Ugh, I seriously dont get these camera terms at all. I just bought a D3500 used here in Chicago for my trip next month and the kit lens is honestly driving me crazy because it wont zoom in enough. I only have like 300 bucks left for a new one. What is the best all-around lens I can actually afford?
Re: "For that budget, I would suggest the..." - honestly I have to disagree on sticking with just one zoom. I am really happy with the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G for trips.
- It is super sharp and small.
- The low light performance is way better than those cheap zooms.
- You can definitely find it used for under 200 bucks. Changing lenses is annoying but the image quality is totally worth it imo.
For that budget, I would suggest the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II. It offers great reach, but just be careful with indoor lighting since it is kinda slow.
Re: "For that budget, I would suggest the Nikon..." - totally agree that reach is key, but if you want something that stays on your camera 24/7 without swapping, you really need to look at a versatile zoom range. Since you have 300 bucks, honestly, grabbing a used Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an absolute game changer! It covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to decent telephoto reach for your Chicago trip, which is amazing. Here is why this lens is fantastic for a D3500:
- The vibration reduction (VR) is super reliable for handheld shots so your photos wont be blurry.
- It replaces that annoying kit lens completely, saving you from carrying extra glass.
- The zoom range is perfect for travel since you wont need to swap lenses constantly. If you find that one a bit pricey, check for a used Sigma 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS HSM. It gives you even more zoom power! Just be methodical when you inspect the glass for scratches before handing over your cash. Honestly, for travel, having that extra zoom range is everything. You'll love how much more flexible your shooting becomes once you have the right focal length range!
