Lenses for Nikon D3100?

miizzV

I just bought a nikon d3100, and since i'm a beginner at photography i thought since i spend almost $700 on a camera, i would get awesome quality, but no, i guess i have to by some good lenses to get what i want from the camera, so is there any lenses that you recommend, i want sharper images, i don't want to spend more than $300 on one, but since i don't know much about this stuff, is $300 not enough? I don't know, just let me know which ones you recommend, thanks.

Added (1). I want the lenses to be good for taking close ups and portraits.

Jens

Close ups and portraits… Both in one lens? I'm afraid that won't be possible with $300.

The 50mm/1.4G would be an excellent choice for portraits. Be aware that there's also a 50mm/1.4D version around, and a 50mm/1.8D. You need the G version, as it's an AF-S lens. The others won't autofocus on your camera.
This lens however isn't very suitable for closeups
http://www.adorama.com/...4AFGU.html

One that does both is the Micro Nikkor 60mm/2.8G (again, pay attention that there's also a D version that you do not want)
http://www.adorama.com/...8AFGU.html

Or the Sigma 70mm/2.8 macro lens:
http://www.adorama.com/...8NKAF.html

Both of these macro lenses are good for portraits and closeups (real macro shots!), but you'll also need a tripod for macro work. For shooting insects that are easily scared away, both macro lenses are not suitable as you have to get too close to the bugs.

fhotoace

Any Nikkor AF-S lens will work just fine on you fine D3100

Portrait = medium telephoto lens or something like a AF-S 50 mm f/1.4

Close up = a macro lens or something like the AF-S 60 mm f/2.8, 85 mm f/3.5 or 105 mm f/2.8

ALL Nikkor lenses are capable of taking sharp images, including the 18-55 mm lens that came with your camera. Any lack of sharpness you may find using that lens, has more to do with technique than the quality of the lens.

If this is the first fully adjustable camera you have every owned, spend some time learning how to use what you have before spending a lot of money on new lenses.

Just spending $700 or even $8, 000 does NOT guarantee sharp images. Those are up to you and your skills using fundamental photographic skills

Jeroen Wijnands

Of course there's no chance at all that that lens is absolutely fine but that you, or rather your lack of skills is the problem.No, that's not possible at all. That nikon is not capable of shooting sharp pics, I mean, quality like this is clearly not acceptable:

I suggest you buy a good lens, a 50mm f1.4 AF-S as a minimum. Better yet, a nikon 24-70 f2.8.

Stefano

Photography is an art form that takes a life time to develop. Do your self a favor and buy adobe photoshop or elements and become familiar with the unmask sharp function. I would keep that 18-55 mm and start watching tutorials about basic photography on youtube on how to adjust your iso, aperture, white balance, exposure and shutter speed settings. I would also bring your camera into your local camera store and have them check to see if the auto focus is working correctly. If you are looking for a good inexpensive lens that works great in low light conditions and for portraits try the 35mm f/1.8. I picked mine up at amazon for 200.00. Only problem is no zoom function. Anyways these are a list of my lens I have. Let me know if you have any questions.
18-55 mm Nikon
10-24mm Nikon
35mm Nikon
70-300 mm Nikon
55-200 mm Nikon
Also left a link to my flickr

Mili M