BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

I am looking for a new lense for my Nikon D3100. Been trying to get into photography and my stock lenses aren't cutting it. I was told to get a 50mm Lense. Not sure what one to get, can anyone point me in the right direction? This is all foreign to me so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

thoiboi

Yeah get the 50mm prime.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

Would you recommend the auto focus or the manual?

If I am correct from my research, the following is true:

Nikon 50mm 1.8 G - Auto focus $220
Nikon 50mm 1.8 D - Manual focus $135

thoiboi

Auto of course.

jupitersolo

A 50mm will push you more to a portrait focal length lens due to the crop sensor. I would look at a 35mm f1.8, it's about $200, and a really good lens.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

If I were to get both would it be worth it? Would they be very similar or would you be able to tell the difference?

pttl

What are you interested in shooting? what are the "stock lenses" you have that you are not happy with?

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

18-55 / 70-200

I would like to shoot cars/bikes/nature/pets/people

Maybe I need to get into editing pictures but they don't seem to be good with the lenses I have. People say I have the eye for photography but it just doesn't cut it for me.

SamDoe1

What's your budget? If you can afford both then get both. You won't get a good quality zoom for the price of both of those lenses anyway. The 50mm prime would be great for cars, bikes, nature, etc on a crop while the 35mm would be great for people and pets. Though you most definitely can get away with just the 35mm. If in doubt between two in a close focal length range, I'd go with the wider one as you can always crop in if needed.

is300eater

you'd be surprised how much better your images would be if you learned how to edit better (with or without the kit lens)

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

Is there any good reads out there for starters? Maybe really learning how to use the camera to its fullest is where I should start.

SamDoe1

To be honest, the best resource is Youtube. Check that out and buy a copy of Lightroom.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

I have CS7 MasterCollection. I will see what I can do with some editing on there.

BreezyTL

iTrader: (8)

So I found someone selling a 35MM and a 50MM for $250. Sounds like a good deal. I will bring my camera with to test them out. Any other suggestions before I hand over the cash?

2001AudiS4

One of my favorite lenses for a DX body is the 17-55 F/2.8. Not being made any longer, but if you can fine one used and in good shape (will probably run north of $500), it is worth it. Very sharp lens and you are not limited to a prime lens. I do have the 35mm f1.8 and it is a great little lens, but I never us it. I have the 24-70 f/2.8 which gets most of the use. I struggled with whether to pick up a 17-55 or a 24-70. Since the 24-70 is good for both DX and FX bodies, I went that route in case I upgrade bodies.