Any average camera body today will give you the results you want. A megapixel count of more than 12, a decent autofocus system and additional features like Wi-Fi, touch screen LCD and shooting speeds of 6 to 8 fps – these are all common now. And if you really know how to use your camera, these basics are all you will need anyway.

But if you are in the market and don’t know where to start and what the options are, this list is for you. Here I’ll be discussing the top 3 cameras in 2019, for all types of budgets.

Nikon D3500 – For A Low Budget

Released only a few months back, the Nikon D3500 is perfect for people who simply want a good camera without breaking the bank. The basic kit with the excellent AF-P 18-55 mm lens comes just under $400.

Although this DSLR is not a huge step-up from the previous D3400, it does have a few important changes. The grip on this one has more space and depth for your fingers, similar to the Nikon D5600. Even the rear controls have been modified, with the ISO button now gone and the setting put in the menu. Another big change is the battery life, which is now rated for an astonishing 1550 shots on one full charge.

At the heart of the Nikon D3500 lies a new 24 megapixel sensor, which is officially 24.78 MP. Further, Nikon has continued the trend of not putting in an optical low-pass filter, which promises to make your images as sharp as possible and bring out the full potential of the sensor.

Other specs include a 11-point AF system, 3 inch fixed LCD display, 1080p standard video, 5 fps shooting speed, Pentamirror viewfinder and Bluetooth connection but no Wi-Fi.

In a nutshell, the Nikon D3500 is perfect for your first step. It gives great image quality using its 24 MP sensor, which has probably the highest dynamic range of all beginner cameras at a similar budget. If you want an easy-to-use and affordable DSLR, this camera won’t disappoint.

Nikon D7500 and Canon 80D – For A Medium Budget

For this section I have 2 cameras because they are both excellent, but one is especially good if you want to focus on videography along with photography. The Nikon D7500 has a price tag of about $1100, while the Canon 80D can be bought for $1000.

I’ll talk about the Nikon D7500 first. It borrows a lot of nifty features from the D500 while maintaining the efficient design and controls of D7200 in a lighter body. Surprisingly, the megapixel count of the Nikon D7500 has gone down from the usual 24 to 20.9 MP.

This is because 20.9 is still enough to give you huge prints, while also making low light performance of the camera and the buffer capacity much better. The new Expeed 5 image processor too contributes to the stellar sharpness and detail, along with the 8 fps shooting speed.

Although the image sensor has been improved, the autofocusing has not. The D7500 has the same 51-point Multi-CAM 3500 II DX system as its predecessor. On the video side is one of the biggest deal-makers of the camera.

Whereas the D7200 topped out at Full HD video, the D7500 can now capture 4K UHD video (3,840 x 2,160) at up to 30p. You also get headphone and mic ports, for better control over audio.

Coming to the Canon EOS 80D, it also makes it to this list because it is one of the best all-rounder cameras in the market. The excellent Dual Pixel AF technology, a big 24 MP APSC sensor and its overall capabilities in both stills and video category make the 80D amazing for both stills and videos.

The phase detect Dual Pixel AF along with the articulating touchscreen makes the camera very good for video. Focus pulls and subject tracking are as smooth as butter. Besides, you also get a long battery life and 100% coverage optical viewfinder. The only downside is the slightly lower dynamic range and lack of 4K.

Nikon D850 and Pentax K1 II – For A High Budget

It gets tougher to decide which camera to go with when your budget is high. So, here are 2 excellent choices for top-of-the-line full-frame DSLRs. The Nikon D850 comes in a little steep at almost $3000, and the very recent Pentax K1 II at a relatively cheaper $1800.

Personally, I think the Nikon D850 is probably the best full-frame DSLR currently on the market. From rough landscape and fast-paced sports photography to portrait and wedding shoots – the D850 can handle it all.

The Nikon D850 balances size and quality with its 45.7 MP sensor and 25,600 max ISO. This sensor provides a phenomenal dynamic range of 14.8 EV at base ISO and is supported by an almost-flawless 153-point AF system. With additional features like AF joystick, a touch rotating LCD display and 4K video capabilities, there is not much this camera misses.

