should i buy a mid zoom or 2 primes?

Hi folks, I am stuck deciding whether to purchase a Nikon AF-S 24-85MM F3.5/4.5G ED VR

or one of each

Nikon AF-S 50MM F1.8G

Nikon AF-S 85MM F1.8G
will i miss much not having the zoom function given i will be taking mainly portrait and street photography?

Thx for any feedback.

Dave.

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Thanks

You have not said which camera you have. That will make a difference.

The primes leave you with nothing wider than a 50mm, so I don't know how much of an issue that is? Personally, I shoot wider than 50 a lot, so I'd miss it. For portraits you'd do great with the primes, and the 85mm in particular. For street you won't be able to react as well without the zoom, so you get what you get. Are you shooting DX or FX (Don will be asking you shortly anyway. )?

BackdoorHippie said:

The primes leave you with nothing wider than a 50mm, so I don't know how much of an issue that is? Personally, I shoot wider than 50 a lot, so I'd miss it. For portraits you'd do great with the primes, and the 85mm in particular. For street you won't be able to react as well without the zoom, so you get what you get. Are you shooting DX or FX (Don will be asking you shortly anyway. )?

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I concur with BDH, above. If you're shooting a DX body then I would say this is a less than ideal selection of lenses for what you want to do. The exception being the 85mm f/1.8G which is superb for portraiture.

.....

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, I am going to be buying a D600 over the next few hours. photography is a developing hobby I have. I like thinking about the creation of pictures and the post editing. So an 85mm is key for the portraits, any advice on what would compliment this within my price range. My budget for lenses on a new FF camera runs at a measly 500 GBP.

I'd get a 28, 50 and 85 1.8 G. With this, you have a light kit with maximum low light possibilities and great bokeh for portraits. Otherwise, the 24-70 2.8 Nikkor is a wonder, but as heavy as all 3 mentioned lenses together and less low light agility.

If money is of concern, I'd start with the 24-85 zoom that is offered at a reduced price with the D600. It's a great lens but like all of them, not perfect.

I agree^^^ 24mm..50mm..85mm... The 85mm is the sharpest...The 50mm would be great for street photog..As well as the 24mm..If you had to start with one...Get the 85mm it is a dream...

BallistiX said:

Thanks for the feedback so far guys, I am going to be buying a D600 over the next few hours. photography is a developing hobby I have. I like thinking about the creation of pictures and the post editing. So an 85mm is key for the portraits, any advice on what would compliment this within my price range. My budget for lenses on a new FF camera runs at a measly 500 GBP.

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Is it D600 or D610. After all the problems faced with the D600, I would shy away from this model, unless I am getting it with the new shutter for less than $.1,500/-

As you are on a low budget, start with the 50mm 1.8Dor better still with the 50mm 1.4D. The D lenses are much cheaper and your new body has a motor in the body. Once you have taken a large number of shots you will have a fair idea of what more do you want.