The path to take for lenses

[instasquink]

Hi all,

I've just got myself a lovely Nikon D3200 with the 18-55mm VR II kit lens (the newer, collapsible version). I intend to add two lenses to my inventory to 'set me up' for a good while, and I hoped to get a critique/other suggestions as to my plan. My intentions will be to shoot aircraft, cars and bikes, in addition to the usual family/landscape shots. I've done quite a bit of research and understand the limitations I'll run into with the lower-end/kit lenses and their available aperture, especially when I'm targeting moving objects and need a faster shutter speed.

First step is to get a longer zoom lens. I was originally looking at the Nikon 55-300mm VR lens, but I've seen a few posts now that say spending a little more to get the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR IF lens would be much better. Is this agreed?
Second, get myself a 35mm prime, probably the Nikon 35mm f/1.8 as this seems to be rated as the best first prime. I've looked at 35mm and 50mm on my kit lens and I just get a nicer feeling about the 35mm at the moment, as opposed to the 50mm which feels a little tight for any indoor shots of groups etc (this will be due to the crop factor I presume?).


Does my plan look OK? If not, what would you change?

Thanks,
Karl

 

[Nod]

Looks an OK plan to me. IIRC the 55-300 is a DX lens so IF (and you may not want/need to) you ever go down the full frame (FF) route, you'd need to upgrade anyway and the 70-300 VR is an FX (FF) lens. The 35mm f/1.8 is a DX lens so I would try to find one second hand so IF you need to upgrade you won't lose as much on the deal. (The cheaper f/2 version isn't AF-S although it is FX so it won't AF on your D3200.) 35mm is a fairly natural "standard" length for a crop (DX) sensor so is a good choice for a prime IMO.

Happy shopping and welcome to TP.

 

[instasquink]

Thanks very much! I didn't realise that the 70-300mm was an FX lens, so that's great news that I'll probably get a lot of longevity out of it. I've noticed a few 35mm f/1.8 DX going for just under £100 second-hand so I was expecting to buy this way anyway.

 

[PBP27]

I started with virtually the same set up apart from my first body being a D3100. The 70-300 is an excellent lens, you wll love it, I bought the 35mm F1.8 but found that I now rarely use it, that isn't critising it though as it can do a great job with portraits. A year on and you'll be spending mega bucks I'm sure as there is much to chose from......good luck with your choices.