D3100

[Johnny5]

I don't know if this is in the right spot. I have decided to purchase a Nikon D3100. I have been told I should have 3 lenses- I ask of you What would you recommend as far as lenses. Thank you in advance

[RichardTaylor]

I would just run with a standard (approx 18-50) kit lens until you figure out your needs. You will know after a while if you need wider or longer or faster (for shooting hand held in existing low light)

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Johnny5

I have been told I should have 3 lenses

By whom?

That's just silly.

[Johnny5]

I was told 3 lenses by a few different ppl that are friends and 1 is a professional photographer. The lenses she says are a regular - Wide angle & A telephoto. Now I am asking which ones-- The D3100 I am purchasing comes with 18-55 vr lens & a 55-300mm VR Zoom-- with looking at different cameras and doing my research thus far I have went this way-- I am just looking for some helpful hints. I watch this site I am find it helpful and look forward to learning more here--- Thank You

[RichardTaylor]

I am a Canon shooter however the same principals apply.

For an ultrawide zoom for use in reasonable lighting I would consider a Nikon the 10/12-24mm zoom

If you would be doing a lot of hand held low available light shooting I would be looking at the F2.8 14-24mm.

With a telephoto lens it depends on what you want to use it for and in what lighting conditions.

What do you want to use your telephoto lens for (ie how much reach do you need and is focussing speed important - like for sports)?
What is the worst case lighting conditions will you be shooting in - this will determine the maximum aperture you should be looking at)?

Also your budget may come into it as well.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Johnny5

I was told 3 lenses by a few different ppl that are friends and 1 is a professional photographer. The lenses she says are a regular - Wide angle & A telephoto. Now I am asking which ones-- The D3100 I am purchasing comes with 18-55 vr lens & a 55-300mm VR Zoom-- with looking at different cameras and doing my research thus far I have went this way-- I am just looking for some helpful hints. I watch this site I am find it helpful and look forward to learning more here--- Thank You

Having three lenses right away is likely going to be far more than you need. Look at just a midrange zoom and see where that takes you. You might find that you want longer, or wider, or faster. But without experience you can't judge that well.

I have 4 lenses: a wideangle (Nikon's 10-24), a midrange (Nikon 18-70), and a telephoto (Nikon 70-300 VR). I also have a 50mm f/1.8.

They each have their own uses, but I started with the midrange and looked at what I wanted. I got the telephoto first, as I needed the reach, and while I was looking at a wide-angle, at the time the only option was the 12-24 and that simply wasnt wide enough for me.

[Johnny5]

Thank you for all the responses...

[bigben6]

I agree the arbitrary "3 lenses" is odd, but if you HAD to fit that mold, id get the previously stated 10-24, the 18-105, and a 70-200 f2.8, but thats me... your needs/wants may differ and lead you to something else, you may not need fast glass, you may need more zoom, so maybe the 70-300 would be better for you than the 70-200 f2.8, as was also stated, shoot a bit and see what you feel your missing then decide..

[Dennismc]

The two lens that you are getting will suit you just fine for the near term, if not longer.


The optics in the 18-55 Kit lens are great! The 55-300 zoom is also a great lens! Having both in a VR version is just a bonus.

Most of the range you need is already there, in those two lens.

Once you start shooting and begin to get a feel for what and how you shoot then you can start looking at getting some nice replacement glass to fill in the areas you shoot the most in.

BUT with that said, a GREAT lens to add to the stock kit, is the af-s 35mm 1.8 nikon! This is a superb lens for the price around 200.00! And a great first prime lens!

Until you really get into it, use the lens you are getting with it, and save the cash, or spend the extra on a GOOD tripod, a remote shutter release, spare battery, and a would say a external flash, (nice sb-600 pairs nicely with the 3100!)