d5100; third party lenses?

[KateDas]

I hope I've in the right place to ask this question.

I've been thinking of purchasing a d5100. Which will be my first Nikon. I had a few minor concerns about the auto-focus motor. I read that for the 5100 its in the lenses and I have to be careful which ones I buy. Usually when I shoot I try to use manual focus BUT there are other times where auto focus does come in handy so... I was wondering exactly how limiting this issue is for d5100 owners.

Are the only lenses available with the auto-focus option nikon/nikkor AF-S? or
Are there third party lenses that have auto-focus motors built into their lenses?
If so How can I tell which lenses will auto-focus with the 5100? also
Can the FX lenses also be used with this camera or only DX?

I'd like to know what my lens options would be prior to committing to another DSLR.
I enjoy all sorts of aspects of photography. Macro; portrait and landscapes etc.. so I'm just curious how limited I would be. I know there are several great nikons out there but I really like the feel of this one so that is why I'm focused solely on it.

ANY help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks in Advance!

[mbrobich]

You can use almost every lens ever made by Nikon(or other brands that are Nikon mount). The ones that are not AF-S will have to be manually focussed.

Just remember those 3 letters: AF-S, if not, then manual focus it is.

[KateDas]

Thank you very much!

[Doug Sundseth]

Many third-party lenses have focus motors built in as well, but you'll have to navigate the maze of initialisms and acronyms yourself, since everybody calls everything something different. (For example, I think Sigma uses "HSM" to indicate a lens with a focusing motor.)

[KateDas]

Thanks for the tip as all of that is greek to me. I wouldn't have even known to look for that. I will do a little research and find out what acronyms to look for.

[TheMoons678]

some say "built in motor" (BIM) to indicate it.

[KateDas]

Thank you for that tip too! I picked up my D5100 today and I have to say I love it already! My Sony A55 still has a special place in my heart and will be used a great deal, especially for video but I am very excited to dive head first into the Nikon world! In the next few weeks I plan on getting the 50mm 1.8 lens as well. So much to learn; very exciting.

[TheMoons678]

Make sure you get the 50mm 1.8G ($200) and not 1.8D ($100) as the 1.8D won't autofocus.

35mm 1.8G and 50mm 1.4G are other options, but the 1.8G is great.

[KateDas]

The one I plan on getting is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens. I'd love to have both the 35 and the 85 eventually but I figured I couldn't go wrong starting with the 50.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by KateDas

The one I plan on getting is the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens. I'd love to have both the 35 and the 85 eventually but I figured I couldn't go wrong starting with the 50.

Good call, have fun!