DX lens on a APS-C SLR body?
I'm still pretty new with buying camera equipment and I'm looking at getting a new lens for my camera (Nikon d5100) and I'm looking at the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Autofocus Lens. Is that a good choice? I did some research and the website that I'm buying from said "DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with 35mm, "full-frame" digital, or APS SLR cameras" Which is what the Nikon d5100 is, right? I tried looking up all sorts of things but I'm just not sure what's true or not. I did see somewhere that the Nikon d5100 is a DX, but again, I'm just not sure and I don't want to jump into something without knowing all of the facts! If you guys could give me anything on this question I would greatly appreciate it!
Any Nikkor AF-S lens will work perfectly on your D5100.
Here is the list of all the Nikkor lenses. DX or FX lenses work perfectly well on your camera
http://www.nikonusa.com/...index.page
The only reason DX lenses are not recommended for use on a 35 mm cameras is because there will be vignetting, something that photo-artists use from time to time.
Unlike Canon EF-S lenses which will actually damage a full frame cameras mirror, the only drawback to using a DX lens is the vignetting.
'APS SLR,' refers, in this case to the Nikon Pronea S, which took APS (Advanced Photo System) film.
The 55-200mm has been designed for, and is a perfect compliment to, your camera. Why they told you it wouldn't fit a rare camera from an extinct system is beyond me. While true, all it did was add a layer of confusion you do NOT need.
Your D5100 is a DX body, so DX lenses will work - as well as FX lenses.
The issue becomes when you put a DX lens on a FX (full frame) body, you will get some degree of vignetting.
The DX thing already has been answered thoroughly. All AF-S lenses will work perfectly on your D5100, no exceptions.
Be aware that the Nikkor 55-200mm lens comes in two versions - one with VR (image stabilization) and one without.
Definitely save your money for the version with VR. You'd regret it if you cheapen out on this very important feature here. Without it you'd struggle to get sufficient shutter speeds for a steady shot without a tripod in all but bright sunlight.