The Nikon D7100 is an impressive camera. As you get to know it, you may want to add accessories to help you get the kinds of photos you are passionate about. Here are four possible kits for four (or five) different uses.
I’m naked! Accessorize me!
Be sure to read our comprehensive Nikon D7100 Guided Tour and learn more about this camera.
Nature Photography Kit
Vista grabber: To capture sweeping scenic, a wide-angle lens, such as the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G wide-angle zoom, is a great option. For macro, Nikon offers many options but the classic Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro is the most popular.
Support: A good sturdy tripod will help you get tack-sharp images so you can take full advantage of the Nikon D7100’s high-resolution sensor. The Velbon QHD-63D is a workhorse.
Weather coat: Some of the best nature photos are taken in the rain. Protect your camera with an Op/Tech SLR Rainsleeve. It’ll keep your lens and camera dry and happy.
Polarizer: Take the shine off your subjects while deepening the color richness of any scene. A thin Polarizer is best for wide-angle lenses, and the Tiffen 77mm Circular Polarizer will fit the lens listed above.
Travel Photography Kit
All-in-one zoom: Rather than constantly switching lenses (which can introduce dust into your sensor) bring one long-range zoom lens, and if you wish, a couple of specialized ones. The 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G is a great general-use lens that will cover nearly all possible scenarios. You can augment it and get some fascinating perspectives by adding on the Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G wide-angle zoom.
Flash: A light, compact but powerful flash, the just-released Nikon SB-500 (right) is a relatively inexpensive way to throw some light on your subject. Want to shoot movies? No problem—the SB-500 also has a 100-lux LED light for continuous lighting.
Support: Sometimes a tripod will help you greatly but since you’re traveling, you need to keep it light—and storable in your carry-on. The lightweight Nikon Full Size Black Tripod weighs 3 pounds and carries 4.4 pounds worth of gear—in other words, your Nikon D7100 with a long-rage zoom lens—and folds to 22.8 inches so it can store diagonally in your carry-on bag.
Sports Photography Kit (also works for wildlife photography)
Long zoom lens: The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G lens is a low-coast way to dip your toes into sports photography. With a 35mm equivalent range of approximately 80-300mm, it’ll definitely get you in the game. Want to get serious? The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G cost more, but the steady wide aperture and superior optics and focus mechanism will make a huge difference in the results.
Long prime lens: To capture action across the gridiron a long, sharp lens is needed. The Nikon 300mm f/4 is a great choice, but if that’s too pricey, consider the Nikon 180mm f/2.8. It gets you close to 300mm 35mm equivalent.
Monopod: When shooting with long lenses, support is necessary, but the bulk and weight of a tripod may prevent you from moving around and getting the shot. A monopod is lighter (1 leg instead of 3) and allows you to be more nubile with your camera. The Giottos 5-Section P-Pod comes with a tilt head and quick release plate and is a good, sturdy choice.
Weather coat: The Newswear Long Lens Rain Poncho for Nikon will protect your camera and long lens when shooting those football games in the rain.
Portrait Photography Kit
Whether you’re shooting in your home studio or on location, here are some solid basic items to have for portrait photography:
A wide-aperture short zoom lens: The Nikon 85mm f/1.8G lens is a great introduction lens for portrait photography thanks to its low coast and flatteringly wide aperture. If you can stretch your budget, the Nikon 85mm f/1.4D is a solid, pro-level performer that is supers-sharp. Money no object? The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4, introduced at Photokina 2014, may be one of the sharpest 85’s money can buy.
Light it: A couple of Nikon SB910s will give you the powerful flash output you need. You can operate them wirelessly off-camera via the Nikon SU-800 Commander. You will, of course, need flash stands, flash holders and umbrellas to complete the picture.
