Lenses Case Set

HELP! Setting the aperture in Nikon D60 with 18-55mm VR lens?

I have recently bought my first DSLR - Nikon D60 with 18-55mm VR kit lens.

I tried setting the aperture to 3.5 when I zoomed in completely in "A" mode but it doesn't work and sticks to 5.6. The same happens in the "M" mode. I cannot blame the "S" mode as in this mode the camera controls the aperture itself.

I need to know is my camera faulty or is there any other way around?

I want to take portrait shots with blurry background and I have learned from some resources that the aperture should be maximum or the lowest value, 3.5 in case of the 18-55mm VR kit lens.

Do I need to buy another lens for portrait photography?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Mere Mortal is correct on his explanation of a variable aperture zoom. So, yes, to get a shallow depth of field, you need to purchase a different lens.

Here is one of the downsides to the D40/D60 line. On the Canon side, they have a decent 50mm F1.8 that gives a great DOF and is only around $100. Nikon does not have an equivalent lens that will autofocus on the D40/D60, so you wind up buying something more expensive.

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