Lens Advice

Picking up a d300 today given to me by my father. He said i could get a 35mm 1.8 for $199 and that would be good lens to start with. Would i be better with a 50mm 1.4? I will be doing some general picture taking as well as some low light photos of bands in clubs. Would like to avoid using flash as much as possible in that situation. Is the 1.8 a good low light lens?
And is there a good kit lens or zoom that I should also have on hand?
Thanks all.

If I were just starting out, I would opt for a zoom lens over a prime lens. And even thou the primes will be faster, the D300 can bump up the ISO that will more than compensate for the lack of speed in any lens. Besides, even the fastest 1.2 lens will need ISO adjustments to in order to take photos in a dark bar or concert venue and unlike with a prime, with a zoom you'll have multiple framing possibilities.

Thanks DW. What sort of zoom lens would be good? Are you referring to a kit lens type?

godzoo said:

Thanks DW. What sort of zoom lens would be good? Are you referring to a kit lens type?

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Depends on what you're hoping to do in the long run. If this is just a passing phase and not something that you are thinking of taking seriously then sure, a "kit" lens would be ideal. Maybe something that runs between 35 to 200, or maybe two lenses that cover the space between the 20's and up thru 300 at the top. You should be able to pick one or two of these lenses for around $600 to $800, maybe less depending upon the lens.
But if you're thinking of taking this serious, and you certainly have a serious camera, then buy the very best lens you can afford. Lenses like the 24-70mm F/2.8 and the 70-200mm F/2.8 are the best of the best and you can't go wrong with them. But again, these are very expensive lenses, not because the whole package is that much better than cheaper lenses, rather it's the little things that make these lenses so great. They lack small things like corner sharpness and barrel/pin-cushion aberrations, most of which can be adjusted in Photoshop/Lightroom, so you only consider these lenses if you have deep pockets or are serious about your photography. Otherwise, they're not worth the extra money they cost and you'll do just fine with the lower priced lenses.

That is excellent advice. I am starting out but for sure want to take it seriously as quickly as possible with lots of practice. So I'm sure I'll be on for more advice. I really appreciate this. Thanks.

Where was I when they were passing out dads like your's???

For what you're looking for, I'd personally go with primes. There is not that much difference (light wise) between 1.4 and 1.8. The zooms would be a lot darker even if the price of the 24-70 alone would probably equal a 35 1,8, 50 1,8 and 85 1.8. These are the 3 lenses I would recommend for concerts shots in nightclubs.

Thanks Marcel. Most of my club shots will be up close so zooming shouldn't be an issue. But I'll probably get a zoom along with a prime.

Eye-level - I lucked out having a casual conversation about wanting to buy a camera. Dad's RULE!!!!

Picked up my camera and lens today. Got the 35mm 1.8 Wow, it's a lot of camera. Taken a few test shots just in program mode and what fantastic shots. I can't wait to really get in and learn this thing thoroughly and start rocking in the manual settings.
The lens is super fast focus. Love it.

godzoo...PM me your email address. I have something to send you that will really help with your D300. I can only send it via regular email, as it will not send through the system on Nikonites.

Fotojack, sent it.

How do I put a picture in a message? Wanted to show my first try at shots. Then in a few months can take a look and compare.

I would recommend the 35mm f/1.8 to start with. I shoot a 300 with 35 1.8. There is NO reason starting out to go out and buy 2.8 zoom lens. Start with the basics.

godzoo said:

Fotojack, sent it.

How do I put a picture in a message? Wanted to show my first try at shots. Then in a few months can take a look and compare.

Click to expand...

To attach a picture to your post, you have to click on the "Go Advanced" button in the bottom right of your screen. This will take you to an upload screen where you will be asked to select your picture. Once selected, you have to upload it and then confirm. One thing is that it is advised to reduce the size of your file otherwise the system will reject them. I make mine 800 pixels and 71 dpi. It makes the files small and hopefully discourages others from using my pictures for printing.

Stangman, I did go with the 35mm 1.8. Coming from a point and shoot I did have to get used to having no zoom at all. But it's a getting used that I'm loving. Lens is giving some great pics.


Marcel - Thanks for the info. I will try to attach some sample pics I took to see how I'm doing so far.

First sample shot. Just in program mode.

Sample 2. I think it freezes the action great.

Sample 3. Last one for now. The last 2 are with a flash so some shadows.