Alternative to the nifty fifty lens?

[luv2cre8]

I adore my 50 mm lens. However, I'm not sure what type of lens I should get for larger groups. For example, it was my daughter's 1st communion this week and I got some great shots with my 50 mm lens, but could not get the larger group shots. Any recommendations?

[Cassie Jones (1gr8muggle)]

I only own one lens. It's for my Nikon D80 and it's an 18-135mm/3.5-5.6. I use it for everything, but now I'm actually looking at the 50mm 1.4.

I opted for this lens over the standard D80 lens because of some online recommendations (I don't remember from whom), and I do like the range I can get with it.

[HeidiKnight]

I have the same issue and since I only have my kit lens as the alternative (which is great but very beat up since I'm not nice to it), I'm looking at lenses. Here is something I might consider buying - it's not terribly expensive.

[luv2cre8]

I received the standard 18-55mm lens with my Rebel XT. I don't use it very much though. I think it might be good advice to just get the camera body and then pick out the lenses separately.

[HeidiKnight]

Here's another one: 24-120mm

[sam ellis]

heidi and cassie your zoom lenses are both very versatile and useful when the places you are oging to shot in vary tremendously.

Jill when you shoot a group be careful not to use saythe 17mm side of a zoom as this won't be very attractive on the people. Great for funky ! BUT not so great for people proportions.

I had a 28 300 zoom for one of my cameras and I certainly DID love it. and then I got my 50mm -- it wins almost everytime !

dpreview.com gives great reveiws on all sorts of things and lenses is one of them - Have a look

[hyperstarre]

i have the same issue...i need something wider. i'm considering a tamron 17-50 mm f/2.8 for that it's around $400, fast, and it's gotten awesome reviews!!

(i would LOOOOVE the nikkor version, but it's $1400. actually what i would kill for is the nikkor 18-200 f/2.8, but that's, like, out of my league).

jill, your kit lens should be wide enough and work for group shots...but it's not the best lens out there, you know?

[ptknox]

Jill, my second favorite lens after the trusty 50mm is my Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 EF IS USM AF Lens. Jodi turned me on to the virtues of it and I can't say enough about what a useful range this lens offers....and the Image Stabilization is a big plus too.

http://shop.resellerratings.com/PD-2...3/store-302081

[justmp]

I have to second Pattie's recommendation of my recommendation of the 28-135 IS USM. I have used it for several family photo shoots with great success.

[SAHMom]

A good zoom is probably your best bet for more random situations where you could need wide and zoomed in the same setting. In situations I can only take one lens, I use my Nikkor 18-200mm, just very versatile and I've always been pleased with the results. Not sure if there is a Canon counterpart.

For a prime that is slightly wider, I've been super pleased with the Sigma 30mm 1.4. Indoors it's wonderful, especially in places where the 50mm is just too much zoom.

[luv2cre8]

Thanks ladies! I'm adding the Canon 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 EF IS USM AF Lens to my wish list.

[HeidiKnight]

I have been so impressed by photos you've taken with your 30 mm, Kim. Maybe that's what I need. I really don't have a clue on lenses - they really stump me. I just know I love my 50, lol. And I like my kit lens - it's great for most situations. I think what I REALLY want is a D200, haha. But I'm waiting for the next version before I buy anything.

[SAHMom]

Wish we lived close, Heidi... I'd totally let you borrow my 30mm!

[scraprascal]

Just thought I'd pop by (loving the new beefed up photo stuff, girls!) and second (or is it third?) the Sigma 30--LOVE this puppy for big groups and landscape, too.

P.S. I shoot Canon, too....if that helps. LOL!

[Myra]

has anyone ever shot with a wide angle fisheye? i've seen the most amazing photos from that. when used for people, it gives a real funky cool look. maybe that's the effect sam was talking about.