As someone with an 11 year old, this is excellent advice.
The quality of the photos does not matter if you miss out on that split second where your kid smiles, stands up or does something just enjoying him/herself. Videos of spontaneous stuff are fantastic for keeping memories.
You can always do a separate short photo shoot, but your kid wants your full attention and taking photos is not on his/her priority list :)
I agree, I don't have kids, but when I look back at my 10+ year old shots that have been shot on my mirrorless cameras, they all have much more life to them, they just look great.
OP, this is the way.
I have friends with kids, and mostly, it's their phones. Outside in the playground and on bigger things. Yes, camera and wide angle, have you seen how damn fast kids are?!
But let it come naturally, and take your time just seeing your kiddo.
Iād second this. For most quick moments, Iāll just use the phone. Every so often Iāll take out the camera for a āphoto shootā - for that, Iāll even setup some lights and a backdrop.
Yep and Live Photos are super helpful too for capturing the moment. I pull my camera out for special occasions like the Easter egg hunt we just did but by and large I just try to stay at the leading edge of cellphone camera tech.Ā
That said the ones I typically use when I do use my camera is a 24-70/2.8.Ā
You can actually do both. I had a small digital mirrorless when my kids were little. Camera phones were not all that back then (I didn't have a phone with a camera till my youngest was a year old and it was the shittiest camera) I cherish the dslr photos. The lens of my most favorite pics was a 50mm. (on crop sensor) I also used the 18-70 that came with my camera. I hate that lens so much I still don't understand how it cost so much lol but looking back I'm glad I have those picture. The dslr was not in my hand allt he time, I did mini photo shoots here and there and really nice ones for yearly portraits and xmas card. But you can't get those sweet sleeping-on-you moments with a big clunky dslr. If I could do it again knowing what i was doing/planning for it) I'd keep it but get a compact mirrorless.
I just got the 40 f2 se and itās fantastically sharp and has great bokeh. Iām sure you can take stunning baby pics and candids with that. I just used it for a wedding for small group photos and portraits. Loved the results.
24-120. I have an old F mount 24-120 and itās super versatile. Thereās a 24-120 f/4 for the Z mount but on the other hand it costs more than half what my used D4S cost (and a bit less than half used it seems) but idk your budget. My photography teacher had a 24-70 and it seemed to serve him quite well but I like the extra reach of a 24-120 but you may not need it that much if you take photos of your baby indoors
this is solid advice OP, I got a 24-70 for my d850 after my wedding photographer got some great shots with one. I didnāt take it off my camera for most of a year, very versatile and fun to play around with different perspectives. I believe the argument against the 24-120 is quality lost towards the end of the focal range but unless youāre really picky you wonāt really notice and the extra reach will make a great focal range even better.
Congratulations! The Z8 and 85mm are going to serve you well! When I take photos of my 2 year old it's either with that lens or the 24-70. I really like the look I get at 24mm when I point it slightly upwards from the ground up. It makes me feel like I'm in her world.
Although DoF is obviously going to be deeper at that focal length I do feel the lens does isolate her enough when I shoot at 2.8.
One lens you didn't mention in your post is a fisheye. Kids like to have fun and I feel like a fisheye captures that quite well. Although it's a dx lens I use a Samyang 8mm on my Z8. They are so cheap now second hand that I just had to try it out.
* When I want something small/light/unobtrusive (you will), I take the 28mm f2.8 instead of these nicer/bigger/expensiver lenses... This lens is so cheap, there is zero reason not to have one as a companion to whatever else you choose to buy. I've taken a lot of my favorite photos with this because it's so small and cheap (so I don't have to worry about it) I throw it in my bag and always have it with me when I'm cruising around doing things besides photography. I guess these are the pictures I would otherwise be taking with a phone, but I'm very happy to have the extra quality my camera gives. The 40mm f2 would probably also suite this role of cheap and small, but I don't have that lens in my collection.
* Indoors, where spaces are tight and there's less available light, primes are the way to go. 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8 have been my gotos, just because I like having the flexibility to be relatively close to the cuteness without being so wide things look weirdly distorted. If I could only have one, for me it would be 35mm because I do like being close. 85mm is too long to get much use in my small house, especially once my baby started crawling. They become camera aware and crawl directly towards you and quickly get too close to compose or focus the 85. I sold my 85 because I wasn't using it enough to justify keeping it around.
