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Message: <blockquote data-quote="stix" data-source="post: 118005" data-attributes="member: 12913">Judging from the replies, I may be alone here...Not long after getting my 1st dslr (Canon XS), I realized another lens or two would be a neccesity. A year later I sold my Canon stuff and bought a D3100. Back to square one. I've learned some things, but the same question exists...which lens to buy? The main issue is...I like to shoot everything; action,landscape,micro,portrait, but I gravitate toward low-light shots; sunrise/sunsets/night skies. My budget does not allow for the collection of glass needed to cover all the bases. Especially my need for "fast" glass (ie:expensive). I won't be happy until I invest in at least one fast lens, but no idea what focal length would be best, or if I should go with a prime or zoom. Too many questions, not enough (clear) answers. I was surprised by all the (cheap) glass, that had good user reviews. Most will not AF on my cam. I shoot all manual 95% of the time, so no big deal. I don't know any way to "test drive" lenses, so I decided to take a chance. I have 3 lenses; the 18-55 VR kit lens, a Tamron 55-200 DiII and a Sigma 70-300 macro. I have less than $150. in the two non-nikon's, and confident I can re-sell both with minimum loss. I actually made money on the last (non-AF) Tamron I sold. From what I've read here, most have a very dim view of these lenses. For me, they provide a way to narrow down (exactly) what I want in a lens, without major investment. In a zoom, I like the reach of 300mm, but most start at 70mm. Will I miss the range of 55-70mm? Judging from my exif data, I don't shoot much in that range...one question down. So whats my point here??? Google "which lens to buy?" and you're headed for a severe case of info overload! Many will tell you...invest in good glass, I agree. But now you're facing a huge selection of lenses, minimum cost of $400.-500...minimum! To some of us, thats a chunk of change for a purchase we're not confident on. My personal experience...these cheap lenses are a great way to experiment without breaking the bank. I shoot manual and often use a tripod, so I don't miss VR or AF. I've had good experience with re-sell, been surprised by their image quality, have different lenses to play with and can afford to swap gear! Still undecided on a faster lens, but will continue this course. It seems to be working for me.    * Note to newbies...be careful with your info sources. I've run into (alot) of "equipment snobs". To them, if you aren't using a full frame camera with primo glass and a $400. tripod...you're wasting your time. I do believe in good equipment, (as with anything) it makes a difference. I also believe great images CAN be produced on a budget....my $.02</blockquote>

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