Lens query - Nikon D5100

Abhi_UK · Nov 30, 2011

Hi
This is my first post is the forum. I found this forum very useful and hoping to get clarification for some of my queries.
Im new to DSLR world. Last camera Ive used was Canon SX30. Now Im thinking to buy a good DSLR. Depending on my budget and requirement Ive finally come up with 2 choices Nikon D5100 and Canon 600d (T3i). Over the past few weeks Ive closely reviewed the performance on Internet and found out that Nikon has slightly better image quality specially in low lights because of it high HDR and low noise in high ISO. So now Im thinking to go for Nikon. But one thing is bothering me is that D5100 doesnt have a built in focus motor so only AF-S lenses are recommended for it. But AF-S are very costly. :grumpy:

My question is

What if I use a AF only (not AF-S) lens? What difficulty I have to face?
In case If I cannot use AF lens at all, could you please suggest some good compatible third party lenses ( looking for all purpose lenses like 18-200mm, or 28-200/250 etc) for D5100.

Also if possible please give your opinion regarding my decision choosing D5100 over Canon 600D. Your expert opinion will be valuable for my purchase decision.:thumbup:

tirediron · Nov 30, 2011

I wouldn't worry too much about the AF, AF-S, or even non-AF decision. The truth is, that most of Nikon's consumer-level/kit lenses are AF-S including the 18-55, 55-200, and 55-300.

If you opt for AF, (Such as the 'D' series) or non-AF lenses, you'll have to manually focus. This isn't ideal since today's DSLRs are not optimized for manual focus, but it isn't difficult.

With respect to the D5100 vs T3i question, I can't offer much, other than to say that IMO, the consumer-level Nikon bodies seem to have a slightly better build-quality than their Canon cousins.

EchoingWhisper · Nov 30, 2011

And, even Nikon's consumer level lens have good quality. I've noticed some cheaper Canon lens are bad in reviews.

tacomannerism · Nov 30, 2011

If you're looking at the Nikon 18-200mm lens, yes, it is *very* expensive compared to other AF-S lenses for the D5100. Having just purchased a Nikon D5100 myself, I was struck by how expensive($900+ USD) that lens is compared to the others available(18-55, 55-200, 55-300, etc.)

I picked purchased(in addition to the 18-55mm kit lens) a 55-200 AF-S VR lens, and a 50mm f/1.8 AF-S lens from Amazon at about $200 USD a piece(they're available lots of places for similar prices). So, don't let the sticker shock of the 18-200mm AF-S lens scare you away.

Abhi.Naik · Nov 30, 2011

Even I'm new here, and I had put up a similar thread between D3100 and EOS 1100D. From what I was told, most lenses today have an inbuilt AF motor. So you needn't worry. This'll only be a factor for people who already own old lenses and are looking for a new camera. In fact, it seems, lenses without AF motor are difficult to come by now.

MTVision · Nov 30, 2011

Abhi.Naik said:
Even I'm new here, and I had put up a similar thread between D3100 and EOS 1100D. From what I was told, most lenses today have an inbuilt AF motor. So you needn't worry. This'll only be a factor for people who already own old lenses and are looking for a new camera. In fact, it seems, lenses without AF motor are difficult to come by now.

That's not true for Nikon. Pretty sure all Canon cameras lack AF motors but that isn't true for Nikon. Nikon has tons of lenses without AF motor that you can still buy new and probably cheaper than the af-s models.

Abhi_UK · Nov 30, 2011

Thanks all for valuable info.
Could any one please tell me which are the good third party (Sigma/Tamron) lenses (similar to AF-S) compatible with D5100 ? Sigma or Tamron does not have AF-S written in the lens info. How do u know its similar to AF-S or not.

EchoingWhisper · Nov 30, 2011

Yes, they're normally compatible as long as you have the one with the F Mount.

MTVision · Nov 30, 2011

Abhi_UK said:
Thanks all for valuable info.
Could any one please tell me which are the good third party (Sigma/Tamron) lenses (similar to AF-S) compatible with D5100 ? Sigma or Tamron does not have AF-S written in the lens info. How do u know its similar to AF-S or not.

Sigma lenses will have the letters HSM - that means the AF motor is in the lens. I believe tamron will say USD

Abhi.Naik · Nov 30, 2011

MTVision,

Hi, I know this isn't my thread, but can you please take a look at this as well? I'm a little confused now.

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...llery/264068-nikon-d3100-canon-eos-1100d.html

MTVision · Nov 30, 2011

What are you confused about?

Abhi.Naik · Nov 30, 2011

About the lenses thing.
From all that I have read, the D3100 gives better Image Quality than the 1100D. But, the 1100D has an inbuilt Focus Motor. So, if I were to buy the D3100, I'd have to pay more for a Lens with similar specifications as the Canon Lens, or make do with a Manual Focus Lens. So what would be a better deal? The D3100 or the 1100D?

EchoingWhisper · Nov 30, 2011

Nikon D3100, unless you had lots of Canon lenses.

MTVision · Nov 30, 2011

Abhi.Naik said:
About the lenses thing.
From all that I have read, the D3100 gives better Image Quality than the 1100D. But, the 1100D has an inbuilt Focus Motor. So, if I were to buy the D3100, I'd have to pay more for a Lens with similar specifications as the Canon Lens, or make do with a Manual Focus Lens. So what would be a better deal? The D3100 or the 1100D?

None of canon cameras have an autofocus motor in them. Some Nikons do so there are lenses that Nikon makes that will not autofocus on the d3100. Nikon lenses might be a little more expensive - not too sure since I've never bought canon lenses.

flatflip · Nov 30, 2011

If you choose Nikon, don't worry about a focus motor. You will love the AF-S lenses. They are cheap enough and work great. Besides great IQ they focus really fast and really quite. I have had several baby Nikons and love them. I currently have the D3100 and love it. I had a D7000 (with in-body focus motor) for 10 months and much preferred the lenses with built in motors.