I’ve always thought that Pentax cameras are the most value for money. Built like tanks with features like 100% viewfinders, image stabilization and weather-sealing in even the lower budget bodies, Pentax cameras really deserve more appreciation.

K1 II is a full-frame 36.4 MP camera with a reliable 33 point AF system, which features one of the best well thought-out designs and button layouts in camera history. Like all other Pentax cameras, this one is built like a tank, and can take a dive in a swimming pool without a hiccup.

The K1 II features in-body 5-axis image stabilization, which helps you take sharper photos at slower shutter speeds. It also features the novel Pixel Shift technology, which allows you to slightly shift the image sensor itself and combine multiple photos into one image with perfect detailing.

If fast frame rates – the Pentax goes only up to 4.4 fps – and the lack of video features do not bother you, the Pentax K1 II is a serious professional camera that will survive all your landscape expeditions.

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In this article, I will introduce you to the 4 Nikon lenses you will need to cover any type of photography situation – from wide angle landscapes to small and compact street photography.

Nikon 10-24 mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

At around $900, this Nikkor is probably the most expensive DX lens in this list. But if you can buy this one, you should. Perfect for all your wide angle needs, this lens covers the whole ultra-wide to wide focal lengths. This lens will also give you better close-focusing capabilities and offer a bigger view for interior and architectural photography.

Nikon 10-24 mm f/3.5-4.5G ED

This 10-24mm lens features two extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses and three aspherical lens elements to reduce chromatic and spherical aberrations. Nikon coats their glass with their own Super Integrated Coating that makes light transmission more efficient, reducing ghosting and flare.

Autofocus is also not a problem for this lens. With the silent wave motor in-built, this lens will work even with lower end DX models like the D3200 and D5200. You also get the M/A focus switch for manual focus override. Moreover, with auto-correction in almost all cameras and tools like Photoshop, the slight distortion will also be easily corrected.

Nikon 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

If you can carry just one lens with you on a trip, carry this one. From 16 mm wide to 85 mm normal, this lens will do well in any kind of situation. The Silent Wave motor and the Vibration reduction are big bonuses, and give great sharpness with quick and quiet focusing.

Nikon 16-85 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

One of the sharpest travel zoom lenses you can buy, this will be a huge upgrade from your kit lens. The only downside of this lens is that it is a bit pricey, with a tag of about $700. But I am sure that once you make an investment on this, its versatility and performance will compensate for it.

If your budget is a bit more and you need excellent low light performance, you can even check out the Nikkor 16-80 mm f/2.8-4 VR Lens, which has about the same range but a bigger aperture value.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (D or G)

A nifty fifty is an essential in every camera kit. Beautiful bokeh, low price and a very small size – a 50 mm focal length will give you the best length for portraits and discreet street photography.

The 50 mm f/1.8D is an older model, and actually designed for FX bodies. For a price of less than $200, you get amazing optical performance. The only con is that it won’t autofocus on lower-end Nikon bodies, as the lens does not have an internal AF motor. You’ll need a Nikon D7000 or above for autofocusing on this great prime lens.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8 (D or G)

The 50 mm f/1.8G is the newer model of the 1.8D, and has a better build quality and an internal focusing motor. Even this lens is one of the cheapest you’ll ever find, but the disadvantage is that it has a little more distortion.

Both the lenses are great, and you should choose one according to your camera. If you need autofocusing and have an enthusiast Nikon body, you should go for the G. If manual focus is your thing or if you have a focusing motor in your camera itself, go for the D, which will give you the same performance with lesser distortion.

Nikon 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II

With this telephoto lens, your kit will be fully complete. If you are okay with the lens being of average plastic build, there is probably no better telephoto at this price point, that too with Vibration Reduction. The range is very good, and so is the sharpness when compared to usual zoom lenses. Another great thing is that this lens is collapsible, which means it’ll shrink and become a lot smaller when closed, which makes it a handy travel zoom.

So long as you’re careful not to break the plastic lens mount, this is an extraordinary lens. The 55-200mm VR II zooms easily and precisely. The zoom range is well spaced and there is a lot of room to turn. It focuses reasonably quickly, but not as fast as more expensive lenses. This lens should be more than good enough for chasing kids playing sports.