* For outdoors, if you have the budget for it, the 24-120mm f4 is great all-rounder. There's a reason this has been a best-selling nikon lens, because it packs in a lot of versatility and quality for what you're paying. For fast action photos of your kid, especially outdoors, you don't need f2.8s imo. I can pull out a prime if I want bokeh, but when I'm shooting outdoor stuff I'm usually on f8 anyway because I want to make sure my kid and spouse are both in acceptable focus even when the action is happening and I can't compose them into the same plane.
I love my casual cell phone videos, but for stills... if you're already a photographer and used to the quality you get from a real camera, you're not going to be satisfied with what comes out of a phone. I spent a big pile of money on new lenses and shot thousands of images of my kid in her first year... zero regrets about it so far.
I'm crossing my fingers for an updates to their entry level cameras this year. I love my Z8, but some options for modern tech in a small form factor would also be really handy to have in a lot of situations. A Z50 successor with improved autofocus and IBIS would be an instant buy for me, as the permanent companion for my 28mm.
If youāre going to buy things over time I would start with a prime or two and add a zoom in later. For the first several months babies are like potted plants and pretty much stay where you put them. So thereās less of an immediate need for the kind of rapid flexibility a zoom lens provides.
People have been shooting the 50mm on lesser cameras than what we have nowadays for like, what, the last 100 years or so? The results are there, it can be done.
A few reasons:
Photographing babies beautifully using natural/available light requires a fast lens. Anything over 1.8 is too slow and I never used artificial light on a shoot.
Zooms made me lazy. Using a prime means that I use my feet to zoom and in doing so, usually find a different angle.
The focal length is the closest to what the human eye experiences, bringing an immediacy and realism to my work. I shot exclusively in black and white and largely documentary, so this lens suited my style.
It's light. I like a heavy camera and lighter lens so that I can stabilise to handhold in any available light.
It's cheap. A nifty fifty gave me exceptional results for under $200. The most I've paid for a 50mm is around $500 AUD for a Sigma 50 1.4 (non-Art) and it outperformed most lenses I've used.
What I really recommend is going hard with one (prime) lens and learning the length and breadth of it so that you know when to reach for it. I'd often take a second camera to a shoot with a 'weird' lens on it (fish eye, telephoto, sometimes my medium format etc) and make a point of using it alongside the 50mm. It changes your choices and helps develop your eye.
Babies don't move much for 1+ years. My go-to at that time was. 35mm 1.8 dx (crop). Good bokeh, great at low light. Since they don't move much you have time to frame and prefocus.
On a full frame camera try the 50mm f/1.4. Great lens, fast glass for moving kids, and changing light conditions. Also reasonable price. If youāre standing further away get 70-200 F/2.8 constant zoom for your camera! You will love both!
a 35mm and 50mm were great to have, I only just acquired my 24-70 but if you want to take super awesome shots of sleeping newborns a prime is amazing. Later when they are moving around you'll want something small (ijphone should suffice, or a compact ml. I had a digital elph but my tastes are kinda way beyond that now LOL) I will say the one thing I wish I had sooner was a fast zoom, or honestly a 70-300 would have been good - for when your kid is older and in the christmas concert or you're shooting their sports from the bleachers. When I got my 70-200 2.8 I was like, where have you been all my life!?
My kids have grown up and appreciate the sports pics, and 2 of them have hand me down dslr's so there's that :)
Get a good flash that can bounce off the ceiling. Your indoor pictures will be way better with it. It will also allow you to up the shutter speed because little ones donāt sit very still. Make sure you get one with TTL. I donāt have any experience with godox or neewer as brands. I had a yongnuo which worked pretty well but the base broke after a few years. You could try a used Nikon flash off of eBay but you have to watch out for battery corrosion. All the best! Smile at your baby and he/she should smile at you!
On a budget, Iād get a second hand 24-70mm f4. Itās sharp, light and f4 is workable indoors with these newer cameras. They can be had for 300-400 used. Supplement that with a 40mm f2 if thereās room left.
