Close-Up Lens

DSL_Beginner2012DSL_Beginner2012
edited November 2012 Posted in » Nikon D3100 Forum
I currently have a Nikon D3100 and it came with the 18-55mm lens. I would like to take more close up, in-door basketball pictures of my kids. Any recommendations for lens.

Comments

  • RiddelskeRiddelske
    edited November 2012
    First of all, this is a hot topic and can become quite frustrating if you're just starting out in the world of DSLR. I have replied to many posts in the forum. Take a browse and look at some other posts regarding sport and action shots.

    Indoor sport photography is, in my eyes, a specialist subject if you don't own the equipment.
    You need a good low fixed aperture fast zoom lens and they can become expensive. Don't get me wrong, there are decent inexpensive third party lenses out there. I would start with the Nikon 55-300mm; it's a great all rounder and can produce quality images if the lighting is good.

    Your main aim is to get good lighting or else the shots you take will more than likely to be blurred. The more light the better. I suggest you start outside in the park.

    Sorry if this post has been no help, but I see many people on here asking the same question and getting more frustrated. The sooner others understand the more chance your shots will improve.

    Regards.
  • DSL_Beginner2012DSL_Beginner2012
    edited November 2012
    Thanks for your advise. I have checked, and there is a Nikon lens 55-200mm. Do you think it works for what I'm looking for?
  • RiddelskeRiddelske
    edited November 2012
    As I have stated in my last post, your requirements and the type of shots you want to obtain need a good lens and they can be quite expensive.
    The one I have suggested is just a starter for you to get grips with. It won't produce as good of shots as you might expect, but will in other situations like outside or in good light.
    The lens you have suggested is the same, just 100mm less. Still a great starter lens but you won't zoom in as close. It all depends how far away you are.
    Regards.
  • mbiggers04mbiggers04
    edited November 2012
    I have the Nikon 55-200mm for my sons football games, and in mid-day with lots of light, it did the trick. I tried using it at an evening game on a well lit field, and every picture was blurry. I have never tried it at an indoor game, but I know it requires a lot of light for sharp pictures.
  • mbiggers04mbiggers04
    edited November 2012
    I should have mentioned that I was allowed on the sideline, so the 55-300mm would be much better if you are shooting from your seat.
  • DSL_Beginner2012DSL_Beginner2012
    edited November 2012
    Thanks for the info. If you don't mind me asking, can you use the 55-200mm for the indoor shooting and let me know? Much appreciated.
  • RiddelskeRiddelske
    edited November 2012
    You can use any lens really, there's no rules. My advise though is to use a nice prime lens; 50mm is great. The aim is to get a well lit room or else the shots will be dull and blurry. Yes flash can help, but the on camera flash is not that flattering. I tend to stick with an external one and bounce it off the walls or ceiling.
    Regards.
  • DSL_Beginner2012DSL_Beginner2012
    Thank you!
  • yoyo4meyoyo4me
    edited November 2012
    I just bought a 50mm lens to add to my 18-55mm and 55-200mm. Any tips for do's and don'ts of the 55mm lens? I'm going to Hawaii next month, so some tips are needed!
  • maTermaTer
    edited November 2012
    My friend had a 55-200mm that I used a couple of times, and I ended up going with the 55-300mm. I found a really good deal on it. I felt the 55-300mm was more useful from sports to nature and such. Even though I am just starting off, I did see the difference in the two lenses. Thanks eveyone for their help.

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