Portrait Pics Lens
Seneca
Registered Users Posts: 1,661 Major grins
I wanna start shooting portraits with my D100, but I don't know what type of lens to buy - any suggestions.
Also I'd like to buy a lens that I can use to shoot close ups. Close ups like a lady bug on a leaf or something. I'm not lens saavy like some of you here. Can you help?
:scratch
Also I'd like to buy a lens that I can use to shoot close ups. Close ups like a lady bug on a leaf or something. I'm not lens saavy like some of you here. Can you help?
:scratch
0
Comments
I don't think you'll find a TON of Nikonians here but... A good choice for portraits is a large max aperture standard zoom like the Tamron 28-75 f2.8, or a standard or medium focal length prime such as a Nikkor 50mm, or 85mm. Optimal focal length for portraits on a body with a APS-C sized sensor is 50-85mm, this allows you to blur the background and isolate your subject, the compression of the telephoto effect is also flattering to facial features.
You didn't say what kind of money you want to drop. So I'll start cheap: the 50mm f/1.8 makes a great, very sharp, portrait lens. For about $100.
Either 85mm prime works too, but the 85mm f/1.4 is considered the 'king' of portrait lenses for Nikon. The f/1.4 version is, of course, expensive.
All the above lenses will allow taking of pictures in much less light than the ones I list below.
Zoomwise, the 28-70 f/2.8 is a very good portrait zoom, but expect to drop over a grand to get it.
But...you mentioned wanting some level of macro focusing too. I can think of two ideas here. First, the Nikkor 35-70 f/2.8D zoom has a macro function that will get you to about 1:4. The lens is very sharp, but the drawback (for some) is that it is an old 'push/pull' type zoom. I have one of these, and it's a great lens for the money (you can easily get one for $325 used).
Second macro idea is the 105mm f/2.8D Micro lens. This is a full 1:1 macro lens, which will let you take incredible bug pictures. It's also considered one of the sharpest lenses out there (I haven't mentioned any lenses not considered top of the line, really). It may be a bit long (you may have to back up a bit), but it does make a very good portrait lens. Since the introduction of the VR version of this lens, good copies of this lens are on the block for $450-500. You could, of course, also get the VR version new for more money.
Every lens I listed here is considered professional quality. You won't go wrong with any of them. Good luck!
Z
http://cusac.smugmug.com
50mm f/1.8:
35-70 f/2.8:
http://cusac.smugmug.com
Nice shots...my local chain camera store is the 'clearance' store for this area...what is a good deal on the 34-70 f2.8 they have one for 454...
I bought mine for $295 shipped, but I haven't seen others that low. They tend to be just above $300. Anytime you buy over the net, your mileage may vary, so being able to check out the glass at your local store may be worth a bit of extra dough. But if you want to save $, I see them from time to time on Nikonians.org and the Nikon Cafe for a lot less than $454.
http://cusac.smugmug.com
Ziggy, I swear I know that little girl--and I see you're in Boston, me too--and I recognized your Vineyard shots, I live there too.
I have a 100mm f 2 lens that is great for portraits, but too far away from my subjects for my taste. My 24-78 f2.8 L is also great for portraits. Canon, however.
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You may want to also consider a Sigma 24 - 70 f2.8....Sigma makes some really great affordable pro lenses....and to keep your cost down a bit for the macros.....add an Autofocus Extenstion tube set to your lens .....thois will save you money over buying a "True" macro lens.
Remeber that your clients will appreciate you not being in their face when shooting