First len to go with my FM3a

[wizard_de_weird]

Hi,

Newbie here. My FM3a body just arrived yesterday from US. Now looking for a lens to go with it. As I will be using it more for general shots, so thinking of getting a standard type of lens (also tight on budget after getting the camera body). Any recommendation which lens should I buy first? And what is the average price? I don't mind if it is from 3rd party brand as long as it is work perfectly well with my FM3a.

The 45mm f/2.8P lens is featured in the manual. Is this a good lens? And will it be better if I get a zoom lens instead?

Thanks.

[binbeto]

Originally Posted by wizard_de_weird Hi, Newbie here. My FM3a body just arrived yesterday from US. Now looking for a lens to go with it. As I will be using it more for general shots, so thinking of getting a standard type of lens (also tight on budget after getting the camera body). Any recommendation which lens should I buy first? And what is the average price? I don't mind if it is from 3rd party brand as long as it is work perfectly well with my FM3a. The 45mm f/2.8P lens is featured in the manual. Is this a good lens? And will it be better if I get a zoom lens instead? Thanks.

If you dun mind a manual lens, some of these lens can be got at a much lower price than AF counter part. However, chances of getting them new is slimmer. **Note: most of these lens can't work with lower end AF body**

What do you wanna take with the camera? This will help us give better recommendation.

[wizard_de_weird]

I'll be using it mostly for street photography and portrait. More of a casual use. I'm ok with manual lens as long as the pictures come out are good. Are the AI & AI-S type manual lens??

[foxtwo]

a 50/1.8 sells pretty cheap. stoned is selling a 75-150/3.5 e-series, gd lens. i'm tempted, but not interested in playing with zooms. maybe u can give it a gd home.

[cheese]

do give the manual nikkors a serious thought; sturdy build and smooth focus, unlike their AF counterparts.
personally i'll choose a 35mm focal length for its flexibility, the 50mm favourite is a bit tight for street photography.

[szekiat]

the 50mm is probably the hardest lens to used to get a good photo but a the best photos almost always come from it. Thats what i feel. I'd reccomend a 35mm f1.4 or f2 for your purpose. Kohking is selling one i believe. Alternatively, u can try a 50mm. not easy but a swell lens. Can be had at abt 150 for a new one.

[kex]

another vote for the 35mm F2,manual or AF,great for street as well as enviromental portraits. another Nikon Ais 105mm F2.5 will make a great combo!

[Witness]

for manual i will stick to primes...and yes the nikkor manual lens are of great build and superior quality.....

[wizard_de_weird]

Originally Posted by szekiat the 50mm is probably the hardest lens to used to get a good photo but a the best photos almost always come from it. Thats what i feel. I'd reccomend a 35mm f1.4 or f2 for your purpose. Kohking is selling one i believe. Alternatively, u can try a 50mm. not easy but a swell lens. Can be had at abt 150 for a new one.

How does the photo quality different between the 35mm f/1.4 and 35mm f/2 ? Are they the Ai/Ai-S type of lens and how much do they cost locally for a new ones?