Best lenses for a Nikon that are inexpensive?
I'm looking for a new Lens for my Nikon D3100, I already have the ones that come with the "starter" package which are the 18-55mm and the 55-200mm. I'm seeking a Lens that will be able to do clear portraits and be good for school functions. I have heard Tamron is a good brand, but know little about it. I'm also on a budget so I would like it to be around $300 (give or take) Please help me out!
Lens manufacturer quality ranking:
1. Nikon
2. Tokina
3. Sigma
4. Tamron
Vivitar and the rest are bottom feeders and really don't even warrant 5th place.
If you are a Canon shooter, Canon would be #1 on your list.
Sounds like you're already in business. The Nikon 18-55 and 55-200 are among the best kit lenses available and should be able to cater for your needs. I've used both of them on consumer and pro DSLRs with excellent results.
You might want to consider an inexpensive AF-S 50/f1.8 G mm for a shallower depth-of-field when shooting portraits, but if you had to choose, investing in a good flash gun and a sto-fen diffuser would probably a better option.
50mm f1.8
still the best camera deal of the century.
When i go out, i only carry my 50mm and a 24mm f2.8
note: the time to buy a third party lens from Tamron or Sigma is because Nikon themselves don't offer the lens you want.
How do you choose what lens you want?
You should choose the lenses that fit the job you want to do.
How Do you know what lens i best suited for the job?
Until you can answer this question, I don't believe you really need to buy a new lens. You need to understand the limiations of your equipment and what needs to be done to overcome it. Once you can identify it, you can decide for yourself what will best suits your photography.
This is why some people stand by the 18-200mm and other "need" the 70-200mm f/2.8
The lenses you have give you good range for general purpose stuff.
For portraits a 50mm f/1.4 is in your budget and will produce fantastic results. Or save a few $$ and go for the f/1.8.
Tamron are OK but not a patch on Nikon or Canon!
I will take the new AF-S 50MM F1.8G or the AF-S 85MM F3.5 Micro.
The 50mm f1.8 is the best lens for portraits in your budget. Much better than the ones that came in your kit
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens is probably the sharpest lens that Nikon makes--see lens reviews/specs at www.photodo.com. I use this lens for low light situations outdoors and indoors so I don't need a flash.also, small dept-of-field. Using this at f/2.0 I will get at least four-six times as much light (which means four-six times faster shutter speed) as my zoom at around f/4.8 and also have a sharper image. For $99.00 this f/1.8 is a steal and a much better buy than the f/1.4 which is almost as sharp a lens and costs about $250.00--it's a no brainer.