First Post: What glasses to have for a newbie?

[ChrisSantos]

Hi all,

First of all its very nice to be part of this forum now, among so talented people.
I come from 3D modeling (3ds Max) where you can play with lights, create your own environment, etc. now I bought a Nikon D5000 Kit and noticed that the lens are at some point limited. I would like to know what you would suggest for portrait, parties, and children pictures in general. I appreciate your suggestions.

 

[adversus]

It depends on your budget, really. I only own Nikkor lenses so can't comment on 3rd party ones (I'm sure there's some really good ones out there from Sigma and Tamron).

My second lens was the 55-200mm VR, which is a great little lens if you are just learning. It's pretty cheap now too, especially if you find it used. I don't use mine much anymore, it's relegated to a backup lens.

A "must have" in my opinion is the nice little 35mm 1.8 DX, very sharp lens and works great in low light. Under $200.

My favorite lens by far though is the 70-300mm VR, longer reach than the 200 and sharper (to my eyes at least) around the 200mm length than the 55-200 is. That'll set you back about $585-599.

 

[KmH]

All lenses "are at some point, limited."

Digital SLR's has an interchangeable lens feature because it takes multiple lenses to make pictrues of "portrait, parties, and children pictures in general."

How much of your money can we spend?

The Nikon Trinity of zoom lenses (14 mm to 200 mm) will cost about $5650 new:

• AF-S 24-24 mm f/2.8G
• AF-S 24-70 mm f/2.8G
• AF-S 70-200 mm f/2.8G

Unfortunately, your D5000 doesn't have a focus motor so 2 of the Nikon Budget Trinty of zoom lenses ($2690 new) won't auto focus on it:

• AF-S 12-24 mm f/4G
• AF 24-85 mm f/2.8-4D
• AF 80-200 mm f/2.8D

 

[ChrisSantos]

Thank you for the replies.
I was looking for a second glass that would complement my equipment for now. I am a newbie and learning and so far I read that the lens kit that comes with the D5000 has limitations on DoF and the photographer would need another pair at least to complement.
So far I have the camera, Nikon D5000 Kit and the SB-600 Speedlight.
Appreciate any C&C.

 

[enzodm]

I am a newbie and learning and so far I read that the lens kit that comes with the D5000 has limitations on DoF and the photographer would need another pair at least to complement.

so, continue to shoot until you personally find your lens is limiting . And buy a tripod.

 

[Syco]

I've got a D5000, as well. The kit lens will handle "portrait, parties, and children pictures in general" with ease. Most people (myself included) probably compliment it with a 55-200 AF/VR. But, honestly, I hardly ever take it out of the bag. If I were going to add a lens on top of those two, I'd pick up a fast 35mm or 50mm lens for low-light work.

 

[ChrisSantos]

I am a newbie and learning and so far I read that the lens kit that comes with the D5000 has limitations on DoF and the photographer would need another pair at least to complement.

so, continue to shoot until you personally find your lens is limiting . And buy a tripod.

I am definetely ordering a tripod...
Also a friend said that I could rent a lens and try before buying, would that be an option?

 

[adversus]

Renting a lens is an option, especially if you are looking at a more expensive one.

The 18-55 is an OK lens. I've taken some good shots with it. I haven't had mine attached is probably a year, favoring the 35mm and 70-300 more.

 

[jcrob33]

Or do what I did and go on craigslist and find a solid Sigma Lens. 70 - 300mm for $75.

Great to start with and super cheap...

 

[ChrisSantos]

So what I see is that for starts the majority agrees with the 35mm and 70-300mm lenses.