Walk around Zoom Lens suggestion

framos917

Senior Member
I have a D3200 with the18-55mm kit lens. I then purchased thef1.8 35mm prime lens for indoor shooting. Not only do I like the shots it givesme, I really like the compact size. I would like to get a “smaller” zoom lens.I am willing to give up the distance (55mm) for the compact size. I would liketo use for outside shooting during day trips, but a zoom feature is helpful tome. I am more of an enthusiastic picture taker and intermediate photographer. The Nikon 10-24mm lens is advertised as a wide angle lens, I do not think that would fit my needs, however I have never used a wide angle lens.Any suggestions would be helpful.

 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I have a D3200 with the18-55mm kit lens. I then purchased the f1.8 35mm prime lens for indoor shooting. Not only do I like the shots it gives me, I really like the compact size. I would like to get a “smaller” zoom lens. I am willing to give up the distance (55mm) for the compact size. I would like to use for outside shooting during day trips, but a zoom feature is helpful tome. I am more of an enthusiastic picture taker and intermediate photographer. The Nikon 10-24mm lens is advertised as a wide angle lens, I do not think that would fit my needs, however I have never used a wide angle lens. Any suggestions would be helpful.
I'm not sure what you're asking for here... When you say "smaller zoom lens" do you physically smaller in size than the 35mm f/1.8G, or do you mean wider in focal length, like 28mm or 24mm?
 

framos917

Senior Member
I'm not sure what you're asking for here... When you say "smaller zoom lens" do you physically smaller in size than the 35mm f/1.8G, or do you mean wider in focal length, like 28mm or 24mm?
I meant physically smaller, especially in length. My 18-55 kit lens has a length of 3.15", the 35mm prime lens has a length of 2.09". Just that 1" made a big difference in walking around with the camera in my carry bag. I like the 35mm lens but find I miss the zoom feature. I appreciate your indulgence. My knowledge is not deep on photography. Thanks.
 

RobV

Senior Member
I would say, since you are new to photography, and especially DSLR cameras, it is just something you are going to have to get used to. There might be another short range zoom out there for you, but like Dragan said, none smaller.
(physics) :(

A 35mm was my second lens as well. I was looking for the experience I had with my Minolta SRT101 and it's stock 50mm 1.4 lens. But I think the kit zoom is a better walkaround lens, if you are not going to carry any others. Everything from wide angle to mild telephoto. The only thing I don't like about it is the plastic mount. But I suppose that makes it lighter!
Mine came on a D5200.
 
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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I meant physically smaller, especially in length. My 18-55 kit lens has a length of 3.15", the 35mm prime lens has a length of 2.09". Just that 1" made a big difference in walking around with the camera in my carry bag. I like the 35mm lens but find I miss the zoom feature. I appreciate your indulgence. My knowledge is not deep on photography. Thanks.
That's going to be a tough call. I don't really think you're going to find anything smaller than the 18-55mm; especially if you have the new VRII version which is, I believe, 25% smaller than the previous version of the same lens with VR instead of VRII. If you want smaller and lighter still, you might want to start looking at the mirrorless cameras like the Nikon 1 series.
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Nikon1_hand.jpg

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framos917

Senior Member
I would say, since you are new to photography, and especially DSLR cameras, it is just something you are going to have to get used to. There might be another short range zoom out there for you, but like Dragan said, none smaller.
(physics) :(

A 35mm was my second lens as well. I was looking for the experience I had with my Minolta SRT101 and it's stock 50mm 1.4 lens. But I think the kit zoom is a better walkaround lens, if you are not going to carry any others. Everything from wide angle to mild telephoto. The only thing I don't like about it is the plastic mount. But I suppose that makes it lighter!
Mine came on a D5200.

Thanks, most helpful, I appreciate the information.
 

framos917

Senior Member
That's going to be a tough call. I don't really think you're going to find anything smaller than the 18-55mm; especially if you have the new VRII version which is, I believe, 25% smaller than the previous version of the same lens with VR instead of VRII. If you want smaller and lighter still, you might want to start looking at the mirrorless cameras like the Nikon 1 series.

View attachment 184460
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.....After reading the responses, I was thinking I needed to get a small portable camera for those times that I needed small and compact. I was thinking of a camera from the new portable designs coming out. I think the Nikon 1 is something I need to look into. Thanks again.
 
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