Recommended lenses for wedding photography (D7000)?
I need some help deciding lenses for my D7000. I have been asked to photograph my cousin's wedding. She understands that I'm amateur but I want to make sure the pictures are of the highest quality. I only have the Nikon 18-105 kit lens and the 50mm f/1.8.
What lenses would you recommend? I would consider third party manufacturers like Tokina and Sigma - all I care about is achieving the highest quality image quality possible.
I'd recommend learning to use the lenses and camera you have. Any quality lens on any dslr will do virtually any shot you want short of macro - if you know how to use them.
If you don't know how get some reading and perhaps some training under your belt but for heaven's sake don't invest in yet another lens that you don't know how to use.
17-50mm F2.8 EX DC OS HSM from Sigma.
70-200mm F2.8 EX DG APOMacro HSM II from Sigma.
+External flash
But seriously, your skill > the lens.
I'd recommend going in a different direction. You could invest in some nice glass, but a major component you haven't addressed is the lighting. Get a Nikon SB series flash and a diffuser, then learn to use them well before the big event. Stofen, Gary Fong, and other companies make diffusers that will give your flash photos the natural look that every portrait deserves.
As for the flash, look at the SB-600 on up for a flash unit that has automatic zoom (matches your zoom lens) off-camera control, horizontal & vertical tilt, and multiple modes that match perfectly with the Nikon Lighting system.
http://www.nikonusa.com/...ashes.page
Personally, I use a Nikon SB-600 and love it's versatility and value. I've used it as a backup photographer at a couple of weddings, coupled with a Gary Fong Universal Diffuser.
http://www.garyfongestore.com/flash-accessories/lightsphere-universal-half-cloud.html
Hope this helps.
The highest image quality is really your own responsibility. Getting those images require an understanding of the limitations of the camera, and working around them with the correct use of exposure and light. What budget are you looking at? There are a number of lenses worth looking at:
General purpose - AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8, a cheaper option is the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 lenses.
Portrait - AF or AF-S Nikkor 85mm f1.4. The AF version is cheaper but not as nice to use.
Long range and candids and portaits - AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8 IF-ED VR II, or for less a second hand 70-200mm f2.8 IF-ED VR, or 80-200mm f2.8. A cheaper new option would be the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8.
I'd opt for a flash as well.
Unfortunately, the SB600 is hard to find anymore, at least for it's original $230 MSRP; it is more or less been replaced by the SB700.
The kit lens should be good enough. You won't get that great portrait bokeh with that lens, but if you are a beginner, you have more basics to worry about - such as exposure.
For a wedding, try to use your kit lens, stay away from the wide angle range, it can result in accentuating noses and rounding faces - something you don't want in portraiture.
When shooting weddings, with white dresses and black tuxedos, the camera's exposure can easily be fooled. You could end up with some undesirable photos.
Review the following videos, then practice some before the big day.
Before you worry about more lenses you will need a second camera, two flashes, extra batteries and at least 32GB of memory cards.
That would be the bare minimum to consider shooting a wedding.
When I shoot weddings, my two favorite lenses are the 70-200 f/2.8 IS, and the 16-35 f/2.8. I shoot 90% of my images with those lenses, and the vast majority are shot with the 16-35. Since the D7000 is not a full frame camera, you might want to pick up a 10-22mm lens.
My basic wedding kit is 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8 and a 24-70mm f2.8 (I use a Nikon D300). I also have a second Nikon body (D100) as a backup and at least 2 speedlights (both manual & TTL).
If you are the 'official' photographer you are going to be struggling with what you have in low light. The 50mm f.18 will do, but you are going to have to move around a lot to get the framing right & the minister may object. You need to check out the venues for both the service and the reception (& any other locations the bride wants) and then you'll know what lenses/lights you'll need.
Nikon 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR II DX Lens is the best