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March, 2024

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Lookin to finally upgrade my kit lens

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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 917
after looking through the forum, I found this in the stickies. essentially, over the last few years I've stuck to the kit lens for my nikon d3000. I'm looking to upgrade to a good "overall" lens- something I can take hiking, or out with friends, or on vacation. shooting anything from landscapes to portraits. will not be used for video (obviously) or skiing. I'll try to answer the following questions if that helps.

essentially looking for a good all around lens for my d3000. if it's third party, I'll need some info on what adapters are required because I'm more than ignorant on that.

Lens Buying Guide

First, start with your budget. How much money do you have to spend?

between 400-1000, shooting for under 700 though.

Second, what kind of lens do you need? What will you be using it for?
Wide (sub 28mm), standard(28mm-85mm), telephoto(85mm+), all around zoom, tele zoom, wide zoom.

definitely does not have to be wide. don't need much zoom, but some would be nice.

Do you want something that is fast (good in low light)?
If yes, you probably want to go with a prime because they offer a faster f stop. If no, you could probably go with a zoom.

probably needs to be ok in low light. don't plan on that being my target level of shooting, but for an all-around lens it should be able to take some pictures with the sun low

Do you want a prime or a zoom?
zooms have more flexibility, primes have a longer focus throw and are usually faster than zooms

I like the flexibility of zooms, but if the prime is super super nice at a decent price, I wouldn't be completely deterred

What lenses do you already have?

kit lens, nikkor fisheye I got on here.

Do you mind using a full manual lens?
If you don't, buying an older lens will save you money while still getting a superb piece of glass. Some people want a lens that works with Canon's autofocus system for photography.

don't have much experience. if it's something I can learn and pick up, wouldn't at all be opposed.

Thanks in advance

Zach
Mar 24 2016 9:27AM
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Michael_Thatcher
Posts: 523 - Karma: 3,469
Tamron 24-70 2.8 would be my recommendation. Find one used.
Mar 24 2016 9:54AM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 917
I'll definitely look into that. Looks to be around $800 used.

Any other suggestions? Or anyone else agree?
Mar 24 2016 5:12PM
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Michael_Thatcher
Posts: 523 - Karma: 3,469
proZachI'll definitely look into that. Looks to be around $800 used.

Any other suggestions? Or anyone else agree?


Remember that on a crop sensor it'll be equivalent to 36-105. The lens is good because it's still an excellent lens on full frame. On a crop sensor you might want to get a wider lens if you are in to that.
Mar 24 2016 6:28PM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 529
I'd recommend the Sigma 18-35 1.8. Right in your budget if you buy used, and I can't really think of a better walk-around lens for a crop DSLR. That lens is an absolute beast for the price. You could probably even fit a 50 1.8 into your budget as well to have something in the portrait/short tele range.

Just checked on KEH and you can get both for under $800.
Mar 24 2016 8:21PM
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proZach
Posts: 7163 - Karma: 917
thanks for the recommendations. I'm assuming if I google it I can find some pictures taken by each lens. definitely would like to check them out before dropping a few hundred bucks haha
Mar 25 2016 12:23AM
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plorr
Posts: 3131 - Karma: 529
proZachthanks for the recommendations. I'm assuming if I google it I can find some pictures taken by each lens. definitely would like to check them out before dropping a few hundred bucks haha


Search flickr by tags and sort by most interesting. Or just find a flickr group dedicated to each lens.
Mar 25 2016 11:10AM
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I_liketobutter
Posts: 2664 - Karma: 997
plorrI'd recommend the Sigma 18-35 1.8. Right in your budget if you buy used, and I can't really think of a better walk-around lens for a crop DSLR. That lens is an absolute beast for the price. You could probably even fit a 50 1.8 into your budget as well to have something in the portrait/short tele range.

Just checked on KEH and you can get both for under $800.


I have this lens and its awesome, sharp as hell.

But a couple words of warning.
- It's huge and heavy. If this doesn't bother you, no problem
- You may need to buy the USB dock to fine tune the autofocus. Mine was pretty far off from factory, but was way better after adjustment.

I would see you mine + the dock if you were canon. I switched over to Fuji.


That being said, I'd suggest a 35 prime. It's a great all around length (50mm equiv). I'm not that familiar with Nikon, but isn't their midrange 35 ridiculously good for the price?
Mar 25 2016 2:05PM
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