Best lens for an amateur?

[erinleigh]

Hi Guys!
I'm new to the forums, and am trying to get back into my photography hobby. I had taken some courses and had an old Nikon film SLR (can't remember the model right now, will have to check!), but am moving up into the world of DSLRs!

I recently bought myself a Nikon D7000 and a kit lens (18-105), but am wondering if there maybe whould have been a different lens that would have been better to invest in as my first? I'm looking for something that will work well for a lot of subjects, though I'm thinking I'll mainly be shooting outdoors/landscapes...

If you were advising a newbie on the best first lens (and possible additions once I decide to invest some more), what would they be?
Thanks!!

 

[RichardsTPF]

What is your budget and what do you want to shoot?

 

[mrpink]

18-105 will work very well. Stick with it until you find out why you need a new lens.






p!nK

 

[erinleigh]

I'm mostly interested in outdoors- urban architecture, nature and landscapes... I'm also fascinated with capturing textures, though I'm not sure if that would be considered macro?
Very limited portraits/action shots, though I would like to be able to catch some great photos of my dog every now and then

Budget isn't huge right now... up to $300/400 maybe?

 

[RichardsTPF]

Save money for a 24-70mm f2.8.

 

[Dao]

Agree with mrpink. Don't buy any additional lens right now. Just use the lens that shipped with your Nikon camera. Once you learn more, you will know what you like to get next.

 

[erinleigh]

Thank you all!
I bought the lens and camera locally, and could probably exchange the lens for another...

I'm wondering if there might have been a better choice for a first lens? What would you choose as a beginner if you were only going to have 1 for a while?

 

[jaozkee]

Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5 - 5.6 VR
-The lens is as sharp as it gets
Specs:

Focal Length: 16-85mm. Used on a DX cam it gives angles of view similar to what a 24 - 125mm lens would give on an FX or 35mm film camera.
​

Optics: 17 elements in 11 groups. Two of these are of ED glass, and three of these are aspherical.
Diaphragm: 7 blades, rounded. Stops down to f/22-36.
Close Focus: 1.3 feet (0.38m). ​

Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:4.6.
​

Filter Thread: 67mm, plastic. No rotation during zooming or focus.
Size: 3.368" (85.53mm) extension from flange by 2.847" (72.32mm), when set to 16mm. Set to 85mm, it extends 5.055" (128.40mm) from the flange, all as measured by me. Nikon specifies 3.35" long by 2.83" diameter (85 x 72mm).
Weight: 17.165 oz (486.6g), measured. (Nikon specifies 17.1 oz. (485 g).)

​

 

[MTVision]

Thank you all!
I bought the lens and camera locally, and could probably exchange the lens for another...

I'm wondering if there might have been a better choice for a first lens? What would you choose as a beginner if you were only going to have 1 for a while?

I would just keep the lens you have. After using it for a while you will figure out what focal length you use the most and what works best for you. It probably didn't cost too much and it gives you a wide angle as well as some good portrait lengths. It will probably be more cost efficient to keep it until you figure out what you like.

 

[nickzou]

Save money for a 24-70mm f2.8.

This ain't no amateur lens. I'd say get a 50mm prime. That's always good. I have the 1.4 but the 1.8 is nice too. It's not as versatile as a zoom lens but damn do the 50mm's produce good photos.

 

[KmH]

I agree you should stick with the 18-105 mm for now because it's a decent all around lens.

In the meantime learn about lenses.

Learn what variable aperture and constant aperture mean, and how they affect lens speed.

 

[enzodm]

I too agree with most of the others: you have a lens that covers a fair focal length range. A sharper lens does not help in learning.
Try to learn and understand what you are missing when shooting: length, aperture. After that it will be natural to choose.