Lens question

Imaginephotography · Jan 31, 2011

Hey guys, I am new to this forum but had a question about some glass. I shoot with a Nikon D90 and 18-105 and 70-300 f3.5-5.5 lenses. I am looking to get better lenses. My question is this. I am looking at a 50mm 1.4 but would it be better to just save for another month or so and purchase the 24-70mm 2.8? I know the 50mm is a fixed lens and the other can be set at 50mm. What would you recommend?

bigtwinky · Jan 31, 2011

depends on what you9 want to shoot

Imaginephotography · Jan 31, 2011

Well I plan on shooting newborns/children and doing alot of outside portraits. I do some weddings but its not in demand right now.

bigtwinky · Jan 31, 2011

If you are in a place that can deal with light, I'd opt for the 24-70

If you are doing mainly low light (indoor wedding ceremony like), then the 50 would be a good idea.
Do you do weddings with your current lenses?

djacobox372 · Feb 1, 2011

Well a 50mm f1.4 af-d cost only around $250 used, compared to $1500+ for the 24-70mm f2.8.

The 50mm will be twice as fast wide open and sharper then the zoom, I'd say buy it first--the 24-70 would compliment it later.

dirtfan21 · Feb 1, 2011

I would get the 50mm lens first and then get some photo jobs to buy the 24-70mm lens if you think you need it.

hp1000 · Feb 1, 2011

Get the 50mm and then save up and get the 85mm 1.4. The 85mm 1.4 hands down one of the best potrait lens in the business.

Imaginephotography · Feb 2, 2011

Thanks for all your input guys. I will be purchasing the 50mm 1.4 soon. I am new to the digital world, I always shot with film until this past year. I want to get some good jobs and save up for some different lenses. Such as the 12-24, 24-70 and the 70-200. I know thats alot of money but it will be worth it!!

bigtwinky · Feb 2, 2011

Don't forget lens rentals! If you are shooting something requiring the 24-70 and dont have the cash for it, go ahead and rent it for the day/weekend. If its a paid gig, get them to cover the cost. If its not a paid gig, get them to cover the cost

cnutco · Feb 2, 2011

Great choice! 50 now and 24 - 70 later. You will be very happy with the 24 - 70 when you pick it up.

I love mine.

djacobox372 · Feb 2, 2011

Keep in mind there are two versions of the 50mm 1.4 to pick from:

50mm 1.4 af-d or 50mm 1.4 G af-s

The later of which is reported to be slightly sharper wide open, and cost twice as much.

I own the cheaper of the two, and it performs great!

photocist · Feb 2, 2011

Primes all the way. in my experience primes have given me sharper and brighter images. get a 28 or 35mm, that 50mm, and a 105 or something like a 135 and you should be set!

and dont forget to consider the crop factor. that 50mm will shoot more like a 85mm lens. if you want a 50mm focal length with the crop, you should pick up a 35mm. i have an old (1990s?) 35mm f2 lens that is SHARP, even at f2!

Imaginephotography · Feb 4, 2011

The lens I'm getting is at B&H for $434. It's the newest one out. My friend has a used lens for $290 but I would rather pay the difference I believe and get the new one. I would post a pic but it says I can't.

kundalini · Feb 4, 2011

If there is no mold or scratches on the rear element, why not opt for saving some money?

StolenHorse · Feb 4, 2011

I have the 50 f/1.8D and the 35 f/1.8G. A little over $300 for the pair..Extra sharp, great portrait lenses. But be prepared when shooting a wedding to be moving around a good bit, backing up and stepping forward to get the shots you want. Sometimes annoying to the guests. Especially when using flash. The 24-70 f/2.8 would really be helpful in these situations...