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UER Mobile > Private Boards Index > Camera and Lense Talk > Home studio lens question (Viewed 2106 times)

post by Shawn W.

Home studio lens question
< on 2/8/2012 12:43 PM >

I'm planning to use my spare bedroom as an occasional home studio, but I've noticed that I'm a bit limited by the lenses that I currently have, which are an AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D and an AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, which Nikon doesn't have listed anywhere on their site anymore for some reason. My other equipment is a D80, an F4, which I don't plan on using much, if at all, in this setup, an SB-800 speedlight, and a cheap tripod. The focal length of the 50mm is too far to be usable in such a small space on anything except smaller objects, and the zoom may not let in enough light for my purposes, as I have vertical blinds in the window that I'd like to utilize.

With that said, I need something that will work in a confined space, preferably something f/2.8 or faster, be it either prime or zoom. I'm thinking the AF Zoom-Nikkor 20-35mm f/2.8D IF, but I'm very much open to other, hopefully cheaper alternatives.

[last edit 2/8/2012 12:44 PM by Shawn W. - edited 1 times]

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post by Uzi-

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 1 on 2/8/2012 3:13 PM >

How big is this room? Is it possible to add lighting of any form? Also could you pick up another speed-light and some triggers? I'm not as familiar with the Nikon system can your body control flashes (not body mounted) if you wanted to fire them into a soft-box or reflector?

I've gotten along pretty good using just one external flash in combination with the on camera flash for close-up situations. Its not the ideal set-up but for close distances is mostly adequate.

I guess if you're dead set on getting a new lens none of that makes much difference. Although I think being inside you'll want lighting of some type if the lens is 2.8 or slower. If you get a fast prime that might be as big of an issue. Some of my friends that shoot Nikon have great things to say about the 35mm prime. It would be much closer to normal than 50mm you already have and seems very affordable.

I would not want to go much wider than that for a portrait lens as you start to run into wide angle distortion which isn't very flattering.

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post by Shawn W.

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 2 on 2/8/2012 8:02 PM >

Unfortunately, even 35mm would be right at the edge of usability on a DX camera, and no, I'm not dead set on getting a wider angle lens than I currently have. In fact, it's something that I'd rather avoid. However, the room is no more than 13' x 11', so it's not exactly a lot of space with which to work. Yes, I can add lighting, but that'd defeat the purpose of using that room, as I want to utilize the natural light coming through the vertical blinds as much as I can.

[last edit 2/8/2012 8:05 PM by Shawn W. - edited 1 times]

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post by \/adder

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 3 on 2/8/2012 8:41 PM >

Nikkor 24/2.8D

has little distortion and is sharper than anything else you can get for the price point.

Another possibility is waiting to see if Samyang's 24mm is any better, though I doubt it will be cheaper or less distorted.

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post by Byberrian Fanman

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 4 on 2/9/2012 2:45 AM >

Posted by TheVicariousVadder

Nikkor 24/2.8D

While great on film, it loses its luster rather quickly on digital. Personally, I see it as somewhat mediocre. The only good Nikon 24mm options at the moment are the f/1.4 and the f/3.5 PC-E...which are expensive.

The 28mm focal length is one of the better 'standard' focal lengths for APS-C, as it gives you the field of view of a 42mm lens. Personally, I would highly recommend the Nikon 28mm f/2.8 Ai-S, as it is the sharpest of all of Nikon's 28s. If you're whiny about the lack of metering, get an additional Dandelion chip and glue it on.

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post by Shawn W.

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 5 on 2/9/2012 6:06 AM >

Vadder and BF, thanks.

BF, where exactly would I get a Dandelion chip to add metering to an AI-S lens? All I can find are Nikon-to-Canon and such adapters with the chips.

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post by Byberrian Fanman

Re: Home studio lens question
<Reply # 6 on 2/9/2012 6:19 AM >

Posted by Shawn W.

BF, where exactly would I get a Dandelion chip to add metering to an AI-S lens? All I can find are Nikon-to-Canon and such adapters with the chips.

Leitax sells them directly (scroll down).

[last edit 2/9/2012 6:20 AM by Byberrian Fanman - edited 1 times]

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post by Shawn W.