Need advice on a few things for potentially new camera (Nikon D5100): Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family...

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family and friends. My passion is photographing people/animal portraits. I am planning on buying the Nikon D5100 that comes with a standard 18-55 mm lens. What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!
Suggestions, tips, opinions on this particular camera welcome!
Thanks a bunch!

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

First, I suggest that you join a local camera club or group, such as: http://www.meetup.com/photo-638 . There, you can meet other photographers to discuss equipment, and possibly try different lenses to see what strikes your fancy.

sinatraman Loc: Vero Beach Florida, Earth,alpha quaudrant

portraits, buy nikon 50 mm 1.8 auto focus lens. with crop factor becomes 75mm perfect lens for portriature. Then f1.8 will come in handy for low light shots. also need to get a sturdy TRIPOD. mandatory for portraits. also a shoe mount flash preferably nikon to help with ligtening. the on camera flash won't be enough. finally google introduction too portraits. there are many good books out there that can help you get a graspe on portraits. good luck

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

feleekshia wrote:

What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!

Hello. Congratulations on your new equipment. Don't underestimate the capabilities of that little 18-55, and its companion the 55-200. They are cheaply constructed plastic lenses, but the glass in them is sharp. Additionally, someone suggested the 50mm f/1.8, and you'll like that one as well. Good luck and enjoy!!

MarkH Loc: Cape Coral, FL

I'm no expert, but I have the same camera. Those VR kit lenses are pretty sharp but a little fragile. Always handle your camera by the body and not pick it by the lens.
For portraits, get a good tripod and a nice Nikon flash and learn about fill flash, bouncing, off camera lighting, ect..
A fast prime lens, like a 50 or 85 would be nice as well.

feleekshia wrote:

Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family and friends. My passion is photographing people/animal portraits. I am planning on buying the Nikon D5100 that comes with a standard 18-55 mm lens. What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!
Suggestions, tips, opinions on this particular camera welcome!
Thanks a bunch!

Fred Stuckmann Loc: Ohio

feleekshia wrote:

Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family and friends. My passion is photographing people/animal portraits. I am planning on buying the Nikon D5100 that comes with a standard 18-55 mm lens. What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!
Suggestions, tips, opinions on this particular camera welcome!
Thanks a bunch!

I thoroughly enjoy my D5100, While I have the 18-55 and
55-200 lenses that I used with my D40, I bought a Tamron
18-270, (make sure it has the Piezo Drive) fully Nikon compatible. I like that I don't need to change lenses all the time.
A couple of samples for you. The first was taken in dusk/dawn
mode. I stumbled across the second scene quite by accident.
I would highly recommend the D5100.

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Thank you for the advice. It is much appreciated!

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Wow Fred.... beautiful photos. I definitely will be purchasing the D5100. My husband is active duty military and right now at the Naval Exchange it is 749.99 (body, 18-55 lens, and free case). The 50-200 lens is on sale for $149.99. So, for $900 I will get the camera body and both lenses. Good deal huh?

Fred Stuckmann Loc: Ohio

feleekshia wrote:

Wow Fred.... beautiful photos. I definitely will be purchasing the D5100. My husband is active duty military and right now at the Naval Exchange it is 749.99 (body, 18-55 lens, and free case). The 50-200 lens is on sale for $149.99. So, for $900 I will get the camera body and both lenses. Good deal huh?

I think that price will be hard to beat. I would get an extra battery
too. Stay with Nikon, that would be my advice.
Thanks to you and your husband both, as well.
Have a great night.

Bobgattshall Loc: Shawnee. Ks

feleekshia wrote:

Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family and friends. My passion is photographing people/animal portraits. I am planning on buying the Nikon D5100 that comes with a standard 18-55 mm lens. What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!
Suggestions, tips, opinions on this particular camera welcome!
Thanks a bunch!

I have the nikor 18-200mm. and love it. Would buy it again.

OnTheFly Loc: Tennessee

Just a suggestion. Save your money and buy the camera body only. With the money you saved and a little added to it go buy a better quality lens for portraits. I have this lens and it is o.k. for what I do. I think the bokeh would be beter with portraits with a faster lens. I think you'll find that if you price the body only the lens isn't free.

feleekshia wrote:

Hi everyone! New to the forum, very beginner photographer. Took classes in college, have done shoots for family and friends. My passion is photographing people/animal portraits. I am planning on buying the Nikon D5100 that comes with a standard 18-55 mm lens. What else can I buy that would help me capture AMAZING portrait shots? 55-200 lens? 70-300? Wide angle or Macro? Please Help!!!
Suggestions, tips, opinions on this particular camera welcome!
Thanks a bunch!

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Eugene, what lens would be ideal for portraits? I need something in the $300 range or less right now. Not able nor ready to spend $1000 or more on a nice lens. Thanks!

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Fred, Your welcome! Thanks!

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

That's good to hear Bob!

feleekshia Loc: Oahu, Hawaii

Any body have experience or knowledge on the following lenses?
~Nikon Nikkorr 50mm f/1.8D
~Nikon Nikkor AF-S 50mm f/1.4G