Nikon D3100 2nd lense

[Jzaulich]

Hello PhotoForum!

First of all; i have no idea wether this is the right/wrong place to post, but here it goes:

I recently bought a Nikon D3100 (my first dSLR camera) and since my dad is in afghanistan i can buy some stuff tax-free (read: a new lense), but which one?

First of all; the primary use of the lense would be portraits/humans w/e. I actually thought of following (btw, i have a somewhat budget of about 400$):

Nikon 55-300mm AF-S G DX VR f/4.5-5.6
or
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX

Is any of theese lenses good for the purpose? And how are they in general?

Im asking here, since my bff, Google, hasn't really given me any answers.

Thanks anyway,
Jakob

PS: Sorry for the bad english.

 

[Jzaulich]

bump

 

[Geaux]

If its main use is for portraits ... I'd say neither. I'd go with a 85mm, 50mm or 35mm prime lense. But that could just be me.

If you were shooting birds and wildlife, then the zooms would fit. Also, If you don't choose a prime, I'd try to go after somethig that's faster (lower /f number.)

 

[Stradawhovious]

^^^^ That. Also, FWIW I bought the 55-200, and its been on my camera exactly twice. Not at all happy with the IQ, especially at the ends of its barrel length in either direction. It's only role now is to reverse couple to the 50mm for EXTREME macro shots...... which isn't often.(great. now I'm going to have Nuno Bettencourt riffs stuck in my braincase all night.)

Remember what you paid for this unformation.

 

[djacobox372]

You didn't tell us what lens you are currently using.

You can't go wrong with the 35mm f1.8 af-s.

The two lens you listed are of kit quality, and I wouldn't recommend them.