? about lens for Nikon D3100

[amandaw]

I am really new to my Nikon D3100 and DSLR cameras, in general. I am going to my 1st class this coming Saturday! Anyway, my camera came with 1 lens, a Nikon DX AF-S VR Nikkor 18-55 mm. I would like 1 more lens with a little more zoom. I found one on the Nikon website, a DX AF-S VR Nikkor 55-200mm; f/4-5.6G. To all the experts here, would this be a good "next step" lens for me? I am trying to figure out which lens I want before my class on Saturday. That way, I can shop around to see what the going price for the lens is, that way I can see if the camera place I'm going to is reasonable. Hope this all makes sense! Oh, and since I'm new to all this, please let me know if I did not put enough technical info in my post! Thanks to anyone who can lend some advice to a newbie!

 

[VVFF]

That option is a good one provided you are ok with changing lenses between the two.

 

[amandaw]

Oh yes, I'm okay with switching between two lenses. Thank you so much for the input!

 

[disneyfaninaz]

When I bought my Nikon D5000, I got both the 18-55mm and 55-200 mm lenses with my kit. I use them both about equally. They are good lenses to start out with.

 

[amandaw]

When I bought my Nikon D5000, I got both the 18-55mm and 55-200 mm lenses with my kit. I use them both about equally. They are good lenses to start out with.

Oh good, I'm so glad to know that! With being new to this type of camera, it really helps knowing that I'm on the right track of which lens I should get next. Thank you so much!

 

[Experiment_626]

Nikon also makes a 55-300 VR lens that would work with your camera. It is fairly new on the market, and I think it runs somewhere between $350-$400.

Scott

 

[amandaw]

Nikon also makes a 55-300 VR lens that would work with your camera. It is fairly new on the market, and I think it runs somewhere between $350-$400.

Scott

Thank you for that information! Will have to look into this one as well.....

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thank you for that information! Will have to look into this one as well.....

All the pictures in my TR were taken with the Sigma 18-250 OS HSM on my Nikon D5000. I had the 18-55 and the 55-200 which both worked out great for what I was doing but after a bit I got tired of swapping lenses and went with that one. B&H had it used for under $400 after shipping when I ordered it. It's heavy compared to the other 2 but well worth it to me.

It's just another thought.

 

[amandaw]

All the pictures in my TR were taken with the Sigma 18-250 OS HSM on my Nikon D5000. I had the 18-55 and the 55-200 which both worked out great for what I was doing but after a bit I got tired of swapping lenses and went with that one. B&H had it used for under $400 after shipping when I ordered it. It's heavy compared to the other 2 but well worth it to me.

It's just another thought.

Thanks for that input! That's definitely one I need to look at since I wouldn't have to take time to switch. BTW...your pictures are really good in your trip report!

Just curious, when you did use the 2 lenses, did find you were able to use the 55-200 most of the time at Disney? Or did a lot of shots still need the 18-55? Thanks!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Thanks for that input! That's definitely one I need to look at since I wouldn't have to take time to switch. BTW...your pictures are really good in your trip report!

Just curious, when you did use the 2 lenses, did find you were able to use the 55-200 most of the time at Disney? Or did a lot of shots still need the 18-55? Thanks!

The 18-55 was a must when taking pictures of the kids when we were close up like on a ride together and I wanted to get their reaction. There were a few times (like on Dumbo sitting next to Logan) where I wish I had something even wider like a 11-14 mm. When I had the 2 lenses I took my bag with me everywhere we went which can be a little much sometime. On the last trip after the 2nd day I left the bag in our room and just carried the camera around my neck. It freaked me out for a bit not having the bag, but it was so nice not lugging it around.

This trip I plan on using the 18-250 and also my 35mm 1.8 lens. I'm thinking of getting a pouch that can go on my belt or my wife's purse to put the lens into so I still won't need the bag.

 

[amandaw]

The 18-55 was a must when taking pictures of the kids when we were close up like on a ride together and I wanted to get their reaction. There were a few times (like on Dumbo sitting next to Logan) where I wish I had something even wider like a 11-14 mm. When I had the 2 lenses I took my bag with me everywhere we went which can be a little much sometime. On the last trip after the 2nd day I left the bag in our room and just carried the camera around my neck. It freaked me out for a bit not having the bag, but it was so nice not lugging it around.

This trip I plan on using the 18-250 and also my 35mm 1.8 lens. I'm thinking of getting a pouch that can go on my belt or my wife's purse to put the lens into so I still won't need the bag.

Yeah, I had a feeling that for up close on rides I would still need the one I already have. And I'm thinking when we go to Epcot, I will maybe use that one a lot. I like to take close up shots of flowers, etc. Guess I need to decide how much switching I may or may not be doing. If I may switch a lot, it may be worth the extra $ to get the lens you told me about. Decisions, decisions....

