For candid pics a luncheon which lens is sharper (Page 2): I have all 3 zooms, unless it is a large room where some extra reach is needed the 18-105 will probably make you happiest...

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

I have all 3 zooms, unless it is a large room where some extra reach is needed the 18-105 will probably make you happiest, and the 18-200 will work too ............, 55-300, not enough wide but would be good for distance sneaky shots! If it is a really ugly group, go for the softest lens!!!!!!!!! LOL Aviators are usually pretty though, they don't spend much time in the boonies.......... unless they have crashed!!

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

issa2006. wrote:

You will definitely need the wide angle of the 18. I do a lot of events and could not do without it. That lens should cover everything and you can use bounce clash if needed.

They are supposed to be CANDID shots!

BebuLamar

charlienow wrote:

I would use the 18-200 for that little extra reach...I have my 18-300 on my camera most of the time...I really like it for family gatherings where I can shoot across the room or get up close to someone...

Yup! At 300mm you would need a shutter speed of 1/320 and at f/6.3 you would need ISO 10000 in typical indoor relatively bright indoor lighting.

ecurb1105

Dave H2 wrote:

I am attending a semi-annual luncheon of aviators from 50 years ago. I am the duty photographer and will be photographing the guys using a D7200. Which would be a better lens choice for candid shots, a Nikkor 55-300mm or an 18-200mm. I also have 35mm and 50mm prime lenses and an 18-105mm, all Nikkor.
Thanks, Dave

35mm prime.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

Dave H2 wrote:

I am attending a semi-annual luncheon of aviators from 50 years ago. I am the duty photographer and will be photographing the guys using a D7200. Which would be a better lens choice for candid shots, a Nikkor 55-300mm or an 18-200mm. I also have 35mm and 50mm prime lenses and an 18-105mm, all Nikkor.
Thanks, Dave

I'll add that my favorite lenses for event coverage are the 24-70 or 28-75 on full frame, or the 18-55 on DX, or the 12-35, 12-40, or 12-60 on Micro 4/3. I take a 70-200 full frame equivalent in my bag. sometimes it never comes out. If the event is going to be dim, f/1.2 to f/2 prime lenses are in order.

Bill P

Be careful with ultra fast lenses. There's a big difference between max sharpness, which I detest, and many of the group jus plain out of focus, which is bad too.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Dave H2 wrote:

I am attending a semi-annual luncheon of aviators from 50 years ago. I am the duty photographer and will be photographing the guys using a D7200. Which would be a better lens choice for candid shots, a Nikkor 55-300mm or an 18-200mm. I also have 35mm and 50mm prime lenses and an 18-105mm, all Nikkor.
Thanks, Dave

If shallow depth of field is not a goal, then all of your lenses, with the exception of the 35mm prime, will be comparable in sharpness at F8. The 35 may be a little sharper than the 18-200 or the 18-105.

photogeneralist Loc: Lopez Island Washington State

Any of those lenses should be more than capable of excessive sharpness given the subject matter LOL! IMHO, your choice should be made based on which lenses will allow you to get well exposed and well composed photos most conveniently.
Are you thinking candids or posed portrait type shots? What type and intensity of lighting will you most likely be working in?

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I would shoot in raw and use my 18-140 and put the diffuser on the flash. The wider end would cover the tables and "room" shots to be sure to get everyone in some shot. The high end would get those candid shots that you can only get if you're not too close to "spook" your prey.
I don't like to change lenses in a crowd - too easy to get bumped.

User ID

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18-105, with its all-important VR.

Photos that it cannot deliver are
photos that you are not obliged
to deliver. Don't lose sight of the
nature of the job !

.

CO

Avoid wide angle settings and getting too close to people. You'll avoid the big nose syndrome. If you shoot with the lens at wide settings, you'll kick yourself later. You might be best off taking the 35mm or 50mm. It will force you to get some distance between you and the people there.

carl hervol Loc: jacksonville florida

18/75 2.8