Dreams come true.

[kelticsol]

Mods: Please move this to an appropriate forum. It entails many aspects and thus encompasses many angles.

I have the blessing of my wife to acquire some gear to the tune of an approximate budget of 3k.

It is the hopes of both her (being supportive) and me to get into portrait photography. Maybe one day even make some money back on this hobby. Please don't berate me with a 'weekend warrior' or a semi-pro discussion. We all have to get a start somewhere. I would like to start with modest gear and if the money is there to upgrade then so be it. I'm not trying to take money out of well deserving professionals pockets. I just am realistic and know that you have to start somewhere. My opinion is that I would like to start with decent gear. Not the standard, "Gear doesn't matter. It's the photographer." I've been a part of many of these discussions. I know at the core it is true. But I also wouldn't try to run a Formula One race with my minivan. I don't want to be a discredit to the photography field.

I will most likely be getting AlienBees lighting as I find this to be an affordable option. I'll also be getting the Vagabond to enable outdoor shoots.
I'm not decided on what to get other than the brand I would like to get.

I currently have the D200 and a 35mm 1.8. That's it. So be sure to include tripod, light meter, head, and other such accessories. I'll most likely be selling my 28-85 3.5-4.5 depending on the response I get here.

So, with these parameters, what would you buy? And don't be afraid to go over budget a little. 3k is approx.

[sk66]

What is the goal of the upgrade? What are your goals in photography (subject areas)?

[kelticsol]

Strictly portrait photograpy whether it be outside - enviromental or inside with the BG setup. Never been much on landscapes or macro work.

EDIT: BTW never plan on doing weddings either.

Goals is to be able to be able to simple portraits but with enough wiggle room to experiment. I don't want to be strapped down to a One Light/Reflector setup or to just doing them inside.

[Jim Bryant]

Good for you, get the AB lights, a softbox, reflector, tripod (I have a Gitzo) but there are cheaper out there. my 70-200 f2.8 is a great portrait lens, so is the 28-70mm lens, so is the 85mm. Choose wisely

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Good for you, get the AB lights, a softbox, reflector, tripod (I have a Gitzo) but there are cheaper out there. my 70-200 f2.8 is a great portrait lens, so is the 28-70mm lens, so is the 85mm. Choose wisely

if it were me, get the lights and the 70-200 2.8 with a reflector.... studio diffusers can be made cheaply and easily.

[sk66]

Personally, I would get an 85mm f/1.something. Or, the 28-70mm (especially on a crop sensor).

Lights are good, but as with everything, go with "top quality" and "tried and true"....
(I'm a "strobist" so not much help on advanced lighting gear)

One thing I would say is that for portraiture a FF camera, especially a huge MP one, is an advantage. But that's probably your entire budget +.

[OsmosisStudios]

That's a tough one. The first thing I would do, though, is work out what the lighting will cost. It'll eat away about half of that 3k, so figure that out first. From there, figure out how much you can spend on what.

[Raoul Isidro]

Does that include advertising? I'd budget half the funds for really effective ads that deliver the results. If nothing happens, try again and spend the other half. You already got good equipment. The flood of job bookings will fund your next major equipment upgrade. Here's hoping that happens! Cheers!