My son has the Nikon D3100

[tea2085]

We've seen his pics and videos and think they are outstanding. The price has dropped significantly because of the newer models. We are thinking of buying one- Thoughts? Paul

[volks]

You are right, for the price you can't go wrong. Go for it and enjoy.

[tea2085]

Thanks Volks, but after delving into the forum a little more, it seems people recommend a camera that just takes pictures or a camera that just records videos. This makes sense to me, perhaps I will seek a camera for pics only. Paul

[volks]

Most decent DSLR's come with video now as standard. I would not rule out a camera just because it has video, might come in handy sometime. Regardless, your choice and good luck with your decision.

[tea2085]

Thanks for your time volks. Just wondering I've always liked single purpose tools as opposed to multipurpose and am guessing I might be able to buy a camera (pics only) that will take excellent pictures and with a reduction in price due to no videos? Paul

[tea2085]

volks,
I've seen the 3100 for sale "body only"- if I bought body only would I just have to add a lens? I think I might go with the 3100 as I've seen a price of 275$ (with the standard lens). Thinking I might go with body only and put a better lens on the camera. My boy has some great pics he took with his 3100.

[volks]

Get the body only. That's a great price for a pretty decent camera. Then you can try one or two of your sons lenses and see what suits you. Let us know what you are most interested in, just general, sports, landscape, people or what?

[tea2085]

My son only has the basic lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens that came with the camera. I expect to use it for nature and people (indoors and out). I would appreciate being directed towards a lens. Paul

[volks]

A great quality lens at a low price ( it's somewhat dated ) is the 16-85 lens. Another great lens at a higher price is the 18-140. I would start with one of those two.

[tea2085]

Checked the price of a 16-85 lens and they are around 600$- I just can't spend that much- anything cheaper? Paul
Checked the price of the other lens 188-140 and I could get a used (like new) one for about 300$. Perhaps you got the 2 lens mixed up?
Again, thanks so much for your time. Paul

[volks]

The price of $300.00 for the 18-140 is for the older version. The newer version of the 18-140 is more expensive than the 16-85.
I would recommend that you shop around for a used 16-85 rather than settling for the older version of the 18-140.
If unable to find a good used 16-85, then settle for the older version of the 18-140.
Good luck.

[tea2085]

Is this the new or old version- how do you tell?
Amazon.com : Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Zoom Lens : Camera Lenses : Camera & Photo

[lesliemckinley45]

I agree! THe 18-140 lens is great!

[volks]

Nikon 18-140mm f/4 is the new version.

[tea2085]

So what about this deal? Amazon.com At a Glance: Big VALUE Inc
Sorry volks, if you go to this seller and then type in Nikon 18-140 f/4- it will come up. Paul
Also; sorry I typed 188-140- now I know what confused you!!!

[volks]

Sorry Paul, my mistake. I was thinking of a very different lens (24-120mm f/4) when thinking f/4.

There is no 18-140mm f4. So, by all means go for the the one you found for $300.00
Sounds like a good deal for that price. Once again, sorry to confuse you.
If you end up getting it , let us know what you think.

[tea2085]

Sorry volks but now I,m really confused " I was thinking of a very different lens (24-120mm f/4) when thinking f/4. There is no 18-140mm f4" So if there is no 18-140mm f4-what is the camera @300$ I'm looking at? Paul

[volks]

Don't mean to confuse you Paul. Get the Nikon D3100 and the 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
Obviously you are able to get both at a good price and you will have a very nice setup that will give you great photos.
Hope everything is clear now.

[volks]

Don't mean to confuse you Paul. Get the Nikon D3100 and the 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 lens.
Obviously you are able to get both at a good price and you will have a very nice setup that will give you great photos.
Hope everything is clear now.

[tea2085]

Volks- my buddy has an older Nikon N8008S which has 4 lens, he says very expensive lens. How could I determine whether any will fit on the 3100? One of them is a AFNikkor 80-200mm 1:4.5-5.6D Paul

[Franglais]

"D" lenses will fit but they won't autofocus unless they are AF-S as well.

The consumer bodies (D5xxx, D3xxx) don't have focussing motors in the body so they need lenses that have focussing motors built-in.

If your friend wants to move on to a DSLR then he should get at least a D7xxx or better one of the FX bodies like the D610 where his lenses will show the same view as on his N8008S.