17-50????

[imogensdad]

I asked the question a couple of days ago about upgrading from the D3100.

A lot of people basically said its a great camera, upgrade your glass instead.

People suggested a good 17-50. Another newbie question, I already have the 18-55 kit lens so why would I want to upgrade to something with a similar range.

I know the aperture will be better but will I really get a lot better pictures from it than my kit lens?????

 

[mrodgers]

In good light when you're using your kit lens at about f8 or above then the pictures will be pretty much identical. A 17-50 f2.8 lens will give much better pictures in low light, as you'll be have an extra 1-2 stops of light (depending on the focal length you'd use on your kit lens), allowing you to lower the ISO or use a shorter shutter speed.

Your kit lens also won't be at it's sharpest wide open, so it's likely that a 17-50 f2.8 would be sharper if you used them both at the same aperture (although this depends on exactly which 17-50 lens you're using).

 

[TCR4x4]

Most 17-50/55 s are better built that a kit lens too.

You won't necessarily get better pictures every time, but in some circumstances an 17-50 f/2.8 will allow to take pictures the kit lens simply wouldn't be able to take. Both in terms of depth of field and low light capability.

 

[fatmarley]

If you want the best image quality for your money, the Nikon 35mm 1.8g is well regarded and it's cheap too!

 

[nikon.norm]

Morning. I travelled the same road as you and last week bought the Sigma 17-50 2.8 which now replaces my 18-55 kit lens. Images are notably better (sharper) and the ability to take pictures in lower light levels is much better.
The d3100 is a very capable camera, and the advice to get better glass is a sound one, work out what you would spend on upgrading the camera body as to spending on a better lens - you'd get a camera with more and better features, but if it comes with a similar type kit lens you're not going to see much of an improvement in your images.
I've also got the Nikkor 35mm Nikkor 1.8G and as Matt says for image quality and value for money it's almost unbeatable - the smooth creamy bokeh it produces when wide open is stunning!

 

[imogensdad]

Thanks for the tips guys, appreciated.

I already have the 50mm 1.8G which I love, although it does seem a little long at times especially on a DX body.

I'll look into the 35mm 1.8g as I know its a cheap and cheerful lens and may help in tighter spaces!

Thanks again