NIKON D5000 Camera for wedding photography?
Hi
I want to use my NIKON D5000 camera for wedding photography.
What lens and what flesh will be "good enough " for a start in this field?
I would use the 50mm f/1.8 for portraits and the 18-55 or everything else. Prime lenses would be preferable, but they're spendy.
Well the "flesh" on your body should be 'good enough'
and for lens:
50mm f/1.4
70-200mm f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8
Nikon D.200 is right.
Those three lenses are the basic ones you will need.
Add an SB700 flash, Gary Fong flash diffuser and a flash bracket (to reduce redeye) and you should be in good shape
You will need a hand full of 2 gb memory cards
Firstly, the flash on the body is NOT good enough & neither will the kit lens be under anything but bright conditions.
Assuming you are asking this because you want to be the paid, primary wedding photographer,
- do not even attempt to shoot a wedding until you have the right gear, a thorough knowledge of photographic exposure, lighting & composition and have worked as a second shooter doing weddings for a while.
Gear wise, you need fast primes or zooms;
50mm f1.4 or f1.8
85mm f1.8
24-70mm f2.8
70-200mm f2.8 (possibly - could get away without this)
a second DSLR camera body - as a backup, plus spare batteries & memory cards.
flash - your D5000 does not have the Nikon wireless system built in, so you need to use manual flash control for off camera flash - this means at least 2 flashes, radio triggers, stands & modifiers (not for 'on the move' shots, but for posed formals).
'Good' enough' doesn't cut it when you have to provide the best images, under difficult lighting conditions for probably the most important day in someone's life.
Nikon's 50mm f/1.4G AF-S is the preferred choice of most photographers because of the versatility and functionality it offers. The lenses are lightweight and produce sharp and colorful pictures. It is ideal in capturing portraits and full body shots. The Nikon 85mm f/1.4G is also one of the sharpest lenses Nikon has to offer. It produces quality results at a maximum aperture of f/1.4. The Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8G VR II, on other hand, allows for a more diverse shoot with various focal lengths available. It allows a photographer to shoot from a distance without disrupting the moment due to its diversity. The only major drawback for this lens is the weight as it is quite heavy and would therefore be unsuited for long periods of shooting.
Right now, you are equipped to take SNAPSHOTS at a wedding. Deep blue2's answer is excellent.
I'm not saying to forget about wedding photography. I'm just saying that you will ruin any chances you have for future jobs if you try to do the job with the equipment and (lack of) experience that you have now. Work as a second shooter (unpaid) at a few weddings before you step out on your own. You will learn a lot about equipment and lighting from an experienced shooter.