A question for someone who has had experience in both SLR's and DSLR's?

Question

What should I get my grandfather for christmas?

My family altogether are getting him a Nikon D3100 hundred and accessories. My grandmother is getting him the camera (body only), My aunt's side is getting him a carrying bag, tripod and some other accessories, and My mother's side (including me) are getting him lenses.

I don't know what kind of lenses to get him because photography has always been a hobby of his, but he hasn't been doing it much for the last ten years and this will be his first DSLR. He had a SLR, but he gave it to my sister.

Since he is pretty good with SLR's I don't know what kind of Lens to get him. I was thinking the Sigma f/2.8-4.5 18-55mm (OS) lens with (HSM) or the Nikon f/1.8 35mm.

I know these are both pretty good, but since he has experience with cameras I wasn't sure if these were to (beginnerish??) for him or since this is his first DSLR if they might not be (beginnerish??) enough?

What would you recommend?

Answer 1

I recently stitched from an SLR film camera to a DSLR. The transition was amazingly simple. While there are a few new bells and whistles to get used to, most of what your grandfather learned as a film photographer has an analog in digital photography. However, I am finding the digital has some real advantages over the film (especially the cost of pursuing your hobby).



For myself, I have always found the zoom lenses more flexible. If I were buying the lens for myself I would go with the 18-55 mm zoom lens.

Answer 2

Ace has a point



Hmm.. I'd say get him an allround lens and if there's any money left over get a gift voucher. Some good lenses to consider in ascending price order



nikon 18-55

nikon 18-105

sigma 17-70

tamron 17-50

sigma 18-50 f2.8

nikon 16-85



Do make sure at least someone gets him a memory card.

Answer 3

Ace is correct, up to a point.



Did your grandfather give all his lenses to your sister?

a good place to begin will be similar lenses he had with his SLR.

My rational is that, he has had experience with SLR, and he gave his kit to your sister. Therefore, most of his experience will be with the same lenses he used for his SLR.

Those will be the lenses he is most familar with.



Beyond that; you need to ask him yourself.



It is hard to imagine anyone frowning at any of Nikon's preimum lenses...

70-200mm f/2.8 VR

24-70mm f/2.8

14-28mm ?? (I don't remember the focal length of nikon's premium wide angle)

Even if he never uses these lenses; he will always appreciate that you gave him the best the market has to offer.

Answer 4

The 35mm f/1.8 is great for the price. It would be very good for him if he's used to the old film SLR's with prime lenses.