Wide Angle/Telephoto Accessory Kit

jedibondgirl71

Any advice on whether the wide angle accessory lens that comes in the accessory kit with the telephoto lens and filters is worth purchasing, or should I just spend the big bucks on the 10mm wide angle?

Moose

Howdy @jedibondgirl71 - It sounds like you're referring to a third party bundle package that includes a bunch of off brand gear. My guess is that the "accessory lens" they're referring to is a screw on attachment. These usually have horrible distortion, poor image quality and can actually damage your kit lens.

I personally would stay away from package deals that include this type of thing.

Instead of throwing down a large sum on the Nikon 10-24mm, you could always go with a used Sigma 10-20mm or a Tamron 10-24mm. Both lenses are quite sharp and would give you a true wide-angle perspective. Best of luck and happy shooting!

jedibondgirl71

Thanks, Moose. I'm mainly using my Nikon D3100 for kids, close ups and real estate room shots. I would like some decent quality on those room shots. Here's the package I was looking at:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004N13AGI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A36VT43W2I07N0

I usually stay away from the junk, but I thought this might be a quick solution to a short term problem until I felt like asking santa or the man for the wide angle real deal Nikon lens. Thanks for your thoughts!

kravattisolmu

When using wide angle lens to shoot people you must be very careful because the picture will have a lot of distortion (big heads, big noses). I personally use the Tokina 12-24mm f/4 and I love it. These lenses cost a lot so think carefully what you really need, or you will be like most of us finding new excuses for more gear. :D

Moose

@jedibondgirl71 - Yep, I would stay away from that package. There's no real value there.

I edited my original reply, I had stated the Canon 10-22mm...I meant the Nikon 10-24mm. The two other third party lenses I mentioned (Sigma and Tamron) are correct.

The Tokina 12-24mm f/4 that @kravattisolmu mentioned is another fantastic wide-angle lens, however, it's not great for portraits and close-ups.

If you're trying to do real estate shots on a budget, you could always try taking an interior panorama with your 18-55mm kit lens (shoot at 18mm) and stitching them together.

For portraits and close-ups, your best bet would be the AF-S 35mm f/1.G, especially if the majority of your shots are indoors. Check out my visual guide for more info.

Happy shooting! :)

bluestar

I would agree with Moose. At that price you would be buying rubbish. A decent tripod would cost you more than $86 and the so called lenses look like adaptors rather than an adjustable lens like your kit lens.
I prefer to handle something before I buy it rather than play pass the parcel.
If it is too good to be true, leave it alone.
Good luck with your D3100, I am happy with mine.