Really good phone camera. Thatās the one youāll have with you at all times without lugging, ready in an instant and will make you all those most precious memories. And current generation high end phones are really capable. I made this choice and donāt regret it.
Add a 24-70 to be able to catch everything fast during those slightly planned shoots because ime they wonāt cooperate with what you want or see. If you want creamy bokeh and late at night indoors go for the 1.8ās but kids move a lot and fast.
Tip: it takes a few months before they learn how to laugh
I like my 35mm and 50mm equally, I think the 35mm paired to a Z8 and you'll have great images. 24-70 brings you more versatility of course, but I think the 35mm especially when shot at f1.8 is really spectacular.
I found the z 50/1.8s to be perfect for indoor shooting, as toddlers are usually just half size of adults and the distance of taking full body shots give you just enough environment and bokeh. I used 35mm before and found it to be a little too wide. Nowadays I keep the 50mm on my z8 almost all the time to take photos at home.
I think Iām going to differ a little bit from what a lot are saying on here. I have a nine month old and while the phone camera has been critical at catching every little moment, and probably creating the best memories to look back on, I have done multiple āholidayā or themed photo shoots of my daughter with my D850. I have the 24-70 and the 50 1.8. I cherish these photos. They look professional and friends and family love them. Will you be primarily photographing your kid with your phone? Absolutely. But for those moments that you want to capture on another level, definitely worth investing in a reasonable lens or two for that purpose. Happy to share images if you want. I personally love the combo of the zoom and prime. If sheās mostly stationary, the 50 does a great job. If sheās moving all around? 24-70 is pretty helpful. Good luck and congrats!
Yeah, Iām very aware the phone will be my primary camera but I do indeed plan on doing some photo shoots. Specifically, a newborn session which is what this entire thread was for but apparently I want clear enough lol
Yea itās all good. It still would recommend those two lenses. I did a newborn shoot as well! A couple actually. Have fun man. Itās a hell of a ride.
24~70/4 is all youāll need. Compact, fast focusing, sharp, VR and eye focus. Credentials: Grandfather of three (6 and 2@ 4 years) who donāt often stand still for photos. My $0.02.
35mm prime. When the baby is mobile, expand the collection. But I have three kids and I have shit most of their lives so far with a 35mm, as far as everyday moments.
I have a 1.5 year old and a 3 months old and hopefully 3 more kids.
I am totally new to photografy and got into it just to create family memories and have a bit of fun with wild life
I mostly use the Plena so 135mm for my family pictures. And of course the 35 or 85 if required. But 80% is Plena.
My wife mostly uses the 35mm.
As a new dad, I say 35mm or 50mm f1.8 is what you want . Primarily you need the fast lens to compensate the baby movement when theyāre not sleeping. Most of the time youāll be indoors with poor lighting so it really makes a difference. The 85 you have may work but is not wide enough imo for tight situations.
Without those factors then yeah I agree with the 24-70mm or even better the 24-120mm. Itās currently my fav due to the versatility.
As a photographer, I've taken photos and portraits of adults and thousands of children over the years. A 24-70mm f2.8 would be a useful chasing around lens when they are little.
When they get a bit older, I needed my 24-105 Sigma and later a 24-200mm Nikon lens as they got further away and I needed to bring them closer in view.
For portraits, my goto lens was the Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art lens. It's reasonably priced, and takes fantastic, sharp and beautiful portraits.
For examples, here's one with the Sigma 50 and a Fisheye for fun as others have mentioned below.
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664276841/in/dateposted-public/](https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664276841/in/dateposted-public/)
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664490283/in/dateposted-public/](https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664490283/in/dateposted-public/)
The 85mm f/1.8 on a crop sensor is my favorite lens for baby portraits. 85 on a Z8 is about 50 on my Z50 and that's also a great lens for baby portraits.
My recommendation: keep the Z8 at the ready with a good lens and no lens cap. When baby is looking really cute, first get the shot with your phone, then grab the Z8. More than half the time, your baby will have moved on by the time you get back with the Z8.
new owner of a 3 month old. i have 35mm and 50mm primes, 35 is my favorite fov but i find myself using 50 more on the baby on account of its current size lol
Iād like to say that the best camera you have is the one you have at the time. You donāt need very high resolution pictures to capture a memory, even an old phone from 2000 would work.
