Hi all,
I've finally made the jump into the DSLR world, picking up a Nikon D3100 over the summer before a 4 day motorcycle trip. I'm at the point now, where I'd like to go beyond the two "kit" lenses (non VR equipped 18-55 and 55-200) that I got with it. I don't get a chance to do much railfanning anymore, but I still consider trains one of my favorite things to photograph-even if most of my stuff has been touristy or scenery type shots from places I've visited (went around the north shore of Lake superior on said motorcycle trip this summer for example)
Since much of my shots lately have been of the wide-ish angle variety, and I've been kinda spoiled by having point and shoots that drop into the F2.0 range (I have a canon S100 currently and stupidly sold a panasonic LX7 before that).. I'm curious if anyone here uses a prime lens for rail-fanning and/or what everyone's thoughts are on the idea? I've seen Nikon lenses like the 28 and 34 mm variety, that offer F1.8, and the idea of a faster lens is tempting. Prime's seem to be a good way to get good glass, a fast lens, both at a more affordable price, hence my interest.
If a prime's not the best, what would be the ideal "next step" lens for me to get ? I figure something with VR if anything, but the Nikon's don't seem to be easy to tell (though granted I am VERY new with DSLRs) what is real high quality glass and what isn't (aside from looking at the price tag)...figuring though that anything they make is probably going to live up to my standards as a more casual user.
Curious on what everyone's thoughts are, Thanks for the help!