Flashgun or 50mm Lens ?

[ablqadir]

Hi,

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I just got my D90+18-105mm, my main purpose is to capture family moments and portraits of children mostly indoor. I recently took some picture and found that light wasn't enough, esp when it comes to taking group photos (5~6 ppl), using inbuilt flash. Some of the faces become dark and some were too bright, in same picture.

​

After going through some initial study i found that Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens is very famous for its sharpness and ability to work in low light, atleast looks better than kit lens. But as a newbie I also realize that external flashguns are also available and seems better choice. I am totally confused which one to go for, either lens or flash or may be both :dunno: Please help

 

[Leong23]

To solve you stated problem, i would recommand a flashgun.

 

[hushhourhash]

Hi, I have the D90 too and the 50mm f/1.8 lens, and the lens is great (and very affordable) plus it can auto focus on the D90 (something it couldn't do on the D40 which I was using previously). It's definitely a very good lens to have for low light. An SB-600 flash unit would also be a good investment too I guess, without a doubt a vast improvement over the pop-up flash, as can bounce the light by angling the head for a less harsh effect. I take mostly family too, and with two restless boys it's a pain getting them to pose, so the flash has certainly helped prevent blurry shots. I think both the lens and the flash are worthwhile (and budget-wise, reasonable) investments.

 

[jun1502]

i will say a flashgun f1.8 DOP is too little for 5 - 6 ppl and u are mostly outdoor so u need the flash to lit up the subject against the sun

 

[Xtol19]

These are two different tools, and while there's a bit of overlap, they don't solve the same problem.

For example, a flash can be used for fill lighting; to add catchlights, freeze motion, etc.

A 50/1.8, even if it's fast, cannot stop subject motion in low light shots, or do any of the above.

Hi,

​

I just got my D90+18-105mm, my main purpose is to capture family moments and portraits of children mostly indoor. I recently took some picture and found that light wasn't enough, esp when it comes to taking group photos (5~6 ppl), using inbuilt flash. Some of the faces become dark and some were too bright, in same picture.

​

After going through some initial study i found that Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens is very famous for its sharpness and ability to work in low light, atleast looks better than kit lens. But as a newbie I also realize that external flashguns are also available and seems better choice. I am totally confused which one to go for, either lens or flash or may be both :dunno: Please help

 

[picmaniac]

u can go for the 50mm and a cheap 3rd party flash like the Tumax sold at the mass sale section.