Question on Lenses

[thenebean9]

Hi everyone!

I currently have a Nikon D90 with the following lenses

Nikon 50mm f/1.4
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6
Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4

I have a little extra cash, and am looking to get another lens for my little lens stable!

I like to do landscape photography, however I (kind of) earn my cash doing portraits and working on getting into weddings as well.

What are all your thoughts about the next lens I should get? Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

Athina

[OsmosisStudios]

One SB-900 OR Two SB-600s

[thenebean9]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

One SB-900 OR Two SB-600s

I have one SB-600 already - would a 2nd be more beneficial than another lens you think? Thanks for your input

[natek313]

I would say so.

Your current lens inventory covers a nice range of focal lengths - 17mm to 300mm. If you wanted, you could get a nice prime for portraits (I hear Nikon makes a nice 85mm f/1.8) or macro, if that interests you. Or, if you really want to get into landscape photography, you could get a super wide lens like the Sigma 10-20mm or something similar.

But, I agree with Osmosis. If your "money maker" is portrait photography, I would definitely look into getting another strobe and some off-camera lighting equipment to go with it.

[thenebean9]

Originally Posted by natek313

I would say so.

Your current lens inventory covers a nice range of focal lengths - 17mm to 300mm. If you wanted, you could get a nice prime for portraits (I hear Nikon makes a nice 85mm f/1.8) or macro, if that interests you. Or, if you really want to get into landscape photography, you could get a super wide lens like the Sigma 10-20mm or something similar.

But, I agree with Osmosis. If your "money maker" is portrait photography, I would definitely look into getting another strobe and some off-camera lighting equipment to go with it.

Thanks - I guess I was just wondering if perhaps I should get a faster zoom lens for weddings, but maybe the lighting isn't a bad idea either! Thanks for the input! It's very helpful

[OsmosisStudios]

If you already have a flash, then get another and get some stands/modifiers.

The 50mm is great for weddings, and for portraits. It can be a little long for groups of 3 or more, but is great for 1 or two people.

For weddings, I like to have f2.8 glass for zooms. Your 17-70 is probably okay, but your telephoto probably isn't fast enough. The wedding I shot last Friday was really dark...at f2.8 and ISO1600, the shutter speed was sitting at about 1/80th. Tripod was definitely required as they didn't allow flash.

If you really wanted a lens, go with a 70-200mm f2.8. But I also agree with the others...get a couple light stands, umbrellas, backdrop holder, another flash, and some e-bay triggers.

[thenebean9]

Thank you all for your replies! Seems the way to go is to add lighting, stands and such to my collection! I really appreciate all your comments.

[AnneWynne]

If you don't have filters for your lenses, you might want to consider some. A polerizing filter is very helpful in outdoor photography. There are also haze filters and many others that might be useful with your current lenses. If you do not have a uv filter (or even a plain glass filter) on your lenses, get them filters and leave them on the lenses to protect them.

Also, lens hoods might be a good investment if you do not have them for all of your lenses.

Remote trigger release, remote flash trigger, quick releases for your camera and/or flash and tripod.

Lots of little things that can help make your photography more fun.

I am a bit jealous...I have big wants and small pockets. Enjoy whatever new toys you purchase!

[jojonac]

A bigger question is what kind of budget are you working with?