Nikon D3500 Kit - Which to buy?

[ManLing]

Hi! I have been thinking about getting the Nikon D3500 for a while now. However, I do not know what to choose between the two kits. Please help!

I. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED
II. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6G VR

I want to be able to take pictures during travel

 

[Mark S Abeln]

Hi! I have been thinking about getting the Nikon D3500 for a while now. However, I do not know what to choose between the two kits. Please help!

I. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED

This is a long zoom lens, not suitable for general purpose photography, but good if you are only interested in distant objects or details.

II. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6G VR

This lens zooms from wide angle to moderately telephoto, and is a good general-purpose lens.

35 mm is considered a normal lens for this camera.

I want to be able to take pictures during travel

Take a look at this, and plug in the camera and lenses:

https://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/lens/simulator/#DX

 

[bmoag]

The two lens bundle, with both zoom lenses, is an excellent deal. These aren't the best lenses in the world but are capable and will give a good introduction to the effects of different focal lengths.

Personally, I consider the D3500 to be the greatest bargain in all of digital photography because it has first class elecronic innards, what really count, wrapped in a more durable than most people think chassis--I have abused mine and yet it lives. If it had 4k video at that price point it would be unbeatable.

 

[Leonard Migliore]

Hi! I have been thinking about getting the Nikon D3500 for a while now. However, I do not know what to choose between the two kits. Please help!

I. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED
II. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6G VR

I want to be able to take pictures during travel

As far as I know, there is no kit like you describe as Item 1. There is a kit with both the 18-55 and the 70-300. I suspect that that's what you're looking at.

It's nice to have the additional telephoto but the lens that's listed is the one without VR. This is a serious limitation on a telephoto and I don't recommend getting that lens.

If you want the extended telephoto range, I suggest you get the kit with the 18-55 and buy a stabilized telephoto separately.

 

[ManLing]

Yes. I am pretty sure. It is listed on the website of Nikon Singapore D3500, under the kits section.

 

[ManLing]

The other option I was thinking about is to purchase the 35mm f/ 1.8g lens. Will that be a good option too?

 

[ManLing]

Thank you so much! Another option I was thinking about was the 35mm f/1.8G lens. Would it be a better option compared to the two?

 

[DeathArrow]

The other option I was thinking about is to purchase the 35mm f/ 1.8g lens. Will that be a good option too?

Buying a 35mm or Sigma/Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 would be a better idea since you would end up with a better image quality, better low light capability and better subject separation if you need it.

 

[KobiC]

The other option I was thinking about is to purchase the 35mm f/ 1.8g lens. Will that be a good option too?

Buying a 35mm or Sigma/Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 would be a better idea since you would end up with a better image quality, better low light capability and better subject separation if you need it.

I have experience with Sigma 17-50 f/2.8 on Nikon D5600
Great lens and not too expensive.

I'm sure you'll get better results compared to a kit lens.

 

[Mark S Abeln]

Thank you so much! Another option I was thinking about was the 35mm f/1.8G lens. Would it be a better option compared to the two?

I have that 35 mm f/1.8G lens on one of my cameras most of the time, and it is pretty good optically for the price. But I think if you are just starting out, then the 18-55 mm would be more useful.

 

[malcolmbebb]

The 18-55 is a useful lens and in the UK at least can be cheaply bought used, as AF-S or AF-P. So if you don’t get it in a kit, that might be worth considering.

 

[Bobthearch]

Hi! I have been thinking about getting the Nikon D3500 for a while now. However, I do not know what to choose between the two kits. Please help!

I. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300MM F/4.5-6.3G ED
II. D3500 WITH AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55MM F/3.5-5.6G VR

I want to be able to take pictures during travel

The 18-55 is a very good lens, especially for general photography. Travel, landscapes, people, etc. Buy this kit.

Then, separately, buy the AF-P 70-300 VR. This is a great lens for the price, great for ordinary close-ups (stand back and zoom in), moderate-distance wildlife, and distant architectural and geographical features.

Safe travels and have fun with your new camera!

 

[appaws]

There are two versions of the 70-300, one stabilized and one that is not. A lot of times the cheaper kits come with the unstabilized version, which is not as good, as it forces you to a faster shutter speed, and it is a pretty slow lens already. Still good especially in bright light.

The kit lens is good to start and learn on. And your instinct about the 35 1.8g is right on. It is a great lens for so many things.