Softbox or umbrella?

[Former_Member]

I normally use my windows for light but since it is rainy season there isn't much light and any tweaking in photoshop just makes the photos look too washed out or fake.

I have ordered a backdrop to use since my foam boards aren't big enough but now I am looking into lighting and am wondering which you would use for lighting? Softboxes or umbrellas? I kinda want to cheat and make it look like light coming from a window BUT I also need alot of light for those times the windows aren't available.

Also I have a Nikon d3200 with stock lens. Which lens would you get? All of my products are on the long side or are larger. I have products that are ready to list but can't get them in the shots at this moment.

[Former_Member]

umbrella's can be more versatile if you master them, but there's a lot to be said in consistency.

I'd go softbox.

[Former_Member]

Which brand looks more white? Preferably on the cheap side. So far all I have seen are ones that ether look blue or yellow.

[Former_Member]

My go to lens for my fx sensor D800 is a 24-70/f2.8. It will also work on a crop sensor camera. On your d3200 with a 1.5 crop sensor it would be equivalent to about 36-105mm. Its a very sharp mid range zoom. Although its not a macro lens it can focus fairly close. To get sharper images you would need to go to higher end primes.

[Former_Member]

Another lens to look at that is a bit cheaper, but very good is the Nikkor 105mm micro vr. This is a macro lens but will work fine for just about anything. Its a prime, meaning no zoom. This one would be good for product shots.

[Former_Member]

So far for lens I have the stock 18-55mm then I bought a 35mm which I haven't had a chance to use yet since my camera is getting repaired at the moment (spring in memory card slot) and I am thinking of getting a 70-300mm sigma lens for nature shots. I will have to look at the lenes you posted too.

[Former_Member]

If you are looking for a budget longer lens in the 70-300 range go with Nikons version with vibration reduction (I think they may have two versions). I think it retails for around $550 new ( I have one I picked up in 2007 laying around somewhere). For the price its a decent lens, altho can be a little soft at the long end (Im very picky), but most likely better than the Sigma. Its a f4.5-5.6 so its not a fast lens. Stopping down to F8 at the long end will help with sharpness
.

[Former_Member]

I use the 24-70 f/2.8 on my D300s. With the crop factor, it's an effective 36-105. Great lens.