buying D5300 need lens help!

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awol95

New member
Hello all, I am going to Germany in the May, and I am buy my first DSLR camera (D5300) to take with me.

I have no formal camera training. Yet, after 12 hours of "you tube" videos i fell like I have learned that lenses are very specific to what one needs to get certain shoots. I would like to get some opinions on the lens I would need to take the following photos on the trip - Landscapes, (low lighting) interior of castles, street scenes, (sunrise / sunset) landscapes, portraits.

What other equipment will i need?
 
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weebee

Senior Member
Welcome! I would say you should be happy with the 18-55 for starters. This lenses would cover your desires while you are still learning. After using that for awhile you'll be able to decide on your next lenses. Have fun!
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
Hi & welcome to the forum!

I assume you have the 18-55mm lens that normally comes with most cameras? If so, that will do nicely for a lot of what you are after... At 18mm it will take landscapes very nicely and large buildings like castles too... But be aware that castles are dark inside, so you will need a tripod. The 18-55 will also do nicely for street scenes.

I would consider getting a 35mm F1.8 prime lens as they are very sharp and good in low light while still being useful for all of the situations you describe - Also, it won't break the bank!
 
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awol95

New member
Steve, no I have not purchased the camera yet. I am doing research before I buy. I saw a bundle with the 18-55mm and one with the 18-140mm. I also see a lot of reviews about a 50mm?
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
awol95 said:
Steve, no I have not purchased the camera yet. I am doing research before I buy. I saw a bundle with the 18-55mm and one with the 18-140mm. I also see a lot of reviews about a 50mm?
Click to expand...

Ah I see! Out of those two choices, I would go for the 18-140 - As a travel lens it is one of the best. A lot of what you are wanting is more towards the wider 18mm end, but up to 140mm will be useful too.

The 35mm & 50mm primes are both very popular - The reason being that 50mm is the nearest to your natural eyesight's field of view. The 35mm is popular because it provides a focal length of 52mm on a crop sensor camera, which the D5300 is. I use a 35mm on my D7100 and it is by far my most used lens - I haven't used the 18-55 since I bought the 35mm, but an 18-140 would be very useful.

Out of everything, I would recommend the D5300 + 18-140mm, a good sturdy but light tripod and a decent sized camera bag... After that, then I would start thinking about other lenses. When you are just starting out, its best to get a feel for the camera before spending big on more lenses.
 
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