What to add to D90, lens or flash?

[TOM GUNN]

Hi, I also have a D90 and I have both the SB-600 and the 35mm f1.8 as well. They have both proved very useful and I think you would do well to aim to get both at some point. As for which one to get first, I would say the lens as it enables more different types of photograph than the flash, and it's very accurate reproduction of flesh-tones is just what you need with a new baby to photograph.

Also, I'd recommend the 35mm lens instead of the 50mm. Because of the compensation for the half-size sensor, it is about 50mm anyway, and the 50mm is nearer 75mm.

Tom.

[sk66]

Depends on your needs. With the Baby the 35mm will be very useful, but so will the flash. ESPECIALLY if you learn to use your camera's built in commander mode w/ the SB600.

[trucker60]

Originally Posted by CharmCityRob

So I just got received a $250 bonus i wasn't expected and plan to use it for something for my D90 but the question is what?

I have been planning to add either a 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 and eventually a flash. I really want a lens that can do well in low light and is good for indoor photos as I have a baby coming soon but I also want a flash. I was not happy at all with the photos from xmas at my in-laws house where it is wood paneled and has very limit indirect sun.

The $250 would allow me to buy either of the lenses or an SB-600, in your opinion, what should I be looking to add first?

I have the 50mm f/1.8. You cant go wrong there. But on the same hand, I would opt and wait for the SB-900 Flash. Just a great piece of equipment

[mprokaziuk]

My first add on was the SB-600 flash. The built in flash on the camera just doesn't do it. If you are going to shoot your new baby, you don't want that built in flash up close to new baby eyes. With the SB-600 you can use it as a bounce flash and get that nice soft lighting.

[gshamis]

If you are OK with getting used things go ahead and get both used. Me -- I wouldn't want to get a used flash. My choice would be a new Nikon SB-600 plus a cheap flash-diffuser. I think indoors at close distance flash beats "fast" lens hands down. Also I think that if you intend to take pics of a new baby you should stay away from prime lenses. You are going to have your hands full with the baby, you don't need the aggravation of changing lenses. Personally I spent my money on a D5000 + SB600 + 18-200mm lens.
My camera handles flash in "P" mode great. And it's priceless to be able to zoom into your baby's face when he is sitting and playing on the floor without needing to stick your lens in his face. Or have him stick his hands into your lens :-)
I am sure many people will claim that 200mm is TOO long for indoors pics -- but I find it great to take pics from across the room.
In the end it's about your style.

[firebox40dash5]

Originally Posted by trucker60

I have the 50mm f/1.8. You cant go wrong there. But on the same hand, I would opt and wait for the SB-900 Flash. Just a great piece of equipment

An SB-900 only adds a bit of power, and newer controls, at more than double the price. Seems silly to buy one as a first flash when you can't even use its best feature (Commander mode) without another flash, and the D90 has it built in anyway.

[pocoyo]

Originally Posted by CharmCityRob

So I just got received a $250 bonus i wasn't expected and plan to use it for something for my D90 but the question is what?

I have been planning to add either a 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8 and eventually a flash. I really want a lens that can do well in low light and is good for indoor photos as I have a baby coming soon but I also want a flash. I was not happy at all with the photos from xmas at my in-laws house where it is wood paneled and has very limit indirect sun.

The $250 would allow me to buy either of the lenses or an SB-600, in your opinion, what should I be looking to add first?

I have 2 young kids and I bought 35 f1.8 + SB600 + D90 (without kit lens) mainly for family / children photo. Get both the len and flash if you can, they're fantastic team for indoor shooting. But if you're insist to choose only one, then you need to decide which situation here is your priority...
a) shooting in low light without flash (eg, outdoor at night, in restaurant...) => 35 f1.8
b) shooting indoor with flash bouncing (eg, xmas party) => SB-600

[sk66]

Why does everyone relegate the SB600 to "bounce flash"?!!

With a D90 and a SB600 you have a 2 light setup with the SB600 off camera remotely controlled! A diffuser for the SB600 and EV flash compensation and you have options. My profile image was taken with a D300 in commander mode and an SB600 off camera.

[monosodium]

SK66 has pretty much nailed it.

As someone in the OP's position (SB600/D90/Prime lens, but with the addition of 3 years down the line on the child front) I can say for certain that the prime is not going to help. Here's why...

1) The D90 kit lens (18-105VR) is around f/4 at 35-50mm. Going to f/1.8 is basically a little over a stop. The relatively good higher-iso performance of the D90 (coupled with our old friend Auto-ISO) makes that a moot point - you still won't have enough light with faster glass.

2) Zoom lens = less framing time. With a toddler on the loose framing and timing will become everything... your subject will not wait while you futz about.

3) You realistically need f/5,6 to get a good facial DOF from anything except them looking directly into the camera. So again the f/1.8 is a moot point at the kind of close-up distances which would make for good indoor shots.


Simply put, you need more light. The SB600 is a vastly underrated flash and using it off-camera makes it the ideal partner for the D90. Also have a read of strobist blog for alternatives (like a combo of PW's and SB-24's or the Vivitars).

Use the leftover money to get a few sets of decent ni-mh cells (like eneloops or energizer accu's) and a decent conditioning / trickle charger like a BL700 - which you're going to need those anyway for the kids toys!

[johndavid]

A lot of good suggestions here