Beginner Lens for Beginner DSLR (Nikon d3400)

5 years 3 months ago #625326 by eastcoast
I have a Nikon 3400 and I am looking for a lens that would be good to add to my setup. (Really I only have to two stock lens that came with the camera) 

I know it does not have a full-sensor but what I want is to be able to get as much background blur as I can without only taking portrait photos. So basically when I get pretty close to the subject and focus the background gets pretty blurred but I would love to be able to get this same look when the subject is a little farther away. 

The first image is from the blogger @tezza and I like the focal blur in the background. (Obviously she uses a much high quality professional camera but just the idea) 
The second image is from my nikon d3400 with the kit lens. I can get some blur when taken closer to the subject but I can't get the same blur when I back farther away similar to how her photo is.

Any advice on a lens that would work for the camera I have to get a similar effect. 


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5 years 3 months ago #625668 by Sharna Lee
Nikon 18-200mm 


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5 years 3 months ago #626371 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day eastcoast

I would also agree with an 18-200 lens as probably the best compromise for you at the moment. Whether it is a Nikon or Tamron or Tokina matters not ~ they are all regarded as 'good quality' lenses & it comes down to your budget

Insofar as blurry backgrounds, if you were to repeat the shot of your 2nd example, but using the 18-200 in the 135-200 range, you will achieve a beautiful, blurry background via the zoom while the subject will be beaut & sharp

Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

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5 years 3 months ago #626375 by garyrhook
You don't mention budget.

The big issues here are:
  1. distance to subject and distance to background, and
  2. speed of the glass.
Faster glass makes more blur at wider apertures.

The suggested 18-200 is a fine lens, but maximum aperture is only 3.5 (IIRC). That said, if you can set our distances, you can get good results. You'll need to learn how to do this. In fact, you should be learning how to do this with the equipment you already have.

You can also consider a used Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 lens, which can be had for less than $400. A good copy will do you well.


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