newbie: additional Lens and lighting kit

Hi,
I stumbled across this forum the other day and I have been reading the posts and have seen how helpful people are. I have always enjoyed taking pictures, but recently I decided to take it more serious. I purchased a Nikon d80 and I have been studying all its features and settings. I now have a comfortable understanding of how the shutter and aperture work and how it relates to depth of field. I have also bought many books to understand exposure and lighting. But, all the lights that they suggest are way up there in price, any suggestions on a good starter lighting kit? I am also looking for a good lens for taking portraits.

Id say around 1000.00 total for lens and lights. That maybe to little amount of money for what I would need. I was thinking the Nikon lens that is 50mm 1.4F and for lights I was thinking multiple flash, but I'm not sure.


Thank you in advance for your help.
Erik

 

Giving a price range for both will help people tell you what's the best in that range.

I wish I could help you but I use Canon stuff as opposed to Nikon, and I don't know that much anyways..

 

Well, the SB-600 is an ideal mate for the D80. The "400" doesn't support all of the D80 features and the "800" is overkill. Unfortunately, the "600" sells for around $180.

I would expect that you'll outgrow a "starter lighting kit" fairly quickly. My suggestion is that you spend time learning everything that you're able with what you have while saving your pennies for the "600."

Edit... I just read your other post. We must have been typing at the same time. Have you investigated CLS? (Check page 96 of your user manual.) With the popup plus two 600s and the 50mm f/1.4, you'll get several hundred dollars change from your $1000.

Also, the 50mm f/1.4 is a really great portrait lens for the D80.

 

This was a "grab shot." I was walking into the room, in the process of taking my jacket off.
D80 with 50mm f/1.4. Single SB-600 mounted on Stroboframe bracket.
No post-pricessing (normal for me).

http://web.mac.com/george.dick/Photos/Katie.html

 

Thank you Socrates for taking the time to respond to my post. I have read a lot on here about the 50 1.4f and I also was thinking that it was a good choice, but I thought id ask one final time before purchasing. As far as the multiple flashes, do you get the same quality picture as you would with with multiple incandescent lights? I know they cost more and they do put off a lot of heat, but would they be a better investment? Probably should have both.. lol
Erik

 

I'm generally down on incandescents as are most photographers. The problem is the heat and the resulting discomfort of the subjects. On the other hand, it's difficult to confirm good modeling when you're using flash. Fortunately, you have a Nikon D80. Look at Custom setting #26 on page 98 of your user manual. (I haven't used it yet so I can't confirm how well it works.)

 

Your very familure with the manual I see, #26 states talkes about "modeling flash", at first I was alittle confused by this, but after trying it out, I now have a better understanding. I can use this feature to see how my model will look using the flashes ill be using for my picture, am I right? Now will this only work with one flash or all the flashes?

Thanks

erik

 

Thanks mike for responding. I have a better understanding now. I do have another question. When your using flashes during the day in a room that has some daylight coming in through the window, would it be better to block of the light coming in? Also, do you want some lights on in the room? or complete darkness using the flash? Im new so go easy on me

 

I believe all flashes but be reminded that I haven't used it myself. Call Nikon. I've called several times and never spent more than a minute or two on "hold." The following is pasted from their web site:
Digital Imaging Technical Support
24 hours a day 7 days a week
1-800-Nikon-UX or 1-800-645-6689
Have your digital product, serial number, and computer (if applicable) available.