Which lens for new D5300

9 years 4 months ago #411728 by birch1
I'm about to buy a D5300 but am unsure about what lens/lenses to get. Although I've enjoyed photography for many years this will be my first DSLR. I'm experimenting with a wide range of photos but tend to shoot architecture, travel, landscapes etc

I'm not going to get the 18-55 kit lens with it so what should I buy? I've been advised to go for something from about 18/24 to about 100-120ish. Is that a good idea and if so what is a good lens in that range? I'm also considering a 35mm prime. 

Many thanks


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9 years 4 months ago #411757 by garyrhook
Budget? It matters.


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9 years 4 months ago #411764 by birch1
I'm in the UK so thinking up to about £500.

Having said that I don't want to waste my money on something that I will regret so if I should save for longer to get something better then let me know. I'm taking some photography classes so am hoping to keep improving and therefore want something which will allow that improvement to continue.

Many thanks


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9 years 4 months ago - 9 years 4 months ago #411771 by effron
I have this, when I own a crop camera, (which I will again in a couple days;) ), this lens is on it 95% of the time, and is my walk around......
[font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR. 

[/font][/font]If its in your budget, I'd recommend....

Edit: This is also one of my favorite DX lenses.....Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX

Why so serious?
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9 years 4 months ago #411894 by birch1
That sounds like a good choice, will have a look at it. Many thanks for the advice!


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9 years 4 months ago #411942 by garyrhook
Yeah, that seems a good, reasonably priced choice.


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9 years 4 months ago #412071 by Shadowfixer1
18-200 VR. Can't beat the versatility of this lens.
The following user(s) said Thank You: birch1
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9 years 4 months ago #412122 by garyrhook

Shadowfixer1 wrote: 18-200 VR. Can't beat the versatility of this lens.


+1. And it can be had used (in the US) for $400. A bargain. Then you could also buy a 50mm f/1.8 for large aperture work.


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9 years 4 months ago #412167 by Don Fischer
When I got my D5000 I turned down the 18-55, I think that was the package len's. Instead I got the 18-105. Plastic lens mount but been really good for am lot of what I do. Now there is the 18-140 and I think I'd get it instead. I think all the 5000 series cameras need lens with focus motor's in them or you lose auto focus.


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9 years 4 months ago #412178 by birch1
Lots of great suggestions, really appreciate the advice, thank you!


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9 years 4 months ago #412264 by effron

Shadowfixer1 wrote: 18-200 VR. Can't beat the versatility of this lens.


If you decide on this lens, make sure its the "II" as the original suffered from serious lens creep and the second series addressed it......;)

Why so serious?
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9 years 4 months ago #412701 by Simon Says
Depending on version both 18-55 and 70-300 are fine lenses. However: If I wanted a "do it all zoom" I would go for a Nikon 16-85. And I would get a SB700 flash. That would - IMHO - make a very capable starter kit. Not a lot of pictures you can't take with that combo.
There are finer lenses out there. But it will cost a lot more than your budget. 


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