Nikon lens ....having problems deciding: I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8.... What would be a good choice to fill any...

Debilou Loc: Missouri

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
What would be a good choice to fill any void that my exist...mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens

Or

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

Why? What kind of events? Indoor or outdoor?

Debilou wrote:

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
What would be a good choice to fill any void that my exist...mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens

Or

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

Debilou Loc: Missouri

Mostly inside events but some outside...

oldtigger Loc: Roanoke Virginia-USA

Debilou wrote:

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
.....mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...
...Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens..Or...Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

35/1.8, for $120 it takes great pictures

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Get your self the 18-140mm lens and a SB910 flash. This shot was taken with those and a D5100.

(Download)

amehta Loc: Boston

Debilou wrote:

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
What would be a good choice to fill any void that my exist...mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens

Or

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

How do you expect that either lens would improve your photographs or photography?

I don't think the difference between the 35mm and 50mm primes is enough to really benefit from having both, especially when you also have the zoom. Similarly, the 55-200mm zoom would be completely redundant with the 70-300mm zoom.

Perhaps look through your pictures and identify what focal lengths you use the most, and if any of those would benefit from a prime lens instead of a zoom.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

You have 18 to 300 covered. I think you WANT a lens. You have no void in focal length, but you do have void in quality lenses.

I would say get the 17-55 - a FAAAAR superior lens to the 18-55. It is a constant f/2.8 and sharp as can be.

Anything you get from now on should emphasize higher-quality/low-light capability. Why wast money on more consumer-level variable aperture lenses - you have those. The 50 1.8 being the exception - that is a great lens for the money.

One thing you should note is that the new $1500 lens will not improve your images unless you need the low-light stuff.

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

I'm with Brett, get the speedlight and just use what you have.
And if you still need to get something else, get a 5 in 1 collapsable reflector. ;-)
SS

DHunter Loc: Arkansas

Bret wrote:

Get your self the 18-140mm lens and a SB910 flash. This shot was taken with those and a D5100.

Awesome lighting, and subject.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

If you shoot outdoor consider the 150-500mm Sigma. Great lens for the money with a ton of reach. You can find them reasonably priced now.

RGH

mosty take portrait type photos, GET A USED "85mm 1.8 G"

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

CaptainC wrote:

You have 18 to 300 covered. I think you WANT a len... (show quote)

:thumbup: :thumbup:

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Debilou wrote:

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
What would be a good choice to fill any void that my exist...mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens

Or

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

We are all different and we have different priorities. In my case I do not buy a lens to fill a gap rather buy it because the lens fits my photographic needs.
Of the three lenses that you own the 70-300 can do very well for portraits. The 50mm can be also used for for portraits in low light.
Most amateur lenses are multifocal with slow apertures and in many cases it is necessary to raise the ISO speed in camera to be able to photograph with them in low light conditions.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

CaptainC wrote:

You have 18 to 300 covered. I think you WANT a len... (show quote)

I'm with the Captain, "Anything you get from now on should emphasize higher-quality/low-light capability.". ;)

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Debilou wrote:

I am considering another lens for my D3100...I have the 18-55mm kit lens, 70-300mm, and 50mm f1.8....
What would be a good choice to fill any void that my exist...mosty take portrait type photos...some school events...

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF ED Telephoto Zoom lens

Or

Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 Standard Lens....

I have a D7100 and I use a Nikkor 50mm 1.4 lens for portraits.. great bokeh and good sharp images.. you need to make SURE that it is a G lens for that camera or you will have to manual focus.. The G has the built in Silent Wave Motor. Mine is a D since I have a D7100 it has a focus motor in the camera your D3100 does not have the motor in the camera so you need to make sure any lens you get has a focus motor in the lens.