Nikon AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.8G lens: Hello fellow Hedgehoggers, I've been doing more and more portraits lately and think it's time to move from the 70-200 kit lens I've been using to a...

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Hello fellow Hedgehoggers,

I've been doing more and more portraits lately and think it's time to move from the 70-200 kit lens I've been using to a better portrait lens. I'm thinking the Nikkor 85mm 1.8 prime for $496.95 from B&H but am wondering if anyone has any better suggestions.

Right away I'm realizing the 85 prime probably won't serve me very well for some cheerleader team photos I have coming up in the next few weeks BUT it would serve me pretty well for most of what I have to shoot.

Any advice welcomed.

Thanks!
Donna

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

First, where did you hear the 70-200mm was a "kit" lens? The F2.8 is a wonderful portrait lens in its own right, and the F4 model is no slouch in that arena.
Second, the 85mm F1.8 is an excellent dedicated portrait lens on a full frame body. It tests out as sharper than the 85mm F1.4 at a lot more money.
Keep in mind that just because this is an F1.8 lens, does not mean you will be using it at F1.8 as the DOF is extremely shallow at that aperture. If you focus on an eye it is highly likely that both the nose AND the ears will be out of focus.
Good luck.

Graham Smith Loc: Cambridgeshire UK

Donna, you will never regret getting the 85mm f/1.8 I acquired one recently and am wondering why I never had one years ago.

Graham

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

MT Shooter wrote:

First, where did you hear the 70-200mm was a "... (show quote)

Because it came with my D60 and I also use it with my D5100. But neither of those are full frame sensors so I'm not concerned about how it would work on a full frame. Sorry I forgot to say what camera I'm using it on. I completely understand depth of field and use whatever is appropriate for what I'm shooting. Thanks for your input, MT.

I'm also wondering if there's a less expensive equivalent lens or if the Nikkor is the way to go.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Graham Smith wrote:

Donna, you will never regret getting the 85mm f/1.8 I acquired one recently and am wondering why I never had one years ago.

Graham

Thanks, Graham. Very good to know.

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

donnahde wrote:

Hello fellow Hedgehoggers, br br I've been doing ... (show quote)

Donna - it's an outstanding lens and one which you will enjoy using the more you get out with it. On your camera (as with mine) it becomes a short telephoto, but it's also sharp and a joy to use. Zoom a little with your feet if necessary, but it's by no means limited to portraits !

Better than a portrait ?

Don't feed the ducks !

Take off !

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

craggycrossers wrote:

Donna - it's an outstanding lens and one which you will enjoy using the more you get out with it. On your camera (as with mine) it becomes a short telephoto, but it's also sharp and a joy to use. Zoom a little with your feet if necessary, but it's by no means limited to portraits !

Thanks craggycrossers! Thanks for the input. I do a LOT of nature photography, too, esp birds, flowers and more but I'll find it hard to pick up an 85mm as opposed to my 70-300.

Ooops, I just realized I've been using my 55-200 and my 18-55 kit lenses for portraits. Maybe that's why MT responded as he did. Sorry!

expose it Loc: Phoenix, Az

Since you are using a crop frame camera a 85mm lens on your camera will become approx. a 128mm lens. Look at the 85mm macro dx lens does a great job. Since you like nature as well will double well for those close up shots.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

expose it wrote:

Since you are using a crop frame camera a 85mm lens on your camera will become approx. a 128mm lens. Look at the 85mm macro dx lens does a great job. Since you like nature as well will double well for those close up shots.

Thanks, expose_it. I do believe there's an 85mm 1.8 in my future.

cthahn

donnahde wrote:

Hello fellow Hedgehoggers, br br I've been doing ... (show quote)

There is not one lens that is good for everything. An 85mm is good for portraits. What is more important, portraits or cheerleading. Look for a good used lens. There is nothing wrong with them.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

cthahn wrote:

There is not one lens that is good for everything. An 85mm is good for portraits. What is more important, portraits or cheerleading. Look for a good used lens. There is nothing wrong with them.

Yea, HOPEFULLY nothing wrong with them. And yes I know different lenses for different purposes. This cheerleading gig is probably a one time job but a nice paying one. I may look into renting a lens for that day.

Thanks for your input.

asaya Loc: Syracuse, NY

It's a great lens i enjoy using mine to take pictures of my grandchildren

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

asaya wrote:

It's a great lens i enjoy using mine to take pictures of my grandchildren

Awesome, Asaya. Thanks.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I use the 1.8D version...remarkable lens for allot of things. Have a look at this Poppy...down load and enlarge the center of the flower and you'll see what it can really do. Like Craggy said...I wish I'd bought this lens long ago.

donnahde Loc: Newark, DE

Bret wrote:

I use the 1.8D version...remarkable lens for allot of things. Have a look at this Poppy...down load and enlarge the center of the flower and you'll see what it can really do. Like Craggy said...I wish I'd bought this lens long ago.

That IS some GREAT detail, Bret. Thanks. Now to make sure I'm getting the best price. So far I've only checked B&H.