2 replies to this topic

[Lucytallis]

Hi guys, I am quite new to photography and I'm mostly interested in pet photography. I started off with a Nikon d3200 with just the 18-55mm kit lens, and I've recently upgraded to a d7000 using both the 18-55 and a 50mm. I love the 50mm, though I find that it's a bit tricky for taking photos of pets as they generally like to get up close to me/the camera and I find that 50mm is a little too "zoomed" (I'm sorry I have no clue as to what terminology is used. My question is, do you have any recommendations on good, sharp lenses that would work well for pet photography? I am only about to afford a lens less than $200, which worked out well with my 50mm because it was only $90 of gumtree. Oh yeah, forgot to add, less than $200 in used condition, not new. Thanks guys!

[Merco_61]

It sounds like you could be in the market for a 35/1.8 DX lens. You can check if 35 is short enough by locking your 18-55 at 35 with a piece of vinyl tape. I don't think you will have to stretch your budget too far even if you have to buy one new as they aren't that expensive.

 

Another lens that should work well on your D7000 is the Tamron 17-50 non-VC. It is sharper than the VC version and easily outresolves the D7000 sensor even if it struggles a bit on a 24 MP DX body.

[Ron]

Honestly, the best lens I've used for pet photography has been my AFS 85mm f1.8. The images it produces are gorgeous and it's fast so you can usually shoot in available light with good results. The other lens I often use is the AFS 70-300 VR which gives me a bit more room to work with and allows me to zoom in on details.

 

Often the best way to get good images is to just hang around until the animal gets used to you or get tired enough to stop trying to interact with you.

 

--Ron