New Nikon D5100....

[Fab4@disney]

I recently purchased a new Nikon D5100 after years of using a point and shoot Pansonic Lumix which I loved but always wanted better pictures. Can you all help me with the best way to learn how to use this new camera off auto mode? Should I take a class, buy a book, or just play around with it and learn it myself? I am also finding that the 18-55mm kit lens is already not enough for me. Any suggestions on another lens for family shots, travel, and nature? Thank you in advance

 

[dkhillerud]

I just got the same camera in November! I am really enjoying it! I would get the book "Understanding Exposure" by Bryan Peterson. It was recommended to me by others on this site and it was very helpful!

Read the book, twice! Then just go out and practice! Really is the best way to learn.

I purchased a 35mm f/1.8 lens and I really like it for everyday use, works well indoors.

Good luck and have fun!!

 

[Fab4@disney]

Thanks for the post Kathy! I have been looking at that same lens. I see alot of people recommend it for a Disney trip too which is good since in Oct we will be going again. Do you think agree this would be good to use at Disney?

I will def look that book up....thanks!

 

[dkhillerud]

I am going to be in Disney in 2 weeks and will be bringing that lens so I will let you know what I think!

I am planning on bringing a zoom lens as well. I think having just the one fixed lens would be limiting. For Animal Kingdom, shows, and parades, I think the 35mm will be too short of a lens. I think the 35mm will be great for dark rides though!

But, like I said, I just got my camera too. Hopefully someone else will come along with ideas since I haven't been to disney with the camera. I am really looking forward to it though!

 

[havoc315]

The 35mm/1.8 is great for low light, and is also fair for indoor family shots.
For nature-- day time landscapes, wider is best. Something like a 10-20mm. Though the kit lens at the widest setting is ok. For animals and distant nature shots, a zoom with at least 200mm of reach.
For travel-- depends on the type of travel and shots. For people who want an all purpose lens so they never have to change lenses.. There are 18-250s and similar lenses. But they tend to be heavy, and you sacrifice quality for the convenience.

 

[BBQMonster]

When I bought my D5100 I also bought the book David Busch's Nikon D5100 Guide to Digital SLR Photography. With over 400 pages it is a great resource and it taught me a lot. When I sold my D5100 to my salesperson last month we had a joke that I was selling her the book for $450 and throwing in the camera as a bonus. That should give you an idea of how much I valued that book.

Good Luck and enjoy your entry into the Circle of Confusion.
BBQMonster

 

[Fab4@disney]

When I bought my D5100 I also bought the book David Busch's Nikon D5100 Guide to Digital SLR Photography. With over 400 pages it is a great resource and it taught me a lot. When I sold my D5100 to my salesperson last month we had a joke that I was selling her the book for $450 and throwing in the camera as a bonus. That should give you an idea of how much I valued that book.

Good Luck and enjoy your entry into the Circle of Confusion.
BBQMonster

Lol.....thanks for the advice. I will also check that book out!

Did you enjoy your D5100 while you had it? Was it a good camera for you?

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

If I may suggest something that may be counter-intuitive. I would recommend not buying any new lenses until you learn a little more about photography. The first reaction will be that you need a longer lens without regard as to what you want that lens to do. All lenses are not created equal. An example is the DW carries a consumer 55-200mm lens in her bag and I have a 70-200mm lens. To the uninformed they may sound alike but they are totally different lens. the 55-200 is commonly referred to as a kit lens with a variable aperture (which means as you zoom the max aperture gets smaller which allows less light to hit the sensor). My lens is a constant aperture lens. One of the "big" differences is that the DW's weighs about 10 0z and mine about 3 lbs! Until you understand the nuances of lenses and how your style of shooting develops, I wouldn't recommend purchasing new lenses. After you figure out what you require (fast-not so fast, lowlight, sports, etc.) then buy to your hearts desire.

 

[lhermiston]

I bought my D5100 in the fall and I have been in love with it ever since. I got the Nikon D5100 for Dummies guide for Christmas and have been diving into that, as well. Learning all of the terminology has been difficult, but I've found there's no better substitute for going out and shooting while experimenting with the settings a bit. I highly suggest trying out some of the Scenes and other auto modes if you don't want to shoot in pure auto but are not ready for priority modes - M, P, S and A.

And give the 18-55mm a shot before declaring it not good enough. It's a good walk around lens. I just used it today to get some great shots in the snow. That said, I can totally relate to your desire to get a new lens, as others on this board can probably attest to.

I would highly advise taking a class, as well. I've signed up for one through our local community college and I'm excited to learn the ins and outs of exposure through a seasoned vet.

Happy shooting!

 

[traylorc]

If I may suggest something that may be counter-intuitive. I would recommend not buying any new lenses until you learn a little more about photography. The first reaction will be that you need a longer lens without regard as to what you want that lens to do. All lenses are not created equal. An example is the DW carries a consumer 55-200mm lens in her bag and I have a 70-200mm lens. To the uninformed they may sound alike but they are totally different lens. the 55-200 is commonly referred to as a kit lens with a variable aperture (which means as you zoom the max aperture gets smaller which allows less light to hit the sensor). My lens is a constant aperture lens. One of the "big" differences is that the DW's weighs about 10 0z and mine about 3 lbs! Until you understand the nuances of lenses and how your style of shooting develops, I wouldn't recommend purchasing new lenses. After you figure out what you require (fast-not so fast, lowlight, sports, etc.) then buy to your hearts desire.

This is fantastic advice...don't fall victim to L.A.S. (Lens Acquisition Syndrome). It's a common illness for new DSLR owners that cause them to become more focused on buying their next lens, rather than learning the nuances of their cameras and existing lens. If left unchecked L.A.S. can destroy marriages, bank accounts, and FICO scores.

Good luck, and enjoy your new camera.

 

[DSLRuser]

Seriously. YOUTUBE

search for DSLR TIPS or DSLR LESSONS

There are tons of good videos out there.

Bryan Peterson, Fro Knows Photo, Gavin Houghie, Adorama Learning

They all have short 5-15 minute videos that focus on 1 aspect, like aperture mode. watch that video a few times, then go out and shoot.

You will be an expert in a few weeks.

 

[photo_chick]

I agree with the Understanding Exposure rec and with the rec not to buy lenses until you actually have some grasp on what lenses would be right for you. You can waste a lot of money really fast buying lenses that are right for someone else but not for you. You say the 18-55 is coming up short for you, WHERE is it coming up short?

 

[BBQMonster]

Lol.....thanks for the advice. I will also check that book out!

Did you enjoy your D5100 while you had it? Was it a good camera for you?

I loved it and would still have it if my salesperson did not keep bugging me to buy it. I had just bought a 16-85 lense so buying the d5200, body only, made sense. Well, I made it make sense.
BBQMonster

 

[Fab4@disney]

Thank to all for your wonderful advice. I agree I have not given the kit lens enough of a chance and will wait for a few months before buying another