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Dec 5, 2017 17:24:53   #
sjb3
 
In my relatively short time as a member of this fine community, I've been both educated and entertained. Photography is (for me) an enjoyable hobby, but for many here it's a serious avocation, to say nothing of those members who are professionals (which is where the education comes in). Anyway, I'm proud to say that, thanks in large part to UHH, I'll be moving up to my first DSLR, after doing my (apprenticeship?) on various point/shoot & bridge cameras over the past 8 years.

I'm limited budget-wise, but after a lot of research I've ordered (from B&H) a Nikon D5300 body. I realize it's vintage 2013, but it's a fine instrument just the same. I like to make timelapse; it's got a built-in intervalometer. I've come to truly depend on an articulated LCD; it's got one of those, too, and it's not touch-screen (can't explain why, but I just don't like them). It shoots 60 fps video. 24 megapixels. Plenty of horsepower for my skill level and budget.

Now, here's where I appeal to the UHH members for expert advice. As stated, I've got a DX Body on order; I decided against kit lenses. The 18-140 mm Nikkor is interesting and not outrageously expensive; has a modest wide-angle capacity despite the 1.5x crop factor, and a bit more telephoto reach (which I don't need a lot of anyway, wide-angle being more suited to my style than telephoto). What do you think of it? Any suggested alternatives?

The best film camera I ever owned, and that I made some very nice pictures with, was a Ricoh Singlex with 50mm f 1.4 normal lens ('way back in 1970!). Given that 1.5x crop factor, what lens today (Nikon or other suitable brand) would be comparable? Thanks much!

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Dec 5, 2017 17:28:34   #
rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona
 
Congratulations. I'm sure you'll be using it as if you've done so for years and in a short amount of time.

For a crop sensor a 35mm lens would probably be the closest to the look of a 50mm on an FX camera.
--Bob
sjb3 wrote:
In my relatively short time as a member of this fine community, I've been both educated and entertained. Photography is (for me) an enjoyable hobby, but for many here it's a serious avocation, to say nothing of those members who are professionals (which is where the education comes in). Anyway, I'm proud to say that, thanks in large part to UHH, I'll be moving up to my first DSLR, after doing my (apprenticeship?) on various point/shoot & bridge cameras over the past 8 years.

I'm limited budget-wise, but after a lot of research I've ordered (from B&H) a Nikon D5300 body. I realize it's vintage 2013, but it's a fine instrument just the same. I like to make timelapse; it's got a built-in intervalometer. I've come to truly depend on an articulated LCD; it's got one of those, too, and it's not touch-screen (can't explain why, but I just don't like them). It shoots 60 fps video. 24 megapixels. Plenty of horsepower for my skill level and budget.

Now, here's where I appeal to the UHH members for expert advice. As stated, I've got a DX Body on order; I decided against kit lenses. The 18-140 mm Nikkor is interesting and not outrageously expensive; has a modest wide-angle capacity despite the 1.5x crop factor, and a bit more telephoto reach (which I don't need a lot of anyway, wide-angle being more suited to my style than telephoto). What do you think of it? Any suggested alternatives?

The best film camera I ever owned, and that I made some very nice pictures with, was a Ricoh Singlex with 50mm f 1.4 normal lens ('way back in 1970!). Given that 1.5x crop factor, what lens today (Nikon or other suitable brand) would be comparable? Thanks much!
In my relatively short time as a member of this fi... (show quote)

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Dec 5, 2017 17:28:50   #
maryo Loc: Santa fe
 
I have a D5300 and use a Tamron 16-300 and love it.

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Dec 5, 2017 17:38:50   #
pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA
 
The Nikon DX 35mm f1.8. A bargain that won’t disappoint. Lot’s of reviews on the web you can check out.

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Dec 5, 2017 19:06:59   #
BebuLamar
 
A 33mm f/1.0. Okay they don't make it so it's the 35mm f/1.8 DX.

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Dec 5, 2017 19:17:13   #
sjb3
 
Tamron 16-300 and Nikon DX 35mm f/1.8 are both noted and I will check them out. Thanks much, and I hope to hear about others as well.

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Dec 5, 2017 19:17:26   #
Bill_de Loc: US
 
pesfls wrote:
The Nikon DX 35mm f1.8. A bargain that won’t disappoint. Lot’s of reviews on the web you can check out.


When I first bought this lens I was shocked at how cheap it felt in my hand.
When I first used it I couldn't believe how sharp it is.

From an image quality perspective this has got to be the deal of the century!!!

I would say use it for a while and forget about a zoom. You will want a zoom eventually, but maybe not as soon as you think.

--

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Dec 5, 2017 19:25:49   #
Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida
 
Buy the 35mm 1.8 DX.

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Dec 5, 2017 19:30:40   #
sjb3
 
Bill_de wrote:
When I first bought this lens I was shocked at how cheap it felt in my hand.
When I first used it I couldn't believe how sharp it is.

From an image quality perspective this has got to be the deal of the century!!!

I would say use it for a while and forget about a zoom. You will want a zoom eventually, but maybe not as soon as you think.

--


Actually, none of my film cameras back in the day had zoom lenses and I never was much interested in them (I just moved closer to whatever I was shooting). One of my early digital cameras had the first zoom I ever used (Nikon P-80 p/s). Zoom is okay but not essential for me. I'll be taking a close look at the aforementioned 35mm f/1.8, especially since you're the third person to recommend it. Thanks much!

