foathog Loc: Greensboro, NC

She's the "pro". Why not ask HER???

ksmmike

I own and use a Nikon D750. I agree with the 85 1.8. I have used it a lot and for the money, its hard to beat.

I have also used the Tokina that some have mentioned and yes, it's a fine lens, but I prefer the Nikon 85. I've also used the Nikon 105 2.5 AIS manual focus, the Nikon 135 3.5 AIS manual focus. All of those lenses are top notch, but I still go back to the Nikon 85 G 1.8.

I've also used the Voigtlander 58mm 1.4, which I LOVE as an overall lens, which takes fine portraits and would be good for table shots and other shots at weddings, especially in low light, where that lens with the Nikon D750 shines.

Mike

Charlie C Loc: North Liberty, IA

Having photographed thousands of weddings and social events the remarks of 'camerapapi' should not be taken lightly. There is not time for redos not to mention issues one will encounter on the fly. Progress slowly, think ahead and be professional.

BjB1953 Loc: Rice Lake, WI

Did lots of weddings. I agree with those that say 85mm as prime for portraits.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

A pro without a prime lens is on a slippery slope.
Buy your Granddaughter a 105mm 1-4 and best luck to her.

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

In bygone days of 35mm film cameras, 105mm was considered "THE portrait length" by Nikon togs. The 85mm allows some "wiggle room" around the subject if needed. BUT, the important consideration should be the "speed" of the lens. Something with a maximum aperture not more than f 2.0 gives best "shallow DOF" and that "look-at-me" quality to the subject's eyes.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

As suggested take a look at Tokina and Tamron lenses. Then, purchase a Nikon product. The 85mm GoofyNewfie has for sale would be an excellent lens. https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-595146-1.html
--Bob

OviedoPhotos

For head shots an 85 or 105MM will work well. Nikon makes both lenses and both are sharp.

One word of caution though with an 85 or 105 insure that there is enough room between the photographer and subject. Once I was caught in tight hallway of all things and had to use my nifty 50.

I do have to state though that she is brave to do weddings. I used to do them and between the bride and her mother AND all the people who bring cameras (cellphones) to the event it just became too frustrating.

Now I just do graduation and corporate head shot photos.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

Our neighbor shoots weddings and he suggests the 85, 100 lenses as well, but caveats that some very good shots can be made with a 50mm 1.4 lens.

trinhqthuan Loc: gaithersburg

WInslow575

I’ll throw in my 2 cents, lol. Definitely the 85mm f/1.8 G excellent and very sharp on the D750. As others have stated the Tokina 100mm is a great Macro/Portrait lens. Also would be a great idea to purchase a 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 D lens for wider shots. Also a telephoto is good to have as well. Everyone will say get a 70-200mm F2.8 and a 24-70mm f/2.8 obviously budget is a concern when just starting out. Good options would be the 80-200mm f/2.8D and the 35-70mm f2.8D. Yes they are not as fast in auto focus, but you’re not shooting sports or wildlife. I own all of these lenses and they perform very well.

To piggy back on other posters you only get one shot for wedding photos, so I would suggest investing in some online wedding photography training as well. There are many wedding photographers that offer training on lighting, posing, details, time line and many other aspects related to wedding photography.

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

Have you talked with her about this? She may want something entirely different.

You mention a "750", by which I assume you mean the Nikon D750 full frame camera. You aren't specific about what "kit lens" she got with it, but it appears to normally come with Nikkor 24-120mm lens. So any "portrait" prime such as 85mm will duplicate focal lengths she's already got.

Wedding photographers often use 50mm lenses (or there-abouts) for full length portraits of bride, groom and the rest of the wedding party. But, once, again, that's a focal length she's already got covered.

Some wedding photographers only use zooms... 16-35mm, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8. Others use primes a lot... 50mm, 85mm, perhaps a 100mm macro. Of course they aren't an option in her case, but I know Canon's ultra large aperture 50mm f/1.2L and 85mm f/1.2L are very popular among wedding photographers, for the unique, "dreamy" look that's possible with them. Canon has just introduced a 28-70mm f/2 zoom, which I expect will be popular for wedding photography too, but it's in the new RF-mount for their full frame mirrorless R-series cameras only.

Sigma and Tamron have some very nice lenses, but she may prefer to stick with OEM.

Maybe she needs a wider lens for architectural shots... Or maybe a longer tele for discrete shooting from a distance.... Or maybe a macro lens for close-ups of rings and wedding cake details.

Or maybe she'd benefit more from a flash or some other accessory.

I think it's great you want to help her get started, but I think you may be asking the wrong people what she needs. She can tell you, far better than we can.

dick ranez

google "what's in my bag" weddings and see what experienced pros use. I'd be the runaway favorite is a 24-70 f2.8. Next on the list would be a 70-200 f2.8 and a macro for the hands, rings, cake etc. If she's serious about starting a business, she'd better be serious about her equipment, and there's no long term advantage to buying "cheap". Don't forget a good flash unit or two and off-camera triggers.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

The various Nikkor / Nikon 85mm or 105mm lenses are some of the best lenses ever made. Though my personal experience has been with the vintage film models. But the higher end versions are still tops today. FX of course for the D750! A 50mm would be nice to have as well.

Bill P

85 1.8 is a real bargain. Beware of longer lenses ans working distance may pose problems.