The *Official Photography Thread*

Honestly, man. If not having to change lenses all the time makes you happy, then get that lens. Most will point out to you that you will honestly get better performance from having a lens for each job (tele/wide/normal/etc) and they will be right, but at the end of the day you have to get what is fitting for you. A lot of people value that one-lens-for-everything convenience over better IQ.

As you grow you'll realize what you need and don't need anyway. For now, just get a camera and lens and go shoot. Figure out what you like as you go.

(Shameless PRIMES plug) Don't forget how amazing, light, small, and cheap Prime lenses are

 

True. If I had the money, I would get that 70-200mm and an 85mm. But for now, I just wanted to get one for basic stuff until I get the money to get everything. I know the 18-200 won't do a lot, but my brother has taken some sweet pictures with his. I might throw in a 50mm f1.8 since they aren't expensive and do nice pictures as well.

 

This is different. I don't remember seeing this lens. Anyone like this lens or anyone not like it? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-USA/Nikon_1986_AF_Zoom_Nikkor_80_200mm_f_2_8D.html

 

looks like a fun program...

 

I've heard it's really nice. It just doesn't have the VR in it. You will also get a few more mm (technically) out of it using it on a DX camera because of the crop factor.

On another note I talked to a dealer the other day looking for a 70-200 and he told me he offered a guy $1200 for the new 70-200 VR II Nikon lens and he wanted $1400 for it. It was only 3 months old and he didn't get it. I was like wtf, I would have paid that in a second for it. Hell even at $1400 he would have made $400 selling it, easily.

 

Nothing a tripod couldn't help

And what? I would've paid it too. (if I had the money) Lol

 

Very true! A tripod fixes a lot. lol

Yeah, I don't know what he was thinking. Around here those lenses and the VR I disappear in days not weeks. Sometimes hours.

 

Pretty much

 

Yea works great. Plus student discount

 

My advice (if someone could not choose what lens to get) would be to just get the body and a single prime. Either 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 if you're full frame or more likely, if you're going with a crop sensor, either the 35mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.8

The only time I would recommend this is if you REALLY cannot make up your mind on what to buy, because at the end of the whole learning experience, I can almost guarantee that if you stick with photography you will definitely keep that prime lens for the long haul. And even if you don't, you can sell them for hardly any loss. They are just a simple, cheap, staple of a kit and it's a no brainer that you're going to get one someday anyway. may as well get a sure thing rather than a maybe of a lens that you might end up having to sell for a better/different one anyway.

Get the D7100 and the 50mm, man. You won't regret it. There are always more lenses to buy.

 

You can also rent lenses (and bodies and flashes) from places that will ship you the gear. If you want to try something out and get your hands on it before you buy, rent!

 

I did this. I rented the sigma 70-200 F2.8. It was a great way to get a lens and see if i like it. (I really did like it)

 

Played with HDR a little more today.

 

Photos by Cheri Root
check out www.cheriroot.com

 

2 from last weekend's wedding

 

The diamond in the haystack Good metaphor for a wedding speech.

 

I never even thought of that! I used the hay because one of their decorations was hay in mason jars with LED lights. Sounds chinsy but looked great once the sun went down.

 

My latest lookbook shoot with plus size model Kelsey...

 

^The work of a pro is obvious, very nice.

 

And for any parents here on TW, some from my latest lookbook shoot for Mixed Up Clothing, a cool kids clothing line that may actually launch at Nordstroms if the planets align properly...