Need a step up from the kit lens!

1JMueller

Senior Member
Hey y'all, there may be a similar post here, but I'm pretty new to shopping lenses and would really appreciate help for my specific camera and shooting needs!

In my bag:
Nikon D5100
Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm kit lens

What I'm wanting to shoot in order of importance:

- Rodeos. Many times I'll be in the chutes, but other times off to the side. Sometimes indoor events, and some outside and nighttime events

- Landscapes

- Animals

I don't have an unlimited budget as I'm saving for a house right now. I'd like to sell photos, so I need something up to the task. Thanks in advance for the help, as I'm not really sure what lenses can work well with my camera for each application!

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nickt

Senior Member
Fred and Don, that is the new 'P' version of the 70-300 that you linked, said to be incompatible with the d5100.


  • Incompatible models: D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras

The 18-140 is a decent lens. I also have the Tamron SP 70-300, a very nice lens.
 

Bikerbrent

Senior Member
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the ride.
We look forward to seeing more posts and samples of your work.

Your budget is very important for us to help you.
 

1JMueller

Senior Member
Thanks for the replies so far! I'd have to say $1,200 would be the absolute max I'd be able to spend. I'd prefer spending under $1,000 if there's decent lenses for cheaper.
b7a00d1bbacf007cd516c9be182389f8.jpg


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Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
Hey y'all, there may be a similar post here, but I'm pretty new to shopping lenses and would really appreciate help for my specific camera and shooting needs!

In my bag:
Nikon D5100
Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm kit lens

What I'm wanting to shoot in order of importance:

- Rodeos. Many times I'll be in the chutes, but other times off to the side. Sometimes indoor events, and some outside and nighttime events

- Landscapes

- Animals

I don't have an unlimited budget as I'm saving for a house right now. I'd like to sell photos, so I need something up to the task. Thanks in advance for the help, as I'm not really sure what lenses can work well with my camera for each application!

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With an eye for maximizing image quality I'll suggest both the 24mm f/1.8G *and* the 85mm f/1.8G primes. I say this knowing it adds up to $1,225... Still, that makes for a killer combination.

For a lot less money, about $650 if memory serves, get a Tamron 18-400mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC HLD and call it a day.
 

Chris@sabor

Senior Member
I agree with Marilynne! Gives you almost everything you need in one lens. And to compliment that lens, I might also recommend the Sigma 17-50 2.8 that is stabilized, great for low light, super sharp and cheap at less than $300 new. The 18-140 is also very good and versatile.

I would also recommend an upgrade to the body when you can. The autofocusing system would seem important to your future plans. Something like a used D7200 would work well and not break the bank. It would provide better image quality, superior focusing, dual cards, better low light, better controls, ect. Good luck in your plans!
 
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1JMueller

Senior Member
I'm a bit worried about lower light situations and getting a fast enough shutter speed for the rodeos. Would this be more of a camera body issue or is there a lens that could improve that with aperture? I've kind of been looking at this lens here, what do y'all think?

Access Denied

The photo below is the best I could do with an inside arena and the speed of the action.
bf833bf084c6146431e9f2b3bdf37147.jpg


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Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
I think you need a 70-200 2.8 zoom lens. Tamrons or Sigmas can be bought cheaper than Nikon's and are "almost" at par as far as IQ goes.
 

1JMueller

Senior Member
I think you need a 70-200 2.8 zoom lens. Tamrons or Sigmas can be bought cheaper than Nikon's and are "almost" at par as far as IQ goes.
That's actually what the link I tried sharing was, a Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. Is there a certain one that I would need to get that'd be compatible with my camera?
e664234c553b32fe1c2671cf778514f0.jpg