Nikon Lens 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II

If your budget is more and you need extra range, you can also consider the 55-300 mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. It may not be good in low light because of the smaller maximum aperture of just 4.5, and the slow autofocusing. But it offers a longer range and a better build.

If you don’t really need 300mm, the 55-200 mm VR II is the same as this 55-300mm lens, except for the plastic mount and 200mm maximum length, for about half the price.

So, with these 4 lenses, the list of best Nikon lenses for DX cameras ends. There are many more lenses, but looking at the major factors like optical quality, price and sharpness, you will find that these 4 will match your needs perfectly.

Choose the lens you want keeping in mind your needs and style of photography. It is not always necessary that the most expensive equipment will make the best kit.

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So what makes the nifty fifty lens great? Why do we recommend it to most hobbyists starting out? Here are a few reasons why you should have it in your lens lineup.

It’s a matter of perspective

The perspective of the 50mm lens on a full frame camera is almost the same as what your eyes see. So when you see something that you like, you can just lift the camera to eye level and click. Basically, you can frame with your eyes and not spend most of your time looking through the viewfinder. Having the normal perspective, a photographer will spend more time looking for creative shots to take because you have minimal shift from what you see with just your eyes or through the viewfinder.

Many street photographers like the nifty fifty lens for its normal perspective. It represents almost accurately what the shooter sees. In the world of street photography, having the ability to just frame with your eyes and capture it exactly as you see it is very important.

It is really easy to frame shots with the 50mm…

The lens makes you think

The 50mm, being a fixed focal length lens, is a lens that makes you think. As with any prime lens, you don’t have the zoom ring so you have to move your feet when shooting. With the 50mm prime, you will be moving a lot. Using your feet will make you think of how to get good angles. You will walk, crouch or tiptoe just so you get to capture the scene you want.

If you compare shooting a 50mm to something like a 24-70mm, with the nifty fifty you will really work for your angles. With the zoom, you will be tempted to just stand where you are and fiddle with the zoom ring. I shoot with both primes and zoom lenses, and what I notice is that I really walk around a lot when I have a prime lens on.

The Aperture

The nifty fifty normally comes with wide apertures of f1.4 to f2; some even go to f0.95 which is absolutely insane. Having the capability to shoot wide open affords you some very creative shots. The depth of field of a 50mm lens is shallow enough to separate a person from the background but not too shallow that when you focus on the eyes, the nose is out of focus. This is particularly useful when shooting portraits.

If you are fan of “bokeh” or the out of focus bits, a 50mm prime will get you a lot of it. What I like about the bokeh on the 50mm is that it isn’t too blurred out like on longer telephoto prime lenses. It is also a good low light lens too because of the wide aperture.

The depth of field of my 50mm Nikkor lens is something is often take advantage of.

It’s light weight…

The 50mm is a light weight lens with the Nikon and Canon versions being significantly lighter that lets say a 35mm or 85mm. With the 50mm, you won’t be complaining about the weight of the camera and lens. I can shoot longer with the 50mm since I won’t tire easily when carrying it around. You might not understand this if you haven’t done something like a wedding coverage or events that can last for hours.

One other thing is that the 50mm is a very compact lens. It does not look intimidation or catch the attention of people like the big zoom lenses or primes. You can be very inconspicuous with the fifty which is very handy when shooting in the streets.

The Fifty is so versatile that I use it a lot for portraits and events…

It is very versatile

The nifty fifty lens can be a lens that you would use for portraits, landscape, events, group photos and many more. Heck, it can even be a macro lens if you mount it to a reverse ring. I personally use the 50mm for events, street photography and portraits. The main thing to its versatility is the normal perspective that I already mentioned. Once you get used to shooting the 50mm, you would have it on your camera for most shoots.

I started out with the nifty fifty lens and two decades after, I still prefer it over my other lenses. Something about the lens just feels right when shooting. If you still don’t own a fifty then I suggest you try out one. It is the best lens for the price which is also one of its best characteristics and something that I need to expound further.

