Nikkon D3100 lens upgrade

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outtafocus

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Hi all im new on here and have been using my Nikon D3100 for a while now had it about a year and although im still getting to grips with it i wouldnt mind trying another lens im currently using the kit lens the camera came with 18-55mm. What are peoples suggestions to an upgrade, any second hand bargains to be had out there?

Cheers

Sean
 
What sort of thing do you shoot? The nikon50mm is a great lens and is fairly well priced. Or if you want a zoom lens then maybe a 70-200 or even 70-300mm. All depends on your budget really. Ive got a d3100 and it is quite capable of some great photos, especially if you have some nice lenses.
 
The Nikkor AF 55-200mm lens is relatively good if you're looking a bit of zoom. Price wise, it's reasonable for what you get - anywhere between £120 - £170 if you look in the right places. Only downside is there's no Vibration Reduction that the 18-55mm lens has, however I didn't find it to be that much of a problem as most of my shots are whilst mounted on a tripod
 
Axemaniac88 said:
The Nikkor AF 55-200mm lens is relatively good if you're looking a bit of zoom. Price wise, it's reasonable for what you get - anywhere between £120 - £170 if you look in the right places. Only downside is there's no Vibration Reduction that the 18-55mm lens has, however I didn't find it to be that much of a problem as most of my shots are whilst mounted on a tripod
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You can get a 55-200mm with VR, and for less than £100:)
 
55-200 cracking lens and £100 for some decent zoom.
35mm F1.8 for lovely bokeh and cracking scene shots.

really depends on what you want to take pics of I am a nature guy and am just looking to purchase a sigma super zoom but at the other end of the spectrum looking next for a super wide angle for more creative and aslo pub shots.
 
im mainly into taking photos of cars in locations/at shows so im not sure what kind of lens i would need im just uploading some of my shots onto a flickr account, the pictures i have been taking of late seem to lack sharpness and focus and some of the finer details are being lost
 
Depends on budget and what you want to shoot?

I have a Nikkor 35mm prime which is very good for low light and portraits, bought new for £140

I also have just bought a Tamron 70-300 which is great for wildlife and outdoor sports, bought second hand for £220

I had a Nikkor 55-200 which was good but I wanted more zoom

My next purchase will be a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 as a direct replacement for the kit 18-55 lens
 
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Big Nick said:
Depends on budget and what you want to shoot?

I have a Nikkor 35mm prime which is very good for low light and portraits, bought new for £140

I also have just bought a Tamron 70-300 which is great for wildlife and outdoor sports, bought second hand for £220

I had a Nikkor 55-200 which was good but I wanted more zoom

My next purchase will be a Tamron 17-50 f2.8 as a direct replacement for the kit 18-55 lens
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Hi Nick - I've got the D3100 and was wondering how good it was for wildlife. Have you got any example pics using that lens?
 
I'd say look at the Sigma 55-200, it's cheaper than the Nikkor and reviews claim it's superior.
A 55-200 is going to compliment the 18-55, but you'll constantly find yourself changing lenses (which part of the reason I moved up from the D40x to the D90 with the 18-105 lens).

From the 55-200, your going to want a macro lens and then from there probably a 35mm or 50mm prime. With this lot you'll have almost everything covered.

Don't think of it as throwing money down the drain either, remember you get to keep your lenses when you upgrade the body (as long as you remain loyal to the brand) ;)
 
I remember getting a 35mm for my d3100 and being totally impressed
Primes are great fun, and you'll find yourself in all sort of weird places and positions getting the shot just right with no zoom
For the price, its a great option, with fantastic quality
 
Get the Nikkor 35mm AF-S F1.8. It's very rewarding, and you'll really enjoy using it.

..or your money back! :p
 
outtafocus said:
im mainly into taking photos of cars in locations/at shows so im not sure what kind of lens i would need im just uploading some of my shots onto a flickr account, the pictures i have been taking of late seem to lack sharpness and focus and some of the finer details are being lost
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I'd keep your money in your pocket for now and work why the photo's you are taking now lack sharpness.

The 18-55 isn't a bad little lens. Maybe post some pics up to highlight what is wrong? and how they were shot, which mode etc.

No offence meant, but it might not be the lens.
 
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as Mick said, the kit lens is a great place to start and is certainly very good ( considering they're about £70 or so ).

I have just replaced mine with a Tamron 17-50 which is great and may have its first car meet outing tonight

Before that, i used the 35mm 1.8 for car shots which is fantastic
 
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