A up and coming photographer in need of some lens advice!

[asukaoyl]

A little history about myself. Iv been part of the nightlife business for a long time in many forms. I have always wanted to capture my view and my style in the scene. About a year ago I decided to finally conquer and explore these ideas. I started simply with my iphone, then moved on to using my friends t3 with default lens recently. I decided i wanted my own gear, i got a really good deal on a Nikon 7200 body $650 pretty much brand new and jumped on it.

I recently worked Mysteryland festival which is half day time and nighttime. I did get some decent shots but i felt limited. This brings me to my first question. Seeing as how most of my shooting is in a club or dark places, what lens would you recommend i start with? I try and shoot with no flash whenever possible. But will also be looking to purchase the correct flash equipment for when i feel i need it.

Examples of what i kind of shots i want to be able to take.

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13418566_573649062760425_5711819535150240742_o.jpg

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13442712_573650572760274_3987813055939149307_o.jpg

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13411696_573651446093520_7509932247682526981_o.jpg

and

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13418633_574008696057795_6033680781105391255_o.jpg

https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/13412138_574012709390727_9215785199811460212_o.jpg

I assume the pictures are post processed to get that bright color to pop. My main concern is buying gear that will allow me to take these kinds of shots with the camera i just bought if possible. What are your recommendations! I will be traveling to Electric Forest with a press pass/media pass soon and really wanna have my gear ready before then!

I thank you greatly for the help guys!

 

[dxqcanada]

Wide, and mid focal length with very wide aperture ... f/1.4 and 1.8 would be good.
These tend to be in fixed focal length ...
Camera that is good at high ISO.

 

[asukaoyl]

Can you give me some examples of lens with those features on maybe best buy or amazon for the Nikon D7200 that you would recommend?

 

[dxqcanada]

Sigma 24mm f/1.4, Nikkor 50mm f/.14, Zeiss 50mm f/1.4, Zeiss 24mm f/1.4 ... 24mm, 50mm, 85mm ... most common for f/1.4 and f/1.8.
Nikon, Sigma, Tamron ... others.

 

[asukaoyl]

So far im trying to decide between these two as a starter as price range is a factor for me currently.

Nikon - AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Standard Lens - Black

Nikon - AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED Prime Lens for Select Nikon DSLR Cameras - Black

Do you think these are good enough lens to be able to able to get the shots i posted examples of?

 

[nerwin]

You're gonna want something wider than 35mm if you want to take those kind of pictures.

I recommend the Tokina 11-20 f2.8. It's a ultra wide angle and it's a constant f2.8. Should be excellent for this style of stuff.

 

[asukaoyl]

Will the f2.8 however be able to handle low light and fast moving subjects like dancers?

 

[nerwin]

Will the f2.8 however be able to handle low light and fast moving subjects like dancers?

If bet the example photos you shared were taken with a 2.8 lens. Probably with a Nikon 14-24 2.8 or canon 16-35 2.8.

Your d7200 does pretty well in low light.

I'm not aware of any fast ultra wide angle primes, but the 20mm 1.8g might be okay for you. It just won't be super wide but much wider than 35mm.

 

[asukaoyl]

Jesus that lens is $1300 min, I cant afford that right now, is there a cheaper alternative? Thank you for the help btw! Really appreciate it.

 

[nerwin]

Jesus that lens is $1300 min, I cant afford that right now, is there a cheaper alternative? Thank you for the help btw! Really appreciate it.

I did....the Tokina 11-20 2.8.

 

[Vtec44]

Do you have a good understanding of the exposure triangle? You'd be pushing high ISO to maintain enough shutter speed and allow just enough ambient light to come in.

 

[asukaoyl]

When i looked up the lens you just suggested i got this. Amazon.com : Tokina 11-20MM F/2.8 PRO DIGITAL LENS for NIKON : Camera & Photo

The one you just mentioned before gave me this: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens 2163 B&H Photo Video

A lot more reasonable! What is the difference between those two and the price?

Also i have a decent understanding of ISO and shutter speed but im learning more and more with each passing hour. I feel confident enough that with the right lens and a bit of practice i can get the shots i want. I was able to get a lot of shots during my last shoot but also lost a bunch due to not having everything set properly. If you knew anything about me if i set my mind on something im a fast learner! My only issue currently is spending money on the wrong things as i dont have much.

 

[goodguy]

I would start with the Nikon 35mm 1.8G DX, excellent and cheap lens, will help you with the wider shots in lower light.
For closer shots I would recommend the Nikon 85mm 1.8G
I shot in a bar and I shot the singer with my 50mm and then with the 85mm, the difference was huge, the 50mm is just not good enough for a close portrait and the 35mm will be even worst.

 

[nerwin]

When i looked up the lens you just suggested i got this. Amazon.com : Tokina 11-20MM F/2.8 PRO DIGITAL LENS for NIKON : Camera & Photo

The one you just mentioned before gave me this: Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED Lens 2163 B&H Photo Video

A lot more reasonable! What is the difference between those two and the price?

Also i have a decent understanding of ISO and shutter speed but im learning more and more with each passing hour. I feel confident enough that with the right lens and a bit of practice i can get the shots i want. I was able to get a lot of shots during my last shoot but also lost a bunch due to not having everything set properly. If you knew anything about me if i set my mind on something im a fast learner! My only issue currently is spending money on the wrong things as i dont have much.

Well the 14-24 2.8 is for full frame cameras, I wouldn't use it on DX. You could...but it really shines on full frame bodies haha.

But the Tokina 11-20 2.8 is designed for crop sensors.

If you think the 35mm will work for you, then I would check out the Tamron 35 1.8 VC as it has vibration control. That would come in handy for low light.

Your best option is probably have a few lenses for these kind of shots, a fast ultra wide angle, 35 1.8 and 85 1.8.

 

[Designer]

I try and shoot with no flash whenever possible. But will also be looking to purchase the correct flash equipment for when i feel i need it.

Flash kills the ambiance.