Not sure what lens I need for my D3000

Hello! My husband is in a band, and I have been recruited as their band photographer. My pictures always turn out well, but I have noticed that I have to be right by the stage to get the best pictures. Which lens would work best, especially when they play inside in low light?

I take it you have the 18-55mm kit lens? Do you have a price range?

I think you will looking towards an 85mm 1.8 type of lens.

Sigma 85mm f/1.4 EX DG HSM Nikon-f

Nikon Nikkor AF-S 85mm f/1.4G

I was doing some more thinking on this and came up with this lens, and push your ISO up to say 3200.

Nikon Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX

The best value for the buck in this case might very well be the 50mm 1.8. Dirt cheap and in the DX format it it has just enough reach for the type pics wanted. this would be my first expense. After that, I'd go with a 70-200 2.8. For band pictures, you could go without VR and that would save you about $1,000.
Let us know what you end up with.
Happy shooting.

PavementPilot said:

I was doing some more thinking on this and came up with this lens, and push your ISO up to say 3200.

Click to expand...

The D3000 is a great camera, but I can tell you as a former D3000 user that the D3000 does not do well at ISO's on or above 800 with out a lot of grain and or noise. Something to think about in exchange for medium speed glass to save a couple of bucks.

I have to agree with the other users here your going to need "fast glass" (something below f/3.5) and something that has a bigger reach above 55mm for your low light band photos.

I have never used them but here is a link for lens rentals, warning they really hit you up on shipping. Maybe you can rent one find one you like then buy one. Just thinking out loud

LensRentals.com - Rent Nikon > Lenses

Thanks Axeman for that detail. I wasnt sure how the 3000 was for ISO handling. I will have to keep that in mind.

I agree with Axman on the grain problems using the higher ISO. With the D3000 I would go for the AF-S 35mm, f/1.8 Nikkor. This lens will give you better results without breaking the bank. I don't recommend the 50mm D, f/1.8 because it is not a AF-S lens. Your camera does not have an internal lens focusing drive which is required with the 50mm D to auto focus. Shooting a band on stage in low light will require an AF-S lens to give you auto focus. The 35mm, is a AF-S lens and will auto focus with your camera. It is also sometimes difficult to get the AF-S lens to focus in low light. The Nikon auto focus system needs contrast to lock in focus. If the lens won't focus, move the view finder to an area that is close to your subject that has more light and contrast, press the shutter button half way down, let the lens come in focus, then move back over the subject and shoot. I would also always use the AF-S focus mode. I would also recommend you learn to use a monopod to give you that extra stability in low light and slower shutter speeds.