truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

I have a question for the Street Crew.

I am for all intent and purposes a non- professional. Photography is my hobby. I have a Nikon D3300 that I am happy with and don't ever see myself going full frame. I did, before coming here, purchased an 18-300 lens figuring it would cover all my needs without having to change lens. I now know that was a mistake from reading here and also from experience. That lens is heavy and presents a problem if I'm lugging it around all day, which I seldom do. If I had it to do all over again I would have opted for something in the 18/24 - 104/140 range from what I have learned from reading the Hog. Now I'm thinking about a 35mm prime for my next purchase for taking street photos. I go to street festivals and most of the pics I take are in and around that focal length. I also have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm kit lens that came with the camera. I still use the 18-55 on occasion, but haven't used the 55-200 since I bought the new lens. So, what say the Street Hogs, 35mm prime? Oh, and I'll also be picking up a 85mm macro in the deal.

Pilot 6 Loc: Eugene, OR

The kit lenses are first rate optically and ergonomically. They're cheap enough to replace if you lose or break one---or wear one out--which you won't do. I just got a 24mm 2.8D which makes a great 36mm on my D5300. It won't AF on the 5300 or on any DX camera below the 7000 series because it has no motor. My 90 yr. old eyes have no problem with the manual focusing--aided by the range finder dot. Having no motor, this Japan-made lens will probably outlast the China-made 24/1.8G at less than half the cost.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Without question, the 35mm 1.8 DX would serve you well.

Voss

If you shoot nothing but festivals, the 35mm will probably be OK. If you shoot on the street, well, good luck. I bought a 35mm for my D5200, specifically for street shooting. Used it twice for about five minutes each time, then ran back for my 18-200. The 35mm just doesn't have any reach, especially if you shoot across streets and down streets, as I frequently do. As far as changing lenses during a shoot, it seems it would be a pain and a waste of time. Besides, you don't know where your next shot will be coming from. Will it be seven feet to your left, or across the street? Even at festivals (and I've been to a lot this past year) I take the zoom. But, this is just one person's opinion and shooting habits.

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

Well that sure answers my question of using the 35 for Street. Thanks, Voss.

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

I have no problem with the kit lens that came with the camera. Used them for over a year. I like the range of the 18-300 ... just looking for more. If I had it to do all over again I would have bought in the range of 18 -140.

truckster Loc: Tampa Bay Area

I'm sure it will ... for things other than street, so it seems.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I agree with Voss. I only have an 18-55 that I use for street photography, but at times I wish it would go longer because, as he says, sometimes you need the reach. I wouldn't restrict myself to the 35. Sometimes it isn't wide enough, and sometimes it isn't long enough.

Mr Bob

Highly recommended by the pros Nikon AF NIKKOR 24-85mm f/2.8-4D IF Lens Less than $800
This is Bryan Peterson's top choice for street photography.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

I have a d7200 and use a nikkor 18-200 that I use indoor , out door , night time , day time , cloudy sunny. In other words all the time. I usually only take it off to use my sigma 150 -600C. It might be simple and cheap but it works for me.

PAR4DCR Loc: A Sunny Place

Agree 100%. I shoot street with the 18-200mm 95% of the time. I find it to very sharp lens and suits my needs very well.

Don