Help me decide which lens for my new Nikon D7000

[judyingeorgia]

I am upgrading from the Nikon D40 to the D7000. I want a lens that will give me fantastic portraits. From what I understand the kit lens is a better than average kit lens but I've also heard good things about the Sigma 24-70mm so I am considering going body only on the camera and getting the Sigma lens. thoughts?????????

[earlofoxford]

I use the Sigma 24-70 on my D700 as my walking around lens. It's terrific.

[judyingeorgia]

Linda - I am a serious novice who typically shoots in auto mode and once in a blue moon switches to A priority. I also typically just use the kit lens. This is a huge investment for me but I'm thrilled. I'm taking a 6wk course at Showcase here in a few weeks too.

In your opinion, will the average person notice the diffence in picture quality from the kit lens and the sigma or is the difference more for those or are into the true details of the photo?

[earlofoxford]

I really don't know the answer to your question about the quality of the pictures, Judy. I'm sure the Nikkor kit lens will produce good pictures, too.

[anke]

the problem with the kit lenses is that they don't work well in low light situations. If you have a fixed aperature lens you will be much happier with your indoor photos. The quality of your photos should be a lot better also. I don't know about Sigma, I'll trust Linda on that, her photos are always gorgeous. I have come to the point where I use just the Nikon lenses with the fixed aperature. I do have the Nikon 24-70 2.8 and I love it. I use it all the time! It's an investment, but it's a good one!