Recommended "First Lens" purchase for a Nikon 7100: Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get...

The guardian Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I would suggest either the 18-105 or the 18-140 lens. Both are f3.5-5.6 G ED VR lenses and you can get your D7100 with either lens.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

A little birdie told me recently that an SB-700 is a good flash and can be had for about $325.00. On the other hand, you should be able to find a very respectable lens within your budget and don't overlook refurbs from Adorama, B & H, KEH and Cameta.

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

The Nikon SB-700 is a great flash. A bit expensive but the Nikon TTL(through the lens)flash system is what you want on a Nikon Camera. If adjusts the flash power by using the camera's focusing system to determine how far away the subject is, thus giving you a (near) perfect amount of flash so the subject isn't blown out or in the dark.
Many will rave about the cheaper knock-offs, but the way I looked at it when I bought mine was. You are only going to buy the Nikon once(hopefully.) Cheap flashes are just that.....a cheap flash ...and they come and go!

photon56 Loc: North America

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Nikkor 35mm f1.8 is a great lens, very good low light capabilities that will compliment the D7100 nicely.

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

Will it come with a lens or is it the body only. Inquiring minds want to know and if you already have things to work with it would be helpful to know what so that other suggestions can be made. :wink:

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

I like constant aperture, large aperture capability and being able to go onto a full frame in the event of future upgrades.
Have a look at the Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF).

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Although you probably should start with a Zoom...If you are going the route of Prime Lenses, you can't beat a Nifty Fifty." The 50mmG f1.8 is a very good lens at a reasonable price. New about $200. You can find them used everywhere. Try Ebay. Make sure you get the "G" model

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I'd say the 18-140 and a SB910....or 2 if you can swing it.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Having helped a family member move from a D3100 to a D7100 over the past few weeks, I'd suggest this older model: NIKON 17-55MM F/2.8G. I see a few copies on KEH this evening just above your target budget. Her previous 18-105 'go to' hasn't been mounted since this lens arrived via an UHH private sale.

MarkD Loc: NYC

I suggest the 18-105 VR or 18-140 VR. You should be able to find a kit with either one of them at a good price. They are both good sharp lenses and reasonably priced.

For a flash, I suggest an SB-700. The new SB-500 looks good and is less expensive. I love my SB-600. It's discontinued, but it's available refurbished and used. Try keh.com (IMO the best for used gear), B&H, and Adorama.

amehta Loc: Boston

Nikon_DonB wrote:

Although you probably should start with a Zoom...If you are going the route of Prime Lenses, you can't beat a Nifty Fifty." The 50mmG f1.8 is a very good lens at a reasonable price. New about $200. You can find them used everywhere. Try Ebay. Make sure you get the "G" model

The D7100 does not require the autofocus motor of the AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. Is there another reason you recommend that over the AF 50mm f/1.8D?

amehta Loc: Boston

The guardian wrote:

Thanks for all of your wonderful input. I will get my 7100 in 2 weeks! Yay! But now the next haunting question...what should I get as my go-to lens. Of course others will be purchased along the way, but I am looking for the best lens to start with. I am trying to accomplish this for under $700. Let the suggestions begin! Oh yeah, and any speed light recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

All indications are that one of the best lenses for image quality is the Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC, $800, just slightly over your budget. It covers the wide to normal focal length range as well as any lens available for the DX camera. Whether it is the right lens for you depends on your shooting tendencies.

For a speedlight, a used SB800, $300-330 at KEH, is a good option.

The guardian Loc: Fort Worth, TX

More than likely it will be a "Body Only" set up.Most package deals seem to contain a lot of cheap stuff. I want to do this "right" from the start.

Photo.Jerry

photon56 wrote:

Nikkor 35mm f1.8 is a great lens, very good low light capabilities that will compliment the D7100 nicely.

I got that lens as my second addition after a 55-200 tele. I love the 35. Razor sharp, great ability to create out of focus backgrounds and the low light capabilities extend your shooting opportunities. Highly recommended