Just got a brand new Nikon D610 for free and need lens help

[Minimalist]

I plan on picking up photography as a hobby(I've shot some before, very amateur, and also went to art school so I know a bit about good composition) also using it for business purposes for a clothing line. I'd like to be able to shoot models for blogs plus clothing for line sheets and also landscape as a hobby. I'm looking to buy a single lens right now and was wondering what you guys would buy or what you'd even suggest. The new sigma 24-70 has caught my eye but it's 1299 and while I'd spend it I want to make sure it'll be right for me.

Thanks for any help!

 

[tirediron]

A 24-70 on an FF body is a good start, but there is no "single lens" that will do it all. The 24-120 f4 might be a better choice since most of what you're talking about is better with longer focal lengths. and landscapes can be easily done as panoramas.

 

[Derrel]

YEAH....24-120 f/4 with VR...a more wide-ranging lens and more well-suited to generalist type photo duties. I dunno...24-70mm is kind of "Ehhhhhhhh," to me...thwe qide end is fine! 24,28,35mm are ALL very useful wide-angle lengths on full-frame...but the 70mm top end: not very long, not very selective in angle of view! even a 24-85mm is more-useful than a 24-70mm zoom lens.

$1299 is a lot of money for a Sigma branded lens: I would never spend that much money on a Sigma 24-70mm lens, no way, sorry, but no, too much money new, and not that useful overall, in total.

 

[Minimalist]

A 24-70 on an FF body is a good start, but there is no "single lens" that will do it all. The 24-120 f4 might be a better choice since most of what you're talking about is better with longer focal lengths. and landscapes can be easily done as panoramas.

Why do you say that that? I figured line sheets and shooting models would require something more in line with 35-50. I can't see myself using more than 85mm but the price of the lens you mentioned used and like new is definitely more attractive.

 

[tirediron]

Generally speaking, for anything involving one or two people, the longer (to a point) the better. 85mm is, IMO, the minimum for any sort of portrait work, and the 105-135 range is considered by many to be optimal. Wider lenses introduce increased distortion and features like noses can look disproportionately large when using shorter photo lengths.

 

[Designer]

The new "E" version of Nikon's 70-200mm is the one I would pick.

If you are a professional photographer, get this and write off the cost as a business expense. You won't find a used one, but you might be able to find a good deal somewhere, especially since this is Nikon's 100th anniversary. Keep checking the major photo stores for a hot deal.

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Interchangeable Lens for Nikon DSLRs

Good luck!

 

[Braineack]

I figured line sheets and shooting models would require something more in line with 35-50.

great thing is, the 24-120 can shoot 35-50mm.

knowing a budget here will help.

 

[Cody'sCaptures]

The new "E" version of Nikon's 70-200mm is the one I would pick.

If you are a professional photographer, get this and write off the cost as a business expense. You won't find a used one, but you might be able to find a good deal somewhere, especially since this is Nikon's 100th anniversary. Keep checking the major photo stores for a hot deal.

AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8E FL ED VR | Interchangeable Lens for Nikon DSLRs

Good luck!

Did you bother to read what she said?

 

[Minimalist]

I figured line sheets and shooting models would require something more in line with 35-50.

great thing is, the 24-120 can shoot 35-50mm.

knowing a budget here will help.

1299 for the sigma was basically the most I would want to spend so...1299. I was originally going to just buy a 35mm sigma but I think I might be better off with something more versatile.

 

[Designer]

Did you bother to read what she said?

She who?

.. also using it for business purposes ..

So what about my recommendation doesn't fit?

 

[Minimalist]

Did you bother to read what she said?

She who?

.. also using it for business purposes ..

So what about my recommendation doesn't fit?

Price

 

[Designer]

If you don't currently have a business, then never mind the suggestion.

Get a cheaper lens just for hobby use.

You probably won't notice any difference in the image quality anyway.

 

[Minimalist]

If you don't currently have a business, then never mind the suggestion.

Get a cheaper lens just for hobby use.

You probably won't notice any difference in the image quality anyway.

It would be for a start up so technically yes, for a business

 

[Designer]

It would be for a start up so technically yes, for a business

Then depending on your actual tax rate, you can save around 20% off your income taxes. Does that help?

(edit) I think I got that wrong, but see your tax preparer for clarification.

In a small business tax situation, get whatever equipment you need, and write it off.

 

[nerwin]

Get the new Tamron 18-400 and shoot in crop mode.

....just kidding.

I'd personally pickup a used 24-85 VR. It's a fantastic lens. Sure not 2.8...but it would be a great lens to start out with. I thought it was sharper than the 24-120 F4 I had. But that is also another good lens to get, just make sure you buy used.

Also get your self a 50 1.8G.