It takes time to change lenses, so if you need to switch from one prime lens to another, you risk losing the shot.And carrying heavy camera equipment is hard on the back and on the shoulders. Therefore, he would need to tote a whole bunch of lenses wherever he goes.
But in order to experiment with different kinds of photography, the new photographer would be able to do so only if he buys a complete array of different lenses.
And the photographer won’t know what he really wants to do unless he has the opportunity to try photographing with different focal lengths. Does he want to shoot flowers and birds close up? Is he intrigued with landscapes? Or portraits? They all require different focal lengths. The budding photographer needs to experiment with all sorts of different styles to finally find his niche. It takes a long time for a photographer to discover where his/her talents lie and, in fact, we are always looking at new ways of photographing.Therefore, for my recommendation, I centered on zoom lenses for the following reasons: If there is a difference now, it would take an extremely discerning eye to see it and it is something that a new photographer need not worry about. Perhaps people remember the zoom lenses of many years ago when there definitely was a difference between a zoom and a fixed lens. I personally have never seen any lack of clarity in either of the Nikon zooms I have used.
And, there is an argument to be made that if you get an expensive prime lens, you can still use it when (and if) you move up to a more professional camera.Īnother factor is that supposedly the larger the zoom capabilities are, the less clear and detailed is the photo and that the prime lens is the most pure lens. They are called “fast” lenses because they have wider apertures (or f stops), and because they let in more light, the photographer can use a faster shutter speed. Thus I am going to focus my comments solely on Nikon lenses.Īlso, keep in mind that when you buy a new Nikon camera and you start to have a “library” of Nikon lenses and accessories, it will be cost effective to stick with the Nikon brand because your “old” Nikon lenses can be used on that new camera.Ī lot of photographers make the argument to use prime lenses (i.e., not zoom) because they are generally faster lenses and are individually cheaper. There are a few who extol the virtues of Tamron lenses, but almost no one who comments favorably on Tokina. As for Sigma, there are many people who like them and say that they are good, reliable lenses at a price less than comparable Nikon and Canon lenses, but there are others that say they have focus problems. We have to figuratively toss out the Canon lenses as they are not compatible with Nikon cameras (and vice versa). There are 5 prominent lens manufacturers in digital photography: Nikon, Canon, Sigma, Tamron and Tokina. If the kit is inexpensive and the accessories are useful, buy it and either use the lens as a back up lens or sell it. My recommendation is to buy the body without the lens, if possible. While that is a good distance for portraits, it is not telephoto and will not serve for any kind of a distance shot. In a digital camera it equates to a 27 mm angle in the old film cameras. Basically, 18 mm is a slightly wide angle. The 18-55 mm lens gets good reviews, but I personally think the zoom range of 18-55 mm is limiting. It is perfect for someone who is moving up from a point & shoot and it can take the photographer up to a more advanced level (of course, I am always of the opinion that one can take wonderful photography with every sort of camera). It has all the necessary functions needed to start in digital photography and it even has the now obligatory video cam as well. The D3200 appears to be a great little camera in the low cost range for a DSLR. I think my findings and recommendations will be applicable to all new DSLR photographers. So I did a little research online and also asked the advice of my photography colleagues. However, he was wondering if that lens is the best lens for him at this point and if he should buy the kit or just the camera body. This Nikon very often comes in a kit including an 18 – 55 mm lens, among other needed accessories. The camera is an entry level DSLR, and he is also an entry level photographer, so they are well suited. Recently a student asked me about a Nikon D3200 DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that he wants to buy. As a professional photographer, I am often questioned about cameras and lenses.