Tired of my kit lens for Nikon D90, opinions on good quality lenses amateurs should have?
I'm at the Art Institutes as a photo major, a year in, and I only have my D90 along with the kit lens that came with it. I just want advice on a quality lens that would work well with portraits, but also candids at family functions.
Well the 18-55 mm lens is perhaps the most versitle since it can shoot landscapes, group and full body shots of your family as well as head and shoulder shots.
May would suggest you buy a 50 mm lens to shoot portraits. If you use gaffers tape and lock your current lens at 50 mm and use it that way for a few days, you will see exactly how limiting that lens is.
Since you are attending Art Institute, I suggest you look at the Nikkor AF-S 70-300 mm VR lens. It will allow you to reach out and capture action, sports and some wildlife. If you are interested in learning macro photography, then the AF 60 mm f/2.8 macro would be a good start.
I'm surprised that you have not talked to your instructors about which "next" lens to buy.
Here is a link that will show you want each lens focal length sees.
http://imaging.nikon.com/...simulator/
And here is a list of all the lenses that are available now.