Jump to content

Welcome to NikonForums.com
Register now to gain access to all of our features. Once registered and logged in, you will be able to create topics, post replies to existing threads, give reputation to your fellow members, get your own private messenger, post status updates, manage your profile and so much more. If you already have an account, login here - otherwise create an account for free today!
Photo

Looking for a new lens

lens nikon d3100 help

  • Please log in to reply
14 replies to this topic

#1
gerberjr

gerberjr

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 13 posts
  • Country Flag
  • Locationwhittier

i am looking to but a new lens for my d3100, looking to take my photography to better places what lens would you guys buy



#2
Wolfzbane

Wolfzbane

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 19 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationAlberta

Depends, if you're looking for lower light / portraits I like my 50mm f1.8 but if you want more of a telephoto then a 55-200, 55-300, or 70-300mm may be more for you.



#3
Adam

Adam

    Nikon Forums Staff

  • Administrators
  • 1,335 posts
  • Country Flag

You might also want to consider the 35mm F1.8 as on your D3100 this corresponds to a "normal" focal length which close in magnification to what your eyes see.



#4
edmercer

edmercer

    Junior Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPip
  • 12 posts
  • Country Flag

The 35mm F1.8 is a great lens.

I had great results as a beginner with the 70-300 vr.



#5
Mark Win

Mark Win

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 230 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNorthern Ireland / UK / Ireland / Europe

Site Supporter

im looking at purchasing the 55-300 for my d3200, although i will need to manual focus and i can only afford the non 'VR' version has anyone used this and has it met expectations..



#6
greenwing

greenwing

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 293 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationWest Yorkshire, UK

im looking at purchasing the 55-300 for my d3200, although i will need to manual focus and i can only afford the non 'VR' version has anyone used this and has it met expectations..

There's only one version of the 55-300, and it is AF-S so will autofocus on your D3200. It also has VR. Tell me I just made you happy?



#7
JRosen

JRosen

    Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 26 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationHouston, Texas

You didn't say what your budget was.  If you start getting away from the kit lens, you'll find that the prices go up, but the quality drastically increases.  Yes, I have the 18-55, and the 55-300 that came with my D5100.  They are both good glass, but when you start getting serious--mid-range serious, not pro-serious, you might try the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Read more: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR II - Nikkor F-Mount Lenses - Nikon Lens Database - Lens Database - NikonForums.com.

 

This lens is not in the mid-range, but its almost there.  Its a great all around lens, and it takes excellent pics.  You can find it around $750-$900.

 

I have the Tamron 18-200, but it doesn't have VR, so when you're zoomed-out all the way, you can really encounter blur, especially if you're using natural light, which I try to use as much as possible.  I don;t use the Tamron any longer since getting the Nikkor, so I guess its for sale.  Let me know if you're interested.



#8
Mark Win

Mark Win

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 230 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNorthern Ireland / UK / Ireland / Europe

Site Supporter

There's only one version of the 55-300, and it is AF-S so will autofocus on your D3200. It also has VR. Tell me I just made you happy?

 

Very happy, the retailer stated it wouldnt auto focus though, so yes im very happy..



#9
JRosen

JRosen

    Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 26 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationHouston, Texas

Mark, here's the link with the review from this site for the 55-300 glass...

 

AF-S DX Nikkor 55-300mm F4.5-5.6G ED VR - Nikkor F-Mount Lenses - Nikon Lens Database - Lens Database - NikonForums.com

 

One thing I'd like to say... I totally support buying local, but when you're spending more than $100, take into consideration the sales tax.  Here in Texas we pay 8.25%... so that's why I buy most of my glass online.  Not from Amazon either, they too charge sales tax.  That's why I'm always giving B & H as a reference; not only is there no sales tax (yet), you can even get free shipping if you can wait.  What a deal!



#10
Mark Win

Mark Win

    Loyal Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 230 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNorthern Ireland / UK / Ireland / Europe

Site Supporter

Thanks JRosen



#11
Russ

Russ

    Forum Veteran

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 873 posts
  • Country Flag

What you should get depends totally upon what you already have and what you want to shoot.



#12
JRosen

JRosen

    Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 26 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationHouston, Texas

By the way, I posted this earlier to another post on this site... Gizmag has an article today about... "A Guide to Buying Your Next Camera Lens"

 

Here's the link

http://www.gizmag.co...ng-guide/29141/

 

Great article, easy to understand, explains a lot.



#13
adziebart

adziebart

    New Member

  • Forum Member
  • Pip
  • 6 posts
  • Country Flag

I shoot alot of video on my D5100. I ran into alot of problems with indoor shooting using the lenses that come with the camera body. Even with pro lighting kits I still couldnt get the lighting right. Further, I shoot alot of indoor Green screen video (The compression causes issues with keying, but thats another topic). I purchased the 35mm F1.8 and was taken back by the HUGE difference this prime lens did for me in indoor filming. 



#14
Gump85

Gump85

    Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 30 posts
  • Country Flag

Whether buying new or old Nikon lenses, one of the resources I use is Kenrockwell.com. This photographer has reviewed just about anything Nikon puts on the market. I read his review of the D600 with kit lens. That convinced me to buy it over the D800 (picture files way to large- also means faster PC)

Another site for checking out equipment is DxO Mark at

DXOMARK - Quality Testing, Scores and Reviews



#15
cupic

cupic

    Member

  • Forum Member
  • PipPipPip
  • 27 posts
  • Country Flag
  • LocationNSW Australia

While a prime is the logical step 50mm  is a good example I feel the new 18-140mm might have its advantages

Worth a look at

 

cheers







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: lens, nikon, d3100, help