Expert: John Oliverio - 6/5/2008

Question
QUESTION: I own a Nikon D70s digital with an 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G  IF ED zoom lens.  What should the next TWO lenses be to add to my system? I'm an amateur, taking pictures indoors, candids,trips, etc.

ANSWER: Frank,

I really can't just blindly suggest lenses for you.  I usually advise that you buy a lens to solve a problem or to make a certain type of image.  For example, if you wanted to do wildlife or sports I'd suggest a telephoto. Or if you wanted to do some high end portraits I might suggest a 50mm or 80mm 1.4. Is there a certain type of image you can't make now that you would like to?

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'd like a lens that I can use for indoor candids without using a flash.  Next, I need a telephoto that will work both indoors as well as outdoors.  I suspect that there might not be such a beast!  Will the 18-200mm do?

ANSWER: Frank,

Indoor candids with out a flash is easy.  I'd suggest either the 35 f 2.8 or the 50mm f1.4.  

You say you want a telephoto that works both indoors and out.  Well, any lens will work inside and outside.  What exactly do you mean by that?

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I suspect that most of my telephoto shots will be outdoors. However, I find that I do have occasion to use a telephoto indoors under low light conditions, e.g. auditorium, theater, etc.  

Regarding the 35 F/2.8 or the 50 F/1.4, would a 50mm F/1.8 do instead?

Answer
Yes, the 50 1.8 would be fine. And a lot less expensive.

If you are looking for a lens to really make a difference under low light (tele-photo) you won't get off cheap.  The least expensive bright telephoto is the Nikon 80-200 f2.8 (non-VR) which comes in at $940.  The technical (without buying something) alternative is to shoot at a higher ISO.

John