Choosing lenses

kate975 · Feb 16, 2011

I currently work in photo lab where I have access to some equipment. I've done some weddings and lots of portrait work, and basically have just been using what is available to me. I am getting ready to purchase my own Nikon D300S, and I'm trying to get some opinions on what 3 basic lenses to start off with. I current use a 50mm f/1.4, a 60mm f/2.8, a 35-70mm f/2.8, and an 18-200mm f/3.5-4.5. I really have no idea if these lenses are really what I need to be using for the work I do. I'm interested in getting at least one fast wide angle, and then I'm not quite sure where to go from there. Any help would be appreciated!

tirediron · Feb 16, 2011

What's your budget? What sort of work do you want/intend to do?

You could go with Nikon's "Golden Trinity" of 14-24 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, and 70-200 f2.8 (~$7K new), or something more managable such as the Tokina 11-16 f2.8, Sigma 24-70 f2.8, and Nikkor 70-300 f4 - 5.6(~$3k). Don't forget used... you save a LOT of $$$ buying used glass.

kate975 · Feb 16, 2011

I will be continuing with portrait/wedding work and I am definitely looking to stay under $3k. Thanks for your suggestions!

Big Mike · Feb 16, 2011

I don't think that a wide angle lens typically needs to be 'fast' because you can get away with hand holding it, much easier than with a telephoto.

For wedding work, I'd recommend a fast 'normal' range lens. On that camera, that will be about 17-55mm. The Nikon 17-55mm F2.8 would be a great choice, but I think it's fairly expensive. Tamron makes a pretty good 17-50mm F2.8 and Sigma has an 18-50mm F2.8, either of which should be less than $500.

I like to use a telephoto for weddings and portraits. I love my 70-200mm F2.8 and use it often. It was expensive though. The Nikon version is also expensive but a great lens. Again, Sigma & Tamron have similar offering for much less (although maybe not the same top-notch quality).

After those two lenses, it's a toss up whether you may want an ultra wide angle or a fast prime for low light/shallow DOF. The 50mm F1.4 is a nice one to have on hand.

Robin Usagani · Feb 16, 2011

I'm sorry.. I feel like if you have done weddings in the past, you should know what you want by now IMO.

kate975 · Feb 16, 2011

Yes - I have done some weddings in the past but I still consider myself a bit of a beginner mainly because I really haven't done THAT many and never really planned on doing them. I started for friends only and then ended up getting more requests. And yes, I have a degree in photography and I work in a photo lab, so I have a fair amount of knowledge, but I've really only had actual hands on experience with the lenses I have access to. I know there are tons of fantastic lenses out there - way better than the ones I use now. The choices are rather overwhelming. Just trying to make the best decision so I can improve my work and get more business. This is a help forum, right?