Nikon Prime Lenses for DX Cropped DSLRs: 20mm to 135mm

So, you've studied the kit lens versus prime lens versus f2.8 zoom issue ( http://sgsnaps.blogspot.com/2011/06/nikon-kit-lens-versus-prime-versus-f28.html ) and have decided on a prime lens.

It's time to examine Nikon prime (non-zoom, large aperture) lenses, corresponding to the 18-135mm focal length range of many DX (1.5x crop) zoom lenses. The largest aperture lenses of each focal length, is considered. The f2.8 Micro Nikkors are not included. These are specialized macro lenses, with a smaller aperture.

If you're not sure as to which lens to get, the 35mm f1.8 is a low cost way to start. It's cheap, light, and a good compromise focal length.

Nikon Kit Lens Versus Prime Versus f2.8 Professional Zoom

Should you get a prime lens? What about an f2.8 zoom? Here's how to decide which lens to get, or whether to stick with the kit lens.

The information here is based on Nikon (Nikkor) lenses, but is generally applicable to other brands as well, especially Canon. (Canon and Nikon track each other's lens developments quite closely, with many lenses having identical specifications, down to the exact focal length and aperture.)

Emphasis is on indoors, available-light (no flash) usage. If photographing with flash or outdoors, the choice of lens is less critical.

Guide to Nikon 18mm Kit and Other Standard Zoom Lenses

If you're starting out in photography, you're likely to buy an entry-level DSLR bundled with a "kit" zoom lens. After using the kit lens for a while, you might be tempted to upgrade to another zoom lens. The questions are: should you, and which lens?

We'll look at the main Nikon "standard" zoom lenses (not super telephoto, not ultra-wide), lenses with focal lengths starting from around 18mm. These are general-purpose lenses, good for many types of photography.