D3100: Lens for Palau trip?

[drew_3007]

My first post!

So my (new) wife and I are heading to Palau (if you don't know where it is...Palau - Google Maps) for our honeymoon in a couple of weeks. We purchased a D3100 with the bundled 18-55mm lens as our first DSLR. I have had a great time learning how to take shots with it (I'm a super geek who loves to tinker) but at this point I am still very new to the world of lenses.

My question is this: is there a lens better suited for tropical settings? This lens seems to do extremely well in the day time but I have a feeling I will have a lot of opportunities to take some night shots, probably with a fair amount of movement with either lighting from fire or lighting from club style lights. Is there a lens for those moments that I should seriously consider or is there a limitation on the camera'a CCD that a lens can not overcome?

I am also open to suggestions on some techniques via camera settings that might overcome a lens deficiency. I just want to capture these two weeks as much as possible with the best pictures I might be lucky enough to take.

Thank you in advance and I promise to post the good ones here when we get back.

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[flatflip]

I think the best economical choices are a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 prime or a Nikon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. You can do some tests at those focal lengths with your 18-55 lens. See if you might like one length better. Those are good low light lenses both for about $200 each (a little more for the 50).

There are some good f/2.8 zoom lenses available. I have a Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 for sale in the buy and sell forum.

Have Fun, Mick

[flatflip]

Those would be AF-S like your 18-55.

Check out "Understanding Exposure" by Brian Peterson. Google rule of thirds and photographic composition. This should help your photos too.

[drew_3007]

Thanks Mick for the tips. I grabbed the book today and will read it on the very very long flight over the Pacific. I had not considered that other companies would make lenses for the camera. Could I bother you to recommend a few others that I can attach to the D3100?

[flatflip]

Hey, I'm glad you're having fun. I'll just throw you a quick list with my hobbyist's (and D3100 owner's) observation.

AF-S 18-55 = Kit Lens with good IQ and good learning and handy focal range, I love mine.
AF-S 55-200 VR = Good tele length, economical, I want one, VR recommended.
70-300 VR = I hear great things about this lens. I don't know if IQ is better than 55-200, much more expensive than 55-200, much less expensive than 70-200, there was one for sale here by jritz (good seller).
Tokina 12-24 f/4 = I want this too, wide angle, built in motor, constant f/4 aperture.
AF-S 35mm f/1.8G = Great economical low light lens, I own this and it is fun, chromatic aberation raves from some camps, I haven't suffered from this.
AF-S 50mm f/1.8G = Brand new brother to the AF-D version that has been a staple for many, good reports.
Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 = good reports, much more economical than a Nikon with equal low light capabilities, Some swear by the Sigma version but I don't know the difference.
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 = Again I have this for sale, I like it and it is a good low light alternative to an expensive Nikon lens.