Im so lost and honestly ready to throw this camera out the window. I bought a used Nikon D7200 last week because I want to take nice portraits of my kids at our big family reunion next month. The camera came with a basic kit lens but the background isnt blurry at all like those professional photos. Everyone says I need a "portrait lens" but looking at the options for Nikon F-mount is making my head spin. I have no idea where to start and feel so stupid reading all these forums.
My budget is pretty tight, like 300 dollars max, maybe 400 if I stretch it. I was looking online and my logic was that a zoom lens would be best because I can zoom in, but then I read that prime lenses are what I actually need for that blurry background effect. But then there are all these letters like AF-S and AF-D and DX and FX. I literally dont know what any of this means. Someone recommended a 50mm f1.8 and someone else said an 85mm is better but then someone else said the 85mm becomes a 130mm on my camera because of a crop factor? What does that even mean?
I just want something that is easy to use and will give me those nice sharp photos of my kids with the soft fuzzy backgrounds. Is there a specific lens that everyone agrees is the best starter one for this? Im totally drowning in all these technical specs and I just need a simple recommendation for what to buy. Sorry if this is a really basic question but I am completely overwhelmed...
I was in your exact shoes when I first got my D7000 years ago! I felt like a total idiot trying to figure out all the DX vs FX stuff. Let me tell you, switching from the kit zoom to a prime lens completely blew my mind! I actually saved up for the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G and it was love at first sight. Yes, the crop factor makes it a bit tight indoors... you basically have to stand in the next room to get a headshot. But outdoors? The background melt is just insane! Quick tip: if youre shooting inside a lot, look at the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G instead. Its super cheap and gives you a much wider view so you dont run out of room. Dont give up, the learning curve is totally worth it!
Honestly, just grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. It's way under your budget and works perfectly on the D7200. That crop factor thing just means it behaves like a short telephoto, which is actually ideal for portraits. You'll get that blurry background you want easily. Let me know if you need help with settings.
To add to the point above: I actually disagree slightly on the 50mm. In my experience, it forces you too close to the kids. I've tried many lenses over the years, and the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is much better for portraits. Heres what I recommend:
- Buy a used 85mm f/1.8G for under $300.
- Stand back and shoot at f/2 or f/2.2. You'll get much better background blur than the 50mm...
