Good quality lens for Nikon d7000?

[ekohekoh1]

Hi All,
I'm a newbie to the DSLR/SLR game and am going to purchase the Nikond7000 in the near future. What is a good quality lens to buy for this camera to take photos of people- more specifically my 7 month old daughter who is continuously moving, and looks into the camera for a second here and there?
Cheers in advance!

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I like the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 I purchased for mine.

The kit lens offer on that cam is a great deal bundled, the 18-105 VR.

 

[tirediron]

My suggestion would be to go with the kit lens initially, and as you gain more experience and decide what and how you want to shoot, then look at buying additional lenses to meet those requirements.

 

[KmH]

Hi All,
I'm a newbie to the DSLR/SLR game and am going to purchase the Nikond7000 in the near future. What is a good quality lens to buy for this camera to take photos of people- more specifically my 7 month old daughter who is continuously moving, and looks into the camera for a second here and there?
Cheers in advance!

Assuming you will take most of your shots of her inside, you should be more concerned with how you will light your 7 month old daughter. Strobed light at set to less than full power can stop motion. Using strobed light adds a layer of complexity to doing photography, but it is how professional, or near professional, quality images are made.

The Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens is a pro quality lens, and has a pro price.

Instead I would recommend the less expensive but still quite good Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

Inded the 18-105 kit lens can perform quite well when it is used, like all lenses, within its limitations. The trick is having a good understanding of what those limitations are.

In all honesty, it would help if we had an idea of your current level of photographic knowledge and expertise.

 

[ekohekoh1]

I'm a complete newb to SLR/digital SLR but plan to really spend a lot of time researching and practicing, maybe even take a class. I want a really good lens, good enough where i won't have to get another one to upgrade.

 

[mjhoward]

I'm a complete newb to SLR/digital SLR but plan to really spend a lot of time researching and practicing, maybe even take a class. I want a really good lens, good enough where i won't have to get another one to upgrade.

In that case... the 24-70 2.8 OR if you plan to never get a FF camera, the 17-55 2.8 gives a similar range of FOV's on a DX as the 24-70 2.8 does on a FX body but a little overpriced now IMO. You could also use prime lenses instead. As KMH has said, you should really get a speedlight for bounce and off camera use. It will make a tremendous difference. I now have a bag dedicated to just speedlights lol.

 

[IgsEMT]

as a newbee, don't waste $ on the glass, but learn basics and enjoy your kid.
Kit 18-105 lens is good enough for what you need, also look into Nikon 18-70. For the price it is an AMAZING glass and will serve you a very long time.
Good Luck

 

[KmH]

You won't be able to cover all the bases with just one lens.

 

[IgsEMT]

You won't be able to cover all the bases with just one lens.

For a 7mn old kid? I'll disagree w/ you on this one. Basic kit lens for running after your kid is enough to start.

 

[chaosrealm93]

24-70

 

[2WheelPhoto]

24-70

+1

errrr I meant +2

I already suggested that lens above

 

[djacobox372]

I'd suggest a 35 or 50mm f1.8 prime along with your kit lens. They're cheap and perform better then the fancy 24-70mm f2.8 zoom that cost more then the camera! Just no zoom.If you want a quality zoom lens that won't break the bank consider the tamron 17-50mm f2.8

What you'll find when buying lenses is that the lower (wider) the aperture the more expensive the lens. The only way to get a very low aperture lens for less is to buy a prime (non zoom) lens.

Low aperture lenses allow you to shoot in darker situations and/or at higher shutter speeds, they also give you that "blurry background look" that every noob is looking for.

 

[KmH]

You won't be able to cover all the bases with just one lens.

For a 7mn old kid? I'll disagree w/ you on this one. Basic kit lens for running after your kid is enough to start.

And in a month will be a 8 month old. Before mom knows it her child will become a lot more mobile.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

I'd suggest a 35 or 50mm f1.8 prime along with your kit lens. They're cheap and perform better then the fancy 24-70mm f2.8 zoom that cost more then the camera! Just no zoom.If you want a quality zoom lens that won't break the bank consider the tamron 17-50mm f2.8

What you'll find when buying lenses is that the lower (wider) the aperture the more expensive the lens. The only way to get a very low aperture lens for less is to buy a prime (non zoom) lens.

Low aperture lenses allow you to shoot in darker situations and/or at higher shutter speeds, they also give you that "blurry background look" that every noob is looking for.

I disagree, chasing kids around with primes lenses doesn't sound fun. Not just the popping them on and off the cam, but 50mm (low-cost practicle) prime just isn't as far as a kid can crawl or run

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Congrats on deciding to jump into the wonderful world of DSLR photography! You have already made 2 great decsions; 1 to buy the D700 and 2 by joining this forum and asking questions.I was in your same shoes about 2.5 years ago. I started with a 18-135mm kit lens and then purchased a decent speedlight (SB-600) and the nifty fifty (50mm 1.8d). I lived with that set up for about 2 years, and by doing so learned some very valuable lessons with regard to my equipment, lighting and what I thought would help my style of shooting. I too have been chasing kids (3 year old daughter and 18 month old son). i think you will find the 18-105mm a great lens to start with. It is very sharp and with a good speadlight you will be covered for all you indoor/lowlight shots. You will learn a lot from the speedlight and how to bounce the light so that you won't have the typical washed out photo's you are used to when a flash is used. The speedlight can add light and make it look very natural.Once you have lived a little with the kit lens and a speedlight you will know what you think your are lacking equipment wise and have an idea what lenses will help you improve your craft.Again, welcome to the "gang!"