help me with lens addvice for nikon 5100

[JohnK]

Just to add since you asked and no one answered the simple question- yes there are some OK lenses you can pick up for $2-300 that will have the auto focus motor built in and be compatible. IIRC any of the nikon lenses that say AF-S should work. Keep in mind, cheap lenses are not going to be great lenses, but even a mediocre DSLR lense is usually capable of getting some pretty darn nice shots at least by beginner's standards (I put myself in that group BTW )

See the AF-S lenses here;
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olstemp...as&iht=n&seeAll=&browsedCategory=abcat0410018

Your cheapest route might be to look for an 18-55 "kit" lens. B&Hphotovideo carries used lens's and would probably have some fairly cheap as they often get traded in as people get more into their cameras and deeper into their bank accounts.


Edit, and don't take my post as saying that your current lens doesnt' have an autofocus motor, I simply have no idea about that.

Edit, Edit, Here's the B&H used nikon lens list. They have several 55-200 AF-S for $120 or less. Scroll through the pages and you'll probably find an 18-55 AF-S for a little more.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...PRICE_2|0&N=4036297804+4291315846&srtclk=sort

Or here's an 18-70 AF-S for $160
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801049113-USE/nikon_2149_18_70mm_f_3_5_4_5_g_afs_ed_if.html

 

[dilligaf29]

thanks everyone for the great help.been usen the cam as much as possible to get fimilair with it .i also called tamron and they said my lens has no motor.btw still dont like my lens ill be ordering one tommorow ill give the 18-70 af-s a try .sorry if i didnt give clear info again noob here . i found this lens at savers for 10 bucks its a tamron

 

[wrassefan]

I agree with John...I found that the basic 18-55mm nikkor lense that comes in most kits is a decent lense for overall shooting. That said, it depends on what you are shooting. You can find them used also..

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/477230-GREY/Nikon_2170_18_55mm_f_3_5_5_6G_ED_II.html

 

[delta]

A true Macro lens has a 1:1 ratio but they do not come cheap

if you want a cheap solution while the kit lens is OK you would be better with the Tamron 28-75mm dollar for dollar it far out performs the kits lens granted you will pay a little more but you won't be want to buy another lens sooner than latter

Tamron
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284402-REG/Tamron_AF09NII_700_28_75mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html

If you want a Nikon option the 24-120mm f4 is probably the best bang for your buck but pricy in comparison.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/729948-USA/Nikon_2193_AF_S_NIKKOR_24_120mm_f_4G.html

but in the end it comes down to what you shoot and where you want to take your photography

IMHO for tank shots he could be much closer with a $200 50mm f1.8 afs lens as the kits lens is poor in low light situations and just bad all around performer and most kits lenses muddle/murder skin tones.

But I understand Johns advice as you are new and do not really have a direction for photography.

In the end if you really want to know, slow down rent some lenses or find someone who shoots Nikon who will let you test them some lenses out to see where you really want to end up. I know you are excited but photography is no cheaper than reefkeeping and spending a small amount of time researching will save you from more mistake. also maybe think about taking a local DSLR class so you learn how to use the basic function of the camera. usually 100 bucks but worth every cent.

Lesson learned though when buying camera gear make sure you trust who you are buying it from.

 

[dilligaf29]

yes i do need to slow down i try to go full bore i need to hit my brakes. i will be looken for a class to take to me would be money well spent .i was unaware u could rent lens.yes u are right my direction right now is im all over the plcae i will do a little more research .i used outside last few days and all i can say is wow big diffrence thanks for the help guys .

 

[mchartier]

I have a 50mm 1:14D, if you want to try it. The only thing is it will be manual focus only on you camera body as it does not have a focus motor built in. I also have a 18-105mm that will auto focus on yours.

 

[delta]

Lens pro to go delivers https://www.lensprotogo.com/how/

take a peak at this site for some photography (reef too) tutorials http://www.ximinasphotography.com/lessons/index.html

 

[Jim Tansey]

I never use auto focus for tank shots or outside close work, just follow your subject around and make slight adjustments with your head to a preadjusted focus. This method eliminates the time delay for focus and can be a difference maker for a moving target especially if you are as fussy as I am to get the shot with the exact preselected background.

Jim

 

[TomD]

I am just getting into this side of the hobby but my experience with the lens I got with my Nikon (18-55) just didn't cut it. I picked up this at Hunts in Melrose used for $185. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...OXD9Z6OyL4CFedFMgodUkYAJg&is=USA&A=details&Q=

I know next to nothing but I seem to improve weekly. I was able to take these this morning and I have been using this lens 2 days. As you can see from the bubbles I didn't shut off the flow I just snapped them quick before work. Hunts has been AWESOME to me and they spend time to explain to a newbie. They also offer classes which I may explore further. I have been dealing with a guy named Rob and he is very patient nice guy