First opportunity to shoot G&N...

[Knockout05]

Im pretty excited, but seeing as how i JUST got my 50d with kit lens, I really have no other glass that I feel would suffice. This is strictly on a portfolio building basis for the both of us. Im most likely going to rent a couple lenses to use which will also help aid in my next choice of lens. What 2 lenses would you recommend that I take on this adventure? Its going to be outside in a park. Also, any tips/hints are welcome! Thanks!

[Mark_Cohran]

The Canon 135 f/2L and the 70-200 f/2.8L IS

[Knockout05]

Thank you!

[sspellman]

Knockout-

I would first purchase a Canon 50mm/1.8 lens for only $100 and start working with that for all your people photography. Since you need some time to get to work properly with outdoor photography, I would first take out a friend to the same location and practice using your camera in Av Mode with the new lense BEFORE your model shoot. You will need to start to understand metering and exposure compensation just to get started. You will also learn how to use sunlight and shade to capture your subject. After you have some consitency with good pictures of regular clothed people, then you will start to be ready for model and G&N style pics.

-Scott

[Knockout05]

Scott,

The person I would be shooting with needs the practice just as much as I do. Shes very new. I will take your suggestion into consideration though. Thanks!

[hawk911]

Scott, why the 50mm?? The kit lens would be just as effective, if not more so for portrait. the only thing the nifty gives him is a few extra stops of light. Outside in a park, the 1.8 isn't critical unless they are shooting in the dark. Also, the AF is not stellar with the 1.8 version.

[Knockout05]

If you care to see how i did with my kit lens, check my flickr. Im not too impressed, but for my first i dont think they were bad.

[hawk911]

if I could get there from work, I would. I'll look later. Virgin shoot(er(s)) need some feedback.

[hawk911]

The last one in your set looks the best. Watch things growing out of her head/body though. Use a larger fstop for a little more BG blur. Also, those aren't pushing G&N at all- feel free to post those in people for more feedback from people.

[Knockout05]

They are posted in people. I took one of my best friends out instead of the intended model to get a feel for the location/camera in the setting id be using it in so i didnt really get to do what i wanted (its what was suggested). Anyway, thanks for the input!

[sspellman]

Scott, why the 50mm?? The kit lens would be just as effective, if not more so for portrait. the only thing the nifty gives him is a few extra stops of light. Outside in a park, the 1.8 isn't critical unless they are shooting in the dark. Also, the AF is not stellar with the 1.8 version.

The optics on the 50/1.8 are better than the kit lens and it provides much better bokeh at a reasonable price. Yes-2 stops and a high quality lens can make a very big difference in the hands of a skilled shooter. Besides and increase in sharpness and better color, its the difference between shooting at ISO 100 or 400.

[hawk911]

ok- I had the 50mm 1.8 and I didn't think it had great optics. My 50mm 1.4 has much better glass then the nifty. I agree with your point though, just not in the context of the nifty. my wife's 28-135 has better glass than the nifty.