Is the AF-S DX 18-105mm lens good for a beginner?
I've decided on getting the Nikon D5100 as it's in my budget, and is reasonable for saving up. I've begun saving up/snooping around and doing research etc. And I've found a relatively decent priced package for £449.95 (including VAT).It has an AF-S DX 18-105mm VR lens within the package. I just would like some advice.
It's my first DSLR, but I've been doing a lot of research, and have had an interest in photography for quite a while. I have heard/read that you should avoid 'starter kit lenses', but I'm not sure if they're really reliable sources. It's f/3.5-5.6 so 18mm focal length with maximum aperture of f/3.5 and 105mm focal length with maximum apperture of f/5.6. I haven't had much experience with difference of lenses etc., the only instance being with film cameras and lenses, and even then it was only between two different lenses.
It would be used mainly for portrait photography, of family, the dog/cat (who does stay generally still, but may move a little) so always/mainly a focus subject in the photograph.
I was just wandering, for a first DSLR & lens, is it good quality for money? I mean, I can only really afford to save for this and will ask for about £50 of input for a christmas present (so I pay about £400 and my present from family is about £50 contribution.) I will expand on my lenses later on in my photography life, but for now I don't have the money, so is it good for my budget, uses of it and level?
If you have any better lens suggestions for me, please say!
Yes, its a reasonably good lens for a beginner. You might need a software fix for the barrel distortion at 18mm and a little edge sharpening at 105mm.
If you download GIMP (free photo editing software) you can fix both. Photoshop would be better but it not exactly affordable any longer.
You may however have a more interesting time with your camera if you got a Tamron 18-270. After a year or so of using this you'll know for certaion which focal lengths you want to specialise in and then get better quality Nikon lenses to suit.
Sure it is, that's why it is a kit lens with some of the bodies Nikon sells. Not top of the line, but still a decent lens.
It is a good lens for a starter lens, but it is still "kit" quality. The mounting ring is plastic so you have to be careful that you don't break the lens off.
If it were me, I'd buy the camera as a body only and buy the excellent Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8.It will cost a few more dollars now, but that way, you are not having to contemplate replacing the lens in the future.
Another option is the Nikon AF-S 50mm f/1.8, which will be a better lens as well - although it is a prime. Or if you want the best portrait lens for the camera, the AF-S 85mm f/1.8 can't be beat. Even on a cropped camera such as the D5100, there's no substitute for the quality of the 85mm, and I'd rather backup a few feet with the 85mm than use the 50mm for portraiture.
The 18-105mm DX is quite a nice lens. I know because I have used one which I borrowed off a friend who got it with his D7000.
Being used to more high end lenses myself I was quite surprised at how good the 18-105mm handled. Granted it is not a top end pro grade lens but it has a high quality feel to it and it is also very light too. It certainly is a lot better than the rather flimsy 18-55mm kit lens.