So I just got this Nikon D3500 from my cousin who didnt want it anymore and I have literally zero idea what I'm doing. It came with the basic lens that says 18-55mm on it but I feel like it doesnt really do what I want it to do. Like I see those photos where the background is all blurry and the person looks sharp and professional but mine just looks like a regular phone photo or something. Maybe I'm just using it wrong? I'm going to my sisters wedding in Seattle next month and I really want to take some nice shots of her but I'm worried this lens wont be good enough for that.
I tried looking on Amazon and eBay but there are like a million options and all these numbers like f/1.8 and 35mm and 70-300 and I am honestly so overwhelmed I feel like my head is gonna spin. I dont want to spend a ton of money because I'm just starting out and honestly I might be terrible at this lol. I'm looking for something that won't break the bank but will make my photos look fancy if that makes sense.
Here is what I'm looking for I guess:
- Budget is around $150 or maybe $200 if I stretch it but cheaper is better
- Needs to be good for taking pictures of people (portraits right?)
- I want that blurry background look everyone has on Instagram
- Something that fits the D3500 without me having to buy extra parts or adapters
- Easy to carry around because I'm traveling for the wedding
Someone told me to look at a prime lens but I dont know what that means. Is it like Amazon Prime? Like it ships fast? Sorry if that's a stupid question I'm just really lost here. I keep seeing people talk about a nifty fifty too. Is that a brand or a specific lens? Should I buy it used or is that risky for a beginner? I just dont want to waste my money on something that wont work for me...
TLDR: Look for Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G for general shots or Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G for tighter portraits. Since the D3500 uses a DX crop sensor, the focal length is actually multiplied by 1.5x. A prime lens has no zoom but features a wide f/1.8 aperture, which is exactly what gives you that shallow depth of field or blurry background. Your camera body doesnt have an internal autofocus motor, so you specifically need AF-S lenses. If you accidentally buy an older AF-D lens, you will have to focus by hand and thats a huge pain for a wedding. The 35mm is wider, so you will get more of the scenery in Seattle. The 50mm is the classic nifty fifty and is better for headshots because it flattens facial features nicely. Both are small, lightweight, and usually cost around $130 to $170 used. Just check the glass for scratches before buying.
Just seeing this now but honestly dont stress the technical stuff too much yet. You can find some killer deals on the used market if you look at local classifieds or reputable camera shops. Buying used is basically the only way to stay under that 150 mark while still getting something that feels pro. Beginners often think they need brand new gear but a used lens works exactly the same. You mentioned the wedding is in Seattle? Such a cool city but man, the weather there is a total coin toss. I went for a buddys wedding at Gas Works Park a few years back and it was gorgeous for like twenty minutes, then the heavens just opened up. We all had to huddle under this tiny gazebo while the caterers tried to save the salmon. Actually, if you have time, you should totally hit up Pikes Place Market. I spent like three hours just watching them throw fish around and eating these sourdough rolls that were life-changing. Anyway lol, sorry kinda went off topic there.
