so im totally new to this photography thing and honestly feel kinda lost looking at all the lens options for my old nikon d3300. i keep reading that i need a portrait lens for those blurry background shots but have no idea where to even start looking. sorry if this is a dumb question but i dont really understand the numbers like 35mm vs 50mm or what f-stops actually do. im hoping to get something for my sisters wedding coming up in october so i have a bit of time to practice.
here is what i am working with:
- budget is definitely under 200 dollars since im a broke student
- i live in the uk so if you suggest something please make sure its easy to find on ebay or local shops
- i mostly want to take photos of people and my dog running around
do i just buy the cheap 50mm one that everyone talks about or is there something better that wont break the bank? i dont want to waste money on something that wont work on my camera body. im just really nervous about buying the wrong thing and being stuck with it...
Just catching up on this thread. Honestly, if you want something cheap for the dog running around, you might actually like the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II. You can find these used for dirt cheap on eBay UK. It wont give you the same creamy blur as a prime, but that zoom range is super helpful for dogs. Save your cash for a prime later once you learn what focal length you like.
Building on the earlier suggestion, be careful with that 50mm on a D3300. It might feel too tight indoors. Maybe check these instead:
- Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G
- Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM Art Honestly, the 35mm is way more versatile for a beginner.
Dont worry, everyone starts somewhere. For a Nikon D3300, the best move is picking up a prime lens, which just means it doesnt zoom. Since you have a crop sensor, a 35mm lens will actually look more like what your eyes see, while the 50mm is tighter and great for tight portraits. Here are the standard budget options:
- Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is super sharp and works perfectly on your body.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is the classic choice for blurry backgrounds. If youre trying to save cash, check out the used listings on eBay UK. Look for lenses that include the hood and caps to ensure they have been looked after. The 35mm is probably more versatile for general shots of your dog, but the 50mm is definitely the portrait king.