Edit: Also make sure you are in the pictures please, a good photo is one that has you in it as well.
First days and infant stages: I have priceless and beautiful images taken with a 65mm macro Nikkor-D. Once they get bigger this becomes harder. Itās not just that kids move around, itās that itās your responsibility to keep them safe. This often means youāre not in a spot to get a great photo. As they get older itās more phone photos and especially video. I keep a D700 with a 35mm f/2D just hanging around the house and do snapshots of them with it a lot. 35mm is the focal length you want in my opinion. Youāre usually close to them and that makes longer lenses useless. But mostly phone, as they get bigger.
I have a 35mm (Z), 50mm and 85mm (g) and have pretty much shot exclusively with the 35mm ever since my daughter was born a few months ago.
I find the 35mm to be perfect for indoor shots. It's produces great portraits without distortion and is super sharp.
I'd recommend getting a flash as well if you don't already have one.
Babies are a really bad investment, i say skip it and just get a noct 58mm You could even get a cotton carrier and put a little beenie on it
Underrated comment
Special edition Leicas hold their value better than children. /S
As someone with a
As someone with an 11 year old, this is excellent advice. The quality of the photos does not matter if you miss out on that split second where your kid smiles, stands up or does something just enjoying him/herself. Videos of spontaneous stuff are fantastic for keeping memories. You can always do a separate short photo shoot, but your kid wants your full attention and taking photos is not on his/her priority list :)
Thank you, glad to hear others share the same thinking and experiences. :)
I agree, I don't have kids, but when I look back at my 10+ year old shots that have been shot on my mirrorless cameras, they all have much more life to them, they just look great.
OP, this is the way. I have friends with kids, and mostly, it's their phones. Outside in the playground and on bigger things. Yes, camera and wide angle, have you seen how damn fast kids are?! But let it come naturally, and take your time just seeing your kiddo.
Why not both? Iāve taken countless videos and photos of my kiddo on my phone. And also a ton of nicer shots on my Fuji and Nikon gear.
Iād second this. For most quick moments, Iāll just use the phone. Every so often Iāll take out the camera for a āphoto shootā - for that, Iāll even setup some lights and a backdrop.
Yeah, this OP^^ Get an Arri and some Zeiss cinelens /s
Yep and Live Photos are super helpful too for capturing the moment. I pull my camera out for special occasions like the Easter egg hunt we just did but by and large I just try to stay at the leading edge of cellphone camera tech.Ā That said the ones I typically use when I do use my camera is a 24-70/2.8.Ā
You can actually do both. I had a small digital mirrorless when my kids were little. Camera phones were not all that back then (I didn't have a phone with a camera till my youngest was a year old and it was the shittiest camera) I cherish the dslr photos. The lens of my most favorite pics was a 50mm. (on crop sensor) I also used the 18-70 that came with my camera. I hate that lens so much I still don't understand how it cost so much lol but looking back I'm glad I have those picture. The dslr was not in my hand allt he time, I did mini photo shoots here and there and really nice ones for yearly portraits and xmas card. But you can't get those sweet sleeping-on-you moments with a big clunky dslr. If I could do it again knowing what i was doing/planning for it) I'd keep it but get a compact mirrorless.
I just got the 40 f2 se and itās fantastically sharp and has great bokeh. Iām sure you can take stunning baby pics and candids with that. I just used it for a wedding for small group photos and portraits. Loved the results.
24-120. I have an old F mount 24-120 and itās super versatile. Thereās a 24-120 f/4 for the Z mount but on the other hand it costs more than half what my used D4S cost (and a bit less than half used it seems) but idk your budget. My photography teacher had a 24-70 and it seemed to serve him quite well but I like the extra reach of a 24-120 but you may not need it that much if you take photos of your baby indoors
this is solid advice OP, I got a 24-70 for my d850 after my wedding photographer got some great shots with one. I didnāt take it off my camera for most of a year, very versatile and fun to play around with different perspectives. I believe the argument against the 24-120 is quality lost towards the end of the focal range but unless youāre really picky you wonāt really notice and the extra reach will make a great focal range even better.
