CO

Also take a look at Tamron's new SP series prime lenses. They all have vibration reduction, a metal lens barrel, and are fully weather sealed. Not many prime lenses have stabilization. I have the 45mm f/1.8. The combination of the large maximum aperture and vibration compensation make it a great low light lens. The new lenses are the 35mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 90mm f/2.8 macro.

James Slick Loc: Pittsburgh,PA

Jeffcs Loc: Myrtle Beach South Carolina

Your question is difficult to answer! Only you can decide on what your preferences are. Suggested above look at your images where are you set when you shoot. When cameras had film and auto nothing most people would start with the 50 and build from there as zooms were not used at they are today. Good luck enjoy.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I also have a D7100. I have 35mm 1.8, 50mm 1.8 and 85 1.8 I would be very hard pressed to tell you which is my favorite or which is the best other than what ever one is on my camera at the time. All 3 are great lenses which you will get a lot of use out of. For the prices they may also be the best value in lenses also. You can buy the 35 and 50 for about $200 each and the 85 for about $400. I hate to tell anyone to spend or how to spend their money but I can promise you they are 3 lenses you will want to own. My suggestion is buy one at a time use it a lot pick any one it doesn’t matter then after you have used it a lot buy another and use that one a lot then buy the third. On the 7100 the 35 is great for everyday carry, street shots, indoor and low light. Not quite wide enough for landscapes but you can make it work. The 50 is also a great walk around every day carry lens. you can use for portraits and shooting people as well as street and indoor sports like basketball and hockey. The 85 is ideal for portraits, street photography indoor sports and just about what ever you can think of. Use you Nike’s to zoom in and out. Honestly I think using these 3 primes have improved my photography skills. Hope this helps Good Luck.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

Like you I have the D7100 and several zoom lens. I just purchased the 35 mm 1.8 and used it a few times. The photos are very sharp and it does match what you see naturally with your eyes. All that said, I will most likely go back to the kit lens (18-105) for my walk around. I used the 35 mm last week and really missed the wide angle of the 18 mm. I get really great photo with the kit lens and it is a great all purpose lens.

spraguead Loc: Boston, MA

I have the D7000, and I use two different primes depending on the need for the day. A 35mm DX 1.8 G which is great for just walking around and awesome in low light. If it's a family occasion where I'll want to be taking portraits, I carry an 85mm 1.8, it's a full frame lens but it is great for portraits on my DX camera, though every bit as heavy as a zoom.

If you're not committed to a prime, consider the 18-70 DX 3.5-4.5 G. It's almost as light as my 35, is a decent lens, and available used for under $100.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

I have the Nikon 35mm F1.8 for my D7000. I use it as my walk around lens about half the time, my 18-200 the rest of the time. The 35 is preferred if I anticipate poor lighting.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

The 1.8 does suck up light, doesn't it? Amazing difference between it and a 2.8 when shot wide open.

You can't go wrong with the 35mm. The 50mm f1.8D (not G) is much less expensive, however, at just $134, and is a very sharp lens. Due to the crop factor, though, you won't be able to get your Thanksgiving table in with the 50mm. It will have the f.o.v. of 75mm, which could come in handy elsewhere.

Bill Newbe

I'm new to using good cameras but after I bought my Nikon 35 mm lens I stopped using my near zoom lenses. I take pictures of outdoor scenes. I'm more likely to use a add on wide angle. The 7100 is a great camera for that. When I'm set up with a tripod I'll use my other tripods.

Idaho

you're asking for a prime without giving the focal length you want? strange

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I own the first two of the lenses you mentioned. I have also heard nothing but praise for Nikon 85mm f1.8. And wouldn't mind owning that one as well. The DX 35mm is a jewel for the price. I got it brand new for $197. The nifty fifty I bought brand new for about $220.

xt2 Loc: British Columbia, Canada

Almost all will be lighter. Maybe determine what your requirements are first? Then ask/decide.

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

I have a D7100 also with several zooms
My primes, all Nikon, are 35mm 1.8, 50 mm 1.8, and 40mm macro, I think is 2.8.
I am saving up for a wide angle prime.
I can carry all in my vest and focus by walking more.
These three use 52mm filters so save money on nsd and polarizing.
I still do nature landscapes but have added city and architecture, inside and outside.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

You might give the Rokinon 16mm f/2.0 a try. I use one on my Fuji. I paid less than $300 at Adorama. KEH has one...

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