mnadam Loc: Minneapolis, Minnesota

First time creating a thread here so be kind because I'm fairly new to photography, but I'm wondering if I could solicit some free advice. I currently have a d3200 with the 35mm prime 1.8, the kit 18-55, and the 55-200 f/4-5.6G. Picking up a couple side shifts the next couple days (its how I fund my photography) that could net me around $500. I'm trying to decide whether to save and look for a Christmas deal on a D7100 and sell my D3200.... or hold off on the new body and add the 85mm prime f/1.8 to my bag. I have the 35 f/1.8 prime and absolutely love it, but there are times I wish I had a bit more reach. The reviews I've read on the 85 mm all say that the lens is amazing. I don't feel like the D3200 is holding me back that much and I really like it, except that it doesn't have an internal focus motor, which limits the lenses I can use with autofocus. Thus my want to spring for the D7100. As a result, I'm rather torn. I shoot a lot inside with no flash, a lot of pictures of my 13 month old daughter, but I also like to get outside and shoot some nature shots. Thoughts? Advice?

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

"I don't feel like the D3200 is holding me back that much and I really like it..."

"I have the 35 f/1.8 prime and absolutely love it, but there are times I wish I had a bit more reach. The reviews I've read on the 85 mm all say that the lens is amazing."

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

M, welcome to the Hog.
I don't think one can get free advice here. Any advice will end up costing you money!! :lol:
M, I'm not sure you should do either. Maybe what you really need is a decent little flash. Even your pop-up flash is infinitely faster than the 85 1.8. I know a flash is not near as exotic as a new lens or camera, but once you get to know how to use it really well, especially off-camera, your shots will start to look professional. The flash has the potential to make more of a difference in your photography than the other two. Get a 5in1 reflector with it. Look at the Yongnuo line of flashes. It's just a thought.
By the way, I have an 85 and very rarely find a use for it, even for portraits. When I need speed, my 50 1.4 is my go-to lens. The 50 will do portraits as well.
Again, welcome and good luck with your choices! ;-)
SS

Lenf Loc: Strasburg,PA

I would go for the lens...

amehta Loc: Boston

The 85mm prime is my most used lens. This is on a FX camera, so you would see something a little different on the DX camera. But if you have the 35mm prime, the 85mm is a great complement. I find the 50mm is too similar to the 35mm in many cases to really be distinguished.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Yes I'd agree....get the very best glass now.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

If you consult snapsort and compare the D3200 to the D7100 you will notice a few things that the D7100 does that the D3200 can't. Commander mode, 1/8000 shutter speed, focus motor.
The loss of any of these will not keep you from making great images.

But when you look at low light performance, image quality & dynamic range. The difference is marginal.

When faced with the decision to upgrade my D3000 to a 5200, a 7100 or just get some $1500 glass. I went the D7100 route--so I could have a focus motor because a want some AF glass.
Truth is, I just wanted to have that extra LCD screen on the top. And I wanted something that filled my hand better.

amehta Loc: Boston

I agree that there are some nice features of the D7100, and if those are really important, then the decision would be pretty easy in favor of the new camera.

In the OP's case, the choice is between $500 glass and saving a little more for the D7100. I think a major factor is that the image quality between the D7100 and the D3200 is fairly close, but the image quality between the D7100 + 55-200mm lens (DxOMark=13) and D3200 + 85mm f/1.8G (DxOMark=27) not.

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

Adam, you just touched on one of the classic problems of modern digital photographers.

Let me just mention this; bodies come and go, but lenses last forever. ;)

As long as you stick with the Nikon platform, that 85mm lens will STILL be producing tack sharp photos. On the other hand, the D7100 is an AMAZING camera with quiet a few more capabilities than your D3200... so many more in fact that you will be amazed.

Ideally you would want both the lens AND the new body... but if you get a good deal on the glass I say go for it first!

GOOD LUCK!

Pi Loc: Polk County, Iowa

Have you considered a zoom lens? I have a Nikon 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 zoom lens mounted on my D5100. I am very happy with it. I have the wide angle for most of the interior shots and it has that little bit of reach when you need it. I can't remember taking it off of the camera since I bought it in May 2013. I, like you, try to never use a flash and I have taken a lot of interior available light with really good results.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Instead of trying to never use a flash, try to use off camera flash and be amazed at the difference.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Welcome to our forum!

That's the universal question: new body or new lens? I tend to favor the body. The D7100 is a great camera. Get that now, sell the D3200, and get the 85mm later. Cameta has good deals on refurbs.

http://www.cameta.com/index.cfm?fa=display.search&page=1&keywords=d7100%20refurb

Jim Bob

Really tough question. The image quality between the 3200 and the 7100 is so close that under normal circumstances a difference would not be readily discernible. The extra money really buys you added features. The 85 is an amazing lens with wide apertures that would compliment your indoor shots. I think I would opt for the lens at this time.

OviedoPhotos

Get the lens. Sometime soon Nikon will offer an even better upgrade to the 7100. The glass they sell is just awesome and works forever.

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

:thumbup: