Dennis |
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Camera Equipment for Wedding Photography
I'm planning on getting into wedding photography and I don't have a lot of photography experience. I was wondering if anyone can give me suggetions on what type of cameras /lenses I should buy as a beginner. Is the Nikon N80 a good one to start with?
December 02, 2002
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doug Nelson |
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This question comes up a lot, so go down through the threads here. Your N80 is a fine start. If you're going to be taking money from people to document this most important life event, you need to be using decent optics. Forget zooms, unless it's Nikon's BEST (and very expensive) 28-50 or so. Get a Nikon 50. If money is an issue, try a manual AIS 50-mm. The 50 f2 is inexpensive and excellent. Use a lens hood on that lens, always. You'll get differing opinions on this, but I'd carry a wide-angle, maybe a 35-mm for group shots where you have no room to back up. Nikon's least expensive 35 is still excellent.
December 02, 2002
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Dennis |
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Doug: Thank you for responing to my question. I've been researching on the internet about beginning photography. It seems like most people have suggested investment on the lens is more important than the body. I will look more into getting a better lens. The 50 F2 seems pretty good for my budget. If anyone knows more about lenses for wedding photography, please let me know.
December 02, 2002
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
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For weddings and portraiture in general one of the most important things to look for in a lens is speed (IOW a wide maximum aperture). I don't buy a lens unless it's max aperture is at least f2.8. The lens I use the most is an 85mm f1.8. The extra speed you get from faster lenses helps with the low light you will run into during weddings and allows you to blur backgrounds better than with a slower lens. If I was had to have a minum number of lenses I would carry my 85f1.8, 17-35f2.8, & 70-200f2.8 IS. In addition to these I also carry my 28-70f2.8. It has macro focussing which allows me to record details at the wedding (flowers, cake, etc.).
December 02, 2002
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Dennis |
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Jeff K. Thanks for the input/advice. I believed I have some direction to continued researching for lenses. Do you think it's better to spend a little less on the body such as the Nikon N65 rather than the N80 and save the $$$ to purchase a better lens (28-70 f2.8) to start? At this stage, I don't plan to make any money yet. I just want to learn as much as I can by taking wedding pics. of friends/relatives on the side whenever I can.
December 02, 2002
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Jeff S. Kennedy |
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Oh I would definitely put the money into the glass if I had to choose between the two. More expensive bodies just have more bells and whistles. They don't make the images better. As long as the body gives you the ability to shoot in manual that's all you really need.
December 03, 2002
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james marcus |
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Beautiful Bride
Bridal photos one month prior to her wedding
james marcus
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Hey Dennis, I am Jim. I have had great success with the N80 as I documented weddings. You know all the bells and whistles of the camera. What I can suggest in addition to the great advise already given is a) become very intimate with the workings of those bells and whistles, b) learn to recognize how those settings are an advantage for your creativity and when to use them, c) think about insurance if this becomes more than a passing desire, and d) I cannot agree more regarding the quality of the lens you choose and the very demanding necessity for a really wide f stop. Good luck to you!!!
Respectfully,Jim
Suffolk, VA
December 10, 2002
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Dennis |
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Thank you so much for your advice, Jim. I just bought the N80 a week ago. I will look into learning about the camera as much as I can. If you don't mind, I would like to know is the Nikon - AF 24-85mm f2.8-4D Lens IF w/Hood something good to start. I've looked into both 28-70mm f2.8 and 35-70mm f2.8. Both of them are quite pricey for me at this point. Any suggestion will be extremely helpful.
December 13, 2002
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William D. Winn |
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I would recommend at least two cameras so you have a backup..get some books and read and practice..try to go to weddings with a wedding photographer and see how he works and poses subjects. a 28 to 105 3/5-4/5 nikon or canon zoom lens will take care of wide angle and close up portraits..have a 50mm1.8 as a backup and for low lite situations.use fuji nph film for everything..it has great exposure latitude. good luck
May 26, 2003
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