Lens

[lynweber]

So I am in the market for some lens I have the kit lens 18-55 for my D5000 and already feel it doesn't do what I want.

1. What is a good lens 16-85mm VR? Other ones that are good?
2. Macro lens are for close up subjects correct? Is this the same as a fisheye and which do you prefer for macro
3.What is the "nifty 50" exactly and what can it be used for?

As always thanks for the tips!:

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by lynweber

and already feel it doesn't do what I want.

Can you explain a little bit what you are looking for ? It will help us answering your concerns better.

To answer your questions without any background:

The 16-85 is a nice lens but don't expect it to double the sharpness of your images. You'll get a little bit more reach but it's also very expensive.

Macro allows you to focus closer of you suject. Try to get closer than 1feet with you 18-55 and you'll notice that your camera cannot focus.

A fisheye is a different type of lens.

Prime lens are good for composing. They cannot zoom so you have to move if you want to increase the size of your subject within your frame. They are also very sharp and have large apertures.

[lynweber]

So I want a good second lens that I find that I cant get close enough to things as i would like. i am going to be shooting weddings so i need a good lens for that as well.

So what is the difference between a fisheye and a macro is one better to have then the other.

I wish i could look into your alls bags and see what you have that would be so much easier. I was thinking of getting the 55-200 VR but heard that wasnt such a good idea so I am researching. I have a wedding I am tagging along with on November 7 so I want a lens before then besides my 18-55.

[natek313]

I'm a Canon shooter myself, but if you want a lens for the wedding, seriously consider getting the "nifty fifty." For Nikon, it would be the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D lens that is sharp, fast, and very inexpensive. You can find it on B&H by clicking here.

Fisheye lenses are super wide angle lenses that take hemispherical photos. You can always tell if a photograph was taken with a fisheye lens because you'll see (intentional) distortion in the photograph. Here is an example of a photo taken with a circular fisheye lens:



Macro lenses are different. They don't cause the distortion like you see in the photo above, and they are not very wide angle lenses. However, the minimum focusing distance on these lenses is very short. Also, true macro lenses will allow you shoot 1:1, meaning that the image that is projected onto the camera's sensor is the same size as your subject.

On the question of a macro lens being better than a fisheye lens or vice versa, that's entirely up to you and what your needs are. Personally, I don't own a fisheye lens. I think it would be cool to play with one some time, but I don't know if I would use it enough to justify spending the money. I do have a macro lens and love it!

Keep doing your research, and you may even want to go to your local camera store(s) to try a few lenses out. Also, you may want to consider borrowing a lens. I've dealt with www.borrowlenses.com and had a great experience with them.

Hope this helps!

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by lynweber

So I want a good second lens that I find that I cant get close enough to things as i would like. i am going to be shooting weddings so i need a good lens for that as well.

If you want to get closer, you'll have to look for something with more reach or physically get closer of your subject. While I recommend getting closer to interact with your subject, beeing far away something help you capturing emotions since the subject is not bothered by your presence.

Most people will recommend the 70-200mm f2.8 for a wedding. This is an awsome piece of equipment. Very fast so you'll have less chances to get blurry subject in low light condition. But it's also 2000$...

The 55-200mm VR is somewhat a good option. This will give you more reach for a reasonable price but you'll have to understand the limit of your equipment and also always have to look for light. A tripod may be a good idea for darker areas. It's also a good addition to your kit.

You could also look for the 50mm f/1.4 (the f/1.8 cannot auto-focus on your D5000). It's very fast but the downside is that you will have to move physically if you want to zoom. But primes, like I said before, are very fun for composing because they force you to be creative.

Bottom line, be honest with the people that are getting married. Let them know what you can and cannot do. Some people think because you have a DSLR you can shoot in any condition and pull out a masterpiece.

Here is some tips for wedding no mather what your equipment is:
Wedding Photography – 21 Tips for for Amateur Wedding Photographers

Hope this help