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Lens as a gift. Need choice help.


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7 replies to this topic

#1
predi

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Hi, my friend has a Nikon D3300 with a AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. But she is not very happy with it, she wants more zoom, better quality at night, and better quality overall. I have no clue about lenses, but thinking on buying one as a birthday gift. Not even sure this is a good idea though :DD . Anyway, I think this would be a good boost for her to continue this hobby and maybe lean towards making a living out of it. I know she wants it, but doesn't have much time and money for equipment. So, going to the question...any suggestions on the lens that could improve the current one in terms of zoom, night quality, and other aspects, like focus speed, etc. (again, I don't know much about lenses). Budget is up to 400Eur, could take second hand as well. What I would like to avoid is buying only "a slightly better" lens than the current one and still spending 400Eur. It should be either noticeably in better quality or smth very different, like macro lens, or a tele lens...

 

Thank You



#2
Adam

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You're not going to get a big step up as long as you stay in the "superzoom" category (i.e. a lens that goes from ultra wide to telephoto all in one).  My recommendation would be to find out what types of photos she takes the most (landscapes, portraits, macros, etc) and get her a prime lens (fixed focal length) for that purpose.

 

The 50mm F1.4G would probably be a good choice for portraits, whereas for macros you've got the 60mm and for landscapes you might go with something wider like the 12-24mm.



#3
ScottinPollock

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my friend has a Nikon D3300 with ... 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. But she is not very happy with it, she wants more zoom, better quality at night, and better quality overall.


You have quite the task at hand. Here's why...

1.) Better quality at night - I'm assuming you mean a lens that lets in more light so she can use faster shutter speeds and lower ISO for less noise. That means bigger, heavier, more expensive glass.

2.) More zoom - again bigger, more expensive glass... and the longer the lens, the less light can be captured. A 70-200 f2.8 will cost anywhere from one to three thousand dollars US.

3.) The lens she has is capable of taking excellent photographs... so it would really help to know just what she is struggling with.

For instance, both the AF-S 55-200mm VR II and the AF-P 70-300mm VR are very good lenses that are well within your price range, but they won't capture more light. So if her problem at night is too much noise or too slow a shutter speed these won't help (and will actually make matters worse in the 200-300mm range).

Faster lenses (ones that let in more light) in the 200-300mm range will cost thousands instead of hundreds.

As Adam has mentioned, there are a number of primes (fixed focal lengths) available from 35mm to 100mm that can be had from $200-$500 that will let in much more light (2-3 times more), but they obviously don't have the extra zoom (focal length) she wants.

So you can see that, if you are on a budget, you can't have everything. Best to know what she really needs most.

Another thought would be a good tripod for night/low light shots (if she doesn't already have one). A tripod negates the need for faster shutter speeds as it holds the camera perfectly steady for longer exposures (provided the subject is not moving).

HTH

#4
Merco_61

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Good advice so far. I'd like to add that one of the third-party 17-50/2.8 lenses or perhaps a used Nikon 17-55/2.8 might be useful for low-light without losing the versatility of a zoom. I like my primes, but going with primes, other than the 35 DX or 50 mm f/1.8, will take some thought on what lenses will see the most use and cost quite a bit.



#5
dcbear78

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All good advice.

My advice would be just buy a gift voucher from a well known camera store. Some times these choices are far to personal. There are far too many choices and no two photographers will want the same thing.

And as mentioned your amount may not cover what they really want, but would greatly help them afford it.

I know vouchers are not as personal a gift. But sometimes practicality is more important. Just an alternative thought.

#6
predi

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Hi, Thank you for all good answers. As it took several days to approve this post by admins, I made some investigations, and basically you are confirming my findings :)

I read a lot of good reviews about AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm F1.8G. And a lot of reasons why a beginner photographer should own one or a similar one. So for now I'm sticking to it, even though also thinking about Sigma 30mm f/1.4, which is more expensive, but I can get a second hand on the same price as Nikon 35mm new one. Any insights on comparing both of them?



#7
Merco_61

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The Sigma can be much better if you find a good sample... The sample variation was large, at least in early production. The Nikon varies less between samples.



#8
fallout666

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not sure if this was brought up or not. i know you want to get this person lens gift. why not tell her i want to give you lens as gift but do not know what type of photography you want too take. might i suggest we rent a lens first to see what you like and do not like. if you like one you tried out. i will get one for you. also she get learns pros and cons of lens too. i use to be paintball player and people of paintball board i am still on. always tell try it out first to see if like or not. then do not waste all money on something you did not like or to hard for you learn to use.