Best lenses for bokeh effect

balmcake

Hi Moose! I just treated myself to the Nikon 3100. I've had compact digital cameras (including a bridge camera) and the pictures have always been good, 'but' they lack the blurred background effect that you can only seem to get with a slr camera hence my purchase this week.

I opted for the kit rather than the camera body as I understand the 18-55mm DX lens is meant to be a good all rounder. I mainly take pictures of my grandchildren and scenery. I'm not into wildlife or anything like that, so I need a lens which will give a lovely soft background and make the pictures of my grandchildren stand out more.

I did have a slr camera 30 years ago, but have forgotten everything I ever picked up from then. Thats what compacts do...they make you lazy and forgetful. :) I am also watching the pennies these days so a reasonabley priced lens would be practical any advice would be very welcome thank you.

Moose

Howdy @balmcake - Without a doubt, I would go for the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G. This is the most affordable prime lens that can autofocus with the Nikon D3100.

The super bright f/1.8 maximum aperture will allow you to capture some beautiful shots of your grandkids (indoors and outdoors) while blurring the background into buttery soft deliciousness. Lower f-numbers (those between f/1.4 to f/2.8) shorten the depth of field, which reduces the area in focus giving you sharp subjects and blurred backgrounds/foregrounds...also known as bokeh.

This is a "prime" lens, which means you're fixed at the 35mm focal length. In order to frame a shot, you'll have to get up and mosey around.

In addition to that, the D3100 has a crop factor of 1.5x, which means the 35mm has a field of view equivalent to a 50mm lens on a film SLR or full frame DSLR (like the D3S). This can feel a little long when shooting indoors or in tight spaces. However, if most of your shots are of 1 to 3 kids at a time you shouldn't have any problems.

This lens is also really great at capturing scenery, flowers, vegetation, etc...Happy shooting! :)

balmcake

Hi Moose, thanks for getting back to me, I shall certainly look into the suggested lens, there seems to be so many these days and they can be confusing which fit and which work well, I don't mind moving about where possible but I have walking dissabilities so am a little slower these days but I love photography and it's always well worth it when you get that perfect shot where the subject looks as those it's raised above everything else,it just stands out, thanks again.

Moose

Howdy @balmcake - If you need something with a bit more flexibility, check out the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (see here). This lens will allowing you to go from 17mm to 50mm, while maintaining a low constant aperture of f/2.8. It's a fantastic indoor and outdoor shooter...great for shots of grandkids and family. Happy shooting! :)