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Dec 5, 2017 20:06:41   #
d3200prime
 
Congrats and welcome to the world of DSLR's. You made a smart move by not wasting your money on lower quality "beginner" lense. I totally agree with the advise on a prime lens. The 35mm 1.8g is the way to go but please don't fool yourself into thinking you won't want or need a longer lens. Of course if all you ever shoot is time lapse then good but as you grow in DSLR savvy I seriously doubt you will. If I were you, with my hindsight, I would suggest you purchase two lenses in addition to your prime. One with focal length in the teens up to a short tele such as 18-70 or similar. This lens will give you some landscape capability and some length. I had the Nikon 18-70 but my hands became unsteady so I moved to the Nikon 16-85 with VR. My long lens is the Nikon 70-300mm with VR. Believe me there will be times when you will kick yourself for not having a longer lens. These lenses won't break the bank and you can find excellent used ones on ebay and other places that sell used lenses. The one factor that really has been a blessing to me is the optical stabilization technology in modern lenses. Unless you are solid in hand held you need this! Nikon calls it VR, others OS etc. What ever choice you make I welcome you and wish you well in your quest to be a better photographer. Good shooting to you and Merry Christmas!

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Dec 5, 2017 23:57:01   #
sjb3
 
You're quite right; I'll eventually add lenses to get the best use out of the camera, consistent with what I like to shoot with it. The 35mm f/1.8 came so well recommended that I've got one ordered. I'll "learn the ropes" with this lens mounted, also making max use of the 300+page reference manual (goes into a lot more detail than the simpler user's manual) and the goldmine of information available thru UHH. As I gain experience and proficiency I ought to be able to figure out what lens(es) to add. Thanks much!

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Dec 5, 2017 23:57:17   #
sjb3
 
You're quite right; I'll eventually add lenses to get the best use out of the camera, consistent with what I like to shoot with it. The 35mm f/1.8 came so well recommended that I've got one ordered. I'll "learn the ropes" with this lens mounted, also making max use of the 300+page reference manual (goes into a lot more detail than the simpler user's manual) and the goldmine of information available thru UHH. As I gain experience and proficiency I ought to be able to figure out what lens(es) to add. Thanks much!

Reply
Dec 6, 2017 06:04:27   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
sjb3 wrote:
In my relatively short time as a member of this fine community, I've been both educated and entertained. Photography is (for me) an enjoyable hobby, but for many here it's a serious avocation, to say nothing of those members who are professionals (which is where the education comes in). Anyway, I'm proud to say that, thanks in large part to UHH, I'll be moving up to my first DSLR, after doing my (apprenticeship?) on various point/shoot & bridge cameras over the past 8 years.

I'm limited budget-wise, but after a lot of research I've ordered (from B&H) a Nikon D5300 body. I realize it's vintage 2013, but it's a fine instrument just the same. I like to make timelapse; it's got a built-in intervalometer. I've come to truly depend on an articulated LCD; it's got one of those, too, and it's not touch-screen (can't explain why, but I just don't like them). It shoots 60 fps video. 24 megapixels. Plenty of horsepower for my skill level and budget.

Now, here's where I appeal to the UHH members for expert advice. As stated, I've got a DX Body on order; I decided against kit lenses. The 18-140 mm Nikkor is interesting and not outrageously expensive; has a modest wide-angle capacity despite the 1.5x crop factor, and a bit more telephoto reach (which I don't need a lot of anyway, wide-angle being more suited to my style than telephoto). What do you think of it? Any suggested alternatives?

The best film camera I ever owned, and that I made some very nice pictures with, was a Ricoh Singlex with 50mm f 1.4 normal lens ('way back in 1970!). Given that 1.5x crop factor, what lens today (Nikon or other suitable brand) would be comparable? Thanks much!
In my relatively short time as a member of this fi... (show quote)


I have a D5300, and I've used it for time lapse - stars. As for lenses, someone suggested the 70-300 VR. Below are some reviews of the Nikon. Going with third party, refurbished, or used will save you money.

http://www.bythom.com/70300VRlens.htm
https://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-70-300mm-vr
https://petapixel.com/2017/07/10/nikons-new-70-300mm-vr-lens-first-fx-lens-stepping-motor/
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/compare/Nikon_Lente_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_70-300mm_f_4-5.6G_Preta_vs_Nikon_Lente_AF-S_DX_NIKKOR_18-140mm_f_3.5-5.6G_ED_VR_vs_Nikon_Lente_AF-S_DX_NIKKOR_18-300mm_f_3.5-6.3G_ED_VR_vs_Nikon_Lente_Zoom_Telefoto_AF-S_VR_Zoom-NIKKOR_70-300mm_f_4.5-5.6G_IF-ED/BHitems/207359-GREY_999548-USA_1045736-REG_449088-USA

18mm is a good starting point for a zoom, and the 140mm is a good lens. Have you considered the 18-200mm. It's been around for a long time and is available at good prices on ebay. Sold listings below.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=nikon%2018-200mm&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684

D5300 Lens recommendations -
https://www.switchbacktravel.com/best-lenses-nikon-d5300
https://www.camerastuffreview.com/en/general/best-lens-nikon-for-d5300
http://www.smashingcamera.com/best-lenses-for-nikon-d5300/

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Dec 6, 2017 06:07:17   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
You say you like time lapse. Consider a Brinno. Adjust the settings, push the button, and you have a ready-made video - no processing.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=nikon+18-200mm&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.Xbrinno+tlc200.TRS0&_nkw=brinno+tlc200&_sacat=0

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Dec 6, 2017 06:07:19   #
CO
 
Also take a look at Tamron's new SP series prime lenses. The reason is they all have vibration reduction. They also have a metal lens barrel and are fully weather sealed. I purchased the 45mm f/1.8 for my Nikons. I use it sometimes for outdoor model photo shoots. The vibration reduction is a big help when it's not practical to use a tripod. The new lenses are the 35mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 90mm f/2.8 macro.

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