Which lens to buy for nature photography- Need advice

Aneela

Senior Member
I want to buy a lens for my D7100. I want to take pictures of nature (landscapes, birds, etc). Could you please suggest a good lens?
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
Well, the description you gave us of your needs probably require more than one lens.

For landscapes, a super wide is generally preferred (10-20 mm for the 7100). For birds, the longest telephoto you can afford probably won't be long enough. Seriously, birds are small and are generally hard to approach so you really need the long telephoto for that. A good focal length for birding would be 80-400 or a Sigma 150-500.

I'm afraid that you'll have to spend a little more than expected to have your wishes granted. But hey, you're not alone with what we call here NAS… (Nikon Acquisition Syndrome).

​There are never enough lenses. :)
 

Aneela

Senior Member
Thanks Marcel :) I really don't know much about the lenses as i used to take pictures with point and shoot cameras. I use nikkor 18-105 mm lens and I think I still need to practice a lot. Here's a photo I took of a baboon, but it's not good as the image of the monkey is not sharp. 052.jpg
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I think we could suggest several very good lenses but no single lens that will do everything. There are lenses that have amazing focal lengths, like the Nikon 18-300mm, but they give you those at a price of image quality. I think the Nikon 18-105mm is one of the most versatile lenses out there but it's not what I'd want for real landscapes. For that I'd use my Tokina 11-16mm or the Tokina 12-24. There are Nikon equivalents, but those would be MY choices. If I was a serious birder, I want something in 300mm range.

All that being said, I think it's also important not to fall into the trap of asking yourself, "What lens do I need to get the shot I want?" and to start asking, "How do I get the shot I want with the lens I have?". The former path leads to NAS, the latter path leads to better photography.
 

Marilynne

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
I use the NIKKOR 55-300mm for wildlife and bird shots on my D5100. A week ago I bought a D7100 and it came with the NIKKOR 18-200mm. I've been using that with 1.3x crop and I think I get some good shots of wildlife and birds in flight.
 

Aneela

Senior Member
Horoscope Fish, I really agree with your approach about getting the best out of the lens that one has. But as you and Marcel suggested, I need to buy a wide angle lens for landscapes. Thanks a lot for your valuable advice. :)
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
For someone who shot both for 2 years with the D7000, the 18-105mm is fine for landscapes, but adding a superwide is fine (I like the Sigma 8-16 as a complement since there is no cross-over). For critters nothing beats the Sigma 150-500mm, and it'll continue to serve you if you move on to full frame.
 

grandpaw

Senior Member
I have learned over the years that instead of buying more lenses that are cheaper to take your time and have fewer good quality lenses that won't need to be replaced down the road. You probably do not think so right now but if you also purchase lenses that will work on full frame cameras you will more than likely save even more money when you eventually go full frame and not have to buy all new glass. It's hard to do but I would suggest taking it slower and buying better quality that will last for many years to come. This will give you better pictures and save you money in the long run.
 
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