I need some advice please.

Wombatsandthedoctor

Wombatsandthedoctor

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Allie
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Hi,

I currently have a Nikon d3100 + 18-55 and 55-200.

I have about £1000 at the most to spend but I’m not sure what I actually want to go for.

I take photos of my dog, landscapes, nighttime pictures and nature ones.

Now do I upgrade the body and get a few lenses, or do I keep the body and just get new lenses.

I’d like to upgrade the 55-200, to a 70-300, and I’d like to go below 18mm but I’m unsure what lens on that front at the moment. I don’t think there’s any other lenses I’d make much use of, but I’m open to being wrong.

I’d be grateful for suggestions and advice.

Thanks.
 
If you are not sure what to go for, then keep what you have and use it until you do know what you want and what direction you wish to pursue in the future.(y)
 
what does your current equipment prevent you from doing?
 
I should have said I dropped the 55-200 and it’s cracked. Hence why I want to upgrade, plus I kept finding the 200 just wasn’t long enough, hence going for the 300, I’d love more but it’s not really in my price range.

I guess I would like to know whether it’s worth upgrading the body to a newer equivalent (something like the d3500), they seem to be largely the same, just one is much newer, unless I’m missing something.

So I want a 70-300mm, I’m eyeing up something like a 10-20mm or something similar.

Oh and I like to blow a few photos upto circa 20x16 inches or 20x26. They seem to be okay with current camera though so I dunno.
 
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70-300VR, 50 f/1.8 (or 35mm if you prefer) for lower light situations and a Sigma 10-20. Should have a bit left in the kitty for more upgrades when you know what you want. IIRC the older, slightly slower version of the 10-20 is slightly sharper than the newer version.
 
That makes a lot more sense, if you are OK with the camera and the Kit lens then have a browse on MPB for used stuff.
They have a good range of Nikon fit sigma lenses and you should get a 10/20mm and something in the **-400mm well within your budget, looking at the prices you might well be able to upgrade your kit lens as well
 
In terms if outright image quality you're not going to see a huge difference (if any) upgrading the body to something like a D3500. Where it's worth upgrading bodies is if you want/need better AF systems, weather sealing, more controls at your fingertips etc, or want to change format such as going full frame.

With regards to lenses, the Tamron 100-400mm is worth a look, a very good lens and will give you 600mm effective reach/FOV on your D3100. IMO image quality is better on the Tamron than the Nikon 70-300mm too. The only drawback is that the Tamron will be considerably heavier than what you have currently.
 
Unless you want to print large, there's very little benefit in upgrading your camera. The 24mp sensor in the D3400/D3500 is slightly better than the 14mp sensor in the D3100 in terms of resolution, DR and noise. But have printed at up to 30"x20" (albeit occasionally) on the D3100 I owned prior to getting the D3300 I currently use. Nikon seem to have discontinued their 55-300 zoom. The 70-300, though slightly more expensive (and of better optical quality) would be an excellent upgrade for your 55-200. Nikon's 35mm f/1.8 is stonkingly good too (and it's still quite affordable).
 
Thank you.

I’m thinking a Nikon 35mm 1.8, a sigma 10-20mm, and a sigma 120-400mm. I think this seems reasonable, they get good enough reviews I think, comes in well under budget which is great, that mpb site is good. Unless anyone can spot any errors.
 
Wombatsandthedoctor said:
Thank you.

I’m thinking a Nikon 35mm 1.8, a sigma 10-20mm, and a sigma 120-400mm. I think this seems reasonable, they get good enough reviews I think, comes in well under budget which is great, that mpb site is good. Unless anyone can spot any errors.
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MPB are good from my experience, used items are usually pretty much as described. I'd rather have a used Tamron 100-400mm over the Sigma 120-400mm tbh.
 
snerkler said:
MPB are good from my experience, used items are usually pretty much as described. I'd rather have a used Tamron 100-400mm over the Sigma 120-400mm tbh.
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I considered the tamron but it’s almost double the price. I don’t know if I can justify the price to myself. Is it worth the extra £200? I feel like buying it but I’m easily put off by price. I’ll have to have a think.
 
Wombatsandthedoctor said:
I considered the tamron but it’s almost double the price. I don’t know if I can justify the price to myself. Is it worth the extra £200? I feel like buying it but I’m easily put off by price. I’ll have to have a think.
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The Tamron 100-400 is a cracking lens.
If you are happy to buy from one the grey importers it can be bought for under £500.
I've not regretted getting one, the sweet spot is between f/8-f/11 and that's at 600mm and it's sharp.
Only annoying thing is that it doesn't come with a tripod collar but third party ones are not expensive.
 
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Wombatsandthedoctor said:
I considered the tamron but it’s almost double the price. I don’t know if I can justify the price to myself. Is it worth the extra £200? I feel like buying it but I’m easily put off by price. I’ll have to have a think.
Click to expand...
The Tamron is a considerably better lens imo, better IQ, better autofocus, better lens coatings and around 600g lighter.

Used the sigma is around £370 vs around £550 for the Tamron and I believe it’s definitely worth the difference. However, as above if you are happy to buy grey you can pick it up from places like e-infinity for around £470.
 
So, I went for the tamron 100-400mm, the sigma 10-20mm and the Nikon 35mm and I ordered a new iPad with the left over money (current one is dying a death). Thanks for all the advice, you’ve been a great help. I will be back with some photos at some point.
 
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