I am about to buy my first DSLR (D5100) and am torn between getting the kit lens or getting the body only and buying the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S ($200 at Amazon).

I have 3 young kids, and I am looking to take some indoor photos without flash. According to reviews, the 35mm lens will work well in lower light situations. I also love the ability to blur the background.

So, my question is - the d5100 is only $100 more when purchased with the kit lens ($650). Or I could go body only ($550) and get the
Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S lens ($200) to use as my only lens until I can get another lens some day. Is this crazy? As a complete novice, should I just get the kit lens? Would that be more flexible, or would it just not provide the blurred background and low light performance?

Thanks.

Tom, I would get the kit lens to start. It is much more versatile, has excellent sharpness and because it has VR, vibration reduction, is also very good in low light. At $100 it is a bargain and you will save $100 towards your next lens after you decide exactly what you want.

Len

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HI Tom

Congratulations! You have picked an excellent camera for your first experience with a DSLR.

I would definitely buy the camera with the kit lens. It is an extremely sharp lens and it gives you a good focal length range. And, it is a bargain for the additional $100.00. If you were to buy it separately, it would cost between $180 and $200. You should also consider the 55-200 or the 55-300 since they are both discounted when you buy them together with the D5100. As I recall, you get $100 off on the 55-200 and $150 off on the 55-300. Both are very respectable lenses. I think that you will be far happier with the zooms than with one fixed focal length lens like the 35. After you have used your camera for a while and if you still feel that the 35 better fits your needs, I'm sure that you could sell the 18-55 for what you paid, however, I don't think that that is going to happen.

jP

Please make All responses to this question in This Duplicate Thread in the Nikkor AF Lenses forum .
Thank you.

Best Regards,
Marty