Nikon camera kit D5100
Jan 23, 2017 19:04:17 #
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I know about photography. Been taking pics for years and every once in awhile get a good one. Several years back I purchased a Nikon D5100 camera kit from Costco. It included a 18-55 and 55-300 lens. I saw some positive review of the Nikon 18-200 and 18-300. Purchasing one of these would eliminate the changing of lens and perhaps allow me to capture some shots I'd miss if changing lens. However, I haven't seen any of you mention the D5100 so I'm wondering if this body is worth purchasing additional lens or should I consider a different camera body. Most of my shots are in the outdoor environment while boating (whales, sea lions, scenery, fishing, etc). I do not plan on becoming a professional, but do enjoy taking good shots and having them printed on canvas. Thanks for your advice.
Jan 23, 2017 19:41:32 #
fiberfinn wrote:
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I... (show quote)
Not really enough information here. Are your pictures really bad all the time, or just part of the time? What time of day are they the worst? How often do you shoot? Pictures showing your problem would help. Remember to checkmark store original so we can see what you are not happy with.
Jan 23, 2017 20:03:44 #
I should have worded the post differently. I didn't mean to imply that my pics are bad because most of the time they are decent and every so often a get a really stellar one. My main purpose in the original post was to determine if the D5100 is a decent enough camera body to purchase additional lens for or should I be considering a different camera body first. I did have an issue with the 18-55 where the focus ring was somewhat floppy and I'd get out of focus pics. But I discovered that one of the focus rings had broke and I replaced that today. Hopefully that issure is resolved.
Jan 23, 2017 20:09:23 #
fiberfinn wrote:
I should have worded the post differently. I didn... (show quote)
I would suggest that you first try one of these online classes by Nikon.
https://online.nikonschool.com/courses/
I have a set of dvds that I got when I bought my D3000 that helped me immensely.
http://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/photography-accessories/videos-and-dvds.page#archived
Jan 23, 2017 20:26:44 #
The d5100 is a decent camera and will serve you well. Sure a d7100 or d7200 would for me a preferred choice. If you are going to upgrade you lenses, then get something really good like the 17-55 2.8. Save your money and buy once and get the best. Until then you are covered with what you have. All this also depends on if you are staying with dx format. Cameras and lenses can lead you into the poor house if your not careful. Good Luck. Leon
Jan 23, 2017 21:44:38 #
My brother-in-law bought that camera as soon as it came out. I think he has the same zoom lens you do plus he added a prime 100m for portraits. He does very well with it. Some of things he does is make Christmas cards of his family, calendars which he uses as Christmas gifts and other occasions. He has a studio in his house and takes portraits. He likes to do senior shots. He's one of the school's photographers; in other words he is having a blast with it. He is not interested in upgrading because he understands the camera and its limitations.
Jan 24, 2017 00:25:28 #
fiberfinn wrote:
However, I haven't seen any of you mention the D5100 so I'm wondering if this body is worth purchasing additional lens or should I consider a different camera body. .
The D5100 is a Dx format sensor, so the Nikon 18-200 and 18-300 would work. You could also use whatever lens you buy on any Dx formate Nikon body, like a D7200. In the same price range is the Sigma 18-300, which is an excellent lens.
Jan 24, 2017 07:02:10 #
fiberfinn wrote:
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I... (show quote)
Yes, keep the D5100. Put your money towards more good lenses. I own a D5100 and get VERY good results with it.
Jan 24, 2017 07:45:16 #
fiberfinn wrote:
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I... (show quote)
Before spending another $700, use what you have. You're doing this for fun, so have fun with it. You have a good camera and two good lenses. Generally speaking, the wider the focal length range, the less satisfactory the results will be, but you have to realistic in your expectations. If you enlarge your images 200% and examine them in detail, you'll find things you don't like.
Jan 24, 2017 08:39:29 #
I also have the D5100, 18-55 and 55-200; great, versatile, lightweight camera and lens set. The quality of photos is all myself, or most people need, and yes, they are even marketable, though I'm not a business person. Seems a bit redundant to get the 18-200, just because you don't want to change lenses now 'n then. I've only considered that when I'm shooting fast-paced soccer, but if sports aren't your thing, just save the money, maybe get a 35 1.8 for those times a fast lens will be needed. Lets see some of your better shots!
Jan 24, 2017 08:50:59 #
Last spring, I purchased a D5500 with the same two lenses (18 - 55 and 55 - 300mm) as yours and like you, I consider myself a good amateur shooting the same subjects as you. When I realized I was changing lenses all the time, I asked about an 18 - 300mm lens as a good all-around lens. The UHH answers pretty much agreed that an 18 - 300mm lens is going to have compromises to allow for that big a range in focal lengths. They said I would be better off with a good 18 - 200mm or 18 - 250mm lens that will have less distortion and better focusing. I also asked about the difference between a Nikon lens and a Sigma or Tamron lens. There were mixed answers some said stick with Nikon others said Sigmas and Tamrons are just as good. Universally, everyone said you can save a few bucks on a camera body (I couldn't afford a D7200) but don't ever skimp on the lens so I'l probably stick with Nikon and be safe.
Jan 24, 2017 10:51:28 #
fiberfinn wrote:
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I... (show quote)
I purchased that same kit from Costco about 4 years ago. I have been very happy with everything in the kit (except for the camera bag). I purchased an 18 - 140 DX lens after a couple of years. That is on my camera about 90 percent of the time. I use the 50 - 300 lens when I want more reach for birding, some sports, graduations, etc.
You have an excellent camera. I would not worry about buying additional lenses for it. As long as you anticipate you will always stick to a DX format camera, you can stick with DX lenses. If you think that you might eventually go to a full frame Nikon, then consider FF lenses.
Jan 24, 2017 11:19:12 #
The D5100 is not mentioned much because it's an older generation camera. I bought the same kit in Costco when it came out. I upgraded to the D5300 because I wanted more megapixels; better for enlargements.
I added my Sigma 17-70 before I got the D5300.
Nothing wrong with the D5100. The 18-55 was a nice lens. In daylight I got some really sharp pictures. I sold it when I bought the Sigma.
I added my Sigma 17-70 before I got the D5300.
Nothing wrong with the D5100. The 18-55 was a nice lens. In daylight I got some really sharp pictures. I sold it when I bought the Sigma.
Jan 24, 2017 11:48:58 #
fiberfinn wrote:
New to the site and I quickly learned how little I... (show quote)
I use my Nikon 18-200 as my walk around lens and love it!
Jan 24, 2017 14:37:06 #
New to this site too. Bought from Costco, a D3300 a few years ago and not long ago added the 18-300 to the kit. It is now my go to lens and is on the camera almost all the time. It is HEAVY, and I mean HEAVY to hold all day long. I love what I can do with it but if I had found this site before I purchased this lens I might have gone for the 18-140 instead.
Photography is a hobby for me. Just know that Nikon makes two 18-300 lenses. I still use the 18-55 but now have no use for the 55-200 that also came with the camera kit. (I got rid of the bag and now use a small backpack by Lowepro that I love.)
Photography is a hobby for me. Just know that Nikon makes two 18-300 lenses. I still use the 18-55 but now have no use for the 55-200 that also came with the camera kit. (I got rid of the bag and now use a small backpack by Lowepro that I love.)
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