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Beginner Looking to buy Nikon D7100 Need Help on Lens Selection
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Jan 21, 2017 07:36:45   #
NikonCharlie Loc: Kansas USA
 
CHG_CANON wrote:
You'll be plenty happy with the DX 18-140 VR lens as a 90% of the time lens. It's too short for wildlife, but so too are the longer super zooms you've listed where 300mm won't cut it except for out the window / near a bird feeder in your backyard. The 18-140 length will be perfect for any battlefield, canal and coast.


Agree! But I'd suggest the D7200 camera, worth the extra coins

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Jan 21, 2017 07:54:37   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
artie53 wrote:
I'm a beginner looking to get into photography when I retire this summer. I will be using it for various wildlife including birds and walking on the C & O canal and Antietam Battlefield and on vacation to the Oregon coast. Would like to have a lens that could be used 90% of the time. I will be carrying the camera around my neck most of the time while walking. My budget is no more than $1,200.00. I do not want to buy something that in a year I would not like. I started out wanting to buy the D3400 Nikon bundle. Now I'm thinking about buying the D7100 Nikon camera after some research. The new camera alone sells for $700.00. The other option is the Nikon D7100 bundle with AF-S DX 18-140 f3.5-5.6VR lens for $1,000.00 or the bundle Nikon D7100 with AF-S DX 18-55 f3.5-5.6 G VR II and AF-S DX 55-300mm f4.5-5.6 ED VR for $1,050.00. Someone mention just buying the D7100 and getting the Sigma 18-250mm f3.5-6.3 Macro Nikon F mount for $350.00 or the 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Macro for $500.00. Can someone recommend a lens for my needs that cost around $350.00 to $500.00. I'm not familiar with the other kinds of lenses. I'm not sure about buying used or refurbished. If someone has a better recommendation or suggestion , please let me know...Thanks
I'm a beginner looking to get into photography whe... (show quote)


After making a decision based on reviews and comparisons, my first stop would be KEH. Then I would look on ebay. Used is my first choice in lenses.

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Jan 21, 2017 07:54:57   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
NikonCharlie wrote:
Agree! But I'd suggest the D7200 camera, worth the extra coins




Read comparisons and specs, and decide what features are important to you.
(Reviews) https://www.youtube.com/user/TheCameraStoreTV/videos
http://cameras.reviewed.com/
http://camerasize.com/
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
http://snapsort.com/compare
http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/cameras?utm_campaign=internal-link&utm_source=mainmenu&utm_medium=text&ref=mainmenu

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Jan 21, 2017 08:34:59   #
RKL349 Loc: Connecticut
 
Don't be afraid to consider factory refurbished from Nikon USA. Camera Camera also usually has a good selection of these bodies. I have not had a single problem with any body or lens I have purchased that is factory refurbished. It will be difficult to have one lens to cover all the things you want to shoot. The Nikon 18-140, 18-200 are good for most applications and will fit your budget, especially if you buy factory refurbished. It will be tough to get something for birds or wildlife shot at some distance without going to a lens that has reach out to 500 or 600mm. You could grow into one of those lenses at a later date, as your budget permits. Be wary of the retailers who promise low prices. Most on this site would recommend B&H, Adorama, Camera, or in your case for a Nikon Product, Nikon USA. Some like Best Buy, but I find that most of their expertise is lacking. Also, if you have a local camera shop in your area and they are an authorized dealer (Nikon lists all authorized dealers on their website) prices for new items should be the same as those retailers mentioned above since Nikon has a minimum pricing policy they set for all USA warranty items. Good luck.

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Jan 21, 2017 08:56:10   #
PhotoPhred Loc: Cheyney, Pa
 
Congrats on your retirement. I have the d7100 that came with the 18 - 140 lens. I also have several other lenses. I purchased a Sigma 18-250 macro for my wife's d5100. I "steal" it whenever I can. Save yourself some $$$$ and get the d7100 body and the Sigma Lens (350.00) and you won't be sorry. Have fun shopping.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:04:27   #
londonfire Loc: NY to NC
 
Many have already told you to look at the refurb 7200 and that's good advice. If you don't need a fast buffer look at a 7100 if you can find a nice deal. Same camera, basically, except for the buffer. I used the Nikon 18-200 on my mine and absolutely get the 35mm 1.8 Nikon. The sharpness is incredible and it's cheap.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:05:47   #
camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.
 
