serious cameras with which lenses can be used, already familiar and tested on D3100 - D3300 series cameras.
