Beginner Lens recommendation needed for canon 5D Mk3

StewartR · 16 Sep 2017

mugpug said:
Given my subject do you think I should stick with the same lens if I have to replace it ?

What range of focal lengths do you use in practice? (If you don't know, it's encoded into the EXIF data if every photo you take, and image management software will enable you to filter and sift based on this.) If 18-55mm does the job, then replace it with the same, or the latest version of the 18-55mm lens if yours wasn't the latest. There are people who will tell you that there are "better" lenses in the same general range, eg Tamron 17-50mm or Sigma 17-50mm, but they're "better" in dimensions which aren't relevant to you, eg faster apertures, and for what you're doing you won't see any real difference.

Orangecroc · 16 Sep 2017

StewartR said:
What range of focal lengths do you use in practice? (If you don't know, it's encoded into the EXIF data if every photo you take, and image management software will enable you to filter and sift based on this.) If 18-55mm does the job, then replace it with the same, or the latest version of the 18-55mm lens if yours wasn't the latest. There are people who will tell you that there are "better" lenses in the same general range, eg Tamron 17-50mm or Sigma 17-50mm, but they're "better" in dimensions which aren't relevant to you, eg faster apertures, and for what you're doing you won't see any real difference.

I don't think AF-P lenses will work with the D3100.
I'll echo what most others have said though, it sounds like the lens is the problem and can be replaced for less than £50 meaning you can spend money on some good lighting and significantly improve your photos that way.

StewartR · 17 Sep 2017

StewartR said:
If 18-55mm does the job, then replace it with the same, or the latest version of the 18-55mm lens if yours wasn't the latest.

Orangecroc said:
I don't think AF-P lenses will work with the D3100.

Oh, good point, I'd forgotten that the latest 18-55 Nikon is AF-P and yes, you're right, it won't work with a D3100. The OP would need to look for the AF-S VR II version.

(Sorry for the mistake. I'm a Canon user myself and I'm used to everything working with everything else!)