Nikon SLR Cameras

Wedding Lens Kit for Nikon?

Sarah Gerrard
Sarah Gerrard

I have done some portrait and wedding photography work over the last couple years as a side job and am wondering what lenses I should invest in? I have two D300 bodies but am thinking in the future I will save up and upgrade to a full frame camera like the D600. Currently I have:

18-55 3.5-5.6 DX VR Nikkor
55-200 4-5.6 DX VR Nikkor
35 1.8 DX Nikkor
35-70 2.8 Nikkor
10-20 4-5.6 Sigma
SB 600
Hoya Macro FIlter (+4, +2, +1)

I'm considering buying: 50mm 1.4 AF-D Nikkor and the 80-200 mm 2.8 ED AF-D Nikkor to complete my kit (I know the 70-200 VR II is probably better but I've read threads about how VR is good for still photography vs.action in low lighting and I'd be using this for weddings).

I've read lots of threads about which lenses are the best but thought I'd throw this out there before making a final decision. I'm on a bit of a budget, but don't want to compromise quality.

Your suggestions and advice are appreciated!

bluespeedbird
bluespeedbird

If you are thinking of going over to full-frame, ditch the DX lenses. They force a full frame camera to reduce frame size… A 12Mp camera to 5.1Mp due to the smaller coverage of the lens to match a APS-C sensor.

My workhorse lens is a 24-70mm f/2.8 and an 80-200mm f/2.8 for longer shots. When I come to replace the 80-200 I'll definitely be going for the 70-200mm - A much better lens and would be very good for weddings. I don't know where you got the idea that VR isn't good for the sort of work you'll be doing. That's wrong. It allows you to shoot a good stop more exposure without causing motion blur, which is eminently useful in low light conditions like in a church or reception room.

Summary: The two lenses you speak of, I have in my kit, and use at every wedding I shoot. Given the choice though, I'd have the 24-70mm and 70-200mm f/2.8 every time