beginner lens

M

Mitchy77723

New member
I recently bought a D5100 and it came with the kit lens. The kit lens was good, but on a few of my shots I wish I had greater zoom. Any suggestion on higher zoom lenses? I am also a college student so my budget is low. I was also using my friends fish eye lens which was fun. Any suggestion or opinions on them too? Photography is a hobby which I will eventually like to turn into a side job. Thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
R

Rick M

Senior Member
Welcome to the site! Nikon 55-200 VR is a good inexpensive zoom along with the Nikon 55-300 for a bit more. The Tamron 70-300 VC is also great for the price.
 
N

nickt

Senior Member
The lenses Rick mentioned would be a nice addition to the lens you have. You would probably want to carry your current lens around too. 70mm or even 55mm can be too much zoom for a lot of shots, especially indoors.

For a general purpose everyday lens, consider the 18-105. $209 for a like-new refurb. It would replace your current lens for all practical purposes. You might get $50 for your 18-55.

I've had an assortment of decent budget lenses over the past few years. If I was doing it all over again, I would start out with the 18-105 and the 70-300. You can do a lot with just the 18-105 on your camera.
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
Welcome to the forum

If you fill out your profile we can better answer any questions that you might have.
You can do that at http://nikonites.com/profile.php?do=editprofile

Some useful links
http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans.../nikon-product-manuals-available-for-download
Nikon | Imaging Products | Digitutor


Thanks

You might consider factory refurbished lenses also. Great value. My latest lens is a refurb and it is great

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens - Factory Refurbished includes Full 1 Year Warranty

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens - Factory Refurbished includes Full 1 Year Warranty
 
Michael J.

Michael J.

Senior Member
When I got last year my D5100 I both beside to my 18-55 the 55-300. After a while I got the 50mm 1.8G . I was happy, next I bought the 40mm.2.8 and the 16-85mm. Now I would like to replace my 55-300mm cos something is not that good for me for such as indoor shooting (dance-performance) in not that good light conditions and slow AF.

Now I think a beginner should buy a lens which is in his budget and his needs.

Honestly, If I know a year ago through experience the same as I know today I wouldn't have bought the 55-300.
 
C

carguy

Senior Member
By kit lens I assume you mean the 18-55mm? The 55-200mm is a nice, affordable zoom. If I had it to do over again, I'll look for a refurb 55-300mm or 70-300mm personally.
 
B

Bill16

Senior Member
Welcome to nikonites! It seems like you've already heard some good choices, so I'll just say I hope you'll have a blast with your new Nikon! :D
 
M

Moab Man

Senior Member
Since you have the 18-55 I would definitely go with the 55-300. I always found the 55-200 to be too short time and again. However, the 300 has seldom been too short.
 
SkvLTD

SkvLTD

Senior Member
Go get any pre-ai/manual everything vintage prime. Nikkor-N 24mm, H 50mm f/1.4 to f/2, etc. They will force you to learn how to shoot analog to film unlike the modern lenses that spoil you with auto-everything. Not to mention oldies have MUCH better quality than today's cheap consumer lenses and MUCH lower prices.
 
Top