Nikon D3400 lens advice sought.

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Jez Harris

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Hi,

Years and years ago I dabbled with 35mm film cameras including b&w and colour developing and printing and I enjoyed attending a local photographic society..

Fast forward a few decades and after children, divorce, fishing and flying planes, I now find myself enjoying shooting and working gundogs. But the photography bug is calling again!
Whilst technology has moved on massively- I haven't kept up so please treat me as very green!!

We have a Nikon D3400 in a cupboard with the kit std 18-55 3.5/5.6 lens attached.

What lenses would you knowledgeable folks recommend?
Something I can use for pictures of the dogs working (often at distance), wildlife as I spend a lot of time in woodlands, and also whilst attending the wife's Equestrian events.

I've got a budget of c. £1000

I'm not wedded to the D3400 if you think I would be better going elsewhere.

Happy to consider both new and 2nd hand.

Thank you in advance for ur help.
 
The Tamron 70-300 SP can be bought very reasonably used these days. It's a pretty decent lens for something longer than your kit lens. Theres a lot of longer lens about, the question is do you need anything longer, on your camera (I think crop sensor) your getting the equivelent of 450mm ish. Thats probably long enough for a lot of stuff.
With a grand you could also get a used Nikon D4, or D850 both a very good camera and full frame.
 
2nd hand 70-300 (my choice would be the Nikkor VR version but if a Sigma OS or Tamron VC one turned up on a local shelf first, I'd try one of them!) If that turned out to not be long enough for your wants/needs, you should be able to chop it in against something longer without losing too much on the deal.
 
Don't know Nikon's at all really, but either a 70-300 or a 70-200 would be my choice. If you could get a constant f/2.8 aperture lens that would help in woodland which can often be gloomy. There may be an option to add a x1.4 teleconverter to a 70-200 within budget to add a little flexibility.
 
Nikon afp 70-300 vr.
The DX version is decent but for second hand around £300-£350 the FX version is v good, one of Thom Hogans favourites, I had the DX version on a d7200 ,also used it on a d3400.optical wise the d3400 is as good as the d7200 just you get more FPS with the d7200,but IQ the D3400 is highly rated
 
Might be a bit too techie but this link has loads of info ...
www.dxomark.com

Nikon D3400 best zoom lenses review

In part 2 of our review of the best lenses for the Nikon D3400, we’re looking at the performance of zoom lenses. More versatile than a fixed focal length prime lens, zoom lenses are often preferred by entry-level DSLR shooters, thanks to the convenience of having a range of focal lengths in a...
www.dxomark.com www.dxomark.com
 
I have an alternative suggestion. why not P/X the camera and lens and take a look at micro four thirds cameras and lenses instead. I got rid of all my nikon gear bcause mainly the weight.( Nikon D810)
the four thirds system does not restrict you to one make of lens, all four third lenses fit any four third cameras. this way you get a far wider choice.
https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk...tem-Cameras/Panasonic-Lumix-DC-G9-Camera-Body.
only a few new ones left but what a great camera and good used are a lot cheaper.
I tend to stick with panasonic but any other lens make can be used if they a four thirds type

my G9 camera

P1001198DD.jpg


Shown with the 100-300mm lens "(1.15 lb)" ( 200-600mm in full frame terms) and only 7"Long at the 100mm length. Also has dual SD card slots. I hate to think of the weight of a Nikon 600 mm lens.(8 lb 6.4 oz ) Also the G9 does excellent videos as well. Note the flip out reversable screen so you can see yourself taking a photo of yourself.

I have no financial interest with Panasonic only as a buyer of their equipment.

No way would I make a suggestion like this if I wasn't entirely happy even to the extent of now having the G9ii version and the Panasonic HC-X1500 camcorder as well.

squibber vv.jpg
 
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You may wish to consider Tamron's 16~300mm lens for use on the D3400.

Here's mine on a Sony A65, note how relatively compact it is for such a wide zoom range...

Camera Sony A65 on trivet in kitchen DSC01375.JPG

...and some of the images I've recorded with it...

BAE 146 over Exeter A65 DSC02321.JPG
Halifax bomber at Yorkshire Air Museum A65 DSC02648.JPG
Apple blossom in Garden A65 DSC00479.JPG
 
As Andrew says Tamron make good lenses as well. i had one my D810 the tamron 24-70mm lens, which I found was far better than the Nikon version.

Every photographer has their preference and each will give a differnet answer. It could even boil down to subject matter.

So the best answer to a general type question is a look up on say "https://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/" and compare prices and makes and costs.
pick out 2 or3 then=
Trot along to a decent camera shop with your gear with a list of questions such as how much for P/x- decide then on how much you want to spend . You can't beat actually hand holding a camera and see how easy/hard is it to use ie menu. Don't get persuaded b y the sales pitch..
what may look hard trying to understand in a camera menu, don't forget every camera has an auto setting to get you started.

nothIng to stop you asking questions on here if you have a specific query. This is a great forum with a lot of experienced mrmbers who should be able to give an unbias opinion
 
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Thanks to you all for your help - I eventually went with a 2nd hand Tamron SP 70-200 F2.8 Di VC USD G2 and I am very impressed so far.

Now I am thinking about an upgrade to a D850 but will spend some time re-learning what I have forgotten.
 
The D850 MIGHT need a sharper lens than the Tamron to do its sensor justice.
 
I'd stick with the D3400 for now. but if you were looking to upgrade I'd suggest D500 for better AF performance.

The D3#00 range improved leaps and bounds from the original D3000 as did the D5#00 series from the D5000, and I think you'll see really good results now with your current camera.
 
Depends what you prefer to shoot pics of...
- macro -> 105mm older or newer version. Versatile lens
- buldings or cars -> something wide.. tokina 11-16 perhaps
- you like portraits -> something with a low f# (f1.4) or the macro I mentioned above.

If new lenses, either hire them to try for a weekend, meet up with fellow photographers in the area as compare the lenses or shop and try in store (although lighting is usually too bad to see)


Also check on ebay or other market places to see if there are some used good lenses that can be had for less
 
Jez Harris said:
Thanks to you all for your help - I eventually went with a 2nd hand Tamron SP 70-200 F2.8 Di VC USD G2 and I am very impressed so far.

Now I am thinking about an upgrade to a D850 but will spend some time re-learning what I have forgotten.
Click to expand...
FYI - i started with the D3200 + Sigma 150-600c before upgrading to a D7500 then 2 years later a D500 and recently added a D850.
The resolution on the D850 was IMHO too good for the Sigma and I now use a Nikon 500PF and Nikon 600 F4 and I am still learning how to make the best of this camera ( & lenses), it is a steep learning curve for me, my advice therefore is upgrade slowly unless you have won the lottery.

PS I only got the new Nikon lens due to having to sell my motorbikes after a nasty off !
 
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