I have a nikon d80 and a sb800 and what's the best lens to use for outside and inside senior portraits the

Question

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S or Nikon 17-55 .

Thank You for any advice .

Answer 1

It depends on how wide angle you think you will need.  24mm is not very wide on a D80, but 70mm is good portrait territory for close ups.  Event photogs would probably choose the17-55, it is a common wedding lens, but not really long enough for more formal portraits.  You might get the 17-55, and add a 105mm f/2, or 85mm prime to the lineup.

Answer 2

What A Budget :)

The Nikkor 24-70mm lens is 1,700$

and the Nikkor 17-55mm is 1,200$

and that's alot of money to spend on a nikkor lens, your paying more for a lens, then you did for the nikon d80, isn't that amazing?

when you say ' senior portraits ' you mean old people right? the nikkor 17-55mm lens is more of a portrait lens, it's the best to use outside and in, and you're not going to be dissapointed. It has a nice ( low ) aperture, which you need to establish the wanted depth of field. They cost around the same, but you should get the 17-55mm lens, however if you'd like a more zoom capability, you should get the 24-70mm lens, it has more of a focal length.

Answer 3

I have a D80 too and I use the Nikkor DXlens that came with it when I bought the camera. I just leave it at auto and it takes great pictures inside and outside. I have no problem using my D80 either day or night shoots. If the light is not adequate, it automatically turns the flash on. Just  leave it at auto and let the camera do its works. You'll be surprise that it perfect everytime after you adjust the distance.

Answer 4

Hello HMO.   You definitely have a great set.  Congrats!!!  But if you are asking someone to help you out,  I can only help you with the gear I have used in the same situation.  I would not use either of the lenses you have mentioned.   For portraits indoors or out,  I use an 80-200 telephoto zoom.  My set-up for portraits is a Nikon D2X with a SB-600 or studio lights.   I use the 600 definitely for outdoor shooting.  The reason I use an 80-200 zoom is that I can shoot head-shot,  bust-shot,  full length...  add props,  add landscape in the background...  there is a world of things I can do with that one lens without getting right up into the person's face.   I have learned how to avoid any distortions.    I am pleased with the way my pictures look, and happily so are my clients.   I m sure other people have their opinions, too.... cause what works for one guy does not always work for the other but play it safe.  You are going to want to use this lens to make money.  If you can rent the different sized for a day or two,  do it so you can make an intelligent decision based on how you like the results.   Thanks for reading... Hope I have added a little something to what you were thinking.   :)))