18-140 DX.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:14:32   #
sinderone
 
I bought my 7100 with the Nikon 18-200 and could not be happier. It's the perfect travel lens. Not too big, not to heavy and enough focal coverage for most of what I shoot. I also bought a Nikon 35mm 1.8 for lower light use. While I own a 55-300 I rarely use it and don't travel with it. When I travel (Japan last summer, SE Asia next month) I take just the two lenses and am good to go. Whatever you decide you'll love the 7100. Good luck

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Jan 21, 2017 09:27:44   #
brent46 Loc: Grand Island, NY
 
Choosing the 7100 gives you the option of using older AF and AF D lenses with full functionality. You can also use Ai lenses with manual focus. There are many of these lenses in excellent condition available at very reasonable prices. My favorite walk around lens is a 28-105 f3.5-4.5 AF D (42-158mm equivalent with a crop sensor). These lenses are very sharp and can be had for a little over $100.00 used.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:29:04   #
JohnD3 Loc: Raleigh, NC
 
I don't suppose that I am offering anything new to the discussion; however, here's my take on it. Last Summer while in Europe my D80 gave up on me, in reviewing options for replacement and my budget I finally arrived at the D7100 on which I have constantly used the 18-200 lens. I cannot imagine a better combination for the price as the camera offers me far more options than I could ever use and the lens is not overly heavy for carrying. While I have a 70-300 it is so very heavy that I seldom use it when significant carrying is involved.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:30:50   #
Leon S Loc: Minnesota
 
I use or have used most of the camera available to you. Many, even used ones like a d200. d300 or even a Fuji s5, would work quite well for your purposes. Couple that with a 18-55 afs vr and a 70-300 vr and your quite well covered while you learn more about composition, lighting, cropping, and the body physics of taking a quality picture. Of course you still will have to put some time in learning about post processing. However if you can afford the d7200, you won't be making a mistake along with the 18-140 vr. You will find this lens will cover all of your needs for quite some time. In time find a 70-300 afs Nikon and your set. I have no lenses that reach more than these two. When I need something farther, I walk closer. When your using a longer lens, you are also needing to carry more equipment like a tripod, release, a chair, and the list goes on. The older you get the lighter you will want to travel.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:37:20   #
DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
 
I use a 24-120 on my DX D500 and I love it.

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Jan 21, 2017 09:38:16   #
ABJanes Loc: Jersey Boy now Virginia
 
Maybe he could rent one for a weekend test on Auto, to confirm your great suggestion.

He did not mention shooting grandchildren or fast moving subjects where shutter lag time could be of concern....Yes?

Many seniors are looking to lighten the load, so an all-in-one Super Zoom sure makes sense.


imagemeister wrote:
From what you describe, I think you will be happier with a Sony RX10III than an SLR - but will cost you $300 more than your budget - but you will never have to buy another lens.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/sony/rx10-iii.htm

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Jan 21, 2017 09:41:11   #
jaimeblackwell Loc: Lewiston, Maine
 
Shot this picture with a D7200 with a 1988 Nikon 35-135mm full frame lens purchased from B&H for 89.00. The lens works in all modes and also Auto focuses. With the crop factor figured in, the 135mm lens becomes a 202 mm lens on the 7200. Cheap but effective. Something to consider before spending a ton of money.


(Download)

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Jan 21, 2017 10:14:06   #
drklrd Loc: Cincinnati Ohio
 
Why not go for the Nikon D7200 if you are going for the D7100. I think it is better than the D7100. The ISO is really good at 25600. especially with the lens that comes with it. As for a longer lens I chose a refurbished one from B&H, the Nikon 55 to 300 MM, I shoot basketball at schools with it and those two lenses compliment each other well. Since I shoot for a living I chose the D7200 as soon as it hit the shelf. You do not need the ISO of 25600 all of the time but in a well lit basket ball court I find I can shoot at 350th sec and a f stop around 8. All action freezes except for a minor amount like on fingertips and toes usually. Use the right memory card with the fastest speed and the motor drive just purrs in low speed. I have shot pictures of the moon with it and the 55 to 300mm lens without a tripod. I say if you are going to go that big go for the next up. You will appreciate it more.

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