Another beginner level lens advice thread - Nikon D5100

[tonyb1968]

You will never get 1 lens that will do everything but you can get some really good lenses that do much more than the kit lens you have now.

For your D5100 I would look at the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4 DC Macro OS HSM, up on Wexphotographic for £329.
The Nikon 50mm F1.8 G AF-S for £140 is one to look at and you could also look at (if you want a telephoto lens) the nikon 70-300 F4.5-5.6, note this is an FX lens as is the 50mm, the Sigma is a DX lens.

[ringweekends]

MysteryLemon said:

If I was happy to spend a few hundred but no more than a grand on a lens, I would be looking at a Nikon 17-55mm F2.8

Personal preference but apart from lacking at the long end, it would be a perfect landscape, cityscape and baby lens.

I have this lens. It's a real beauty.
It's weighty but it's my 'walkabout' default lens.

I also have the 35mm f1.8 - great and forces you to get proactive in terms of positioning yourself.

I bought the 55-300 zoom as a cheap telephoto option but really wish I'd saved up for the 18-200 f2.8 VR instead (currently working on this!)