I want to buy a dSLR+lens for outdoor portraits - equipment advice please

Hello everyone,

I've always been interested in photography and have used dSLRs but never owned one. I'd like to buy one for a very specific primary purpose: To shoot outdoor portraits with models in daylight. I'd like recommendation on an affordable setup for this. This is a purely amateur endeavor.

So far I am looking at buying the body of a Nikon D5100, a 50mm or 85mm lens, and a good general purpose lens. Or would a telephoto lens be adequate for general purpose and portraits? I understand the lens that comes with the body isn't particularly good. Is this true? Feel free to make equipment suggestions. I'd like an affordable setup (under $1,000). I understand the lens is the most important piece.

I would also appreciate recommendations on books or guides to read about shooting models outdoors.

Thanks!

 

I'm only a newbie, but from what I could gather, you have figured it already out quite nicely.

You can get the D5100 (a) without lens (b) with 18-55mm [3x zoom] (c) with 18-110mm [6x zoom].

Personally I choose the 18-55mm because its a nice lightweight general purpose lens for pretty much anything. In certain configuration it apparently even can "compete with the best of them", I read yesterday from some poster here (specifically 24-50mm and on higher f-numbers).

In your shoes I would get the D5100 with 18-55mm VR DX as kit, and the 85mm VR DX as portrait lens.

 

I would pass on the 85/3.5. It's primarily a macro lens and, should you ever decide to move to FX, will not work. And Nikon doesn't even make an 18-110.

I would go for the D5100 with the 18-55, and pick up the 50mm F/1.8G and Sigma 70-200/2.8II. If you're looking to save weight and size, though, I would go with the 85/1.8 D or G version. You won't get much reach on that one, though.

Mark

 

Mamiya 645af and a small ton of portra 160. Put their backs to the sun, meter for the shadows, and shoot wide open. Instant amazing.

 

I like 85mm and up outdoors as long as you have the room.

180mm f2.8 ais




85mm f1.4 af-d

 

Are there any example shots?

Would the 50mm allow me to take shots like the one below?

I love the 180mm shot. This is what I want to do. Would the 70-200mm allow me to take anything close to this?

 

Thanks, I am open to buying used. I will check CL. To be honest, I am too much of an amateur to also buying lighting so I probably won't at this stage. I've been using photoshop etc for years so that will help with editing.

 

The kiddo one looks good and adorable.

 

Nikon D5100 + Nikon 50mm 1.8G = $870~

Nikon D5100 + Nikon 85mm 1.8G = $1150~

 

You have a nice setup in your sig. Do you have a photo gallery I can look at, labeled with the different lenses?

General question: Are there any site where I can look at shots sorted by LENS?

 

All sorts of pictures from others sorted by lens below!

Nikon 18-55mm: Flickr: The Nikon 18-55mm Pool

Nikon 50mm 1.8G: Flickr: The Nikon Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Pool

Nikon 85mm 1.8G: Flickr: The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G Pool