It is affordable, versatile and easy to use, what more would you look for in a lens?

It is a sharp lens too!

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Camera lenses explained

A camera lens’ specific details and capabilities have a particular use with a particular genre. In order to obtain a great picture, one of the best photography tips out there is to use the appropriate camera lenses to use for the type of image that you want to capture. Here in this article, we will be tackling the most appropriate camera accessories to be used on a particular photography genre as well as its recommended settings:

Lenses for macro / close-up

Macro or close-up photography requires intricacy and detail. This means that you have to be as close as possible to your subject in order to capture the littlest details of the subject. The lens used for this genre usually have fixed lens focal length (usually 50 mm fixed focal lengths) and are capable of putting an f/stop setting of f/2.8 or even higher. There are some camera lens that have variable focal ranges of up to 200 mm that can also be used for macro photography. You can choose whichever you want from these two types of lenses but make sure to equip yourself with appropriate camera accessories such as a lens hood to minimize or control light in order for you to capture the subject’s detail to your liking.

Lens

Lenses for portrait

Capturing portraits is fun as it captures drama and even emotion on each image. Portraits require the “soul effect” which is usually seen on the model’s eyes, thus it is best to use telephoto lenses when trying to capture portraits. You can choose between a telephoto lens with a 70-135 mm or one with 80-105 mm range. Going lower than 70 mm will risk having distortion on the facial features, which is a big no-no for portraiture. On the other hand, going over 135 mm focal length will make the subject appear flat and your image will turn out bland. There are certain ones that have fixed focal lengths that can still be used for portraiture, but make sure to choose fixed focal length lenses that are within the 70-135 mm focal length range.

Lenses for landscape

Landscape photography is actually a mere record of what you see all around when you go to a place where there is nature all around. With this, an appropriate camera lens should have a wide angle feature. Though it is nice to have a body with a full frame sensor as well as the camera lens with the same feature, it is not actually a requirement. There are a lot of landscape images that have used cameras and lenses without this capability but still produced stunning results. The one with a focal length of 18 mm or lower would do the trick and will produce equally stunning landscape photographs.

Photography is a fun and at the same time challenging hobby or even a profession, but you can lessen the challenge by choosing an appropriate camera lens. You can choose from the range offered by the brand of your camera body, or you can choose from cheaper options such as the Tamron camera lenses.   

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ND filters

ND stands for “Neutral Density” and its main use is to control the light coming on the camera. The ND filter actually reduces the amount of light thus allowing you to increase your exposure time without making your image look exposed. This is one of the essential photo filters in landscape photography where a “milky” white running water would add creative effect on the image, and an ND filter allows you to do that.

Graduated filters

This filter actually has two types – one is neutral and the other one is colored. Graduated Neutral Density filters are used mainly on landscapes, wherein you would want to control the light of the background against the foreground. As an example, in capturing a sunset image, it is almost always a difficult scene to capture as the background (usually the setting sun and the sky) has more light against its foreground. An ND grad will help you minimize that light gap, thus producing equal exposure. On the other hand, a colored grad filter has the same function a an ND grad filter  which is to control light gaps. The main difference is that a colored grad filter camera is mainly used for controlling the white balance and even the black and white settings in order to capture the best results.

With filter, without filter

Polarizing filters

Like any other camera filters, a polarizing filter has a light controlling effect on an image. It is usually used in capturing landscapes and it adds vividness and higher contrast to it. It is best to use during the afternoon, where the sunlight is at its peak, and there are not much light gap between the foreground and the background. A polarize filter will add drama to your images as it can make the sky bluer and more natural in the images. A UV filter can also be used in the afternoon, but you would still want to use a polarizing filter for a better look on your photograph.

Creative filters

Creative camera filters’s use is actually a feature that you can do on your image post editing using a software. But certain photographers would still want an in-camera filtering for doing creative images with the use of the play with colors. Creative filters can help you play around with colors. On the other hand, a star creative filter is mainly used at night in order to help create a “star effect” on fixed light sources such as light bulbs.

Camera filters are important camera accessories to maximize the potential of your image quality and content. Use the camera filters as you please but be sure to use them appropriately.

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