Great reasonably priced portrait lens (Page 2): Before you commit yourself to an expensive lens (85mm) with somewhat limited usability why not try a more generic tele zoom instead. The...

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Newbee Shutterbug wrote:

Ben shooting for a while and just got a Nikon d3100, while not at the top of the food chain its a great move up. Most of what I do is portraits and I can deside between a 50mm and a 85mm... After lots of reading and research Im leaning toward the 50mm. One note I love sharp subject and a nicely blured back ground exspecialy when shooting out doors

Before you commit yourself to an expensive lens (85mm) with somewhat limited usability why not try a more generic tele zoom instead.
The 55-200mm or 55-300mm kit zooms are inexpensive and great for portraits, especially outdoors. At their longer focal lengths they will isolate the object nicely and provide a nice blurred background. I have an 85mm 1.4 and hardly ever use it, even for portraits. The razor thin depth of field at large apertures is great for specialty shots but for most portraits you have to shoot in the 4 to 8 aperture range anyway which the zooms can handle just as well. If, for whatever reason, you decide you still need the limited depth of field and low light capability you could get one of the tele-zoooms and a 35mm or 50mm prime for about the same amount of money a dedicated 85mm prime would cost.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

klaus wrote:

Before you commit yourself to an expensive lens (8... (show quote)

Actually, pretty good practical advice!

:thumbup:

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

wilsondl2 wrote:

If you want to think out of the box think about a 135mm f/2.8 Spiratone.

But he's shooting a crop sensor D3100, Dave. I too have an oldish 135mm that I love, but for anything other than tight head shots, I'd have to move into the next room to shoot portraits with my D3100.

wilsondl2 Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

OddJobber wrote:

But he's shooting a crop sensor D3100, Dave. I too have an oldish 135mm that I love, but for anything other than tight head shots, I'd have to move into the next room to shoot portraits with my D3100.

Thats what I said the 135mm for head shots and then go with the 50mm for more. Still be $150 less than going with the 85. - Dave

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

wilsondl2 wrote:

For head shots you will not find a better lens......... Then get the 50mm for body shots.

Oops, my bad. I didn't read carefully enough. Now I agree. :-D

Newbee Shutterbug Loc: Pierce City Mo.

Everyones input is wonderful and its verry apperachated. You guys and gals "rock" and I have so many ways to look at my lens issue now.... Im already wanting a 200 or 300mm but honestly would have never thought about useing them for portrait work...Ive learned more on here in a day than some groups in a month

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

wilsondl2 wrote:

If you want to think out of the box think about a ... (show quote)

The Nikon 135mm F2 is also a wonderful choice for head shots, but it brings a higher price than your Spiratone.

ManRay 1 Loc: Wisconsin

Zoom Lenses are great but I have a nice stable of Primes that I love to use when the shot calls for it. One of my favorites is the Nikon 85mm f1.8. It's fast, light weight and has a beautiful soft, milky Bokeh. I found mine used, for $300. It'a a wonderful addition to your tool box.

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Newbee Shutterbug wrote:

Everyones input is wonderful and its verry apperachated. You guys and gals "rock" and I have so many ways to look at my lens issue now.... Im already wanting a 200 or 300mm but honestly would have never thought about useing them for portrait work...Ive learned more on here in a day than some groups in a month

While you're looking you might want to consider Nikon factory refurbished lenses. They look and perform like new and are considerably less expensive.

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

ManRay 1 wrote:

Zoom Lenses are great but I have a nice stable of Primes that I love to use when the shot calls for it. One of my favorites is the Nikon 85mm f1.8. It's fast, light weight and has a beautiful soft, milky Bokeh. I found mine used, for $300. It'a a wonderful addition to your tool box.

OP has a D3100 w/o the built-in focus motor. I doubt you will be able to get a decent 85mm f1.8 af-s for under $400.

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Newbee Shutterbug wrote:

Everyones input is wonderful and its verry apperachated. You guys and gals "rock" and I have so many ways to look at my lens issue now.... Im already wanting a 200 or 300mm but honestly would have never thought about useing them for portrait work...Ive learned more on here in a day than some groups in a month

55-200mm refurbished from Adorama for $108 with free shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nikon-55-200mm-f-4-5-6G-ED-IF-AF-S-DX-VR-Lens-Refurbished-by-Nikon-USA-2166-B-/370895907002?hash=item565b1e68ba

ManRay 1 Loc: Wisconsin

klaus wrote:

OP has a D3100 w/o the built-in focus motor. I doubt you will be able to get a decent 85mm f1.8 af-s for under $400.

Oops. Missed that. Sorry.

murm Loc: Adelaide, Australia

I'd think about the Tamron 90mm macro, it's a good portrait lens & you also get a great macro lens to play with.
Just a thought.

lizzy5553 Loc: FL

http://youtu.be/QK8kLnKyD6I
If you don't mind shooting manual, i think you will be really happy with this lens. It's made of metal so it has a nice weight to it. I also rented the Nikon 85mm 1.8 and had them both at the same time. I much prefer the Rokinon 85mm 1.4. The bokeh on this lens is impressive. I got the attachment that he talks about in the video for less than $40 on Amazon.

cthahn

Newbee Shutterbug wrote:

Ben shooting for a while and just got a Nikon d3100, while not at the top of the food chain its a great move up. Most of what I do is portraits and I can deside between a 50mm and a 85mm... After lots of reading and research Im leaning toward the 50mm. One note I love sharp subject and a nicely blured back ground exspecialy when shooting out doors