Hi there! New here with questions!

[hippyatheart]

Hi! My name is Carrie and I am a SAHM of 3. I have dreams of being a photographer some day, so at the moment I am just experementing! I have a Nikon D50. I have a crappy tamron 28-80mm 1:3.5-5.6. I seriously dislike this lens.

What I need is a replacement lens for it. I am looking for a good walk around lens that I can shoot portraits, nature, and candids. I am pretty new at this so I am not sure of all the lingo. Here are a few pictures I have taken. Not professional, by far...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emoryphoto/358513326/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emoryphoto/342932219/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emoryphoto/358538576/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emoryphoto/358538566/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/emoryphoto/358580873/

If I knew how to put the photos directly in I would! Some of the pictures are from my old camera, but you get the idea of my style. So, what kind of lens would you recomend?

Carrie

 

[Socrates]

Looking at your shots, I'd recommend one of Nikon's 50mm prime lenses. The f/1.4 is better if you can afford it but the f/1.8 is nearly as good for a whole lot less money. I wouldn't call a 50mm prime a "walk-around" lens in this day and age but, based on the shots you've taken, you will get a lot of use out of the controllable Depth of Field. (Subject in crisp focus but everything in front or behind out of focus.)

http://web.mac.com/george.dick/Photos/Nine-O-Nine.html
http://web.mac.com/george.dick/Photos/Katie.html

I think I paid a bit under $300 for the f/1.4 but the f/1.8 is less than a hundred bucks. Check out B&H.

 

[tirediron]

You have some really nice work there! I'll agree with Socrates, the 50 1.4 would be a good one. If the budget allows it, a decent mid-range zoom (18-70 3.5/5.6) would be useful as well.

 

[julie32]

I think you should get a zoom lens that opens to 2.8.

 

[DougBolls]

I think you would be well served to take a good look at the Nikon 18-200 zoom. See KenRockwell.com for an excellent review. It's just about the only lens I shoot with - not only is it versatile but no more getting the sensor dusty by changing lenses all the time.
Doug

 

[Iron Flatline]

I don't have any constructive advice, but would like to know what a SAHM is.

 

[Socrates]

I don't have any constructive advice, but would like to know what a SAHM is.

Stay At Home Mother

 

[Joves]

Stay At Home Mother

Ah! I didnt know either. So what kind of budget you have. The nifty-fifty is a great choice as has been stated.

 

[hippyatheart]

Thank you for your replies! I do have a 60mm f/2.8 that my loving husband gave me for Christmas. I also have a telephoto 70-300mm that I hardly use. I find that I need a lens wide enough for some macro with a bit of a zoom.

My budget is negotiable . Thank you so much for your help!

 

[hippyatheart]

For my next purchase, would you recommend the 50mm 1.4 or nikon 18-70mm?

 

[kellylindseyphotography]

Hi welcome!
You should check out www.ilovephotography.com which is wonderful for SAHM's and child photographers

I have the 50/1.8 and it's the only lens I use

 

[Judge Sharpe]

Listen to Kelly- she is sharp and has an exelent eye for photography.
And welcome!
Judge Sharpe

 

[hippyatheart]

Hey, thanks for the link! I just registered to check it out!