Options

What Nikon Prime Lens for Portraiture?

lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
edited September 7, 2012 in Accessories
I have decided to buy two lenses for a D700 I bought a few months ago. For events I am looking for a used 24-70mm.

For portraiture I am trying to select one prime.

So, which one Nikon prime lens focal length for portraiture do you recommend? 85mm, 105mm or 135mm?

While cost is important I am looking at usability and quality as the "prime" criteria.

Thanks for your comments.

Phil
http://www.PhilsImaging.com
"You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
Phil

Comments

  • Options
    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,871 moderator
    edited September 7, 2012
    For a Nikon FF body I would want several lenses for portraiture:

    For head shots and head-and-shoulders, I really prefer 135mm, f2, if there is room.
    Nikkor 135mm f/2D DC

    Indoors I would (try to) go no less than 85mm. (Less than 85mm can yield visible distortion, which is normally undesirable.)
    Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G AF-S
    Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G AF-S

    For 3/4 length or full length I try to go no less than 50mm.
    Nikkor 50mm f/1.8G AF-S
    Nikkor 50mm f/1.4G AF-S

    For groups, the Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S should work fine, although indoors and with a large group you may even need a super-wide, like the Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED AF-S

    Notes: The Nikon D700 has an AF screw-drive so you may substitute a "D" series lens as appropriate.
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
  • Options
    Matthew SavilleMatthew Saville Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 3,352 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2012
    The 105 and 135 portrait primes are long overdue for a replacement, I wouldn't buy either of the "DC" lenses unless I absolutely had to. Honestly, AFS-G is just that good! I have found it to be way more accurate and reliable in extremely low light conditions, compared to AF-D lenses.

    So unless you're interested in waiting a few more months to see if Nikon has a new one up their sleeve, I'd get an 85mm. The 85 1.8 AFS-G is the best value on the market, by far, and in many ways simply the best option period! The only thing you gain by getting a 1.4 is a tiny bit of shutter speed. The bokeh is almost identical, in reality. Besides if I were obsessed with bokeh I'd get the Sigma 85 1.4 anyways!

    =Matt=
    “My first thought is always of light.” – Galen Rowell
    My SmugMug Portfolio • My Astro-Landscape Photo Blog • Dgrin Weddings Forum
  • Options
    babowcbabowc Registered Users Posts: 510 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2012
    I saw that there was a patent filed for a 135 f2 on Nikonrumors!
    Maybe wait out for that one, if you want more reach than a 85/105!
    -Mike Jin
    D800
    16/2.8, f1.4G primes, f2.8 trio, 105/200 macro, SB900.
    It never gets easier, you just get better.
  • Options
    lifeinfocuslifeinfocus Registered Users Posts: 1,461 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2012
    Ziggy thanks for breakdown. Matt thanks for thoughts on 85mm, which I understand has gotten good reviews.

    And babowc 135mm info. is valuable because Photokina news release is imminent. Perhaps it may be out then?

    I have been searching used B&H and Fredmiranda for used lenses. I have tried KEH.com but that seems limited. Any other online stores for used lenses, besides Dgrin?

    Phil
    http://www.PhilsImaging.com
    "You don't take a photograph, you make it." ~Ansel Adams
    Phil
  • Options
    babowcbabowc Registered Users Posts: 510 Major grins
    edited September 7, 2012
    I hope Nikon releases a few new and updated lenses @ Photokina!
    11 days to go!
    -Mike Jin
    D800
    16/2.8, f1.4G primes, f2.8 trio, 105/200 macro, SB900.
    It never gets easier, you just get better.
  • Options
    ziggy53ziggy53 Super Moderators Posts: 23,871 moderator
    edited September 7, 2012
    lifeinfocus wrote: »
    ... I have tried KEH.com but that seems limited. ...

    KEH has quite a few Nikon autofocus FF primes, but you have to search the:
    35mm/(film)
    Nikon Autofocus
    Fixed Focal Length Lenses:

    http://tinyurl.com/dxfkjbb
    ziggy53
    Moderator of the Cameras and Accessories forums
Sign In or Register to comment.