Portrait Lens for Nikon D200

kyeeziekyeezie Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
edited May 4, 2009 in Cameras
What is a good portrait lens, that will auto focus, under like $200? Thanks in advance!

Comments

  • NikonsandVstromsNikonsandVstroms Registered Users Posts: 990 Major grins
    edited April 28, 2009
    50 1.8 new or used 50 1.4, I've used my Sigma 50 2.8 macro on DX cameras for it
    http://www.jonathanbeckley.com/
  • ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 24,133 moderator
    edited April 28, 2009
    NikonsandVstroms wrote:
    50 1.8 new or used 50 1.4, I've used my Sigma 50 2.8 macro on DX cameras for it

    15524779-Ti.gif If you are looking more for a head shot or head-and-shoulders I would suggest a used Tamron 90mm, f2.8 SP Macro, which you can often find for a little more than your budget.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 28, 2009
    Could look for a used 85mm, 1.8 lens from Nikon. Might be a bit of a beater at that price, but would be a fine portrait lens.
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited April 28, 2009
    kyeezie wrote:
    What is a good portrait lens, that will auto focus, under like $200? Thanks in advance!

    I would save a bit more and get a zoom such as the Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4.5 {selling on ebay for ~320.00+s/h).......In the days of film the standard portrait lens for 35mm was a 90.....so figuring with that as a standard you need a lens around a 60mm.......

    the 17-70 sigma or a Nikon 17-50 would be my second choice.............
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 28, 2009
    Seymore wrote:
    15524779-Ti.gif I was going to also suggest the 85/1.8. But again... you may have to put out a bit more for this lens. IMPO, it's one of Nikon's better med range fast lenses. Fab for ports. ...and lowlight? ...great!

    111943193_RDLRW-M.jpg112072287_ecypX-M.jpg

    I love the warmth I can get from this lens. Your puzzle shot is a perfect example. It's just so light, sharp and capable. One of my favorites with it.

    43375136_63snN-L.jpg
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • kpmediakpmedia Registered Users Posts: 9 Beginner grinner
    edited April 29, 2009
    I'd suggest a 50mm f/1.8 or the 70-200 f/2.8 (or older 80-200). Nikkor only for both of those. On the D200, the 85mm is a bit far, that range is more appropriate for non-crop bodies. The 50mm equivs to 75mm on a crop sensor, close to the classic distance.

    To get closer, the 60mm macro might double a a nice portrait lens and macro lens.
  • kyeeziekyeezie Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited April 29, 2009
    Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Thanks for all the advice everyone, I gotta go narrow it down now!
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 29, 2009
    kpmedia wrote:
    I'd suggest a 50mm f/1.8 or the 70-200 f/2.8 (or older 80-200). Nikkor only for both of those. On the D200, the 85mm is a bit far, that range is more appropriate for

    To think I felt guilty for suggesting an 85mm, f1.8. This guy is suggesting a zoom which can run up to $1700!eek7.gif That's a far cry from the $200 limit the OP laid out.
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • jhelmsjhelms Registered Users Posts: 651 Major grins
    edited April 29, 2009
    kyeezie wrote:
    Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Thanks for all the advice everyone, I gotta go narrow it down now!

    In your price range I'd def recommend the 50 1.8, brand new for $109-$125.
    John in Georgia
    Nikon | Private Photojournalist
  • kyeeziekyeezie Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited April 29, 2009
    Mitchell wrote:
    To think I felt guilty for suggesting an 85mm, f1.8. This guy is suggesting a zoom which can run up to $1700!eek7.gif That's a far cry from the $200 limit the OP laid out.

    rolleyes1.gifroflrolleyes1.gif
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited April 29, 2009
    kyeezie wrote:
    rolleyes1.gifroflrolleyes1.gif

    I'm glad you see the humor. I won't show you the portraits I've taken with my Nikkor 300mmVR ($5,000).eek7.gif
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
  • kyeeziekyeezie Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited April 30, 2009
    Mitchell wrote:
    I'm glad you see the humor. I won't show you the portraits I've taken with my Nikkor 300mmVR ($5,000).eek7.gif

    I appreciate that, I"m not much for drooling today.rolleyes1.gif
  • kyeeziekyeezie Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited May 4, 2009
    So i decided!! I ordered my 50mm 1.8 last night! It seems like a good lens in my price range since I couldn't go over it. Thanks for all the help and when I get more money I'm looking into the other lenses! I will get it Wednesday right before my trip to NY! WOO! Thanks again!thumb.gifbarb
  • MitchellMitchell Registered Users Posts: 3,503 Major grins
    edited May 4, 2009
    kyeezie wrote:
    So i decided!! I ordered my 50mm 1.8 last night! It seems like a good lens in my price range since I couldn't go over it. Thanks for all the help and when I get more money I'm looking into the other lenses! I will get it Wednesday right before my trip to NY! WOO! Thanks again!thumb.gifbarb

    Enjoy!!!
    Mitch
    http://clearwaterphotography.smugmug.com/
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