Need help with lens selections

Wicked

New member
​Okay so I am going this week to purchase the D5200 and would like to get some lenses to go with it as well. My first DSLR camera was a Canon Rebel XSi with the kit lenses that came with it. I was recently on vacation in Europe and noticed how much better pictures my buddy was taking with his D7000 with Nikon 18-105 lens. So after seeing how much greener it was on the other side (literally) I decided to make the switch. I am leaving for SE Asia in a few weeks and want to get to know this camera and bring lenses that will enable me to print as big of pictures as possible with some of the photos I will be taking to hang in my office/apartment.

So I need some lens recommendations. I mainly only shoot landscapes, urban/city stuff, foliage, skylines, lots of night stuff, and I love doing HDR. I don't shoot wildlife, baseball, or anything that requires awesome details at very far distances.

I am open to ideas and suggestions but don't want to spend more than about $500-600 on lenses. I am just starting to really get interested in photography and believe that this camera should be the one that makes me enjoy it more.

Some things I was thinking:

Nikkor 18-200

or

Nikon 18-105 and Nikon 35mm f1.8

or

Tamron 18-270

or

Nikon 55-300 and Nikon 35mm f1.8

BUT I just want your suggestions based on what I typically shoot! Thanks!
 

gqtuazon

Gear Head


Some things I was thinking:

Nikon 18-105 and Nikon 35mm f1.8

BUT I just want your suggestions based on what I typically shoot! Thanks!

I am a strobist type so I would also suggest getting a Nikon SB910 or SB 700 to go along with the 35mm and 18-105mm VR.
 

Watoh

Senior Member
I'd go prime. 24/28mm, and 50mm for what you are shooting. That way either save money or get better quality lenses. Sounds like you don't really need zoom.
 

riverside

Senior Member


So I need some lens recommendations. I mainly only shoot landscapes, urban/city stuff, foliage, skylines, lots of night stuff, and I love doing HDR. I don't shoot wildlife, baseball, or anything that requires awesome details at very far distances.


Some things I was thinking:




Nikon 18-105 and Nikon 35mm f1.8


BUT I just want your suggestions based on what I typically shoot! Thanks!

Those would be my picks for your requirements.
 

MrF

Senior Member
Those would be my picks for your requirements.

Second this. The 18-105mm and 35mm f/1.8G were my first two lenses. Take a look at my gallery, all the landscapes in there were shot with the 18-105. I only recently got a Tokina 11-16 that I love (and I still need to post some shots with that lens), but 90% of the time I'm walking around with the 18-105 on the camera. When I want to travel light, those are the two lenses that I take.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
From your post I can see I shoot the same things as you do, typically, and if I could only keep two lenses I'd want my Tokina f/2.8 11-16mm and my Nikon f/3.5 18-105mm, hands down, full freaking stop. The Tokina is relatively new to me but it's a stunning lens and the 18-105 is my "Jack of all Trades" go-to lens that rarely comes off my D7100.

My third lens would be the Nikon f/1.8 35mm, and I do love it, but this one I could live without it if I absolutely had to.




.
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
I second the motion on the 18-105 and the 35. Most everything I do is with the 18-105. I'm even selling my 55-300 lens to get myself the 50mm AF-S 1.8 .
 
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