Family Portrait Lenses

Hi Tonyia, to fill the frame of a 50mm lens you have to get in very close to the subject, If i were you I would think about the new 85mm 1.8 that Nikon has just announced, it's around $499. I use the 16-85mm for all my landscape work, I don't find myself wanting to go any wider that's not to say you won't.

You can use *any* lens for a portrait lens. I've seen very creative shots with every focal length from 14mm - 300mm. But for a basic, use-anywhere, fast lens, that can also be used for family portraits, I'd suggest the 35mm f/1.8G DX. It's around $200-$250, so it won't break the bank.

For landscape work, I'll suggest you use your 18-55mm unless you need wider. I'd bet that, without looking at EXIF data, you couldn't tell the difference between a $1300 17-55mm f/2.8 and your 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 "kit" lens when stopped down to f/8 or f/11. I'd only go with a better lens if you've determined that you need wider than 18mm regularly.

RS

+1 for Richard's recommendation.

I have the 35mm f/1.8G DX and an older version of the 50mm (the 50mm F/1.8 D). Both give lovely sharp images; the opportunity to use a very shallow depth of field; and a much brighter viewfinder image compared to the kit lens. Both are great value for money IMO.

Having said that, for a group of 8 you will have to stand back a bit even with the 35mm. Suggest you try your zoom set at 35mm to see if you are comfortable with the working distance.

Do think about investing in a decent flash if you don't already have one. The SB700 I got for Christmas has taken my portraits to a whole new level :-) Knowing what I know now; I'd definitely buy the flash before a new lens.

Hope this helps a bit.

Chris

Ah I missed the group of eight information. Chris what flash did you have before the sb700, I keep eying it up?

The 50g that you would like to buy, and the 35g that has been suggested are both good ideas. However reading your post the focal lenth of your present lens seems to fit your needs, you just seem to want a better lens. If this is the case you could consider an 18-70mm on the used market. They were originally over $400 but as they were a common kit lens they can be picked up in great shape for around $200. Your lens could maybe fetch half of that so it is not that costly an upgrade.

I think the lenses you have will work fine. Honestly. No, to go to my little speech! (Shun, close your eyes :-) ) You are new to photography and are thinking of actual portraits, not just snapshots. Take a look at the professional portrait shots you paid for in the past. What is it that gives them the "pro" look? Part of it might be the lens (shallow depth of field,) but more likely it's the use of........FLASH! Instead of spending $500 on a new lens I don't think you need, how about spending $500 on a pair of small flash and a pair of inexpensive lightstands and a couple of inexpensive umbrellas? And, look online for advice on how to use them. This will give you FAR more satisfaction and come closer to what I think you're wanting than buying another lens. You have a lens, it's lighting you don't have. Go look at those pro portraits and think about this. It's the lights that will give you the most bang for your buck.

Kent in SD

to fit 8 people in the frame, you need a wide-angle lens. the 18-55 will suffice but you'd get best results stopping down a bit to at least 5.6 or f/8 and using flash. a used sb-600 would do the trick. for portraits on DX, i'm going to recommend a tamron 28-75/2.8 over the 85/1.8. the additional 20mm you gain over the 18-55 at the long end is right in the middle of the critical portrait range, whereas an 85 might be a little long for some shots on DX. additionally, you also get constant 2.8 throughout the entire zoom range, which an 85 wont do for you. also, FWIW, the 18-70 isnt significantly better than the 18-55 in terms of IQ.

Simon

Before the SB700 my flash popped up on the camera! I was using a reflector for portraits.

Actually, that's not completely true. I have a box of cheap old flashes in the loft from the 90s. I used to collect them from the rubbish dump where I worked for a time. I keep thinking I'll use them to light backgrounds one day!

Chris

+1 for what Eric recommended: Tamron 28-75/2.8 is a nice lens. Usually people recommend it for FX users but it seems that it covers well what you need: groups and portraits.