4 replies to this topic

[DGU]

Hi all, I am new to the world of photography and have had my Nikon DS3400 for a year now and have the kit lens 18-55mm. I enjoy taking photos of my family, especially of my little girl. I want to try and capture from more detailed shots of my family, perhaps portraits with the unfocused background (excuse my photography language) can you recommend any upgraded lens that I can capture a better quality family photo with? I was looking at the 50mm lens but hearing mixed reviews.
Would love some advice? Thank you

[Fletch]

Do you have a photography rental store near you?  You could try several lenses in the range your looking at to see which one you like best.  At 50mm on the 3400 is about the equal to a 75mm on a full frame.  Some folks like the 85mm to 105mm range for portraits, I'd look for one that has at least a F2.8 or better aperture to get the background (DoF - Depth of Field) your looking for.  Hopefully someone will be along shortly to give you better advice.

[TBonz]

Other than nice bokeh in the background, can you give us any additional info?  Are there any other things you find lacking with your current lens?  How much are you willing to spend on an additional lens?  It will help us to provide the best options within your price range...

[Merco_61]

Do you want to shoot individual portraits, environmental portraits or group portraits? You can use your 18-55 to check what framing you feel more comfortable using by locking the zoom ring to 24, 35 and 50 mm and shooting a bit at each focal length. If you find that you constantly want a tighter crop than the 18-55 provides, an 85 might be the best choice *for you*.

 

The 50/1.8 AF-S is optically better than the 50/1.4, but only marginally. To get better results from the 50-class, you will have to look at the Sigma 50/1.4 ART or the Nikon 58/1.4. They are expensive (The Sigma is merely expensive, the Nikkor is ridiculously expensive) and too heavy to be really comfortable on your D3400.

[fallout666]

first of all do you want what type of portraits shots do you want full body, half body, head shoots or group photo. also what is your budget too. since good 85mm and good 105mm are great lenses. but not sure what your budget is or what type of portraits shots you want. i have 50mm love it for it but better for group photo then head shots full body and half body. when i do single person i use my 70-200mm more since can do more. but not good for group since 50mm and 35mm does better job for that. also like mecro-61 TBonz and what fletch said is good idea too. i would go to good local camera store and try out lenses or find good online rental site to rent to see which one fits your needs. i  got 35 and 50mm at time had the cash. also great starting point to do portraits shoots. i love my 35mm for landscapes portraits shoots. love my 50mm for group photo i done at local hooter turn out. but love my 12-24 for ultra wide angle shoots it gave for local college group photo it does too. since can get more out of it.