I don't think I will ever be brave enough not to take a camera bag with me. That would probably send me over the edge with my OCD tendencies....haha! But, I have bought myself a new bag for vacationing that I am hoping will work well. Seems like I've read lots of people on these boards use this type - a Lowepro Slingshot 100. I'm excited to try it out! Thank you again for all your help! It really has been most useful. I'm so excited to take my class Saturday & start learning how to really use this camera. And, hopefully, by then I'll have figured out which extra lens I want!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Yeah, I had a feeling that for up close on rides I would still need the one I already have. And I'm thinking when we go to Epcot, I will maybe use that one a lot. I like to take close up shots of flowers, etc. Guess I need to decide how much switching I may or may not be doing. If I may switch a lot, it may be worth the extra $ to get the lens you told me about. Decisions, decisions....

I don't think I will ever be brave enough not to take a camera bag with me. That would probably send me over the edge with my OCD tendencies....haha! But, I have bought myself a new bag for vacationing that I am hoping will work well. Seems like I've read lots of people on these boards use this type - a Lowepro Slingshot 100. I'm excited to try it out! Thank you again for all your help! It really has been most useful. I'm so excited to take my class Saturday & start learning how to really use this camera. And, hopefully, by then I'll have figured out which extra lens I want!

Actually, that's the bag I was talking about I take that thing EVERYWHERE. It is nice to throw it in there on a roller coaster or something bumpy. The padding is pretty good when it gets bumped around. I also keep my wireless remote shutter release, extra lens, external flash, spare battery, battery charger, extra memory, lens cleaning cloth, and a smaller camera (Nikon P80,) all tucked away in that bag. I don't take it out in the rain much but I have been caught in a few showers here and there. The rain jacket built into the bag has come in handy. I've thought about going with a larger bag so I can fit my laptop into it also but I just can't justify it right now. When I was using the 18-55 and the 55-200 I didn't have an external flash at the time. I did have the 35mm lens and everything fits very nicely inside.

 

[Wadecool]

Yeah, I had a feeling that for up close on rides I would still need the one I already have. And I'm thinking when we go to Epcot, I will maybe use that one a lot. I like to take close up shots of flowers, etc. Guess I need to decide how much switching I may or may not be doing. If I may switch a lot, it may be worth the extra $ to get the lens you told me about. Decisions, decisions....

I don't think I will ever be brave enough not to take a camera bag with me. That would probably send me over the edge with my OCD tendencies....haha! But, I have bought myself a new bag for vacationing that I am hoping will work well. Seems like I've read lots of people on these boards use this type - a Lowepro Slingshot 100. I'm excited to try it out! Thank you again for all your help! It really has been most useful. I'm so excited to take my class Saturday & start learning how to really use this camera. And, hopefully, by then I'll have figured out which extra lens I want!

I've had my new D3100 for a few months now and love it, but it is definitely a learning process. When I bought mine, it was a kit that included the 18-55 & 55-200 lenses. I find that I use the lenses equally as much, so I'll probably take them both to the parks when we go in a couple weeks.

I also have the Lowepro Slingshot 102 and love it as well. It is perfect for a DSLR newbie like myself since all I'm carrying is the camera, 2 lenses, spare battery, and memory cards. I have taken this bag on several outings so far and it is beyond handy, it's so nice to have a bag you don't need to take off in order to get to your gear.

 

[amandaw]

Actually, that's the bag I was talking about I take that thing EVERYWHERE. It is nice to throw it in there on a roller coaster or something bumpy. The padding is pretty good when it gets bumped around. I also keep my wireless remote shutter release, extra lens, external flash, spare battery, battery charger, extra memory, lens cleaning cloth, and a smaller camera (Nikon P80,) all tucked away in that bag. I don't take it out in the rain much but I have been caught in a few showers here and there. The rain jacket built into the bag has come in handy. I've thought about going with a larger bag so I can fit my laptop into it also but I just can't justify it right now. When I was using the 18-55 and the 55-200 I didn't have an external flash at the time. I did have the 35mm lens and everything fits very nicely inside.

Wow! You fit a lot in that bag. It does seem like it will fit all that I need for my D3100. Plus, I am bringing my p&s camera. I thought the built in rain jacket was the coolest thing ever when I saw it! I'm such a dork....haha!

I've had my new D3100 for a few months now and love it, but it is definitely a learning process. When I bought mine, it was a kit that included the 18-55 & 55-200 lenses. I find that I use the lenses equally as much, so I'll probably take them both to the parks when we go in a couple weeks.

I also have the Lowepro Slingshot 102 and love it as well. It is perfect for a DSLR newbie like myself since all I'm carrying is the camera, 2 lenses, spare battery, and memory cards. I have taken this bag on several outings so far and it is beyond handy, it's so nice to have a bag you don't need to take off in order to get to your gear.

I'm so excited to hear that people love this bag! I haven't had a chance to really use mine yet. I can wait to get into "the field" & test it out!