Choose one camera and ones lens...what would it be?

[MrsLittle]

I am posting this new question on here, since I got too many different responses about what lens to choose- made me all the more confused. If you could choose one camera and lens all for under 2000, what would it be?

Please keep in mind, that my objective is family portraits, not mountains and landscapes. I would like something with a zoom, nothing extreme- I just don't want to constantly be in anyones face while taking their portrait. Not wanting to sacrifice image quality for a high zoom either, and good Bokeh is a must.

I'm sorry if I am coming of pushy, but I have done so much research and it all makes me worried I won't make the right choice. Danke Sehr!

P.S. I say camera and lens because I still have time to exchange the D7000 and maybe get a D90 with more money to spare for a better lens.

~Miss Indecisive~

 

[MLeeK]

I wouldn't exchange the D7000 for the D90. The D7000 is even liked by Canon shooters. It's a pretty impressive piece of equipment. Exchanging it would be taking a step backwards.
If I had to choose one lens to go with it: Nikon 24-70 f/2.8
If that is out of budget: Sigma 24-70 f/2.8OS or the Tamron 28-75 f/2.8. Those are for an EVERYTHING lens. For an entry level prime the 50mm f/1.8 is CHEAP as hell and an amazing lens for the price. If at all possible I'd have it in my arsenal just because it's so cheap.

 

[KmH]

Not wanting to sacrifice image quality for a high zoom either, and good Bokeh is a must.

Don't confuse depth-of-field (DoF), particularly a shallow DoF, with circle-of-confusion (bokeh, or CoC). They are not the same thing.

many new to photography go way overboard with a shallow DoF and have focusing issues.

Worry more about getting as much knowledge and skill as you can.

I would recommend the D7000 with the $400 - $600 USD Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

However, i agree with MLeek that the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras is a lens most nikon camera owners should have.

 

[MrsLittle]

Thanks! I have already planned on purchasing the 50mm f/1.8g, can't beat the price for its sharpness. Unfortunately the 24-70 and 70-200mm is out of my price range. I do want to stick with a Nikon lens and not any other brand. WIth my luck, they would break the same day.

 

[MLeeK]

Why so afraid of the good third party lenses? There are A LOT of us here shooting with them and they are excellent pieces of equipment. Yes, there are some junk ones, but that's why you ask and research before you buy them.

 

[trizzo]

Well... for me it would be Nikon D700 and Nikon 70-200 VRII combo.

Sent from my GT-I9000 using Tapatalk

 

[MrsLittle]

I'm sure I will eventually have a third party lens in my collection. Since I am starting out, I want to get it right the first time. I just need one lens other than the 50mm to fulfill my needs in photographing families. I've already spent many days researching and still haven't found anything that jumped out at me as "the one".

 

[MLeeK]

Keeping it in your budget I don't think you are going to find "THE ONE" in only Nikon gear.
Is there a lens that is outside your budget? If you could choose ANY lens without budget in mind what would you choose?

 

[MrsLittle]

I like what I hear about the 135mm and 105mm for portraits. Or even the 18-200mm.

 

[Snakeguy101]

If I could have my dream camera and lens it would be a Nikon with tons of battery life, FX format, excellent at high ISO values and the lends would be a 10-300mm f/2.8 with 1:1 macro capabilities when I want to shoot macro and VR. of course these don't exist yet so I would say a D700 and a Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8.

 

[kundalini]

I like what I hear about the 135mm and 105mm for portraits.

The Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 does a very nice job for portraits too. The added bonuses are that you won't need as much space as the 105 / 135mm lenses and the price point for a new version is only $465USD.

 

[KmH]

Unfortunately the 24-70 and 70-200mm is out of my price range.

Which is why I recommended the much less expensive Nikon AF 24-85 mm f/2.8-4 instead of the professional grade Nikon AF-S 24-70 f/2.8.

 

[jake337]

Just grab a 50mm f1.8G and have fun. Grab the 85mm f1.8af-d too if you want. You'll be under budget and have enough $$ to grab that flash you'll want by next week!

The more time you spend trying to figure out what lens you want, the less time you'll be researching and learning photography. Most importantly, just get out there and take some photographs!

 

[MrsLittle]

I'm taking into account all suggestions. As of now I'm positive that I'm sticking with the D7000 and getting the 50mm 1.8g. As for the second lens, all your suggestions are wonderful choices but I'm still undecided. I guess I'm just looking for confirmation on top of another confirmation.

 

[MrsLittle]

Just grab a 50mm f1.8G and have fun. Grab the 85mm f1.8af-d too if you want. You'll be under budget and have enough $$ to grab that flash you'll want by next week!

The more time you spend trying to figure out what lens you want, the less time you'll be researching and learning photography. Most importantly, just get out there and take some photographs!

You almost have me sold Jake, both are great choices. Thanks!