Best Nikon DX Portrait Lens for a Beginner: I am a relative beginner in DSLR Photography, I am interested in pursuing a "Special Event",Portrait Photography business. I presently own a...

Silverman Loc: Michigan

I am a relative beginner in DSLR Photography, I am interested in pursuing a "Special Event",Portrait Photography business. I presently own a Nikon D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II lens, and also the 55-200 DX VR II lens. I would like suggestions from experienced Portrait photographers, what would be a specific quality Portrait Lens I might purchase to create quality Portraits of Individuals and Groups.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Your two lenses already will do a fine job. Shoot the 18-55 at the maximum zoom or the 55-200 in the 55 to 100mm range for a 'classic' 85mm to 135mm focal length on a full-frame camera. If you want a prime with a wider aperture with not too large an additional investment, look at the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I am by any measure not a pro. But I have taken a few portrait set and have had good results. I use a 18-300 lens. If I can get fifteen feet away that will produce a super head shot. But there are others that will certainly disagree with that. I'm just saying what I've experienced.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The 50mm 1.8, 85mm 1.8, 100-105mm. 2.8. Portrait lenses are not cheap from 85mm and up. You can buy used or refurbished and pay less. You can sometimes get good used deals at KEH Camera. Also remember you have a crop factor camera using the above-mentioned lenses. A 50mm becomes a 75mm. Since you are a beginner, I suggest you learn with what you already have. Your best bargain however, would be the 50mm 1.8. Less than $200, new. Good luck.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

KEH is a great place to buy but there is a 50mm 1.8D in our Buy and Sell section here however the sale is pending.
Keep looking!
With your camera, a 50mm lens has the same field of view as a 75mm on a full-frame camera but the focal length does not change, it's still a 50mm lens.
It's on the short end of a classic portrait length but would be a good purchase if you can find one at a reasonable price.

I agree with CHG CANON and mas24, learn with what you already have.
Lighting is one thing people overlook with portraits.
Something as simple as using a reflector can go a long way to improving your work, especially outside.
Doesn't have to be expensive- foamcore works great and is relatively cheap, but you can get a 5-in-1 for $20.

Since you mentioned events, if you you don't already have one, money spent on a good speedlight would be a great investment and a necessity.
There is a Nikon SB 600 for sale in the buy and sell section HERE.
It is an older model, but a good first flash.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

CHG_CANON wrote:

Your two lenses already will do a fine job. Shoot the 18-55 at the maximum zoom or the 55-200 in the 55 to 100mm range for a 'classic' 85mm to 135mm focal length on a full-frame camera. If you want a prime with a wider aperture with not too large an additional investment, look at the Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor Lens.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Portrait lenses* 'for beginner' simply do not exist. Either they are for portrait or they are not. Simple as that.

Now if you mean 'cheap' you likely have all you need.

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* That goes for any specialized lens.

dandi Loc: near Seattle, WA

Silverman wrote:

I am a relative beginner in DSLR Photography, I am interested in pursuing a "Special Event",Portrait Photography business. I presently own a Nikon D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II lens, and also the 55-200 DX VR II lens. I would like suggestions from experienced Portrait photographers, what would be a specific quality Portrait Lens I might purchase to create quality Portraits of Individuals and Groups.

50mm and 85mm, these lenses already have been recommended, I just totally agree with that. I have them both (1.8G), they are very good. Especially I love 85, REALLY good. I like to use F/2.8: sharp portrait with soft background. Excellent lens. I bought it refurbished from nikonusa.com to save some money, very happy.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

dandi wrote:

50mm and 85mm, these lenses already have been recommended, I just totally agree with that. I have them both (1.8G), they are very good. Especially I love 85, REALLY good. I like to use F/2.8: sharp portrait with soft background. Excellent lens. I bought it refurbished from nikonusa.com to save some money, very happy.

This pleasant comment is the best advice so far, but for a reason that will not be noticed by most. The 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8 recommended are specified as the G versions, not the older D models. Avoid the f/1.8D lenses. The f/1.4D versions are great if your camera has the internal motor.

The 50mm f/1.8D has over corrected spherical aberrations, as well as non-rounded diaphragm blades. The 85mm f/1.8 is better but also lacks rounded blades. The 50mm has harsh bokeh. The 85mm is only nice when shooting wide open, where it is soft and has chroma fringing.

The f/1.4 D versions are much better, and with rounded blades have smooth bokeh even when stopped down for sharpness. The G versions are even better but they are significantly more expensive.

The 24-120mm f/4G lens is probably the best solution, primarily because while it is nice enough in all other ways, it can zoom to either 50mm or 85mm...

CO

Tamron has been releasing a new series of SP prime lenses and they all have stabilization. They have a pro build quality with a metal lens barrel and are fully weather sealed including a weather seal at the lens mount. Stabilization really makes a difference when you can't use a tripod. I bought the 45mm f/1.8 for my Nikon. I'm very impressed with it. The new lenses are the 35mm f/1.8, 45mm f/1.8, 85mm f/1.8, and 90mm f/2.8 macro.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

This one- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/838798-REG/Nikon_2201_AF_S_NIKKOR_85mm_f_1_8G.html

Jim Bob

Silverman wrote:

I am a relative beginner in DSLR Photography, I am interested in pursuing a "Special Event",Portrait Photography business. I presently own a Nikon D3300 with the 18-55 DX VR II lens, and also the 55-200 DX VR II lens. I would like suggestions from experienced Portrait photographers, what would be a specific quality Portrait Lens I might purchase to create quality Portraits of Individuals and Groups.

85/1.8. You did specify best. Those zooms would not qualify.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Jim Bob wrote:

85/1.8. You did specify best. Those zooms would not qualify.

The older 85mm f/1.8D would not qualify either. The newer 85mm f/1.8G would. Though if only one lens is available, a 24-120mm f/4 would be far better.

Jim Bob

Apaflo wrote:

The older 85mm f/1.8D would not qualify either. The newer 85mm f/1.8G would. Though if only one lens is available, a 24-120mm f/4 would be far better.

Agreed as to the 85 G. Whether the 24-120..."would be a far better choice" is debatable.

Apaflo Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

Jim Bob wrote:

Agreed as to the 85 G.

But pursuing a Special Events photography business targeting portraits with a single focal length is not smart. The OP needs a decent zoom. The options are an older 28-105mm, the current 24-120mm, or a 24-70mm (listed in order of ascending price). Non-Nikkor lenses in the same range are also suitable (but I'm not familiar enough to recommend which are best).

I would suggest the 24-120mm first, then plow the income generated back into the business and pick up a used or refurb full frame body.

Whether specialty fixed focal length lenses would ever be a smart buy depends on how the business is operated. The best camera to use depends on the same criteria. Is this a mini-studio booth set up at events, or is this a case of shooting environmental portraits in available light at an event? Big differences...