Sorta OT: Photography question

[Solitaryensis]

Hi Everyone:
I recently purchased a used D60 body. I know NOTHING about photography other than to point and press the button. I have done a little bit of research and have come to the conclusion that a 55mm prime lens would be best suited for myt needs, i.e. family photographs, pics of my tank, etc. I have looked at a couple different options and may have settled on the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR FX.

Since I am so unfamiliar with photography, I am feeling a bit uneasy about pulling the trigger. I would really prefer to purchase used, but again, because I am new to all this, buying used (especially from a place like CL) makes me feel uneasy.

So...for any of the photography enthusiasts here: 1) Would you recommend the above lens; 2) If not, what would you recommend and 3) If you have a used lens that might fit my needs, I would love to hear about it.

Thanks in advance!

 

[D-Nak]

I have the lens that you're talking about (well close, I have the 1.4 but the 1.8 is only one step away) and it's great. Since it's a fixed lens (no zoom) you are limited, but once you get good at taking photos with a 50mm, especially at 1.8, everything else is cake. It's definitely a solid lens, and for the money you can't go wrong.

Once you get hooked, you'll want something like a 24-70 f2.8, but start saving your money now.

 

[408Reefer]

I have the exact lens. It is a super fast and sharp lens. It takes great portraits and I also use it on my fish since they are always on the move rather than standing still. I would highly recommend a macro lens for corals tough.

 

[uxdesigner]

I would highly recommend a macro lens for corals tough.

I would agree with 408Reefer, the lens is great but if you're looking for a great lens at a decent price check out the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 40mm 1:2.8G. I have it and it does a great job with closeups of coral.

 

[dublo8]

I would agree with 408Reefer, the lens is great but if you're looking for a great lens at a decent price check out the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 40mm 1:2.8G. I have it and it does a great job with closeups of coral.

I "had" that lense. Just recently sold it but its a great lenses. Before worrying too much about lenses. I would focus on learning how to shoot in manual. Its the single best thing you can learn. Being able to manipulate a shot to what you want is the best thing you can do. Auto will only take you so far. Shooting your tank in auto is very difficult because of the lighting. Once you learn the ins and out of your camera, you can laugh at all the fools that carry a $500 plus dslr around shooting in auto like they're pro. Check out ken Rockwell's website. I believe has some general settings and suggestions for the new.user.

 

[uxdesigner]

Before worrying too much about lenses. I would focus on learning how to shoot in manual. Its the single best thing you can learn. Being able to manipulate a shot to what you want is the best thing you can do. Auto will only take you so far.

Dublo8 is right on! Here's a link to a camera simulator that will get you started even advanced. Great information here, I've been shooting for a long time and still reference it.

http://camerasim.com/

 

[Solitaryensis]

Thanks for the input everyone. By no means am I trying to become a "pro" by buying the an expensive lens, however, because all I have is the body, its something I need to focus on. I have heard varying opinions on what to get but by all accounts, the above mentioned lens has had very good reviews. I think ill pull the trigger

 

[hyacinth]

That's a great lens to start with. Prime lenses are usually sharp, light, and fast (not many zooms go down to f/1.8) and forces the beginner to become a better photographer by not relying on a zoom since you physically have to move around to compose or frame a specific shot.

 

[uxdesigner]

I have the standard 18-55mm VR Lens that comes in the box as a kit lens if you are interested in purchasing, good deal. Shoot me a PM.

 

[tbone28]

Dublo8 is right on! Here's a link to a camera simulator that will get you started even advanced. Great information here, I've been shooting for a long time and still reference it.

http://camerasim.com/

Like OP, I'm a photography noob. I picked up a compact mirrorless camera (sony alpha nex-5n). Would the concepts on camerasim.com apply to my camera as well?

 

[fishme]

Just FYI.

Holiday Photography Open House Party with Nikon, San Jose Camera and Tamrac! in Campbell.


Come celebrate with us, Saturday December 1st, from 5-10pm!
Please RSVP here:
http://www.apertureacademy.com/open-house-rsvp-dec1-2012.php

2012 has been a truly amazing year and to celebrate we're having a BIG party! Join us for this special event and meet our guests, Nikon, San Jose Camera and Tamrac and Buca di Beppo. Come see all latest cameras, camera bags and get all your questions answered by the pros!



Bring your appetite for italian becuase Buca di Beppo Intalian restarant is catering pizza, pasta and more. Enter our "Pasta Eating Contest" and win some great prizes!

And, if you haven't seen the Aperture Academy gallery recently then you've not seen all the new displays and fine art photography by Stephen W. Oachs -- The new 14 foot metal print of Bryce Canyon, by our friends at BayPhoto.com, will blow you away!

Get hands on with Nikon Cameras, lenses and other gear
Ask questions of the professionals from San Jose Camera
Meet the people behind Tamrac Carrying Systems
Enter the "Pasta Eating Challenge" sponsored by Buca di Beppo!
Pasta and pizza by Buca di Beppo
Free drinks, spirits and more