Is there a decent budget lens for a Nikon Z50 that wont totally break the bank? Im feeling super stressed because I have a cousin getting married in Chicago next month and I really dont have the cash for those crazy expensive S-line lenses right now. I spent all my savings on the body and now Im stuck with just the kit lens which is fine I guess but it sucks in low light.
I was looking at the Viltrox 23mm online and some people on reddit swear by it but then I saw a video saying the autofocus is super glitchy on newer firmware which makes me nervous. Then I checked out the Nikon DX 16-50mm but I feel like I need something faster for the reception since it will be indoors and dark. I really dont wanna look like an amateur with blurry shots but I only have like 300 maybe 350 dollars to play with. Do I just bite the bullet and get a used prime or is there some hidden gem I totally missed? Im losing my mind trying to figure this out before I have to fly out...
Building on the earlier suggestion, I have to agree that sticking with native glass is your best bet for a wedding. You honestly cannot afford to have your autofocus hunt during a first dance. In my experience, if you want something that actually performs well indoors without costing a fortune, look into the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2. It is small, sharp, and that extra bit of light compared to your kit lens makes a massive difference in dark reception halls. I have used it extensively over the years and it is surprisingly reliable for the price point. Since you are worried about looking like an amateur, that little prime is gonna help you get way cleaner shots than anything else in your budget. Just watch your shutter speed, and you will be fine.
Like someone mentioned, sticking to native glass is definitely the way to go. If you need something faster for those dark reception halls, maybe check out the Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2. It is super sharp and fits right in your budget. Just make sure to bring a decent flash, cause even at f/2, those indoor shots can be tricky. You will do great, just dont overthink it and keep your shutter speed up!
Honestly, skip the viltrox if you're worried about reliability for a wedding. You dont want to be fiddling with firmware mid-reception. Since you're tight on cash and need something for low light, just grab the Nikon NIKKOR Z 28mm f/2.8. Its super compact and that f/2.8 aperture is gonna be way better than your kit lens indoors. You can find these used for around 200 bucks pretty easily. Another solid option is the Viltrox 33mm f/1.4 Z-mount, as it lets in a ton of light if you really need that speed, but keep in mind the focus speed on native glass is just more reliable. For wedding shots, you want to be quick. If you grab the 28mm, practice a bit before you fly out so you know how it handles in dim lighting.
