Best Nikon lens for portrait photography?
Aug 7, 2012 02:10:43 #
Looking for advice. I have a D5100. Very amateur still & not looking to spend more than $400.
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Help!
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Help!
Aug 7, 2012 02:46:42 #
feleekshia wrote:
Looking for advice. I have a D5100. Very amateur still & not looking to spend more than $400.
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Help!
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Help!
If you are willing to go a bit closer to $500...like all the way, you can order a af-s 85 1.8. I have heard good things about the Proptic(sold under other names) 85 1.4 but it is manual focus.
Or, just get the 55-200.
Aug 7, 2012 06:58:18 #
feleekshia wrote:
Looking for advice. I have a D5100. Very amateur still & not looking to spend more than $400.
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Help!
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Help!
Don't spend any money yet. If your current zoom can shoot 55mm or more (comparable to 85mm full frame), practice with that until you feel more confident.
Aug 7, 2012 07:28:55 #
You can do portraits with any lens from 50-100 pretty much. If you have good lighting you could use what you have, if you can get in that range. I use my 135, but don't go look at the price if you can find one. :) And I also use my 105 a lot. I just got done taking some pictures of my new Grandson. I have the lights. But I did this for a living a long time ago.:) If you would like to see them, here are the links. Oh, shot these with my 28-300.
Erv
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55959-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55961-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55963-1.html
Erv
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55959-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55961-1.html
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-55963-1.html
Aug 7, 2012 07:49:37 #
I use a 60mm f2.8 lens which is in a good price range. Use a tripod. I would not have a problem using my 24-70mm f2.8 or 24-120mm f2.8 shooting at about 70mm - but these are above the price range you mentioned. I also do not do full-time portraits - mostly grab shots :)
Aug 8, 2012 08:07:11 #
feleekshia wrote:
Looking for advice. I have a D5100. Very amateur still & not looking to spend more than $400.
????????
Help!
????????
Help!
You want the best? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=108421&Q=&is=GREY&A=details
Aug 8, 2012 08:15:43 #
I believe it's a great lens, Jerry, but it's very expensive (at least for me) and it doesn't have VR, which lack can ruin shots at slower shutter speeds. Me, I find the 18~105mm afs VR just about perfect for portraits on my D5100 /D3100 @ISO 1600, even wide open (or maybe I just got a good copy). In bright light I use the 50mm afs F 1.8 and the results are very special, though I have to zoom with my feet. Inexpensive, yes...compromise, no.
jerryc41 wrote:
You want the best? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=108421&Q=&is=GREY&A=details
feleekshia wrote:
Looking for advice. I have a D5100. Very amateur still & not looking to spend more than $400.
????????
Help!
????????
Help!
You want the best? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=108421&Q=&is=GREY&A=details
Aug 8, 2012 08:41:02 #
I found this site helpfull http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_buyers_guide/Nikon_Nikkor_lenses/Recommended_Nikkor_Nikon_lenses.shtml
Aug 8, 2012 08:50:25 #
subroto mukerji wrote:
I believe it's a great lens, Jerry, but it's very ... (show quote)
Yes, that is definitely in the "expensive" category and probably not for the casual shooter. I doubt that I would notice any difference between that lens and one that was more reasonably priced.
Aug 8, 2012 09:26:32 #
Hypno wrote:
I found this site helpfull http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_buyers_guide/Nikon_Nikkor_lenses/Recommended_Nikkor_Nikon_lenses.shtml
So, Nikon recommends a 50mm for portraits. I have a 35mm 1.8 that, according to Nikon on my D7000 actually equals a 53mm on a DX format, so wouldn't my 35mm be good for portraits?
Aug 8, 2012 09:39:22 #
cspear42 wrote:
So, Nikon recommends a 50mm for portraits. I have a 35mm 1.8 that, according to Nikon on my D7000 actually equals a 53mm on a DX format, so wouldn't my 35mm be good for portraits?
Hypno wrote:
I found this site helpfull http://www.cameralabs.com/lenses/lens_buyers_guide/Nikon_Nikkor_lenses/Recommended_Nikkor_Nikon_lenses.shtml
So, Nikon recommends a 50mm for portraits. I have a 35mm 1.8 that, according to Nikon on my D7000 actually equals a 53mm on a DX format, so wouldn't my 35mm be good for portraits?
You must have missed reading this from the the link above:
"The flattering view is achieved with a lens sporting a slightly magnified view, which typically means having an equivalent focal length of between 70 and 135mm. Shorter focal lengths can give unflattering results with single-person portraits , although are ideal for group shots, while longer ones force the photographer further from the subject, although this may be preferred for discreet, candid shots. Longer focal lengths also accentuate the blurred background effect."
The shorter length lenses (like the 35mm, even on a DX camera) tend to give a somewhat distorted view and getting a narrow depth of field isn't as easy.
Nikon recommends the 50mm for portraits using a DX camera because it has the equivalent angle of view as a 70 on a full-frame camera. The 35mm on the DX camera has the equivalent angle of view of a 50mm...too short by most peoples standards.
My favorite DX camera and lens combo is a Fuji S5Pro and the Sigma 50-150 2.8. Both are discontinued, unfortunately.
Aug 8, 2012 10:56:21 #
Aug 8, 2012 12:40:05 #
You don't need some special lens to do portraits . The one that one that come with your camera will work just fine. The only thing that it lacks is a larger aperture opening that allows for a shorter depth of field or faster shutter speeds. These things can be overcome. What is more important, is the ability to read someones face and how to to pose them so they look their best. You also have to know at what height to place the camera to make them look their best. How you're going to light your subject(s). Then comes proper focus and exposure. Of course the background is important also. Portrait lens don't have to be tack sharp where you can see every pore on someone. The idea is to make your subject feel good about them self and want to show others their portrait. Many times the portrait will need to be softened to get that effect. There's a lot more to portrait photography than just having fancy equipment; You have to have a special vision.
Aug 8, 2012 15:02:10 #
DougW
Loc: SoCal
Prime lens from 70 to 105 mm would be good for portrait work.
Tripod, don't need vr or af.
Tripod, don't need vr or af.
Aug 9, 2012 04:15:51 #
oh my. So confused. Found a few reasonable 50mm & 18-55mm. Which one is better for quality portrait photography?
Also, here is my facebook photography page. Check out my albums & tell me what ya'll think? http://www.facebook.com/KahiauPhotography
Thanks!
Also, here is my facebook photography page. Check out my albums & tell me what ya'll think? http://www.facebook.com/KahiauPhotography
Thanks!
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