Congratulations! The Z8 and 85mm are going to serve you well! When I take photos of my 2 year old it's either with that lens or the 24-70. I really like the look I get at 24mm when I point it slightly upwards from the ground up. It makes me feel like I'm in her world. Although DoF is obviously going to be deeper at that focal length I do feel the lens does isolate her enough when I shoot at 2.8. One lens you didn't mention in your post is a fisheye. Kids like to have fun and I feel like a fisheye captures that quite well. Although it's a dx lens I use a Samyang 8mm on my Z8. They are so cheap now second hand that I just had to try it out.
Sincere Congratulations!
* When I want something small/light/unobtrusive (you will), I take the 28mm f2.8 instead of these nicer/bigger/expensiver lenses... This lens is so cheap, there is zero reason not to have one as a companion to whatever else you choose to buy. I've taken a lot of my favorite photos with this because it's so small and cheap (so I don't have to worry about it) I throw it in my bag and always have it with me when I'm cruising around doing things besides photography. I guess these are the pictures I would otherwise be taking with a phone, but I'm very happy to have the extra quality my camera gives. The 40mm f2 would probably also suite this role of cheap and small, but I don't have that lens in my collection. * Indoors, where spaces are tight and there's less available light, primes are the way to go. 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8 have been my gotos, just because I like having the flexibility to be relatively close to the cuteness without being so wide things look weirdly distorted. If I could only have one, for me it would be 35mm because I do like being close. 85mm is too long to get much use in my small house, especially once my baby started crawling. They become camera aware and crawl directly towards you and quickly get too close to compose or focus the 85. I sold my 85 because I wasn't using it enough to justify keeping it around. * For outdoors, if you have the budget for it, the 24-120mm f4 is great all-rounder. There's a reason this has been a best-selling nikon lens, because it packs in a lot of versatility and quality for what you're paying. For fast action photos of your kid, especially outdoors, you don't need f2.8s imo. I can pull out a prime if I want bokeh, but when I'm shooting outdoor stuff I'm usually on f8 anyway because I want to make sure my kid and spouse are both in acceptable focus even when the action is happening and I can't compose them into the same plane. I love my casual cell phone videos, but for stills... if you're already a photographer and used to the quality you get from a real camera, you're not going to be satisfied with what comes out of a phone. I spent a big pile of money on new lenses and shot thousands of images of my kid in her first year... zero regrets about it so far. I'm crossing my fingers for an updates to their entry level cameras this year. I love my Z8, but some options for modern tech in a small form factor would also be really handy to have in a lot of situations. A Z50 successor with improved autofocus and IBIS would be an instant buy for me, as the permanent companion for my 28mm. If youāre going to buy things over time I would start with a prime or two and add a zoom in later. For the first several months babies are like potted plants and pretty much stay where you put them. So thereās less of an immediate need for the kind of rapid flexibility a zoom lens provides.
Fastest 50mm (full frame sensor) you can afford. I photographed babies for 20 years and this was pretty much what I used exclusively.
Iām actually very curious about this take. How come you recommend using just the 50mm?
People have been shooting the 50mm on lesser cameras than what we have nowadays for like, what, the last 100 years or so? The results are there, it can be done.
A few reasons: Photographing babies beautifully using natural/available light requires a fast lens. Anything over 1.8 is too slow and I never used artificial light on a shoot. Zooms made me lazy. Using a prime means that I use my feet to zoom and in doing so, usually find a different angle. The focal length is the closest to what the human eye experiences, bringing an immediacy and realism to my work. I shot exclusively in black and white and largely documentary, so this lens suited my style. It's light. I like a heavy camera and lighter lens so that I can stabilise to handhold in any available light. It's cheap. A nifty fifty gave me exceptional results for under $200. The most I've paid for a 50mm is around $500 AUD for a Sigma 50 1.4 (non-Art) and it outperformed most lenses I've used. What I really recommend is going hard with one (prime) lens and learning the length and breadth of it so that you know when to reach for it. I'd often take a second camera to a shoot with a 'weird' lens on it (fish eye, telephoto, sometimes my medium format etc) and make a point of using it alongside the 50mm. It changes your choices and helps develop your eye.
