Help on deciding on a new lens.

[reissigree]

I have a Nikon D3100 and am looking for a new lens.
I have an 18-55 AF lens right now, but I want something with more zoom.
I'm mainly shooting landscapes and portraits, but would like to be able to shoot up close if I wanted.
I'm a beginner but this forum has really helped me.
Also, I want something with a low f-stop capability. I'm looking to spend $300-$350.
What lens should I look at? Thanks so much!

 

[reissigree]

Can't delete this comment

 

[scorpion_tyr]

I shoot Canon, so I have no idea what would fit in your price range, you should be able to find a 55-200mm or 75-300mm for less than that price. If you want a fast lens check out a prime lens such as a 85mm f/1.8 or a third party zoom like a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. Both of those can be found refurbished or used for less than $350 on a Canon mount so I'm guessing it should be the same or close for Nikon. If you want both more than 100mm zoom and a fast lens all in one, it's gonna cost a lot more than $350.

 

[reissigree]

So by getting a faster lens that means the f/stop will be lower, correct?
And by doing that, what will it achieve? Better bokeh? Is it worth it for me to spend the extra money to get a faster lens? Sorry I'm such a newb at this haha, but you're helping me so much.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Nikon 50mm 1.8G, so must faster and sharper than your kit lens you'll through it in the trash.

And you'll have money left over for a decent flash.

 

[Big Mike]

Yes, a 'faster' lens means a lens that is capable of a larger maximum aperture (lower F number).
So a lens that has "F2.8" in the name, is a 'faster' lens than one that says F4-5.6.

A larger aperture can give you a shallower Depth of Field (DOF) but the reason we call it 'faster' is because a larger aperture lets in more light, which allows us to use a faster shutter speed. A faster shutter speed means less motion blur, and thus likely sharper photos.

So yes, it is often worth it to spend more to get a lens with a larger maximum aperture. Although, if your shooting style seldom includes shooting at larger apertures, then it may not be worth the extra expense....and sometimes it's often a fairly large expense.

 

[scorpion_tyr]

Big Mike has a very good point. If you shoot mostly landscapes a good wide angle is what you need, and honestly an 18-55mm kit lens will do pretty darn good. A "fast" lens will usually be used for sports, portraits, or some low light situations. For landscapes a high aperture is what you want. For low light landscapes a tripod and remote control will be a better investment. If you just want the occasional zoom in option an inexpensive 75-300mm will get what you want. If you want a fast lens for portraits on a budget a 50mm f/1.8 is the perfect option.

 

[reissigree]

Big Mike has a very good point. If you shoot mostly landscapes a good wide angle is what you need, and honestly an 18-55mm kit lens will do pretty darn good. A "fast" lens will usually be used for sports, portraits, or some low light situations. For landscapes a high aperture is what you want. For low light landscapes a tripod and remote control will be a better investment. If you just want the occasional zoom in option an inexpensive 75-300mm will get what you want. If you want a fast lens for portraits on a budget a 50mm f/1.8 is the perfect option.

I shoot a lot of landscapes but I think my 18-55 will do for now. I should probably go with a fast lens because I do love shooting action or sports and portraits. I think it would be a better lens for me. On the other hand I'd love to be able to zoom in on wildlife or something. I'm right on the fence on this one. I guess what I should do is the next time I go out shooting just see what I'd like to do better and where my current lens is lacking. There are just so many options for lenses! Thank you so much!.

 

[reissigree]

So I'm looking at the 35mm 1.8. What do you guys think?

 

[MrSleepin]

fast lenses that i would recommend:
Rokinon 85mm 1.4f ~$230-260
Nikkor 50mm 1.8f ~$50(series e)-180(newer model)
both are manual focus.

as for a zoom lens, you can find the kit lens, 55-200mm, for around $100.
it's a great zoom lens for the price. but it's not very fast (4-5.6f)

 

[EchoingWhisper]

A faster lens would also autofocus faster, so you get faster autofocus and faster shutter speed for a faster lens.

 

[DiskoJoe]

A 70-300MM F4-5.6 is in your price range and would probably be a handy lens for you at this level. Personally I have a sigma 70-210 f2.8. I bought this lens specifically because it had the larger f2.8 aperture. Used, my lens still cost $500 and the AF only works part of the time. New, this lens would cost about $1000 or more. But it was worth the money to me and the trouble of having to manual focus part of the time. The sigma also has 9 aperture blades in the lens that make the bokeh smoother. A lot of lenses only have 7 blades.

But some of the other suggestions on here have been good too.

The tamron 28-75 f2.8 is a great lens. you get a little more zoom and can achieve shallow depth of field if needed.

The rokinon 85mm f1.4 is a really great lens for the price. You get full range of aperture and the lens give very nice colors to the photos. Only downside is that it is manual only but for nikon they make a version with a focusing sensor so your camera will at least give you the dot when it thinks its in focus.

 

[EchoingWhisper]

I recommend the 55-300mm or the 70-300mm. I kinda regret buying the 55-200mm lens. Although it is just a bit cheaper, it doesn't zoom as far and it only have VR, not VR II.

 

[EchoingWhisper]

Autofocus is faster in 70-300mm, manual focus is better in 70-300mm, size is smaller for 55-300mm, weight is lesser for 55-300mm. - Your choice.

 

[o hey tyler]

fast lenses that i would recommend:
Rokinon 85mm 1.4f ~$230-260
Nikkor 50mm 1.8f ~$50(series e)-180(newer model)
both are manual focus.

as for a zoom lens, you can find the kit lens, 55-200mm, for around $100.
it's a great zoom lens for the price. but it's not very fast (4-5.6f)

Just from experience, and I suppose this doesn't apply to all, but...

My girlfriend purchased the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 when she had a crop frame T1i, and I had a 5D. She absolutely hated how narrow the FoV was on the Sigma, regardless of the ability to have great background control. So basically the lens stayed mounted on my full frame camera until she upgraded to the 5D2.

Just some food for thought, and a reason why the OP may want to stick to a zoom lens.