Good lens options for D3200.

drummerJ99

drummerJ99

Senior Member
Hey guys, newb here.I just recently bought a D3200 kit with the 18-55 lens. I read a review before purchasing that the lens that come with the 3200 doesn't take full advantage of what the camera can do, which is main reason I decided to go with one lens kit.

I would like to get a 55-200 or 55-300 lens. Is the Sigma 70-300 lens better or worse then the Nikon 55-200? Or are both those on the same level as the 18-55 that doesn't take full advantage of the 24mp sensor? What difference will the higher end lenses make?

Right now I'm trying to decide if it's better for someone like me (new to photography) to buy a decent 200 or 300 length lens or to buy the best for my camera.

I guess can someone recommend to me a 200 or 300 lens? I'm really drawn to the sigma because it can also do Macro. I'm really not sure I need macro or how much I'd use it but it does sound interesting. LOL

Thanks in Advance for any suggestions.
Jeffrey
 
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mikew_RIP

Senior Member
The 55-300 is better than the sigma which doesn't do macro its just close focus,when Scott comes along he can talk you through the Radox which may be ok for macro on your kit lens.
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
I picked up a refurb on the Nikkor 70-300mm VR lens. FANTASTIC for the price!

Whichever way you go, I recommend going the extra bit for 300mm over 200mm, though, or you'll end up looking back wishing you had. Nikkor makes a great 105mm macro, too, but that's quite a jump in price. Perhaps the Raynox DCR250 would help, as it allows you to get closer with your existing lenses. I, for one, know the kit 18-55 will focus pretty durn close on it's own... for example, uncropped:

Day94-7.jpg
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
:smile-new:"the kit 18-55 will focus pretty durn close on it's own... for example, uncropped:"

It seems, you used a "normal" 50mm f1.8 lens for this shot.

@drummerJ99: Why buying another zoom? Get a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di. Superb telephoto/portrait/macro lens, and significanty "faster" (it's biggest aperture value being 2.8) than the kit zoom 18-55mm.
 
drummerJ99

drummerJ99

Senior Member
DraganDL said:
@drummerJ99: Why buying another zoom? Get a Tamron 90mm f/2.8 SP Di. Superb telephoto/portrait/macro lens, and significanty "faster" (it's biggest aperture value being 2.8) than the kit zoom 18-55mm.[/COLOR]
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Ok dumb newb question time but is there a reason I wouldn't want to get another zoom? Wouldn't a zoom be better for more flexibility unless I knew I only needed a certain length lens?
 
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DraganDL

Senior Member
I only wanted you to consider that as an option - 1) the lens would perfectly accompany your kit 18-55mm; 2) it is optically and mechanically superior to many other lenses (zooms and primes); 3) it is IDEAL for portraiture, macro, close-ups... It doesn't mean there is a reason NOT to want to buy another zoom - the question is, what exactly would you shoot with such lens...

And, to answer your first question: Sigma 70-300 would give you a greater "reach" over Nikon 50-200mm (the gap between 50mm and 70mm is not all that important in terms of "field performance"), and it is able to "cover" full frame Nikons too, so if you purchase a full frame Nikon one fine day, you will already have at least one lens for it.
 
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Pretzel

Senior Member
DraganDL said:
:smile-new:"the kit 18-55 will focus pretty durn close on it's own... for example, uncropped:"

It seems, you used a "normal" 50mm f1.8 lens for this shot.
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Oops, added the wrong pic. :) HERE is the 18-55 close up that shows all the cool details:

Day94-4.jpg


As for buying or not buying another zoom, it's really about what you're wanting to shoot. Wildlife and "farther away" shots, a zoom will probably be the answer. Portraits, landscapes, etc... primes are awesome. The 90mm Dragan mentioned gets you a little longer focal length and combines a nice fast lens with the macro you mentioned. *shrug* Again, really depends on what ya want out of the next lens purpose.
 
