Need some help!

[Laura101]

Hi Everyone. I'm new to the forum so I should introduce myself first I suppose. My name is Laura and I have started doing photography about a year and a half ago after the birth of my son. I do some "professional" photography now. I have a Nikon D90 and a couple lenses, including a 60mm Macro and a 70-300mm. I'm looking for a great portrait lens and also the best outdoor lens. My focus is on "Lifestyle" photography so kids, families, weddings, etc.

Any help would be great! Thanks!

 

[KmH]

No doubt.

For professional results, you want to use professional grade glass:
Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens
Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens For Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

If your budget doesn't allow getting the current pro glass, you can get the previous generation pro glass:
Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

You can also save some money by buying used lenses, and/or consider lenes from a 3rd party lens maker like Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina.

Doing portraits requires having several lenses available, because a lens that works for a portrait of one person isn't always the choice if you're shooting a family of 6 or an even large group.

My favorite Nikon portrait lens was the http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/734998-USA/Nikon_2188_AF_S_NIKKOR_200mm_f_2_0.html

 

[Laura101]

Thanks but right now thats a little out of my price range. One day I'll be able to get those lenses.....I hope

 

[Mrgiggls]

On a budget, I'd say the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D would be something to look at for a portrait lens. With your DX sensor D90, you could also make due with a 50mm (which converts to 75mm with the DX sensors 1.5x crop).

Also, don't overlook older glass. The Nikkor 35-70 f/2.8 (53-105 on DX) is a great performer that can be had used for under $500 all day. But be aware that a haze on the internal elements is very common. Some eBay listings will make it sound like this is something that is easily fixed. I seriously doubt it is otherwise it would have been done before the lens was put up for sale. That is just me speculating though. I've never researched it so I may be completely wrong on that.