[wizofoz]

A couple of years ago my elderly step father bought himself an el cheapo Nikon Dslr with the 18-55 kit lens. I'm not 100% sure of the camera model, but I think it may be a D3100.

He only has one lens for the camera, which sort of defeats the purpose of an interchangeable lens camera. I even gave him my no longer in use K-x so he could have access to my arsenal of Pentax optics, but he prefers to use the Nikon.

I'm thinking of buying him a lens for xmas, and looking for suggestions from folk who know the Nikon system better than I. (Which isn't hard as I have almost zero knowledge of camera systems outside Pentax). To pair with his kit 18-55 I was thinking of something like a 55-200.I'm not sure he would appreciate the nuance of a 'fast 50' or other low light, shallow depth of field option.

I know the lens needs to be DX compatible, but I'm not sure about other issues such as in body lens motors, mount compatibility, etc.

Any advise and suggestions would be appreciated.

[Wolfeye]

The 55-200mm is a great choice. Here's that same lens, which Cameta often has refurbished for around $100...

[MJSfoto1956]

+1 on the 55-200mm especially if he is happy with his current lens and is willing to change lenses when needed.
However, if he is unhappy with his current lens or he is one of those people who won't carry a 2nd lens, then you might want to rethink "adding" something to it.
Many people prefer an 18-200mm or 18-250mm or 18-270mm as their "permanent" lens -- at least you have a choice of brands to choose from!

M

[UncleVanya]

A friend who used to shoot 4x5 and 8x10 cameras and Leica's has recently acquired the Nikon 18-300 and loves it. He also has the 17-70 Sigma and can't decide which is making better shots for him. I've seen 13x19 prints and I'm undecided myself - but I've only seen a few prints not a wide variety.

[wizofoz]

Thanks Mike and UncleV, those are great suggestions, but might be a little out of the price range I had in mind. I think he would be keen to try changing the lens, I think his only obstacle to having multiple lenses is a financial one. (and maybe a frown from his wife/ my mother.... )

I can find the 55-200 for around $150 au on eeekbay.
I'll keep looking for a deal

[UncleVanya]

Thanks Mike and UncleV, those are great suggestions, but might be a little out of the price range I had in mind. I think he would be keen to try changing the lens, I think his only obstacle to having multiple lenses is a financial one. (and maybe a frown from his wife/ my mother.... )

I can find the 55-200 for around $150 au on eeekbay.
I'll keep looking for a deal

My dad found the 18-300 on eBay pretty cheaply but you know the budget better than we do. The nasty truth in modern photography is that most images are never seen at resolutions that demand premium glass.

[Homo_erectus]

The DX 35mm F/1.8g is a great lens for the price. And, so is the 50mm F/1.8 g. Both sell new for around 200. They are both small lenses that fit nicely on the small body of the D3100.

The 55-200 VR II is also a fine dx lens and is a good compliment to the 18-55.

I own all of these lenses and a d3100, even though I don't shoot with it that often any more.

[reeftool]

My daughter is happily shooting with a Nikon D300 and a 55-300 besides her 18-55 kit lens. She also has a fast 50 ( I'm not certain which one) which she owned with a film camera. Nikon's 55-200 and 55-300 are both pretty well spoken of and are very well priced. The are "consumer grade" zooms but are a decent quality and won't break the bank. A 2 lens zoom combo giving you a range from 18mm to 200mm or 300mm is a great introduction to photography and you are covered for just about any shot you would want.

[cupic]

A few have recommended the 24-120mm f/4 Nikkor lens but while I dont own either the Nikkor 24-120 or the
Sigma 24-105 f/4 I believe I would favour the Sigma due to its sharpness over the Nikkor improved that ot was
over the older version but still the Sigma shines ,Also cheaper while a little shorter

cheers

---------- Post added 31st Dec 2015 at 01:58 PM ----------

If money isnt a deal breaker I have the newish 300 Nikkor VF ED PF etc its fantastic
to put it blunt.This lens hasnt left my D750 with the TC 1.4 II.Love it ,weight wise superb
Invest in good glass and it will serve you

cheers

[wizofoz]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I ended up finding a mint condition 55-200 at Michael's Cameras in Melbourne. It was a few bucks more than I had intended... but what the hey.... He was chuffed with the lens. The camera turned out to be a D3200 BTW, so the VR lens will work very well with it.