Help With Dslr Lenses Please

[bountyboy]

I have a nikon d3200 dslr with the original lens. (The one provided) I have since discovered that it is not up to the job of taking close up pics from a distance. Don't get me wrong I was pleased with the performance but this time I need better

Which lens would be the best one. The distance I need to shoot from is anything upto 50 feet.

[Answerprancer]

Hi BB. I'm assuming the 'kit-lens' you are talking about has a focal range of about 18-55mm (?) I'm a Canon user and their kit lens is usually the same.
To get in closer you will need either a fixed focal length lens with a focal length greater than 50mm (85mm/135mm/200mm or more) or another zoom lens that can zoom in to similar focal lengths. The magnification of your subject directly relates to the focal length of the lens. How close do you want to get?

[Answerprancer]

...as with most things, price usually defines quality, unless you want professional quality - this should do the trick:
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/af-s-55-300mm-f4-5-5-6-g-ed-vr-lens-dx-format-78033/show.html

[Answerprancer]

...alternatively:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Waynos]

I've got one of these myself and its a fantastic camera. To choose the right lens you'll need to visit a large PCWorld Currys outlet with your camera. They will be happy to let you try out various telephoto lenses on your camera. However, firstly work out how far 50 feet is from the stand where the lenses are displayed so you know what to focus on. Good Luck

[EDDIE51]

What exactly do you mean by 'Close up'?
For example do you expect to fill the viewfinder with the image of something as small as an insect from 50 feet away? if so you are not going to be able to do it.
For that kind of close up you need to BE close , within a foot or so. You need a lens that has 'Macro' facility meaning it can focus very close.
It is worth knowing that old len's from a film SLR can be used on a DSLR.
Any Nikon lens film or digital will fit your D3200, the mount is the same. You may not be able to use the auto focus or auto exposure bur the lens will work on manual or aperture priority.( set the aperture and let the camera choose the shutter speed)
One lens I can recommend is the old Russian Helios 44, they used to come as standard with the Zenit cameras . it is an f2 Prime lens and will focus down to 9 or 10 inchs. You can pick up a Zenit with lens for around £10 to £15. Take the lens off and get an M42 to Nikon adapter ( the lens has an M42 screw mount) and use it on your D3200. The results will be stunning and far sharper than the 'kit zoom' that comes as standard.
Let me know if you need more information.

[EDDIE51]

The nearest you will get to what you want, close ups from a distance is going to need a prime ( NOT zoom) lens of 300 or 500 mm focal length. But to do this you will need a tripod to hold it still enough to get a photo that is not blurred by camera shake. Look on eBay for lenses ,you can get an adapter to fit almost any old film SLR lens to your Nikon.

[Answerprancer]

..you're welcome.