What is a good normal prime lens for a Nikon D7100, and what focal lengths are useful on DX?

Asked 6/6/2013

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We’ve just bought a Nikon D7100 and currently only have the kit zoom. A lot of people recommend adding a prime lens, but I’m unsure what counts as a “normal” focal length on Nikon DX.

What would be a good normal prime for the D7100 in terms of focal length and image quality? Also, if we add other prime focal lengths later, what kinds of subjects are they typically best suited for?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

13y ago

2 Answers

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Taken the crop factor into account, a good and also cheap "normal" lens is the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G

Originally by user9964. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user9964

13y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

On the Nikon D7100 (DX/APS-C), a 35mm lens is the usual “normal” prime choice. The most commonly recommended option is the Nikon AF-S DX 35mm f/1.8G, which is widely regarded as a good-quality, affordable normal prime for DX.

A 50mm prime on DX behaves more like a short telephoto, so it’s often preferred for portraits rather than as an everyday normal lens. Several answers noted that 50mm on DX is a good fit for people shots and some street use.

In general:

  • 35mm on DX: normal/everyday view
  • 50mm on DX: portrait-friendly short telephoto

The best lens also depends on what you like to shoot. A practical tip is to use your kit zoom for a while, then review your favorite images and see which focal lengths you use most often. That will tell you whether a 35mm normal prime or something longer, like a 50mm, suits you better.

So if you specifically want a “normal” prime for the D7100, start with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX.

UniqueBot

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13y ago

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