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What lens should I get for taking pictures of my koi

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Robert0999

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Actually, these are not my koi. The Sanke (red/black/white) koi won the grand champion in the Orlando koi show in March.









I'm going to buy the D7000 body and my first priority is taking pictures of koi. These are typically taken anywhere from 5' to 20' away. I know I need circular polarizer filter to take out the reflection. The above pictures were taken with a cheap $89 P&S camera lol. What would be the HIGH QUALITY lenses, maybe one prime and one zoom to get me started. This will be my first DSLR camera but I'm determined to get into this hobby seriously.

Thanks, Robert
 
Another poster in a recent thread uses 24-70mm f/2.8 which retails for $1889. That is just a little too much of a "high quality" lens for me. I'm looking something
 
To start with, I would keep the 18-105 zoom. It's actually quite good for the price, is light, and covers a good range.

For the koi pictures, I would get the 85/1.8D + the polarizer (as you mention). Stop down to f/4 or f/5.6, adjust polarizer as needed, and you will get amazingly sharp pictures. It is my go-to portrait lens, whether that portrait is human or otherwise :-)

(The only thing is that I assume the koi are full grown; if they are still small goldfish-sized, then the 85 won't be able to focus closer enough. In this case, a 60/2.8 Micro would probably be better).

Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
All images (c) unless otherwise specified, please ask me before editing.
 
I think the Nikon 105mm f2.8G macro shot between f5.6 and f11 might be more suitable than the 85mm portrait lens. But since the OP mentions his koi, the kit lens, 2 flashguns and some DIY softboxes would probably make more sense..
 
The Big One,

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into either 85mm f/1.8 or 60mm f/2.8 micro.

What do you think of the 85mm f/3.5 micro. Nikon is currently running a promotion that saves $100 for this lens.
 
Robert0999 said:
The Big One,

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into either 85mm f/1.8 or 60mm f/2.8 micro.

What do you think of the 85mm f/3.5 micro. Nikon is currently running a promotion that saves $100 for this lens.
Click to expand...
That would be my choice. AFAIK, you have to buy a camera body to get the $100 instant rebate.

Best regards,
Jon
 
jonikon said:
Robert0999 said:
The Big One,

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look into either 85mm f/1.8 or 60mm f/2.8 micro.

What do you think of the 85mm f/3.5 micro. Nikon is currently running a promotion that saves $100 for this lens.
Click to expand...
That would be my choice. AFAIK, you have to buy a camera body to get the $100 instant rebate.
Click to expand...
The OP said he will be buying a D7000, so it looks like a pretty good deal.

--
Patco
A photograph is more than a bunch of pixels
 
A Fisheye of course! =)

But on a serious note that might work well if you can get really close.
--
Harri - My blog: flatulated.blogspot.com
 
Robert0999 said:
harri,

I seriously don't know what you mean. What lens are you referring to?
Click to expand...
Fisheye lenses are available from several brands, Nikon have the DX 10.5mm/f2.8 AF Fisheye. Needs a motor in the camera to autofokus, Samyang has some good and cheap manual focus ones too...
--
Harri - My blog: flatulated.blogspot.com
 
Don't know if you need anything as expensive as the 60mm macro etc.

Take a look at the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 D. For about $110 new, it's pretty tough to beat!
 
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