Lens suggestions

Tlb179

New member
I will be buying a used nikon d80 soon and need suggestions for lenses to go with it.

This will be my first dslr so I'm overwhelmed by choices and information. I will be using it to photograph my work and post it on my website. I've got a lot to learn.

I am a decorative painter and my work is mostly murals and interior decor. Sometimes lighting conditions are not optimal. I will also be using it for home and family stuff.

I've seen a Nikon 50mm F/1.8 Ais on craigslist for $80. I don't have a huge budget at this point. Any suggestions would be a huge help. Please use small words :)
 

Tlb179

New member
Thanks for the recommendation. Unfortunately this lens is out of my budget range. Can you suggest something a little less pricey? Thanks!
 

Marcel

Happily retired
Staff member
Super Mod
If money is tight, I'd start with the standard kit zoom. Either 18-55 or 18-105 can be bought used for not too much money.

But since you mentioned interior decor, you might eventually want a wider lens (sigma 10-20 or Tokina 8-16) but this will involve more money.

Start slow and see what you really need.

Good luck.
 

stmv

Senior Member
with the D80,, stretch for a 50 mm 1.8 D version,, 133 dollars,, and sharp,, you might also look for a used 28 mm D,, you have to use the auto focus D versions or G,, because the D80 will not meter the old manul glass. You can use manual glass, but you have to guess at the exposure, look at the history gram, and adjust,,

but there are tons of old used autofocus lens out there,, ebay,, so,, stay away from the AIS manual lens since you loose the light meter, and stick with low cost D versios of the auto focus Nikkor line, and you will be happy.

You don't have to buy the G versions, more money, for not enough quality increase for a D80.

oh,, let me give you a real solid advice: a used 28-70 3.5-4.5 Autofocus D,,, sharp, supports macro, small, and best of all CHEAP,, used right at your 80 dollar budget, you will love this lens on you D80. For your type of work, perfect.

invest in a tripod when the work is indoors, and low light,, buy used if needed for budget.
 

AC016

Senior Member
Since you have a D80, you don't need to buy lenses with internal focus motors! Yeah!! Go and look at the used market. You can find some really great deals and on the most part, lenses without their own focus motor, are cheaper.
 

Alex66

New member
I would second the recommendation to get a tripod even if it is a cheap one, you can use the 2 sec timer instead of a cable release. If you can swing enough money then a 50mmD will be a nice lens though if not a cheap lens on a tripod will be sharper than an expensive one at lower shutter speeds. You can use a spotlight to light the subject, I know someone who got quite good results using one of those workman's lights from a diy store and they are fairly cheap.
 
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