BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Lenses

May Thao		Lenses for Indoor and Outdoor Photography What types of lenses would I need for indoor/outdoor photography besides the one that comes with the camera? I'm looking at doing more portrait photography but would like to have the ability to also do outdoor. To love this question, log in above April 14, 2007

Michael A. Bielat		Tip: Don't skimp out on a decent lens. They are well worth it actually and have a high $$$ in re-sale value. Now for the answers: 1.) Indoor portraits: You would have to be prepared for low light conditions. A fast lens (by fast lens, I mean one with a wide aperture) like f/2.8 would be what the doctor ordered. You can use a low f-stop (f/2.8), and it would allow you to get a higher shutter speed without subject blur. (Well worth it, if for the all the headaches you will save when looking at them afterwards). That is natural light. If you have an external speedlight/flash, then use that as well but BOUNCE the light, no direct flash please! Look into and read up on "flash fill." Anything around 70mm would be good for portraits. You don't want a wide-angle or fish-eye obviously, because they have a tendency to widen the subject and that is not good for portraits! 2.) Outdoor portraits: Same as the above but most likely with more available light on average. 3.) If by outdoor you mean landscape photography, then those usually require you to have a nice wide-angle lens. Something around 15-20mm gets you a good wide-angle. If you're shooting digital on a camera without a full-frame sensor, then there is a 1.5 or 1.3x factor, so your 15mm would actually end up looking like about a 22mm lens if on a film camera, so keep that in mind... With all that being said, look into a fast lens - i.e., f/2.8 aperture if you have the funds. Then look into a zoom (more versatile) in the region of 17-70mm or 17-200mm to get the most out of it. I have to warn you, don't be suprised at the fast lens's price. It will be around $900 if you are lucky. To love this comment, log in above April 14, 2007

Contessa D. Wolverton		I recommend the Canon 50mm 1.4 for indoor portraits. But this would depend on what camera your using. The prime lenses are great for indoor and outdoor portraits. HTH To love this comment, log in above April 17, 2007

Mike Rubin		Along with what Contessa said "As I recommend the Canon 50mm 1.4 for indoor portraits. But this would depend on what camera your using. The prime lenses are great for indoor and outdoor portraits." If you are on a budget, you can get the 50mm f/1.8 for less than $70 It's another great lens. To love this comment, log in above April 17, 2007

May Thao		I have a Nikon D80.....so I guess I could look for lenses for it with that specification. I do appreciate the response:) To love this comment, log in above April 17, 2007

Mike Rubin		You can get a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for under $450. The image quality is equal to that form the camera brand lens. It is available in a Nikon mount. In the case of Canon I gave up having IS (didn't need it) and saved over $500. If I was using it more indoors in very low light, the IS may have been worth having. To love this comment, log in above April 17, 2007

Simon A. Stone		sigma makes an amazing 105mm 2.8 macro lens with true macro. it was fast enough to do a macro shot hand held indoors, at iso 400 perfect for portraits and excellent macro. it sells for $400.00 To love this comment, log in above April 19, 2007

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