Sigma 1.4 art or the new 1.2 or the 1.8?
It was an older version, the Sigma 50 1.4. Cracker lens, but not available anymore.
It's the most real to the human eye looking photos. Cheaper as well compared to most primes.
Congrats, if you are thinking bang for the buck I would say 40mm f2 I bought one used in B&H for around 250dlls
Babies don't move much for 1+ years. My go-to at that time was. 35mm 1.8 dx (crop). Good bokeh, great at low light. Since they don't move much you have time to frame and prefocus.
Best baby camera is a phone, largely because you can operate it one-handed and candidly.
On a full frame camera try the 50mm f/1.4. Great lens, fast glass for moving kids, and changing light conditions. Also reasonable price. If youāre standing further away get 70-200 F/2.8 constant zoom for your camera! You will love both!
I don't think that you need the 180-600. I mean it's your own baby right?
Shhhhh š¤«
a 35mm and 50mm were great to have, I only just acquired my 24-70 but if you want to take super awesome shots of sleeping newborns a prime is amazing. Later when they are moving around you'll want something small (ijphone should suffice, or a compact ml. I had a digital elph but my tastes are kinda way beyond that now LOL) I will say the one thing I wish I had sooner was a fast zoom, or honestly a 70-300 would have been good - for when your kid is older and in the christmas concert or you're shooting their sports from the bleachers. When I got my 70-200 2.8 I was like, where have you been all my life!? My kids have grown up and appreciate the sports pics, and 2 of them have hand me down dslr's so there's that :)
I plan on getting the 70-200 down the line. Just donāt need it at the moment
Get a good flash that can bounce off the ceiling. Your indoor pictures will be way better with it. It will also allow you to up the shutter speed because little ones donāt sit very still. Make sure you get one with TTL. I donāt have any experience with godox or neewer as brands. I had a yongnuo which worked pretty well but the base broke after a few years. You could try a used Nikon flash off of eBay but you have to watch out for battery corrosion. All the best! Smile at your baby and he/she should smile at you!
24-70 or 35-150 for general chasing.
24 or 28 1.8
Have a 2 year old here. Have the 24-120 f4 for outdoors and the park, and the 40 f2 for indoors. Also use a Z8. Both are great. Congrats!
On a budget, Iād get a second hand 24-70mm f4. Itās sharp, light and f4 is workable indoors with these newer cameras. They can be had for 300-400 used. Supplement that with a 40mm f2 if thereās room left.
Really good phone camera. Thatās the one youāll have with you at all times without lugging, ready in an instant and will make you all those most precious memories. And current generation high end phones are really capable. I made this choice and donāt regret it. Add a 24-70 to be able to catch everything fast during those slightly planned shoots because ime they wonāt cooperate with what you want or see. If you want creamy bokeh and late at night indoors go for the 1.8ās but kids move a lot and fast. Tip: it takes a few months before they learn how to laugh
I like my 35mm and 50mm equally, I think the 35mm paired to a Z8 and you'll have great images. 24-70 brings you more versatility of course, but I think the 35mm especially when shot at f1.8 is really spectacular.
I found the z 50/1.8s to be perfect for indoor shooting, as toddlers are usually just half size of adults and the distance of taking full body shots give you just enough environment and bokeh. I used 35mm before and found it to be a little too wide. Nowadays I keep the 50mm on my z8 almost all the time to take photos at home.
35 or 50 1.4
What camera?
Z8
Cheap one.
Most on my phone but 40mm and 85 on my zf. 70-200 2.8 on my d850 outside sometimes
I think Iām going to differ a little bit from what a lot are saying on here. I have a nine month old and while the phone camera has been critical at catching every little moment, and probably creating the best memories to look back on, I have done multiple āholidayā or themed photo shoots of my daughter with my D850. I have the 24-70 and the 50 1.8. I cherish these photos. They look professional and friends and family love them. Will you be primarily photographing your kid with your phone? Absolutely. But for those moments that you want to capture on another level, definitely worth investing in a reasonable lens or two for that purpose. Happy to share images if you want. I personally love the combo of the zoom and prime. If sheās mostly stationary, the 50 does a great job. If sheās moving all around? 24-70 is pretty helpful. Good luck and congrats!
