best prime lens for Nikon portraits?
Jan 20, 2012 04:05:54 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
What is/are the best prime lens(es) for taking portraits?
Head shots, torso shots, and full body photos ---> Cost is, unfortunately, a consideration.
I have a Nikon D90 (wish I had a full frame camera...knew nothing about it when I bought it, but probably couldn't have afforded one anyway).
I don't have any prime lenses, but from what I've read on this site, they capture crisper and finer photos than my zooms, which are what I have. I have these lenses: a 70-200 NIkon f2.8; an 18-55 f3.5-5.6; a Tamron 200-500mm, and a Nikon 55-200 f5.6. Also a 1.4 teleconverter that works with my 70-200 but does diminish the light.
Wildlife photography was/is my main interest, thus the zooms, but now want to take people and animal portraits.
Thanks, in advance, for your comments/advice.
Head shots, torso shots, and full body photos ---> Cost is, unfortunately, a consideration.
I have a Nikon D90 (wish I had a full frame camera...knew nothing about it when I bought it, but probably couldn't have afforded one anyway).
I don't have any prime lenses, but from what I've read on this site, they capture crisper and finer photos than my zooms, which are what I have. I have these lenses: a 70-200 NIkon f2.8; an 18-55 f3.5-5.6; a Tamron 200-500mm, and a Nikon 55-200 f5.6. Also a 1.4 teleconverter that works with my 70-200 but does diminish the light.
Wildlife photography was/is my main interest, thus the zooms, but now want to take people and animal portraits.
Thanks, in advance, for your comments/advice.
Jan 20, 2012 07:33:06 #
Jan 20, 2012 09:26:16 #
I like the 85 mm 1.8. It's way cheaper than the 1.4 and the quality is exellent. In the end there really is no "better lens". It's just simply a matter of what you like and of course if you have paying clients, what they like.
Jan 20, 2012 09:45:27 #
For prime I would use the 85 1.8 (I'm a canon girl and I use the Canon's version I like the results over the nifty fifty.
Jan 21, 2012 08:13:16 #
NewEnglandPhotoguy
Loc: Chelmsford, MA
Your 70-200 and your 18-55 are both extremely sharp lenses. Both are frequently used for portraits. Use what you have and you'll find that they will work perfectly.
You might want to set the 18-55 to about 35mm (hold with gaffers tape). That equates to a "normal" lens. Then try it at 55mm which will equal about 82mm. That makes a nice portrait lens.
Your 70-200 will require you to stand back a bit but it will give you a different perspective that is very pleasing. At 70mm it will equal a 105 portrait lens. Pros frequently use this lens for portraits.
I would not buy another lens until I had learned everything those two can do.
Have fun.
You might want to set the 18-55 to about 35mm (hold with gaffers tape). That equates to a "normal" lens. Then try it at 55mm which will equal about 82mm. That makes a nice portrait lens.
Your 70-200 will require you to stand back a bit but it will give you a different perspective that is very pleasing. At 70mm it will equal a 105 portrait lens. Pros frequently use this lens for portraits.
I would not buy another lens until I had learned everything those two can do.
Have fun.
Jan 26, 2012 22:45:33 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
NewEnglandPhotoguy wrote:
Your 70-200 and your 18-55 are both extremely shar... (show quote)
Thanks much. My 18-55 is new and I am learning its beauties.
I was astonished at how sharp photos are with this one, over the 55-200, which was my first lens (not "kit" but close to it).
Jan 26, 2012 23:10:09 #
Are you wanting to shoot outside or inside? The 70-200 is an exceptional lens, I love it and it's versatility over a prime.
Jan 26, 2012 23:14:59 #
francesca3 wrote:
What is/are the best prime lens(es) for taking por... (show quote)
You have a DX camera... the Nikkor 55mm f/1.2 manual focus will startle your eyes with its apparent near 80mm focal length in DX.
Also, the 85mm f/1.4 is a good bet, being about 125mm on the DX.
Both lenses will also be stunning should you upgrade to and FX sensor camera.
Jan 26, 2012 23:24:03 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Are you wanting to shoot outside or inside? The 70-200 is an exceptional lens, I love it and it's versatility over a prime.
Outdoors, mostly, although I am doing a study of people's pets, so the small ones I shoot inside and the large ones outdoors. I do love my 70-200 because I can hand hold it if I like, and use my 1.4 teleconverter although it changes the exposure availabilities...I found that it works pretty well in mid-day light.
Its versatility means everything to me.
Jan 26, 2012 23:26:06 #
In the old days I used a 105. My modern lenses, I just don't do people work for the most part. Just the new pup.
Here is Sarah a couple weeks ago trying out her new collar. She seems to be saying, 'no more puppy collars for me' :) She is 16 weeks old here. :)
This is my walk around lens on the D 700- 28/300.
http://www.fototime.com/FAC7BB499B3B73D/standard.jpg
An earlier photo, same lens.
http://www.fototime.com/02E6790237CB930/standard.jpg
Here is Sarah a couple weeks ago trying out her new collar. She seems to be saying, 'no more puppy collars for me' :) She is 16 weeks old here. :)
This is my walk around lens on the D 700- 28/300.
http://www.fototime.com/FAC7BB499B3B73D/standard.jpg
An earlier photo, same lens.
http://www.fototime.com/02E6790237CB930/standard.jpg
Jan 26, 2012 23:30:39 #
Nikon 18-300? I've only see that in Nikon rumors.
Photos are fabulous, btw!
Photos are fabulous, btw!
Jan 26, 2012 23:33:08 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
PhotoArtsLA wrote:
quote=francesca3 What is/are the best prime lens(... (show quote)
When I bought the camera I did not know the difference btwn DX and FX cameras. I'd have waited and saved for an FX had I known there was a difference!
Jan 26, 2012 23:34:36 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
J. R. WEEMS wrote:
In the old days I used a 105. My modern lenses, I just don't do people work for the most part. Just the new pup.
Here is Sarah a couple weeks ago trying out her new collar. She seems to be saying, 'no more puppy collars for me' :) She is 16 weeks old here. :)
This is my walk around lens on the D 700- 18/300.
http://www.fototime.com/FAC7BB499B3B73D/standard.jpg
An earlier photo, same lens.
http://www.fototime.com/02E6790237CB930/standard.jpg
Here is Sarah a couple weeks ago trying out her new collar. She seems to be saying, 'no more puppy collars for me' :) She is 16 weeks old here. :)
This is my walk around lens on the D 700- 18/300.
http://www.fototime.com/FAC7BB499B3B73D/standard.jpg
An earlier photo, same lens.
http://www.fototime.com/02E6790237CB930/standard.jpg
Those are beautiful! So crisp.
Jan 26, 2012 23:39:54 #
francesca3
Loc: Sausalito, CA
I can't find an 18-300 Nikon lens anywhere. Are you sure that's right?
Jan 26, 2012 23:43:09 #
GoofyNewfie wrote:
Nikon 18-300? I've only see that in Nikon rumors.
Photos are fabulous, btw!
Photos are fabulous, btw!
GN- They came out last year. I have a 70/300, but there were time when I needed something a bit wider. For really serious work such Bears, the 70/300 still will get the call as most often there isn't time to set up my 600MM. Here is one of my 'Smoky Mnt. bears. :)
http://www.fototime.com/198E2C00175AFF8/standard.jpg
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