Which NX lens for indoor evening family photo?

For this years' Christmas I'd like to take pictures of our family gathering that are nicer than the usual smartphone variety. Here we celebrate Christmas on the evening of 24th, so only the ceiling lights and the christmas tree lights will be on. There will be no infants or kids, just adults that don't move around that much

I have the NX11 body and these lens options:

• 30mm f/2.0
• 18-55mm II f/3.5-5.6

I'm not sure whether I can take good photos with any of these (probably the 30mm as it's faster). The living room is kind of small (4x4 meters), thus I've been thinking that rather than the relatively narrow 30mm it may be a better choice to buy a used 16mm f/2.4. I've tried to find useful info on the web and it seems that I'll have to use a flash.

I guess it boils down to these questions:

1. Which flash do you recommend?
2. Is the 16mm lens better suited for smaller crowded rooms than the 30mm or is it already too wide?
3. Is there anything to gain from a better body, e.g. NX30?

I'm not very experienced and would like to start improving, any tips are welcome!

You will benefit most from decent flash - let's say Metz 44 af 1 or 2. Samsung SEF42 can only tilt, not swivel so a bit difficult for vertical shooting (you want bounced light, not direct flash).

But, most of all, see some tutorials and practice beforehand.

Best of luck.

18 is wide enough (IMHO) as even with it people on the sides will be stretched (perspective is  such).

30mm can be used for groups (better for few people) waist up.

If you are planning to use flash I wouldn't bother with the 30mm unless you really need the f2 for shallower depth of field. The advantage of the 18-55 of course is that you can shoot various focal lengths.

I've got a metz af 26 flash that I find works very well in bounce mode and should be powerful enough for your usage. I would prefer the flash f that Otto recommends but it's availability is limited and it's also expensive.

Thanks for the pointers! I've seen that a flash should be specific to given camera vendor's hotshoe to make all its features available, so I've looked for Samsung NX variants. I'm aware that most of the advanced features are reserved to the NX500/NX30/NX1 models, but don't want to lose any options in the case I go for a newer body sometimes in the future.

I found the MB 26 AF-1 for €100 new and the MB 44 AF-1 for €200 used, both are supposed to be NX-specific. Are these reasonable prices? Also, how often do you use (or miss) the swiveling feature?

They seem ok prices. I don't have swivel (SEF42) but I get around it by either using a curly extension cord for flash (requires practice as you have just one hand for camera) or by using a reflector on flash (looks like piece of cardboard with elastic on it). Or just by not shooting vertical

Of I were you I would go for cheaper (and smaller) one unless you really plan to use it frequently.

Try to find Metz 44-af2, is much better because of HSS. If not that, get Metz 44-af1. But if you can afford more money, Samsung SEF580A is better, the ultimate TTL speedlight for Samsung's NX system.

Dimitri D
https://www.flickr.com/photos/135820506@N02/ My Flickr Photostream

I think you're right, I won't be using it that frequently. The size&weight argument is also something I've considered. I can probably check the local photo rental store and try out the swiveling one for another camera brand.

I'll probably go with the MB 26 AF-1, but will let the thought rest for a few days to be 100% sure before buying.

SEF580A costs about a half of what I've put into my gear altogether (bought a few years ago), that's quite an overkill for me.  I don't doubt it is very good, but it's far beyond my budget.

I thought about my budget and usage, and I went for MB 26 AF-1. Thanks again for all the tips and recommendations!

Good luck and remember to practice as much as you can.

You know better your needs and your wallet. Try to get the most of it.

Dimitri D
https://www.flickr.com/photos/135820506@N02/ My Flickr Photostream