Best automotive photography lens for a D5100?

[Marvel_Man]

First off, I'd just want to say I'm new to this forum, so if I'm posting this in the wrong section, please let me know!

I've been playing around with automotive photography for a while, but I've only just recently gotten a DSLR instead of a basic little Sony point and shoot. My of my stuff right now is focusing on Law Enforcement vehicles. I've been looking to step up from my current stock lens (the NIKKOR 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 that comes in the kit with it) and get something to get better details. I'm still a newb with all this stuff, so I'm not really sure what I need to be looking at. I like getting those close detail shots, but I also like getting the cool wide shots as well. So, does anyone have any suggestions for what type of lens I should be looking for? Or just any suggestions in general? All help is greatly appreciated! I'll post a few reference photos of what I've shot so far:

 

[cgw]

For DX, a 35mm(50mm FX equivalent)prime is near-prefect. Distorted wide-angle close-ups get old fast(#2). 35mm allows for close-ups as well as medium distance and whole car shots. Selective focus and limited DOF only come with reasonably fast lenses, which allow you to knock distracting backgrounds OOF. A good CPL is a key tool in car shooting. Go for early/late day light. Don't always avoid flare. Just be mindful of composition, background and exposure--always.

 

[ShootRaw]

The 50mm 1.8g is more suited for exterior auto shots..
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[DNel928]

The 50mm 1.8G and 17-55 2.8 are really all I use for stills. The 70-200 2.8 is also great!

 

[PaulWog]

For close-ups (as in the second photo you posted), you might want an ultra-wide lens. It looks like the limitation of that photo is it wanted a more distorted & stretched out perspective.

 

[TheFantasticG]

Lemme tell ya some of the best automotive Photography I have seen is from VisualEchos and he uses a Nikon 200mm f2 exclusively for those vehicle shots... That being said his work wouldn't be so awesome if it wasn't for the editing and setting he shoots the cars in. Meaning lens is part of it but without the editing, lighting, and setting a lens by itself can only do so much.

Once had a guy tell me while I was on a ship shooting a sunset: "That's a nice setup you got there. Must take some nice shots." I said, "Watch this." Took a shot of the deck and showed him saying, "Looks like **** doesn't?" "Well, yeah." And the look of understanding crossed his face. True story, bro.

Oh, and lens recommendations for automotive... Tamron 180mm f3.5 macro. Why? Because isolation with the right background and lighting make automotive photos pop just as much as people. Not to mention prospective is awesome.

 

[12sndsgood]

For overall shots of the car I will generally go to my 70-200 F/2.8 I will get back, zoom in I probably use it 75% of the time. for close-ups I will a lot of times use my 35mm F/1.8 other then those two lenses I will sometimes use a fisheye for an odd shot or two. but mainly the 70-200 does most of the work.