Pulling the trigger

schneidvt

New member
I have decided that the d3100 is going the be my first dslr purchase based on its reviews and the quality. I have found 2 that I am very interested in and was looking for some input from those having experience with the camera. 1 has the standard 18-55 vr and a 55-200 non vr lens. The other comes with an 18-105 vr and an older 50mm f2 non-ai prime lens. I like the idea of the latter since it has a better general purpose lens and I understand a prime lens could be beneficial for stills and they can be converted to work with the metering on the 3100. I just want to hear from those who have some experience with these.

Thanks, Jason
 

Bill16

Senior Member
I would check to see what the actuation count is on the cameras, and if the are about the same low count, I'd buy the second choice! The 18-105vr aught to be a good start for you, though I wouldn't use a non-ai lens on that Nikon! Now the first choice offers two lenses, though I have heard that the 55-200vr isn't the best of lenses! But if your wanting two lenses then the first choice seems to be the best choice in my opinion!

I had a blast with my D3100 and took one of my favorite shots with that camera and a Nikkor ai 105mm micro lens! :)

1375205713744.jpg
 

nickt

Senior Member
Been there, done that. I would go for the one with 18-105. Its a more versatile and likable 'everyday' lens. The manual only 50mm is something to play with. I'm not 100% sure you can use it at all though, I'd have to check the book. Endless discussion whether folks need a 35 or a 50mm prime. I have both, but I find the 35 more useful for indoor shots.


When you are out, you will likely be wanting more zoom than the 18-55 so you will carry around the 55-200 as well or maybe just leave it home because its a nuisance unless you are carrying a bag anyway. Then when you want zoom for wildlife of some sort, you will find that 55-200 is not enough and start looking at 70-300 (or better). I have a d3100 and I did start out with the 18-55 and 55-200 and I moved on to the 18-105 and 70-300.

Just my opinion, but it sounds like you are also thinking the 18-105 is a better choice. Like Bill said, check on the actuations. Maybe choice #2 is high milage.
 

Elliot87

Senior Member
I started with a D3200 and 18-55 and 55-200. I sold the 55-200 almost straight away as it wasn't long enough for wildlife. The 18-55 mostly stays in my bag.So with that in mind I too would go for the 18-105mm. This will get you started and you'll get to know what focal length you like shooting. From there you can figure out what if anything you need next.
 

schneidvt

New member
The camera with the 18-105 has ~15,500 actuations, as for the 50mm lens, the seller says it works well but everything must be done manually (focus, exposure,...) i guess more of a play item. Could using this lens have hurt the camera in anyway with all the electronics?

Thanks for the input, Jason
 

Blacktop

Senior Member
The camera with the 18-105 has ~15,500 actuations, as for the 50mm lens, the seller says it works well but everything must be done manually (focus, exposure,...) i guess more of a play item. Could using this lens have hurt the camera in anyway with all the electronics?

Thanks for the input, Jason

You have a lot of life left in that camera. As for the 50mm, no it won't hurt anything.
 

Bill16

Senior Member
I'd be careful because non-ai lenses may cause damage if they go into the camera body too deep! A non-ai converted to ai works good though, as that is what my 105mm micro was, a non-ai converted to ai!
But pretty much all Nikkor ai or newer lenses should work fine, though some will be strictly manual! :)

The camera with the 18-105 has ~15,500 actuations, as for the 50mm lens, the seller says it works well but everything must be done manually (focus, exposure,...) i guess more of a play item. Could using this lens have hurt the camera in anyway with all the electronics?

Thanks for the input, Jason
 

paul04

Senior Member
Welcome to the website, I also had the 55-200mm lens and sold it, because it never got used,

And the 18-105mm is a good all round lens.
 

Dxer

Senior Member
Just my two cents...I just recently purchased my first DSLR which was a D3100. Coming from 1970s Pentax 35mm and haven't shot anything since then really either. It will definitely be a good enough to start with. You will get some fantastic photos with it. Mine came with the 18-55mm and 55-200mm ED lens. They are both fairly good. the 18-55mm will probably be used the most. Quality is pretty good. My 55-200 appears to be a little soft especially at the high end, but still capable. That being said, I would agree with the others here that the 18-105mm would be the better all around lens. I am assuming though that the non-AI lens has been converted to work with the D3100, otherwise I am sure he would have not offered it. Just be cautious in the future about non-AI lenses though. They may damage the camera but I have no experience with them yet. Other vintage lenses like AI and AI-S will work fine except you will not be able to auto focus. You will also have to manually set aperture.

So, I hope you will enjoy the new camera if you decide to get it. :)
 

skene

Senior Member
No biggie at all... The D3XXX and D5XXX are the only bodies that can accept ALL of Nikon's F mount lenses.

For posterity....

Nikon D3100 w Nikon 50mm F1.4 Pre AI

20150426_214447.jpg
 

skene

Senior Member
and just to add in... the D3100 w 18-105 and 50mm would be the way to go. When you learn how to use the 50 on the D3100, you will be amazed how such old lenses can still keep up with the cameras of today. There is more work involved, but it is great to learn how to use manual lenses in this digital day in age.
 
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