Nikkor - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/18/2005 09:18:45 PM · #1

What Nikkor lens would you recommend for wedding photography? I don't have the money to spend $1800 right now, so that is out of the question. In fact, I don't have a whole lot of money right now being my business is just starting up. The cheaper the lens (but it has to be a nikkor or similar quality), the better. Right now, I only have the 18-35 wide angle Nikkor lens. thanks!

pawdrix

Nikon D700

Nikon AF Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF

03/18/2005 09:34:47 PM · #2

This 50mm 1.8Nikkor lens is very popular and cheap.

The reviews are near stellar and for the price you can't go wrong. It's fast, sharp and great for portraiture

Message edited by author 2005-03-18 21:43:33.

MAK

Leica M Monochrom

Leica 18-56mm f/3.5-5.6 Vario Elmar-T ASPH

03/18/2005 09:45:25 PM · #3

I think you have the outside shots covered with the wide lens you have already. I agree the 50mmf1.8 or even the 1.4s would be a nice addition also a neat cheap lens is the 35-80mmf4, a super option (and fairly cheap too) would be the lens that lives on my D70 the Nikkor 28-200mm I found mine secondhand in fine condition. Happy searching.

johnco

Nikon D100

03/18/2005 09:58:43 PM · #4

I agree the 50 mm 1.8 is great especially in lower light conditions. I just bought a fast 85mm 1.4 and love that one too. But, the only advantage of the 85 over your zoom is the f-stop in low light.

03/18/2005 10:07:12 PM · #5

The AF/D 35-70 f/2.8 Nikkor is probably the best lens you can get at a good price for wedding photography if you can only get one lens. You can find these on eBay for under $450 most times in great condition.

I just sold one with a camera less then a month ago. Super sharp and fast.

Here is one with a Buy It Now price of $412.08

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/18/2005 10:23:00 PM · #6

I think I want it to be a zoom lens as well. I had a 50mm with my canon 300d and I did not like having to move my camera to zoom in and out. I would rather be able to keep my distance and still be able to get fairly close up shots. I like the 35-70mm that is possibly what I am looking for. I am hoping I will be able to come up with about $500 asap to get one like this before I start getting busy (truck payment is due in a couple days and it has to come before camera equip. does).

03/18/2005 10:33:46 PM · #7

Originally posted by bradical:

Keep an eye on eBay. They often go for under $300, just because it is an older model lens. B&H has the same lens new for about $550.
Just make sure the one you get is the "D" lens if you want it to be sharp.

03/18/2005 10:37:11 PM · #8

I just bought the AF Nikkor 28-200mm 3.5-5.6G and it is just fantastic. Not quite as quiet as the kit lens when focusing, but the sharpness of the photos throughout the range is great for a <$400 lens. Personally anything above that 28mm, with the 1.5x magnification, you're really limited with how wide you can go.

03/18/2005 10:39:08 PM · #9

Originally posted by bl4h:

That lens is not very fast for wedding photography.

03/18/2005 10:44:59 PM · #10

With the flash, it's just fine. I'm buying the SB-600 after playing with it the other day and that combo will do just fine at weddings. With the 35-70mm, he's stuck with a maximum of almost 55mm. That's a little tight personally. Shoot one ISO higher and take advantage of the zoom.

Message edited by author 2005-03-18 22:47:13.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/18/2005 10:56:40 PM · #11

What are your opinions about the AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED. I love the macro setting on it and the f/2.8 is nice as well. I was wanting a telephoto for my next lens and this one has the 77mm filter attachment size (the same as my 18-35mm. This way I can swap filters between the two until I can afford a seperate set).

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

03/18/2005 11:13:30 PM · #12

Isn't that lens like $1400? I tried that out at my shop locally and it took amazing pics, but it is huge and expensive!

cbeller

Nikon D300

03/18/2005 11:15:14 PM · #13

Don't count out this Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 lens, just because it is not a Nikkor. It has got excellent reviews and can be had for less than $350. I'm loving mine, and specifically bought it for weddings.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/18/2005 11:16:04 PM · #14

i am able to buy one for about $500. It is in extremely good condition as well. No marks on the glass or anything. I would say it is mint conidtion.

cbeller

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

03/18/2005 11:17:58 PM · #15

Originally posted by bradical:

I've used the VR version and it was excellent. If you can get it for $500 and it is in as good of condition as you say, I'd buy it.

03/18/2005 11:18:20 PM · #16

Originally posted by bradical:

You start talking about a little more money now. I've never used the lens, but it is fast and I've been told it was razor sharp. The 35-70 is going to be the more versatile lens for inside a church or banquet hall though. The top end, 70mm, is very complimentary for portrature and the wider end will help you get group and alter shots.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR

03/18/2005 11:28:38 PM · #17

[quote]You start talking about a little more money now. I've never used the lens, but it is fast and I've been told it was razor sharp. The 35-70 is going to be the more versatile lens for inside a church or banquet hall though. The top end, 70mm, is very complimentary for portrature and the wider end will help you get group and alter shots. [/quote]

I have my 18-35mm wide angle for group shots. As well as weddings and portrait photography, I enjoy landscape and wildlife photography as much if not more. I think this lens would probably be a better investment for me because it would cover both fields of work. Unless anyone has big time objections to the lens.

03/18/2005 11:36:53 PM · #18

Originally posted by bradical:

[quote]You start talking about a little more money now. I've never used the lens, but it is fast and I've been told it was razor sharp. The 35-70 is going to be the more versatile lens for inside a church or banquet hall though. The top end, 70mm, is very complimentary for portrature and the wider end will help you get group and alter shots. [quote]

I enjoy landscape and wildlife photography as much if not more. I think this lens would probably be a better investment for me because it would cover both fields of work.

See we don't read minds. Great lens from what I've heard. It's about an $800 lens. If you can get a clean one for $500 grab it up. Those things were about $1200 when they first came out.

Message edited by author 2005-03-18 23:37:39.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

03/18/2005 11:42:54 PM · #19

I wish I could afford the VR version! I was tempted to buy the normal 80-200mm, but went with the 28-200mm, a SB-600 and some filters. I don't regret it, just wish I had more money (as we all do).

Baxter

Nikon D500

03/19/2005 12:30:03 AM · #20

The 24-120. Either the D or VR, works great for weddings. I bought mine to use with my F80 and find it works very well with the D70.

Flash

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

03/19/2005 02:05:26 PM · #21

I use a Nikkor 24-85 f/2.8-4 with a SB600 speedlight shooting aperture priority at ISO 250, (L)or(M)-fine-jpeg. Keep fresh batteries and use a good tripod and you will definately capture some good pics. Excellant results up to 11x17's.

IMO, multiple lenses requires multiple bodies.

hyperfocal

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 105mm f/2.5 AIS

03/19/2005 02:28:04 PM · #22

Check out the AF 28-105 3.3-4.5 IF .

Pros... inexpensive, beautiful bokeh (9 blade diaphram), focuses as close as 1:2 (great for those ring shots).

I have always been a "prime" lens only shooter, but this lens along with the 35-70 f2.8 proved that a sharp zoom lens can be made.

negs... You will need a wide angle for the group shots.

qmdi

Nikon D810

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

03/19/2005 05:53:47 PM · #23

Originally posted by pawdrix:

This 50mm 1.8Nikkor lens is very popular and cheap.

The reviews are near stellar and for the price you can't go wrong. It's fast, sharp and great for portraiture

I am shooting my first wedding in Aprli and I bought the Nikkor 1.8
I will let you know how it went.