How's my kit?

[nita_dyck]

Hello all,

I know there are quite a few threads on equipment but I still wanted to get a

little advice on my kit. First some background info: I am a wedding

photographer who as been building a business over the last three years. I

switched over to Digital last year and love it. I want to purchase quality

products that last.

 

Body

Nikon D80

Nikon D50

 

Lenses

Nikkor 17-55mm 2.8

85mm 1.8

18-70mm 3.5-5.6

18-135mm 3.5-5.6

 

Flashes

SB 600

SB 800

 

I also carry the usual tripod, a ton of SD cards, a laptop, batteries, etc, etc.

 

Thanks for any tips and advice!

 

Anita

[casey mcallister]

You need some fast longer lenses to shoot from the back. The next item for your kit s/b the 70-200 f2.8 VR

[michelle a.]

If you have 17-55 f/2.8 why are you lugging around two other lenses that over lap focal lengths....???

 

The 18-70 is taking up space and added weight to your bag... not only that but it's slow glass.

 

You could also get rid of the 18-135 and pick yourself a 70-200 f/2.8, I've found that it's my used lens shooting a wedding.

 

If I were building an all around kit.....

 

I'd keep the 17-55 f/2.8 and the 85 1.8 for low light.... and get a 70-200 f/2.8

 

I made a deal with myself that I would never purchase lenses that are not constant aperture, nor slower than f/2.8.... even if I have to scrimp and save to buy them.

[nita_dyck]

Great advice William and Michelle. Thank-you!

 

I was wanting to replacing both the 18-70 and 18-135 and get a faster, long lens as soon as the funds are available. You've confirmed this thought.

 

"I made a deal with myself that I would never purchase lenses that are not constant aperture, nor slower than f/2.8.... even if I have to scrimp and save to buy them." - Great advice...I'll make the deal too:)

[paul_sokal___dallas__tx]

Once you get the 70-200 VR, you might want to add the 10.5 DX and a macro lens (for details).

[annealmasy]

<i>Nita Dyck, Jul 12, 2007; 12:00 p.m.

<br>I want to purchase quality products that last.</i>

<p>

Switch to Canon.

<p>

JUST KIDDING! ;)

<p>

I'll hush now and let you get some real advice from the talented Nikon users. ;)

[nita_dyck]

HeeHee, Anne.....the feud begins :)

 

Paul, that is a great idea too. Fisheye would get some great church shots too. Macro for rings and such...ahh..it's a good thing. Now that I have my complete wish list there's just one other thing I need to do...actually make some money. I guess I'm in the wrong biz for that :) Oh well, I do it 'casue I love it.

 

Thanks all!!!!

[robbie_caswell]

Basically what Michelle said...

 

The 80-200 would be a nice alternative to the 70-200 if funds were an issue.

 

The 17-55 is a stud.

 

The next purchase I would make would be the D200 or even a D2X. You will love the quality of a more professional body, especially the autofocus.

[jonj]

I also would advise you get the 80-200 f2.8 put it on the D-80 and jam the wide lens on the D-50. I have the 80-200 on my D-80 90% of the time IMO the best all around lens if you own Nikon.

 

I also have the 85 1.8 But it's a better portrait lens and would come in handy if light gets pretty low.

[jimstrutz]

Another thing you don't have is a wide zoom. The 12-24 f/4 is a nice addition. Tokina's version can save you some money with about the same quality. I don't use it a lot for weddings, but there are always a few shots that beg for it.