Looking for a new lens (D3000)

Taylor Young

Senior Member
so as the title says im looking for a new lens for my nikon D3000
the type of lens im looking for is for more close ups and general pictures.
also have automatic and manual focus,
suggestions will be good and if you can places where i could try and buy, as some people know places where things are that little bit cheaper :p

thanks.
 

PavementPilot

New member
First, it would be good to know what lenses you already have, so suggestions do not double up or overlap your current ones.
 
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PavementPilot

New member
Well you already have the lenses for general photography, but as to close ups, are you looking at close up portrait or macro?
 
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PavementPilot

New member
The prime lenses (non zoom) are great for protrait and some scenery shot, but you would have to be right on top of your subject for macro. I would go for the 1.8 as this would save you a few hundred dollars. You can get an AF 50mm 1.8 for low dollars, but manual focus only. Keep in mind the crop factor of the DX line, so the 50mm becomes a 75mm. I have an old one that I love to use.
 

Taylor Young

Senior Member
im actually looking at a 50mm 1.8 now and bidding and its going for £60 so rather cheap if i get it i think i will also look at one of the tamrons or sigmas also :)
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
Taylor, you realize of course that the D3000 does not have an internal focus drive? It will only auto focus with AF-S type lenses. That means that the 50mm D f/1.8 lens (I'm assuming it's a Nikkor) you purchased will have to be manually focused. When you look at lenses other than Nikon make sure they are compatible AF-S type. Otherwise you will have to manually focus.
 

PavementPilot

New member
Have you manually focused with your lenses before? I ask as some do not or will not use MF. If not, and you are in low light, sometimes the focus light will flash constantly, as it can not tell if it can find the focus. I find that using something close to the same distance that has better contrast is good for focusing, then move back to the shot and half press the shutter like in AF. This will assist in getting focus and then finish up the focus before releasing the shutter.
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
Also the 50mm D f/1.8 was designed to be auto focused by the camera body focusing drive. It does have a manual focusing ring but the focus range of the ring is not even a half turn. That means the in focus spot on the ring is very small and can be difficult to hit in good light and as PavementPilot says especially difficult in low light. Hand holding the camera with this lens and trying to keep focus on a moving subject will be very difficult in good light and almost impossible in low light. The manual focus works fine if you are tripod mounted and shooting static subjects in good light.
 

PavementPilot

New member
...but the focus range of the ring is not even a half turn...

Yes the focus is very touchy, but you get used to it. If handholding, you will find that once you get focus and if flashed off and on as you move ever so slightly, you are in good focus and shoot it. The focus of the camera is thinking in terms of perfect computer focusing, and even a 2mm movement on your part will get the focus light to flicker.
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
You have more experience manually focusing this lens than I do. I tried it a few times and was not that successful using it in manual. I flipped it back on auto and haven't tried it since. Maybe I need to revisit using it in manual and learn more about how it works. Always something to learn.
 

PavementPilot

New member
Taylor, sorry hijacking your thread into a focusing issue, but I think this discussion will help you use the new lens.

I am going from experience with the Series E lens I bought. I have played with 50mm 1.8D at the store and find it is not as touchy as my older lens. I do find that half pressing the shutter button into the focus stage does help with focusing, and also you are just the little bit closer to shutter release, so when you get the light, it is quick for the release.
 
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