bkatz1 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Hey guys I just bought a Nikon D3100 (my first DSLR) that came with up to 55mm zoom lenses. I want to buy a second lenses for the camera before I migrate down to Florida for some fishing. I was looking at the Nikkor 55-300mm with the auto focus and VR. As far a good lenses for the boat/beach and fishing pics, what would you guys recommend. Thanks in advance for the info... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piker20 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Guess its all going to come down to what you photograph. I have the 55mm lens and a non Nikon 300mm zoom lens. Yes the 300mm gives good distance viewing but you need a tripod and really the remote shutter release to prevent shake. I really would like a wide angle lens to take better scenery shots when out and about. You won't regret buying the zoom lens but have a good Think about what you want to photogrph most and spend your money wisely. Oh and the big lens adds a good bit of weight if you're out and about. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KHoss 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 here is what i usually carry 8mm - great fisheye 35mm- nice close/mid distance prime 50mm- mid and detail shots 18-200mm - wide to zoom Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kentuckytroutbum 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Piker's advice is spot on: decide what you want to photo, and for the 300 use a tripod and shutter release. Thats is really important in that you would typically set your f stop at f22 or higher. When you do that (or the camera does it) the shutter speed will get slower, and camera shake can then happen. VR (nikon) or IS (Canon) is a nice feature, but it won't eliminate all of the shake when using a telephoto lens if you hand hold the camera. Nikon and Canon lenses are getting expensive depending on the features. You might look at lenses by Tamron or Sigma. I have two Tamrons for my Canon, and I've been very pleased with their performance, and the price is about 1/2 to 2/3s the cost of a branded Canon lens. Several photo magazines have given Tamron high marks for their quality and optical performance. Bill Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Piker20 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Yep there are plenty of good after market lenses for nikon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Personally for fishing photos I prefer a wider angle lens. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sthrncomfort 0 Report post Posted January 30, 2013 Personally for fishing photos I prefer a wider angle lens. I played around with some wide angle lenses on the water recently and cannot say enough good about them. Fishing from a kayak lends to some pretty tight quarters, and having the wide angle lens allows me to capture more in the frame than the standard lens. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bkatz1 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 Thanks guys, I will take a look at the wide angle lenses as well! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kirk Dietrich 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 For the boat, wide angle is best but a good zoom is good for wildlife shots. On the boat, I carry a Tamron 12 - 24 and a Nikkor 18 - 200. On land, I carry a couple prime lenses too like my 50 & 105mm Nikkors. Now, I didn't go buy all of these is one trip to the camera shop; it took about five years to acquire those in addition to a 35mm and a 18 - 55 Nikkor and a 300 Sigma. A monopod is good to have in low light conditions, it will get you a couple - few f-stops. I've never been in a situation when I wish the 200 was bigger but I've often wished the 12 went wider. Just be real careful when changing a lens out there in the salt. Salt is in the air down there in Florida, not good for camera insides. Kirk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crackaig 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 A lot of lenses are heavy to carry around. I've solved this with a Sigma 18 - 250 OS zoom. It isn't as wide as a fish eye, or as long as Piker's 300mm, but it is a superb general purpose lens. Cheers, C. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dontheo 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 I use the D3100 professionally for investigative work and I have to agree that it all comes down to what your preferences are. If iam just using the camera for fun, you can't beat the 55mm lens for all around photography. You guys must be great fly fishermen because I get so busy with my fishing, and wind knots, tangled lines and trees I don't have time to change a lens much less compose a picture:). There are some great web sites out there just for D3100 users. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
terrymiller1973 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 I bought the Sigma 70-300mm VR/AF lens for my D3200 and so far I am really happy with it. One of the selling features for me was it is also a Macro lens. It has the zoom capability VR and AF as well as with the flip of a switch it becomes a macro. All of this priced for around $150 dollars not the highest quality available but it receives very good rewiews through Amazon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
flysmallie 0 Report post Posted January 31, 2013 I have a 70-300mm VR that I carry with me all the time. You can get great shots at 300mm without a tripod with a bit of practice. Just need to develop a good grip/stance, control your breathing and softly press the shutter. All you have to do is take your time and relax. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JAMAL 0 Report post Posted July 10, 2013 I carry the Nikon D80 with Nikon105mm, Nikon 16-85mm, Nikon 12-24mm and the Nikon 50mm. I get somebody to modify my Nikon D70s to infrared camera. you can see those infrared camera at http://irbuzz.blogspot.sg/2008/03/featured-ir-photographer-showcase-haja.html http://www.flickr.com/photos/maideen Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