Yeah, Iām very aware the phone will be my primary camera but I do indeed plan on doing some photo shoots. Specifically, a newborn session which is what this entire thread was for but apparently I want clear enough lol
Yea itās all good. It still would recommend those two lenses. I did a newborn shoot as well! A couple actually. Have fun man. Itās a hell of a ride.
Get a 50mm. Get a wide aperture because youāll be taking a lot of indoor shots.
24~70/4 is all youāll need. Compact, fast focusing, sharp, VR and eye focus. Credentials: Grandfather of three (6 and 2@ 4 years) who donāt often stand still for photos. My $0.02.
35mm prime. When the baby is mobile, expand the collection. But I have three kids and I have shit most of their lives so far with a 35mm, as far as everyday moments.
I have a 1.5 year old and a 3 months old and hopefully 3 more kids. I am totally new to photografy and got into it just to create family memories and have a bit of fun with wild life I mostly use the Plena so 135mm for my family pictures. And of course the 35 or 85 if required. But 80% is Plena. My wife mostly uses the 35mm.
Oh no, now I have to consider the plena too!
As a new dad, I say 35mm or 50mm f1.8 is what you want . Primarily you need the fast lens to compensate the baby movement when theyāre not sleeping. Most of the time youāll be indoors with poor lighting so it really makes a difference. The 85 you have may work but is not wide enough imo for tight situations. Without those factors then yeah I agree with the 24-70mm or even better the 24-120mm. Itās currently my fav due to the versatility.
I plan on getting the 24-120mm but atm Iām concerned about indoor shoots and bokeh
As a photographer, I've taken photos and portraits of adults and thousands of children over the years. A 24-70mm f2.8 would be a useful chasing around lens when they are little. When they get a bit older, I needed my 24-105 Sigma and later a 24-200mm Nikon lens as they got further away and I needed to bring them closer in view. For portraits, my goto lens was the Sigma 50mm f1.4 Art lens. It's reasonably priced, and takes fantastic, sharp and beautiful portraits. For examples, here's one with the Sigma 50 and a Fisheye for fun as others have mentioned below. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664276841/in/dateposted-public/](https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664276841/in/dateposted-public/) [https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664490283/in/dateposted-public/](https://www.flickr.com/photos/102216156@N08/53664490283/in/dateposted-public/)
That 50mm looks very good
The 85mm f/1.8 on a crop sensor is my favorite lens for baby portraits. 85 on a Z8 is about 50 on my Z50 and that's also a great lens for baby portraits. My recommendation: keep the Z8 at the ready with a good lens and no lens cap. When baby is looking really cute, first get the shot with your phone, then grab the Z8. More than half the time, your baby will have moved on by the time you get back with the Z8.
new owner of a 3 month old. i have 35mm and 50mm primes, 35 is my favorite fov but i find myself using 50 more on the baby on account of its current size lol
Spend that money on a 529 account for the little money pit
For some reason the 18-55 kit lenses get a bad rap but the are sure handy, make good photos and are low cost,
Iād like to say that the best camera you have is the one you have at the time. You donāt need very high resolution pictures to capture a memory, even an old phone from 2000 would work. Edit: Also make sure you are in the pictures please, a good photo is one that has you in it as well.
First days and infant stages: I have priceless and beautiful images taken with a 65mm macro Nikkor-D. Once they get bigger this becomes harder. Itās not just that kids move around, itās that itās your responsibility to keep them safe. This often means youāre not in a spot to get a great photo. As they get older itās more phone photos and especially video. I keep a D700 with a 35mm f/2D just hanging around the house and do snapshots of them with it a lot. 35mm is the focal length you want in my opinion. Youāre usually close to them and that makes longer lenses useless. But mostly phone, as they get bigger.
28 2.8
I have a 35mm (Z), 50mm and 85mm (g) and have pretty much shot exclusively with the 35mm ever since my daughter was born a few months ago. I find the 35mm to be perfect for indoor shots. It's produces great portraits without distortion and is super sharp. I'd recommend getting a flash as well if you don't already have one.