If you were me what would you do?

[veilschris]

Hi Guys,

If you saw my first thread then you will know that I've got myself into a position where I am the product photographer for a fairly large company. You will also know that I'm fairly new to the world of slr's and studio lighting etc but I'm am extremely keen and a fast learner.

However this is my dilemma. I currently use a (secondhand) Nikon D60 with a non vr 18-55 mm Nikkor lens with aperture and Photoshop running on my mac. But , as this company has money to throw into its e-commerce site I have been given the chance to ask for some new equipment, this is where the more knowledgeable members will hopefully point me in the right direction.

I come from a music production background and I can certainly appreciate the "learn how to use the basics before expecting to achieve world class results" or the "all the expensive gear in the world will not make you a top class photographer if you don't know how to use it..." But....... I'm sure having the quality tools will definitely not hurt and seein as though I'm not going to be out of pocket I seriously think it's worth a go.

So long story short I take product images, all clothes maybe some close up shots of items like watches/belts/rings etc but mainly all clothing on a mannequin, there will be no landscape images or wildlife haha all studio based.

So please if anyone could advise to what the minimum requirements they would want, naming brands/model numbers/ for camera bodies and lenses also the pros for this particular piece of gear so I can justify it to the powers that be that would be amazing.

I look forward to your advice/ideas.

Cheers

Chris

[Geoffrey]

Studio photography is maybe the branch which needs the less equipment : you don't need high ISO or a wide focal range, and you usually shoot at f/8-f/11.

The specifications for a lens are : high resolution, small amount of chromatic aberrations, low geometric distortions and low vignetting. I don't know the size of your studio but I guess you need a "wide" angle lens if you want to frame the full model, like a 35mm. And, actually, except for chromatic aberrations, at 35mm f/8 your kit lens behaves very well : low distortion, high resolution, low vignetting... Nikon's fix focal 35mm/1.8 DX is not better.

I would still buy a macro lens for the close-up shots in order to get a higher magnification. For a small budget there are the Tamron 90mm f/2.8 macro (£320) or the 50mm f/2.8 macro (£250). Don't be fooled by the small price tag, they are professional grade lenses. A macro lens works at normal focus distances as well.

Maybe you should tell us what's your lighting set up, and what's your budget (close to £500 or £2000 ?)