New here from Atlanta

belinda

Senior Member
I have had my D90 for a short period of time. I'm new to to photography world and trying to learn all the in's and out's. I need to get another lens. I like to take pic's of people and close up's of flowers etc. what do you suggest. I currently have one lense it's a 18-105mm 3.5 5.6G .. Help

Belinda
 
Welcome to the forum, Belinda.

I'd have to ask what your budget is for a new lens, because there are several out there that will probably suit your needs.

In order from least to more expensive:

50mm f/1.8 - lens is ~$130 new, and when you purchase a close-up filter kit (~$45), you'll get something that suits your needs.
35mm f/1.8 - lens is ~$200 new, and I've really started using this as my go-to lens for portrait work, depending on how close in I want to be - it allows for a nice framing of the subject, while allowing me to get some background if I so desire.
35-70mm f/2.8 - lens is ~$500'ish ?? new, and I also have this lens, and it has a macro function at the 35mm side - which makes it a very convenient lens for wedding work, where I want details of the cake, yet the flexibility to capture a moment that I see, without changing lenses.
70-200mm f/2.8 - Not quite in everyone's price range, but I thought I'd mention it anyway, because I love going to this lens for my studio work, and use it for most of my candid work during the reception.

In addtion, there are some others:

85mm f/1.8
85mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.2

Anything 1.4 or 1.2 - expect to fork over some money for those - professional quality lenses, and they are razor sharp.
 
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Joseph Bautsch

New member
Hi Belinda, and welcome to the Nikonites Community. You will find the people here friendly and ready to share their knowledge of photography. I have the same set you have with the 18-105mm but I also have the 70-300mm VR. If you would take some time and complete your profile with camera and lens info, it makes it easier to answer questions when we know what equipment you are working with. EoI has given you a good rundown on the available lenses, most of which are within a reasonable price range and of course which one you get will depend on your budget. The lens you have, 18-105mm is a good starting lens. You indicate you want to take close ups of flowers. The 18-105 will focus as close as 18" and with the 105 zoom you can get pretty close. But, if you are really into shooting macro the two lenses recommended by Eduard are excellent choices. The main fault with the 18-105, if you can call it that, is a slight fuzziness on the outside edges of the shot at 18mm. But don't panic, it's not a big deal, and it takes someone with a lot of experience to even find it. Also, if you are going to take flash pictures, using the cameras built-in unit, with the 18-105 remove the lens hood. If you don't you will get a shadow across the bottom of the shot at or near the 105mm point. For indoor/outdoor low light shooting I use a 50mm f/1.8. I find this one to be a very good people lens. It's the "D" version which is the least expensive one of that group.
Happy shooting,
Joseph
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
Hello Belinda and welcome to Nikonites, so glad you dropped by. I can't add anything to the great recommendations the others have suggested except I love my 50 mm 1.8. as mentioned it is a relatively inexpensive lens and for indoor shooting you'll be amazed at how much more light you get to the sensor.
 

dallen67

New member
I recently purchased the 35mm f/1.8 lens mentioned above, and at the pretty inexpensive price of $200, I think it's a great investment. I've been using it for various types of shooting, and love the versatility the 1.8 affords in different lighting situations.
 

belinda

Senior Member
Welcome to the forum, Belinda.

I'd have to ask what your budget is for a new lens, because there are several out there that will probably suit your needs.

In order from least to more expensive:

50mm f/1.8 - lens is ~$130 new, and when you purchase a close-up filter kit (~$45), you'll get something that suits your needs.
35mm f/1.8 - lens is ~$200 new, and I've really started using this as my go-to lens for portrait work, depending on how close in I want to be - it allows for a nice framing of the subject, while allowing me to get some background if I so desire.
35-70mm f/2.8 - lens is ~$500'ish ?? new, and I also have this lens, and it has a macro function at the 35mm side - which makes it a very convenient lens for wedding work, where I want details of the cake, yet the flexibility to capture a moment that I see, without changing lenses.
70-200mm f/2.8 - Not quite in everyone's price range, but I thought I'd mention it anyway, because I love going to this lens for my studio work, and use it for most of my candid work during the reception.

In addtion, there are some others:

85mm f/1.8
85mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.4
50mm f/1.2

Anything 1.4 or 1.2 - expect to fork over some money for those - professional quality lenses, and they are razor sharp.


Thank you so much for taking the time to give me such great information, it was very helpful!!

Oh, one more question do you buy online or your local camera store?

Belinda
 

Joseph Bautsch

New member
Belinda - Everything I have purchased in photo equipment for the past five years has been over the internet. B&H Photo and Cameta Photo are two reliable sources. There are others that can be recommended by members of the community.
 

Eduard

Super Mod
Staff member
Super Mod
Oh, one more question do you buy online or your local camera store?

I think that most people today purchase online. Personally, I've purchased new from the large commercial sites (B&H or Adorama) but have also acquired used lens from others on the Nikonians site and even on eBay.
 

Fotojo

Senior Member
Hi Belinda
I guess that I don't have to tell you that the folks are very friendly and helpful on this site. so I will just say welcome and look forward to seeing you in the forums
 
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