Shaylam80

Hello Everyone,
My name is Shayla. I've been into photography and shooting photos for over 20 years. I switched from film photography to digital a few years ago. Due to finances, I currently have a Nikon D80 (until I can afford a better upgrade) and am looking for the best lens to shoot band press photos. I just bought a Rokinon 1.4/24mm which is a great wide angle lens, but no zoom. I'd love some suggestions of the best lens (compatible with my camera) where I can do a photo-shoot of 5 people (without them having to sit on each other's laps, lol), but also has a zoom so I can get some up close photos?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

One consideration would be the Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens which is quite sharp and can be picked up in used excellent condition for less than $100. You can even get one with VR (vibration reduction).

It will give you a ful frame equivalent range of approx. 27-82.5mm on your cropped frame DX sensor camera...so wide angle to short telephoto.

Nikon has other DX zooms offering more reach at the telephoto end, but this one will give you a lot of bang for the buck.

Najataagihe

18-55mm lens with an SB-400 flash for off-performance use and you will be set!

Boris77

I gradually switched into digital during the 2005-2010 era, and finally settled into Nikon as the most comfortable for me to use. Things got serious with the Nikon D300, a tank that sits on a self today, armed and ready to fire when I feel like browsing around the yard. My second zoom lens was the Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6. It is still my standard group posing lens, as well as general carry. It can be used for head/shoulder portraits.
Looks like it can be had now for about $200? I bought my second one here on UHH; I have also purchased refurb items from other commercial sources with no complaint.
I still use the original lens today; it has been the implement of over 10,000 pictures. My longer zooms have not held up as well (become loose).
Boris

Shaylam80

Thank you!!

Shaylam80

Thanks!

Shaylam80

Wow, thanks for all the great info Boris! I'm very much attached to Nikon as well! So do you like the Nikon D300? I was looking at the Nikon D 8500, but my house is having plumbing issues so there goes that money. I definitely want to upgrade my camera, but I feel like between investment in good lenses and artistic technique, that's what takes some great photos. Thanks again for your post!

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Do you have any lenses for your D80 besides the 24mm? I'm thinking that for shooting bands, there is some benefit to getting you to a little bit newer camera that is a little better when light is limited. Not spending a lot on new lenses would help you save to do that if you already have one or two lenses that might work in the short term.

I'm not a big fan of using really short focal length lenses to photograph people, but Nikon does make a 10-20mm DX zoom. I've not used one, but they aren't terribly expensive even bought new if you feel that would work for you.

The big challenge is going to be that inexpensive lenses are not going to be very fast. That is going to complicate the limitations of your camera.

Boris77

The D300 creates 12mp files. I still do a fair amount of theater photography. 12mp can look beautiful on flowers, but it does not hold up well to group shots of 10-15 people or wide stage shots were faces remain important. I have found the sweet spot to be a camera with 24mp. When I do things right it gives me good 8x10 theater prints after cropping. Outdoors (good lighting) 13x19" prints (the maximum size of my printer) are not a problem from 24mp.
I have made large attractive prints from the D300, but they are not for close up viewing. I do not think it would be much of a step up from your camera, and it is heavy. The D7500 is a solid choice if the price is right. The D7100, D7200, or the D5500 or D5600 if you prefer a smaller camera, are all solid upgrades too.
Boris

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I still have an operational D300 and D300s. I love those cameras and still use them for snapshots outside and when doing jobs in risky environments. They have good compatibility with older lenses but are not fully compatible with the newest lens designs, even if the final firmware versions are loaded. Support and parts have been unavailable for 5 years that I know about and perhaps longer. The condition of used ones tends to be all over the map. Many were "rode hard and put up wet." Keep in mind that D3xxx and D5xxx cameras are not compatible with lenses that do not have a focus motor.

I love to occasionally shoot with older cameras...I still also have my D200. But for what the OP wants to do, some care needs to be exercised in choosing a camera.

ppkwhat Loc: Gibsonton, FL

Shayla, I notice on your idea in upgrading and you asked about the D300: I have one that I have used for several years and today I use it as a backup to my D750 I upgraded to a couple of years ago. the D300 is built like a tank and today it can be had at MPB for a very good price. (see below)

SKU:1438803 - D300s
Condition: Excellent
This camera body is in excellent condition with only the lightest signs of use. There are some very light signs of use to the paintwork around the base of the camera but overall condition is great. The LCD screen is in excellent condition with only the lightest of marks. The sensor is clear and free of scratches. The flash mount has only light signs of use. All rubber grips and covers are present and in excellent condition.
Includes:
ChargerBatteryOriginal PackagingFront Body Cap. Price: US$239.00
Shutter count: 6,921
As you can see, this is a D-300s a newer model from the D300.

I you want to upgrade to a Full-Frame, the D-750 would be an excellent choice and can be had for less than $1,000. See below:
SKU: 1382653 - D750
Condition: Excellent
Includes: Charger, Battery, Front Body Cap, Price: US$959.00
Shutter count: 15,138

It looks like I'm advertising for MPB, where I both purchased as well as sold photographic equiment, but there are other retailers I also used, like B&H, Adorama and Keh. They are, in my opinion the best for used equipment and guaranties.
If you purchase the D-750, an excellent choice for zoom lens would be the 28-300mm which I also have.

Celtis87

I’ve had the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens since I had my D80 (kick myself for letting that camera go. Never should have sold it, but got equipment envy). I was unhappy with the 18-55mm lens, which I had for a brief time. Couldn’t get rid of it fast enough. My two cents, fwiw.

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 .......very reasonable - especially used
.

awis01

I don't know what your budget is, but if you think you may go full frame at some point you may want to consider ff lenses.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

Come on folks. Tight budget here.