Beginner's flash and my next lens

[Hatter The Mad]

Hi

I've had a Nikon D90 for 3 years, and I am 'getting there'. I think I've exhausted what I can out of the kit lens (18-105), and now I want to learn how to use a flash and consider my next lens.

I mainly photograph people, animals (pets) in close quarters, and landscapes and buildings (holiday snaps+).

My next areas of focus (no pun intended) are:

• Improving landscape photography
• Improving low light/impact photography

Do you think landscape photography would be hampered by my current lens (ie the constraint I feel is more down to me, not the lens), and is flash the right thing or should I be considering fat prime lenses for low-light portrait/subject photography?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Actually, I think I'd like to forget flash for now and focus on: wider angles (for landscapes and close quarters) and low light conditions.

I'm willing to spend

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Hi Credo,

Thanks for the tip. With the Nikon 50mm F1.8 , what kind of capabilities will that offer - wide enough for decent landscapes and fast enough for low light?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Thanks guys. I'm looking at the 35mm F1.8. In terms of low light and 'impact' shots, is there anything better (so I can get a sense of budget)?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

How much wider is the 35mm 1.8 compared to my 18-105mm kit? For example, in the context of wanting to take pictures of indoors/group shots at close quarters.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

On a D90, in low light, i don't think you'll do better than either the 35mm or the 50mm tbh
and with either of those lenses you'll be able to shoot both landscapes and people etc etc on the same lens.

What is better for landscapes; the 18-105mm kit or the 35mm? I ask because I am going to buy a polarising filter (for one).

If the 35mm is better for landscapes and portraits and low light, does that relegate my 18-105mm to an average zoom lens?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

The 18-105 as you can go wider or further in to get the exact shot you want for landscape shots. You are going to stop it down to around F8-11 anyway so its light performance isn't required for landscape photos anyway.

The 35mm F1.8 is vastly better in low light, especially for portraits. Even wide open its very sharp, making it ideal if you want to try and avoid using flash indoors.

I am torn... polarize for the 35mm or the 18-105. I guess as the 35 will be my new toy, I'll be wanting to use that all the time.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

With all the talk of landscapes, long exposures and filters, no-one has mentioned a tripod. Do you have a good one?

I do have a decent one, thanks for pointing it out though! It might be the combo you mentioned.

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Oops, you're right. Should pick up a 67mm polarizer then.

Certain landscape shots are best with moderate telephotos but you specifically wanted to go wide.

Yes. So what makes the idea landscape lens?

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Thanks for all the help D.P.!

 

[Hatter The Mad]

Thanks, it has arrived today. Charging my battery up