which lens for the nikon D90

[picturesarah]

Hi Everyone

I'm looking to buy a lens for my D90. I am wanting to do portrait work in a studio like set up (2/3 light set up). Could anyone recommend which would one be the best one to invest in

Thanks Sarah

 

[mrgas]

What's your budget ?

 

[RinkyDinky]

I had a Nikon 16-85mm with my D90 and it was superb, very high quality and you can get them for under £300, much better than the stock lens. I used it many times with 2-3 lights in a studio situation. It never left me wanting.

As said though, depends on your budget.

 

[metroman]

I had a Nikon 16-85mm with my D90 and it was superb, very high quality and you can get them for under £300, much better than the stock lens. I used it many times with 2-3 lights in a studio situation. It never left me wanting.

As said though, depends on your budget.

The 16-85 is on my shopping list but can't find it at the price you quote, can you point me in the right direction.

 

[Nod]

50mm and/or 85mm f/as fast as you want/can afford. The f/1.8s are easier to use and avoid the potential problems of missed focus that a faster (wider aperture = shallower depth of field) lens(no final "e"!) can introduce.

The choice of length is up to you - the 50mm will allow you to use it in smaller rooms where the 85mm may not let you get far enough away to get the photo framed right. If space is expected to be even tighter, consider a 35mm but be aware that wide angles can exagerate perspective (doesn't make for many flattering portraits!). It might even be worth seeking out a good 2nd hand copy of the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 (they do exist) if that'll be fast enough.

 

[gad-westy]

How much space do you have to play with? I think I'd be looking at the zoom option as well as really wide apertures might not be a huge help in a studio as you'll not need narrow DOF necessarily and light will be abundant. What you lose in aperture, you'll make up for in flexibility, one lens whether you want tight head and shoulders shots or full length shot.

What lens are you using at the moment? I ask because nearly all lenses have a sweet spot for aperture where they will perform very well in a studio environment so even a kit lens could yield excellent results. Might save you splurging cash...