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Chris@sabor

Senior Member
Your lens choice plays a major role in low light if it has a fast aperture. The body also plays a role. A full frame camera will out perform all or most crop sensor cameras like yours. Newer cameras have improved sensor tech, processors and algorithms that aid in low light situations (i.e. noise). A 70-200 2.8 would be excellent for many situations although you won't have much wide angle capability with it. We all went through this, trying to find a camera and lens that would handle all our needs. Truth is, there ain't one. Some come close but no camera or lens is best at everything. As you are doing now, research for your current needs with an eye to the future. A nice budget makes all this much easier, but few of us have that luxury!
 

nikonpup

Senior Member
THERE ARE LOTS OF LENS DEALS OUT THERE. 1 ST FIND A LOCAL NIKON DEALER, NOTHING LOCAL GO ONLINE LOOK FOR RECONDITIONED, YOU SAVE A TON OF MONEY.
HERE SOME FROM NIKON USA.
AF-S DX NIKKOR
18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
$299.96
AF-S DX NIKKOR
18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR
$599.96
AF-S NIKKOR
24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR
$329.96
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor
70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
$399.96
AF-S DX NIKKOR
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
$499.96

NOT SURE WHAT YOU WANT - RENT RENT RENT.

 

nickt

Senior Member
Good glass is certainly worth having. A newer body will also do better in low light. I think D200 is max iso 1600.

I took this shot the other day with my d7100. I knew it was getting dark, but just clicked a shot off to work on my raw possessing. I actually had my camera set wrong, I would not normally go down to 1/320 at 600mm. I do keep my auto iso set for no limit, but I like to keep it under iso 2000. So this shot came off at f8, 1/320 and iso 25,600. It is also cropped quite a bit. Its not wonderful, but considering the wild high iso, its not too bad.

D71_9705-2.jpg
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
That's actually what the link I tried sharing was, a Tamron 70-200 f/2.8. Is there a certain one that I would need to get that'd be compatible with my camera?
Personally, I'd tell you to avoid the 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF and instead see if you can't find a copy of the vastly superior Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD.

In fact, having done some poking around I see B&H has one for sale that's very lightly used (rated "9+") and going for $950. Bought new, that's a $1,400 lens.

I'd be all OVER this stellar lens if I were you: Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
 
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1JMueller

Senior Member
Personally, I'd tell you to avoid the 70-200mm f/2.8 Di LD IF and instead see if you can't find a copy of the vastly superior Tamron SP 70-200mm F/2.8 Di VC USD.

In fact, having done some poking around I see B&H has one for sale that's very lightly used (rated "9+") and going for $950. Bought new, that's a $1,400 lens.

I'd be all OVER this stellar lens if I were you: Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD
Thank you! This is the reason I posted right here, because I didn't see the difference between the two lenses when I was looking online!!

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Texas

Senior Member
Over time, I've sold my 18-55 VRII and replaced it with 14 other zooms and primes, with two more on order now.

I buy used and have never had a problem and can sell them on later for a low cost of ownership. Happy with my D7100 after running through a half dozen Nikon bodies as well.

This can be a very affordable hobby if you stay away from retailers.

My favorite DX lenses are
(primes) 24 and 35
(normal prime) 50 1.8D, (macro) 60mm micro,

(classic, manual focus) 105 2.5 - wow, best bargain ever

(zooms) - 12-28, 18-200, 70-300

I have no use for fast heavy zooms that have a tripod foot but sports or wildlife photos require such things.
 
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1JMueller

Senior Member
Over time, I've sold my 18-55 VRII and replaced it with 14 other zooms and primes, with two more on order now.

I buy used and have never had a problem and can sell them on later for a low cost of ownership. Happy with my D7100 after running through a half dozen Nikon bodies as well.

This can be a very affordable hobby if you stay away from retailers.

My favorite DX lenses are
(primes) 24 and 35
(normal prime) 50 1.8D, (macro) 60mm micro,

(classic, manual focus) 105 2.5 - wow, best bargain ever

(zooms) - 12-28, 18-200, 70-300

I have no use for fast heavy zooms that have a tripod foot but sports or wildlife photos require such things.
Hey thanks for the reply. Where do you shop for lenses, online? If so, what sites do you like?

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