Lens Suggestion

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ssjsushil

New member
Hi all,


I'm new to photography and enthusiastic to learn and explore further in this field. I'm looking to buy my first DSLR and with a little research, I came up with Nikon D5300 DSLR.


On Amazon, I saw the below deal:


1) Nikon D5300 with
18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens - (Price = $946.95)


2) Nikon D5300 with
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens &
55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens - (Price = $996.90)


Both the deals include a camera bag and an SD card.


Now I'm confused if it is worth spending $50 extra for the extra range upto 300mm.


I don't mind spending an extra $50, but i'm wondering if I should save this $50 to invest on a prime lens (Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S FX Lens or Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens).


Also after an year or so, I'm considering to upgrade this D5300 to D7200 (From my research, I came to understand that D7200 is way better than D5300. But firstly I want to learn on D5300). When I upgrade, will 18-55mm / 18-140mm / 55-300mm be compatable with D7200 (I mean in the sense of Auto focus and the photography results).


Please advise.


Thanks.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I'd suggest the D5300 with the 18-140mm and the 35mm f/1.8G both if you can. If not, drop the 35mm for now. The 18-140mm a great starter lens that's flexible and a good overall match for the D5300 body. The 35mm is lighter, faster and sharper; it's the prime lens every DX camera owner should have, in my opinion.
....
 
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john*thomas

Senior Member
If you can afford the D7200 I would just go ahead and purchase it now. I bought a D5100 and then moved up to a D7100. I didn't really learn anything on the D5100 that I couldn't have starting off on the D7100.

The lenses for both are the same.
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Another vote for the 18-140. It is a great lens and you can pretty much leave it on the camera. At some point you can get a better zoom, maybe a 70-300. The 18-55 is decent lens, but 55mm is an awkward break point for a lens change. You will be able to do a lot more with the 18-140 without needing to change a lens.
If you think you want the d7200, just get it. I don't think that the d5300 will be any easier to learn. Learn the basics of exposure (not a big job). That is the relationship of shutter speed, aperture and iso. THEN read the camera manual. A lot of new comers dive into the manual without understanding exposure principles and then they get frustrated because the manual doesn't make sense. If you take a few hours/days and learn exposure principles you will have a much better experience reading the manual.
 
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Lawrence

Senior Member
As a matter of interest (and at the risk of people coming down on me) why the D7200 and not the D7100?

The D7100 is an awesome camera and can be got for a lot less - especially if you go refurbished (although that may not be so attractive as nothing beats a new camera).

But all that aside definitely got for the 18-140mm
 
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nickt

Senior Member
Speaking of refurbs, a few months back, there were a lot of 18-140 refurbs going for $240. Glad I grabbed one. Not seeing them tonight, but it could be worth watching for if you don't go with a kit.
 
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salukfan111

Senior Member
Why not buy a naked D7100 and get a Nikon 28-85 that does macro (ebay 60 bucks), nikon 80-200 f/2.8 (ebay 250 ish) OR 70-300 VR (300 ebay)?
 
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aroy

Senior Member
If you aim to get a D7200 in future, get it now, instead of D5300. Amongst other advantages, you will be able to use the older "D" type lenses which will not AF on the D3xxx and D5xxx bodies. This body will also meter the older AIS MF lenses, so you have a vast range of older (and cheaper) lenses to choose from.

If you want an "all in one" lens for carrying around then the 18-140 will do. Just remember that wide range zooms are pretty soft at both the ends, so if you want sharp images then you either get shorter 18-55 zoom, or use primes.

These are around $150 new
. 35mm F1.8 DX.
. 50mm F1.8D.
Slightly more expensive
. 85mm F1.8G is a fantastic portrait lens
. 60mm or 105mm Macro lenses are good. The former is best for flat reproduction work, while the latter for general purpose macro work.

For longer focal lengths avoid relatively cheaper zooms, as all of them under $1000 will be soft at 200-300mm range. In fact with 24MP sensor, a sharper lens will give you a much better image than a softer but longer focal length lens. Unless you print big, a 1000x1500 crop will fill the computer screen or produce a postcard size print. Considering that the sensor is 6000 x 4000 pixels, this crop will be just a small part of the whole image space.

If you want to shoot wild life or birds, then the 300mm F4 AF-S is the most optimum buy. The newly announced 200-500mm may also do the job, though the MTF shows that it is not as sharp as the 300/F4 lens.
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
What aroy said. If the D7200 is too much now look at a D7100, it is still a fantastic camera.

In my opinion the D3*** and D5*** cameras are a false economy as you have to use more expensive lenses and most people seem to upgrade from them anyway. I actually find my D7100 easier to use than my D3200 as I don't have to go into menus as much to change settings. Unless there are specific features like the flip out screen or lighter weight that you really want, I wouldn't go with less than a D7*** if the budget is there.

p.s. having said all that I do still love my D3200 and it takes great images, I just love my D7100 so much more!
 
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Elliot87

Senior Member
One other thing to keep in mind is that cameras bought on Amazon may be great import and as such not necessarily covered by Nikon US warranty. I'm not saying that is a bad thing, I bought a grey D7100 from a reputable UK dealer, with a 3 year warranty from them and saved a lot of money.
 
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benjamin.ho.395017

Senior Member
I would get the two lens. combo this will cover a nice range and help you decide what you like to photo. Myself i shot with a d90 and up until this year decided to upgrade and bought a used d7100 didn't see much difference for my needs in the newer d7200. You want to invest in glass. Personally i own some nice primes, but i've found i do most of my fotos when traveling so i have nice midrange nikon zooms
 
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