D40 + Options - Please Help

[VLSafehouse]

There's a family event coming up, and I've been asked to be the photographer for said event. The problem is, I'm very limited in equipment. I own a D40 with the lens it came with: 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX.

My other equipment includes a remote and a tripod. That's it.

I've been able to take great pictures with my D40 so far, which is what got me hired for this job in the first place. The problem is, I'm not exactly so experienced that I know how to prepare for the event. I've been informed that it will most likely be an indoor, low-light situation and that I will be taking portrait pictures of the guests and of a specific person. I haven't practiced much in these two situations and them combined is a bit nerve-racking. The event isn't in a month or so.

My question: My limit is $200-250. I've been told that these lenses are great for portraits:

Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo (I am aware that this one requires manual focus on my D40)

Amazon.com: Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo

Which is better for my situation? If I go with the first option, the 50mm f/1.8D I have enough to buy the Nikon SB-400 flash for the event. Will that flash do?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[kirbinster]

I would go with the 35mm as the AF-S lens will autofocus on your body whereas the 50mm will not autofocus on a body that does not have a motor. Also a 35mm lens is closer to a standard lens for a 35mm film camera whereas the 50mm is more like a slight telephone when used on a crop body camera.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you're okay with manual focus, then get the 50mm. Honestly, though, AF, especially at events, is gonna be a HUGE help. It may also be a bit long for events, especially if youre doing shots of individuals.

[VLSafehouse]

Thanks for the feedback.

It's possible that we will designate an area for the guests to sit/stand so in that case I will be fine using manual focus. If there will be moving around I'll be switching to my other lens once the portraits/couple pictures/whatever else it may be is done with.

I also believe I will have enough space to adjust myself if need be.

Is the 35mm a must? If I go with that lens I won't have enough for a flash. Will the lens alone perform well enough combined with the D40's default flash? How close will I have to be to the people for both of the lens?

[inkista]

Just my opinion (and I'm a Canon shooter), but go for the 35, not the SB-400. The SB-400 is a toy flash, not a real one. It only gives you tilt and an extra stop of light over the pop-up. If you're seriously going to get into flash for event shooting, you want at least an SB-600 (or an LP-120 if you can ditch i-TTL and high-speed sync) so you'll have the freedom to swivel the head around and bounce the light from the direction you want, and the freedom to go Strobist and shoot with the light off-camera with the ability to control the power level manually.

Not to mention, flash takes longer to learn to use well (as far as basic equipment goes). A fast prime is going to be a lot easier to learn and use, and far less intrusive or conspicuous in a group setting. If you want people mugging for the camera, or that dead-white-on-camera-flash look, that's a different matter, but if you plan on getting candids, a fast prime is going to be the better tool with more pleasing results with less learning time.

My personal tip about flash photography is that if you aren't comfortable shooting in full Manual mode, and swapping stops among iso, aperture, and shutter speed, you want to wait until you are before starting flash. Because with flash, you're just going to be adding flash power and distance to that stop-swapping equation.

I shoot with a 35 f/2 manual focus lens at Comic-Con, and it's a surprisingly versatile focal length on a crop body, and great for a number of different purposes, including group shots and shots to grab environment/context, as well as a useful portrait lens. It will also let you get closer than a 50mm would, both in terms of framing, and in terms of minimum focus distance.

[CiiVii]

To see if you would be comfortable doing portraits with the 35mm, set your kit lens at that focal length and practice. For me, it's a little too in-your-face for comfort. Combine that with opening up the lens in order to get more light and you might not get the DoF you want, even at ISO 800. That's just my experience. It depends on the light. I'd either take the chance with the manual 50, or just get a flash that can be bounced/diffused.

[candleman]

my vote for the 35mm AF-S

50mm is good.. but no AF

edit:

or i may also sugest a used SB600
that will at least provide enough light o make a difference!

[VLSafehouse]

Thanks guys, I think I'm going to go with the SB-600. Seems like for this situation it's really what's best. Pictures won't be any good if you can't see the people, no matter what lens you have.

[wulf]

I think I'd still be inclined towards a fast lens. With flash, you've still got to have a good idea of the setting - for example, will there be something you can bounce the flash off, etc.

That does prompt another idea though. I'm sure you want to have a collection of portraits as you wander round but how about also setting up a specific area for photos? Pick a place with decent light and background, set the camera on a tripod and invite (or have a helper to do the inviting) guests to take turns to sit in the target spot. Once you've set it up and established good settings for exposure and focus, you make it easier to get a good result for everyone who wants their portrait taken.

Wulf

[VLSafehouse]

Originally Posted by wulf

I think I'd still be inclined towards a fast lens. With flash, you've still got to have a good idea of the setting - for example, will there be something you can bounce the flash off, etc.

That does prompt another idea though. I'm sure you want to have a collection of portraits as you wander round but how about also setting up a specific area for photos? Pick a place with decent light and background, set the camera on a tripod and invite (or have a helper to do the inviting) guests to take turns to sit in the target spot. Once you've set it up and established good settings for exposure and focus, you make it easier to get a good result for everyone who wants their portrait taken.

Wulf

Yes definitely. As I mentioned before, not in much detail, we're toying with the idea of having a specific spot for the guests to stand or sit therefore, as you said, making it much easier for everyone. It all depends on when I visit the venue and if I can find a proper area to photograph the guests. Which I'm really hoping happens

Someone mentioned, in regards to the flash, to "get if off camera" as much as possible. I figure I need other equipment such as a light stand correct? Can I get cheap lighting equipment to help me out? Suggestions?