Which lens?!

Fstoplife

I want to get another prime lens. I really love them, and although I do also want the 70-200, and 24-70 2.8, those are beyond my budget right now. I have the D80, and right now I only have the 50mm as a prime lens, I love this lens, I was thinking of getting the 35, or going up and getting the 85. I do a lot of portraits and I just booked a wedding ceremony...in a restaurant. Any lens recommendations?

cab.in.boston

It's very hard to comment on what lens would be good for someone else's shooting style. You could rent both and see which you prefer, or get the 35 f/1.8 first b/c it's cheaper and save up for the 85...

By all accounts, the 85 (especially the f/1.4 version) is a very nice portrait lens. I don't have it, so I can't speak from experience. On a crop body, it's more of a headshot kind of lens, unless you back off quite a bit and shoot with more distance. Your 50mm should already be a decent portrait lens for full body shots (or head/shoulders shots shooting a little closer).

I have the 35 f/1.8 and am very happy with it on my D300. But I feel it's more of a "walkaround" lens than something I'd expect to see get a lot of use at a wedding or portrait session. But of course depending on one's style, it could certainly find its place in those settings.

Fstoplife

I think I am going to do what you recommend and rent both. I forget that that is an option Or maybe I will take a walk to B&H today and try them there to see what I like. Thanks!

r3t1awr3yd

It's funny cus I told a friend of mine to rent both of those lenses and she fell in love with both also... causing me to purchase the 24-70 and being my lusting after the 70-200 lol.

Have NO doubts about the sharpness of the 24-70 @ f/2.8 at every focal length. It's magical!!