Elise Hunley

Ok, photographers — looking for advice.

I have an old Nikon D3300 that I’ve just started using in earnest for the first time in years. I want to expand my photographic range, but I don’t want to break the bank. So I’m thinking about picking up a new lens.

I have the kit lens and a 35mm prime lens. If I could add only one lens, what would you add?

I’m currently considering either a 40mm macro lens OR an 85mm telephoto lens.

Thoughts?

#photography #camera #help #advice

May 15 at 1:37pmWeb
Show threadfuenfuhrteefix 🫖3d ago
@eggsitential42 A blanket answer is difficult. To be able to help you, we would need to know what you would like to photograph. Furthermore, there were various kit lenses (18-55, 18-105, 18-140, etc.).
Show threadElise Hunley3d ago

@fuenfuhrteefix I kept it vague on purpose to get a sense of how other folks would answer the question :)

I have a 18-55mm kit lens, but admittedly, I don't really use it now that I've attuned to the 35mm. The larger max aperture setting on the 35mm makes it feel much more flexible.

Right now, I'm primarily taking pictures of flowers and dogs (either my own or dogs at the farmer's market I volunteer at). But part of my goal with a new lens is to push myself to take different types of photos. That's one thing I enjoy about prime lens — they make me really focus (heh) on a specific setting.

Show threadfuenfuhrteefix 🫖3d ago
@eggsitential42 In that case, I recommend the affordable Nikon 50mm f/1.8. It is budget-friendly, fast, and—thanks to the crop factor—serves as a lightweight portrait lens. Unfortunately, I don't know of any good, affordable wide-angle prime lenses for Nikon DX cameras; otherwise, those could also be an inspiring experience.
Show threadElise Hunley3d ago
@fuenfuhrteefix This is really helpful! Thank you!!!
Show threadColman Reilly3d ago
@eggsitential42 85mm if you have a 35 already. Which 85mm you thinking about? There’s a closeup lens available for some of them. Extension tubes can bought cheaply second hand too.
Show threadElise Hunley3d ago

@Colman I'm thinking about the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G. MPB seems to have a good stock of them for less than $300.

I haven't investigated extension tubes at all, so I'll need to look into that route!

Show threadColman Reilly3d ago
@eggsitential42 Nikon made a close up adapter that screws into the front of that lens, I think.
Show threadColman Reilly3d ago
@eggsitential42 images with (and one without the Nikon Close Up 6T) from an 85/1.8. demonstrating performance a little. Close focus distance of about 20cm.
Show threadElise Hunley3d ago
@Colman Oh awesome!!! This is super helpful! Thank you!
Show threadkillick3d ago

@eggsitential42

I have had an 18-400 Tamron. It's heavy and has limitations for sure, but it's been super for birdwatching, family photos, and sports photos (outdoors). I rarely switch to another lens. These two photos were taken from the same vantage with the Tamron.

Show threadkillick3d ago
@eggsitential42 Here's another example of two photos from the same vantage point.
Show threadElise Hunley3d ago
@killick these are awesome!!!
Show threadkillick3d ago

@eggsitential42

Thanks. My brother and mom. 😊