Prime lenses (fixed focal length) are typically preferred for those kind of shots. The faster aperture (f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) of these lenses will help immensely. That's not to say that a decent DOF cannot be achieved with other lenses however....
Suggestions for Nikon D40 Lenses
- Thread starter rtjdesign
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Prime lenses (fixed focal length) are typically preferred for those kind of shots. The faster aperture (f/1.4, f/1.8, f/2.8) of these lenses will help immensely. That's not to say that a decent DOF cannot be achieved with other lenses however....
flyingmonkeycorp
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Set the 18-55 to 55mm, aperture wide open and appropriate shutter speed for the light, get quite close up to your subject with as much of a gap to the background as you can and you can start to get some ok DOF, although nothing as massive as on a 1.8 prime. Something like this:
Never gonna be as sharp either, but you can do pretty nice shots!
Never gonna be as sharp either, but you can do pretty nice shots!
Unless you have quite a bright room indoors, yes - it'll be easier to get your kit lens as close to 'wide open' as possible.
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rtjdesign
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Do I need a high aperture or low? and a low shutter speed? or High.
flyingmonkeycorp
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You want a low F number, which equals a wide aperture. On the D60 you get a handy little picture to show you how wide it is, dunno if that's the same on the D40. Shutter speed as fast as you can to get the correct exposure for the aperture you've selected. It's easier with good light, but it'll work in a well lit room or with flash too, although with flash you'll often find you end up with an underexposed background.
Basically, get out there and play, see what works for you!
Basically, get out there and play, see what works for you!