Photography Student needs advice/help!?

Question

I have a Nikon D80 and the kit 18-135 lens. I would like to get another lens to start off my set. My teache r said a wide angle lens would be good to start off with(18-200mm VR) and the cheap 50mm prime lens. I would like the lens to be good,since I'll be keeping them for my career and will use them on my future upgraded camera. Would you recommend these lenses to begin with?

Also, I just would like to get some tips on affording camera equipment since I'm a student. Any stores/websites with student discounts?

Answer 1

The 18-200mm lens is no wider than the lens you currently use (18-135).

I can't see why your teacher recommended a zoom lens which goes up to 200 mm. The longer the lens, the more camera shake and the flatter your subjects appear.

I don't particularly like zoom lenses. They're not sharp at different focal lengths. The 55 mm lens is a fixed focal lens and is called a standard lens. Use that if you really want to learn to be a photogrpaher, You need to 'move' yourself further or closer from your subject, rather than rely on just 'zooming in'.

Answer 2

I would look at the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 and/or the Tamron 28-75 F2.8.  These are quality lenses that I use as a working professional photographer.  They are sharp, dependable and rugged and less expensive.  The best thing is they are F2.8 all the way through the zoom - no variable aperture.  Check out my article at Tamron.

http://www.tamron.com/lenses/learning_ce...

You can also visit http://www.Photoproworkshops.com for some of my workshops and educational materials.

Answer 3

This is a little confusing, since you already have the 18-135 mm, the 18-200 mm duplicates most of the focal length of your old lens .. and you are certainly not getting any wider angle lens ... for that the 12-24 mm would be my suggestion and unless you plan on doing a lot, I mean a LOT of traditional portraits, the 50 mm can wait a while.

Here is what I use as a pro.  12-24 mm f/4, 24-70 mm f/2.8, 70-200 mm f.2.8, 105 mm macro VR f/2.8 and 400 mm f/2.8.  I do have a 18-200 mm VR I use for a lot of editorial shoots just because it covers such a wide range of focal lengths and with VR I can leave the SB600 or SB800 in the car.

These are the primary lenses I carry around when on assignment  I have other prime lenses I use for special situations that are considered more esoteric, but the above list is similar to what I would recommend as an eventual collection (I now have a D3, so will be adding a 14-24 mm lens for it)

Answer 4

The 18-200 VR will cover the same range as the 18-135, plus some, so you won't need both.  Once you can afford the 18-200, sell the 18-135.  Find a good camera store.  Some take trade-ins on used equipment for store credit.  They also handle used lenses in good condition.  I've bought, sold and traded lenses that way and ended up with some good bargains.

Answer 5

A prime lens will help you develop good shooting habits, cost less and be sharper in general. I recommend a 20mm prime, but not the top end pro one. Buy used from a reputable dealer.