Camera/Lighting Questions

[kathy65]

I use a Nikon D3300 with kit lens and also a Nikor f1.8 50 mm lens.

I am on a limited budget but would like recommendations on the following:

A telephoto lens
Tripod
A remote for shutter release so we can do family photos
Backdrop stand
Lighting equipment (I plan on doing friends children pictures, family pictures, and various other photos through out the winter. The only place I have to do this is in my dining room. I have a patio door, facing south, and another big window facing west. Therefore I do have some natural light, probably not enough though through the winter months.)

What do you use for in expensive reflectors?

Thank you

 

[tirediron]

Could you define "limited" - that means different things to different people.

The 55-200 is the low end of the telephoto scale. My preference would be the 70-300. For tripods, I like Manfrotto, and a set of 055 legs and a grip ball head. Remote releases are cheap & cheerful on eBay; Yongnuo is a decent name in third-party gear. Cameron makes a decent backdrop stand (make sure you get one with a 10' bar). For lights, Flashpoint is a good name consumer-grade lighting. I would start with this kit. This is what I would use for a basic 5 in 1 reflector set.

 

[Ido]

What do you want that telephoto for?

• If it's for tighter photos of people, get an 85mm f/1.8.
• If it's for macro, get a Nikon 85mm f/3.5.
• If it's for anything else, get a Nikon 55-200 VR (though I think there's a newer VR II model).