Sooooo, I finally purchased my SO much wanted lenses and I am EXTREMELY excited!!!!!
It’s been a long time coming! If you know me, you know that I am not the spendy type and every time I want to make a purchase I think, and think, and think some more about it… sigh! that can be good OR bad, but in this case it was good. Ever since the beginning I really tried my best to do my research and spent time reading up on other photographer’s gear (Katelyn James, Jasmine Star and the dynamic duo Bobbi and Mike) why they used certain lenses and whether I should invest in zoom or prime lenses. The best advise they would give was to RENT and try them out before investing. So I did! I rented and I practiced until I knew what worked for ME 🙂 Renting helped me understand what photogs meant by “distortion” around the edges, when a “wide angle” can come in handy, what a “portrait lens” can add to a couple’s portrait session and what lenses were IT in the “bokeh” department.
Anywhoo, after much thought (see, I think a LOT) and after trying a few zoom lenses, I decided that prime lenses best fit my shooting style. Not only am I more comfortable with them, but they make me move more and they make me .. you go it, THINK more about my composition. Reviews say that prime lenses tend to be sharper, but in reality, now a days Nikon lenses are all pretty well made and I wouldn’t say that was a major deciding factor for me. From the start, I also got used to shooting with wide apertures (my 50 1.4 to be exact) which gives amazing DOF and are great in low light scenarios. A year and a half ago I rented the first zoom lens (a 24-70) and although I loved the results, I wasn’t a fan of zooming back and forth and felt like it didn’t help me achieve intimate portrait images that I so much love and with that creamy bokeh we all crave. That zoom lens came in VERY handy when my 50 1.4 didn’t cut it, but in general I like to closely interact with my subjects and when I want to capture that intimacy without being too close, now I can pull up my NEW 85 1.8 (the 1.4 was too expensive, so this will definitely do!) and woala! perfect portrait lens and beautiful creamy background 🙂 So, am I done with my lens purchase? umm, yes and no, I have yet to try the 135 2.0 DC, but have a hunch it I can just rent it instead of the heavy 70-200. We shall see!
In summery, I suggest the same thing… RENT! try lenses out, and trust me, you WILL get to understand what I didn’t really in the beginning So, TTO (Try.Them.Out, I just made that up…ha!) before buying, REALLY! 😉
Oh! and the go to lens for starters? … definitely the 50 1.4. However keep in mind that no expensive lens will make anyone a better photographer, just like no new stove will make you an awesome cook. Get to know your camera and learn to shoot in Manual mode so you can get the best out of your camera AND lenses, no matter which ones you have 🙂
35 1.4 perfect for small spaces without being too wide like the 24mm. I LOVE it! It can add drama and give an image feeling when up close and personal, but without crazy distortion around the edges. (I enjoyed Jasmine Star’s review on this lens)
85 1.8 the much less expensive version of the 85 1.4, but does an amazing job as well.