which lens? need recomendations!

[joshuasky]

I am currently shooting using a D3000 and a 35mm f/1.8 lens (for the most part). Although I have been growing less satisfied with its ability to shoot at a close range. So after doing some quick research i have been drawn to two lens models:

1) Nikon 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED IF AF Zoom-Wide Angle
2) AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED

Does anyone have suggestions/other recommended lenses?

[OsmosisStudios]

What do you mean by "close range"? Like getting the lens cloer to the subject? then the macro is best.

[Seba]

these two lenses you stated are lightning years apart. If you don't need zoom ability, than 60mm f/2.8 is a way to go. It beats 18-35 in probably any category.

If you're looking at macro than sigma 150mm f/2.8 is a great choice. Also, tamron 17-50 f/2.8 is a no-brainer for that money, but as you see from my suggestions, you didn't said clearly what kind of a lens you want.

So, all-round, macro, telephoto?

[joshuasky]

I want to have the subject be more magnified than my current lens allows. and from what ive noticed both of those lenses are able to do so. But yeah, from what people have told me, the macro is probably more of what i'm looking for, Are both of those lenses compatible with nikon?

[inkista]

For macro, you might also want to consider a 100/2.8 macro lens, vs. a 60mm/2.8 macro, simply for the working distance. Living subjects like bugs, birds, lizards, etc. tend not to like it when you get too close. With a 60 you're mostly right on top of the subject and only inches away. It's great for tabletop and flower macros, but for bugs not so much.

I got a 60 macro, because my other hobbies include origami and vintage fountain pen repair, and (for a while) I was growing miniature roses.