3 replies to this topic

[Lashmore]

Dear all, hope all is well and happy new year in advance.

Wondering if I can get some advice? I have had a D3500 now for about 2 years and feel that I am ready to start expanding my equipment. I specialise in woodland and landscape photography and have a Nikkor 10-20mm and 18- 55mm DX lens.

I am not sure whether to upgrade the camera or instead just expand on my lenses. Even though the D3500 is an entry level, I have heard it is good at the job and that the lenses are what to focus on (excuse the pun). I would like a lens that has a far greater zoom/ quality. I am willing to pay upto a grand for a new lens.

Any advice with certain lenses people recommend with the d3500, or any upgrade cameras that you feel would suite landscape, wildlife photography?

Thanks in advance,

Luke

[Jerry_]

Hello Luke,

Indeed it is mostly more interesting to focus on lenses than on upgrading on a more recent camerabody with « just » improved technical specifications, but the same features. Also, as you describe your goal, the lens is the component that you want to improve.

As you are looking for a zoom lens, the one lens that will add most overall in that range of focal lengths is the Nikon 16-80/2.8-4
As it will allow you to replace the 18-55 kit lens, as well as add extra reach while offering wider max apertures.

But, maybe, you are looking for a specific focal length or use and some other lens would bring you a higher benefit. If so, please outline what you are looking for.

[TBonz]

Throwing in wildlife as you did at the end typically means telephoto or telephoto zooms so that you can "reach out to" the wildlife without having to get too close.  You can certainly find some of these longer lenses for under 1000 but some will be over that number.  A nice 70-200 f2.8 might be what you are looking for. Jerry's suggestion on the 16-80 is a good one as well.  I would choose it over the 18-55 for sure.

[Lashmore]

Thanks for the advice. I am looking into the Nikon FX 70-200mm f/4G. However I am unsure if it is fully compatible with the d3500.
Thanks for the lengthy reply!