Just got the Nikon d90...need suggestions on lenses , etc.

[reesecup]

Hi everyone! I'm so excited because I just got my new Nikon d90 camera but boy am I overwhelmed by it. I'm no where near knowing what all it can do but I've developed a passion for photography and I decided to go for it!
I only have the body so what lens should I get for starting off?
I can't afford anything very high since I just paid for the camera but I want something to take with me on our Thanksgiving vacation, and other trips we have coming up. I want to take some portraits of my children and just random shots of who knows what. Please help. I will greatly appreciate it!!

 

[mrcricket]

If your short on cash, you can't go wrong with the nikon 35mm f/1.8. It's fast little and takes great shots.

If you want a great walk around lens and can afford it, the nikon 18-200mm lens is very nice. I use mine about 90% of the time.

Some of the kit lenses are fairly nice as well and quite affordable, so check them out.

 

[reesecup]

Thanks so much. I think I'll have to start with the 55mm f/1.8 , the 18-200 mm is just a tag out of reach for me at the moment. Thanks for the advice. Now if I can find a great deal on one, that would be wonderful.

 

[ukcatfan]

Thanks so much. I think I'll have to start with the 55mm f/1.8 , the 18-200 mm is just a tag out of reach for me at the moment. Thanks for the advice. Now if I can find a great deal on one, that would be wonderful.

There is a 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/1.8. If it is going to be your only lens, I would go with the 35mm. The 50mm might be too tight in a lot of situations.

 

[mrcricket]

There is a 50mm f/1.8 and 35mm f/1.8. If it is going to be your only lens, I would go with the 35mm. The 50mm might be too tight in a lot of situations.

I totally agree with this advice. On a cropped sensor, which is what the D90 has, the 35 mm is actually the standard focal length. The 50mm will be tight and you'll find in many situations that you may not have enough room to back up, especially inside. The 35mm is a great little lens and the price is truly cheap.

 

[reesecup]

Thanks you guys!! Is $189 a good deal for the 35mm? Also, is there any other advice you could give me with me being a beginner? Is there any other accessory that would be worth me investing in (if it's not too expensive)?

 

[handicap18]

you can find a used 18-55mm kit lens on ebay or at KEH.com for around $100. Not the best lens in the world, but it gets the job done and gives you some zoom. The 18-135mm lens is about $250 used. You'll get better optics from the 35mm f/1.8, but your feet are the zoom.

Back before zoom's were the norm, it was the 50mm f/1.8 lens that was the kit lens for film SLR camera's. Today, the 35mm f/1.8 would be pretty much the same on a digital crop sensor body like the D90.

 

[reesecup]

Thank you all again for your advice! I went with the 35mm/f 1.8 . Can't wait to get it and it's set to be delivery today!!! Just in time for my daughter's National Honor Society induction ceremony. Hope I can somewhat get it figured out in time! Now, is there a lense I should start saving up for or keep an eye out for on sale, etc.? One with a good zoom? Thanks!

 

[Uncle Greg]

In my opinion, a decent 3 lens set-up that is fairly inexpensive would be:

18-105 VR
35 f/1.8
70-300 VR

With those three lenses, you are covered from 18mm through 300mm, have VR and have a low light lens.

But I think the best advice is not to buy any lens until you figure out what you're lacking for your own style. We often fall into the trap of wanting to cover all the ranges but if you never shoot at 300mm, for example, why have it?

Personally I have 4 lenses...3 of which are under 50mm. That's because I enjoy shooting on the wider end. Someone who wants to shoot wildlife or birds in flight would likely be the exact opposite and have all long lenses.

Take your time and shoot with your new 35mm. You'll begin to notice what you wish you had. Something wider, something way wider, something longer, etc.

 

[reesecup]

Hi again. It's been a while. I'm ready for another lens. Wanting one with zoom now. What do you guys reccomend? Thank you!!

 

[d3mckinl]

Hi again. It's been a while. I'm ready for another lens. Wanting one with zoom now. What do you guys reccomend? Thank you!!

That depends a lot on what your shooting style is. Maybe even more so on what your budget is. There is a thread on this board with lens reviews that speeks highle of the 70-200 2.something zoom but it has a $2000 price tag.

I too love my D90!. I currently have the kit 18-105 and a 55-200 4-5.6 VR zoom. The 55-200 can get a little dificult at times with the closer shots. If your budget can afford it I'd sugest a 18-200 type zoom. I often find my self wanting a little more reach with the kit lens but I like the wide end.

I'd sugest deciding wheather you want a wide, telephoto, or supertele zoom and your budget then start looking online for availability. I tend to watch KEH, Craig'slist, and the used lenses for sale at lens rental stores as well as used sections at online camera stores.

 

[WDWFigment]

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 and Sigma 8-16mm.