Elliot B. Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 We have a Nikon D3100 that came with a standard 18-55mm VR lens (we're not sure what the 18-55mm part means). We are considering buying a second lens but I can imagine we're limited as it's a low-end DSLR camera. We don't want to spend more than ?100 (around $150 USD). What are our options? Ideally, I'd like one that lets more light in so I can take better night shots (with streetlights as the lighting etc.) without using a tripod and without the photos blurring. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skiver Veteran Posted February 17, 2014 Veteran Share Posted February 17, 2014 To be honest you aren't limited at all, pretty much all lens's come with a standard fitting and the 3100 isn't old so will support both new and old. I have to ask though, why do you want a new lens? What do you hope to achieve that you don't think your current lens can? I use my stock 18-55mm quite a bit (that refers to the focal zoom it is capable of) and it's a brilliant lens in certain circumstances. If you think getting a new lens will make your pictures "better" then i'm afraid that's not likely to happen, with that price range you're also looking at pretty low end lens in which most will be 3rd party. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596265781 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elliot B. Posted February 17, 2014 Author Share Posted February 17, 2014 To be honest you aren't limited at all, pretty much all lens's come with a standard fitting and the 3100 isn't old so will support both new and old. I have to ask though, why do you want a new lens? What do you hope to achieve that you don't think your current lens can? I use my stock 18-55mm quite a bit (that refers to the focal zoom it is capable of) and it's a brilliant lens in certain circumstances. If you think getting a new lens will make your pictures "better" then i'm afraid that's not likely to happen, with that price range you're also looking at pretty low end lens in which most will be 3rd party. I'm not even sure, to be honest :/ Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596265793 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skiver Veteran Posted February 17, 2014 Veteran Share Posted February 17, 2014 I'm not even sure, to be honest :/ So you have the geek desire to just buy something gadgety because you havent for a while? I get that every so often. Draconian Guppy 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596265813 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconian Guppy Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 Well for low light photography and that budget, a prime lens will more than triple the amount of light going in to the camera sensor: http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-NIKKOR-Digital-Cameras/dp/B004Y1AYAC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392645457&sr=8-1&keywords=nikon+50mm $250... IF you search online from reputable used/refurbished dealers you can get it for around $100ish in tip top condition. . http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-50mm-Nikkor-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00005LEN4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1392645457&sr=8-2&keywords=nikon+50mm $149, same as above, even around $80 used... WARNING THIS WILL NOT AUTOFOCUS WITH YOUR CURRENT CAMERA Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596265821 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 17, 2014 Share Posted February 17, 2014 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-NIKKOR-50mm-1-8D-Lens/dp/B00005LEN4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392647947&sr=1-2&keywords=nikkor+50mm For better low light and bokeh :) As Draconian Guppy noted, it doesn't have an autofocus motor built in, relying on the camera to do drive the autofocus. Unfortunately, yours does not have that feature but it could drive you to become a better photographer and the images will be potentially sharper than before and you can shoot as low as f1.8. If autofocus is imperative to you, you'd have to get the f1.8/G which has the autofocus motor built in, you'd have to scratch up 150 quid for it though. That is unless you can find it used at a camera shop or something.... Having said that, because the DX sensor has a 1.5x crop factor, you might find that this lens is a little too long for many shots. It will shoot more like a 75mm lens after crop. You might be better looking at the http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-35mm-1-8G/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392648204&sr=1-1&keywords=nikkor+35mm This is a 35mm equivelent to the mentioned 50mm f1.8which is more like 53mm after crop, though distortions would match up to those of a 35mm lens obviously. You may find it more comfortable to shoot with this lens, especially in more confined environments and it's the closest you get to feeling like you're shooting with a standard prime lens imo. It should be mentioned that these are some of the cheapest lenses that you can get for Nikon cameras and if you want anything fancier, you'll have to pay much more than this. Having said that, the image quality of all the mentioned lenses will be an upgrade over your kit lens. If you're wondering why they're so cheap, they're actually made out of plastic but it's a fairly durable high quality one. Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596265877 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger H. Veteran Posted February 18, 2014 Veteran Share Posted February 18, 2014 I have a D3200 that I just got and definitely wanting a F1.8 35mm linked above. http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm After seeing some of those shots - check out the street lit ones too at the ba, I was hooked!! Found em online for like $150 which is great. I'll get that and a 18-200mm one day and I'll be set! Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596267049 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconian Guppy Posted February 18, 2014 Share Posted February 18, 2014 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-NIKKOR-50mm-1-8D-Lens/dp/B00005LEN4/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392647947&sr=1-2&keywords=nikkor+50mm For better low light and bokeh :) As Draconian Guppy noted, it doesn't have an autofocus motor built in, relying on the camera to do drive the autofocus. Unfortunately, yours does not have that feature but it could drive you to become a better photographer and the images will be potentially sharper than before and you can shoot as low as f1.8. If autofocus is imperative to you, you'd have to get the f1.8/G which has the autofocus motor built in, you'd have to scratch up 150 quid for it though. That is unless you can find it used at a camera shop or something.... Having said that, because the DX sensor has a 1.5x crop factor, you might find that this lens is a little too long for many shots. It will shoot more like a 75mm lens after crop. You might be better looking at the http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-35mm-1-8G/dp/B001S2PPT0/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1392648204&sr=1-1&keywords=nikkor+35mm This is a 35mm equivelent to the mentioned 50mm f1.8which is more like 53mm after crop, though distortions would match up to those of a 35mm lens obviously. You may find it more comfortable to shoot with this lens, especially in more confined environments and it's the closest you get to feeling like you're shooting with a standard prime lens imo. It should be mentioned that these are some of the cheapest lenses that you can get for Nikon cameras and if you want anything fancier, you'll have to pay much more than this. Having said that, the image quality of all the mentioned lenses will be an upgrade over your kit lens. If you're wondering why they're so cheap, they're actually made out of plastic but it's a fairly durable high quality one. +1 on the 35mm, really a more "allrounder" within DX realm I have a D3200 that I just got and definitely wanting a F1.8 35mm linked above. http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/35mm-f18.htm After seeing some of those shots - check out the street lit ones too at the ba, I was hooked!! Found em online for like $150 which is great. I'll get that and a 18-200mm one day and I'll be set! Yup, for the price the 35mm at dx, can't be beat! Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596267341 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chasethebase Reporter Posted February 24, 2014 Reporter Share Posted February 24, 2014 I'd go straight for the budget 50mm, the Canon equivalent is known as the "Nifty Fifty", "Plastic Fantastic" amongst other names just because of how much bang for buck it provides. Easily your best option at this price point. Draconian Guppy 1 Share Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596279555 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draconian Guppy Posted February 26, 2014 Share Posted February 26, 2014 I'd go straight for the budget 50mm, the Canon equivalent is known as the "Nifty Fifty", "Plastic Fantastic" amongst other names just because of how much bang for buck it provides. Easily your best option at this price point. But a bit to long for his intended uses no? Link to comment https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/1201047-lens-options-for-nikon-d3100/#findComment-596282489 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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