drummerJ99

drummerJ99

Senior Member
That's my problem, I don't know what all I want to shoot. LOL I think my best bet for next lens is zoom, for birds, animals etc. Then zoom purchase the 90MM. idk. LOL I got alot of thinking and figuring out to do.
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
drummerJ99 said:
That's my problem, I don't know what all I want to shoot. LOL I think my best bet for next lens is zoom, for birds, animals etc. Then next lens purchase be the 90MM. idk. LOL I got alot of thinking and figuring out to do.
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Take your time before you start plunking down a lot of money... Most people automatically assume they need a big zoom, but the longer I do photography the less I opt for my bigger zoom lenses and find myself reaching for my fast primes and wide to medium zooms. But that's me and my shooting style. If you KNOW for a fact you're going to be doing a lot of birding, or other wildlife photography, then you're going to want something in the 300mm range easily. Still, no real point in sinking a lot of money into a lens you won't be using, or won't be happy with, three months down the road because it's no longer a good "fit" for what you're doing.

While I love my big Sig' 50-150mm f/2.8, I also love my Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 and the newer 18-140mm version is just that much better. Those would be two, excellent, general-purpose lenses. I don't know anyone that has one that doesn't swear by it.

...
 
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RON_RIP

Senior Member
Don't overlook the Nikon 55-300 vr. it has it's own thread on this site somewhere where you can see how versatile it actually is
 
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aroy

Senior Member
The 18-55 is an excellent lense. Use it to shoot what you want. Soon you will realise that you are shooting at one end or the other. Analise the FL you are useing most. That is the FL you will want. If you feel that you are missing out long distance shots then you may be ready for a telephoto.

A telephoto is basically a money sink. You will always hanker for a longer one. Cheap zooms which offer upto 300mm are horrible at 300mm, both in terms of IQ and speed. Ultimately if you want to shoot distant objects you are better off with a telephoto prime. The least expensive is the 300mm F4. If you want it longer add the TC 1.4 which will take it to 420mm. TAke my work none of the zooms which are under USD 2,500/ come any where near the speed and IQ of the 300mm F4.
 
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SteveH

Senior Member
If you aren't sure what lens to get for what purpose, then keep hold of your cash.... Learn the camera and enjoy using it. Over a short period you will find what you enjoy photographing most - Then buy a lens that is suited to that.

Over the years you will acquire zooms, primes, macros and wides... It's just a matter of putting them in order for what YOU enjoy photographing.
 
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ryanwphoto

Senior Member
SteveH said:
If you aren't sure what lens to get for what purpose, then keep hold of your cash.... Learn the camera and enjoy using it. Over a short period you will find what you enjoy photographing most - Then buy a lens that is suited to that.

Over the years you will acquire zooms, primes, macros and wides... It's just a matter of putting them in order for what YOU enjoy photographing.
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This is very true, just keep shooting with your 18-55 and learn to use it to its full extent. I would recommend a 35mm 1.8 or a 50mm 1.8 as they're not that expensive and you learn how to compose shots better and get excellent results. The 70-300 is an alright lens if you want more reach. I think they cost around $400-$450? (correct me if I am wrong)
Biggest piece of advice.... Have Fun! And don't get too concerned with buying more and more glass or gear.

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ryanwphoto

Senior Member
skene said:
That however is what I enjoy about this hobby. The gear, the lenses... That's what makes a Honda more like a Ferrari.

:p
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And that is true as well! If you've got the money! Then why not! :) lol
Love the old Nikkor lenses.... Just to look at.... If you know what I mean. Exceptional pieces of glass encased with solid metal.

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ryanwphoto

Senior Member
ryanwphoto said:
And that is true as well! If you've got the money! lol Then why not! :)
Love the old Nikkor lenses.... Just to look at.... If you know what I mean. Exceptional pieces of glass encased with solid metal.

Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk
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Sent from my HTC One S using Tapatalk
 
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nidding

Senior Member
I'm pretty green in the photography business, so you might not want to put too much weight into my words, but it seems to me, that it all depends on what you want to do, and what your budget is.

I myself is on a limited budget, so price is a big factor. I own an 18-55 and 55-200 kit lenses and a 35 f/1.8 (and a few old lenses that I have bought for very, very cheap). For something like 8 out of 10 I use the 35, and then thee 55-200 when I need to go closer or get a portrait-ish thing. I'm not saying that this will necessarily be the same for you, but what I say is, that work a little with your kit lens (it's not that bad at all!) and find out where you meet limitations. THEN you should start considering what to buy :)
 
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