Im getting super stressed trying to figure out which glass to buy next. I have a Nikon D7500 which is a crop sensor obviously and Ive been trying to get into portrait photography for my cousins wedding in October. My budget is tight, like 300 bucks max, and I just cant seem to make up my mind. I keep seeing people rave about the 50mm 1.8G online because its cheap, but then other forums say the focal length on a DX body makes it way too tight for indoor shots and that I should look at a 35mm instead. But then someone else argued that 35mm distorts facial features too much if you get close? Its just giving me a headache. I really dont want to ruin the shots at the wedding because I bought the wrong thing. Should I just save up for the 50mm or is there something else I should be looking at that wont break the bank? I really need to get this sorted before next month starts or Im gonna lose my mind...
Honestly, check out the Tamron SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro. It is a bit over budget, but the bokeh is way better than those cheaper primes for wedding portraits.
> I really dont want to ruin the shots at the wedding because I bought the wrong thing. Totally get the stress, but honestly, look at the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR if you can find one used. It is super sharp for portraits and that stabilization helps a ton in dim venues. Just be careful with indoor space, you might need to back up a lot. You got this.
Deep breaths! You are totally overthinking this, which is honestly super common when starting out. Since you are on a crop sensor, the 50mm feels more like a 75mm, which is actually a fantastic focal length for headshots, but it can be super cramped for full-body shots in a crowded wedding venue. Personally, I would grab the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G instead. It is sharp, super lightweight, and gives you that perfect normal field of view on a DX body.
- Dont get too close to the subject or you will get that weird distortion.
- Use the extra room to frame the environment. Seriously, just pick up that 35mm and you will be golden. You are gonna do an amazing job at the wedding!
