What is an ART lens?
Jan 18, 2015 08:02:58 #
There is always the 85mm f1.8 for $500. On a DX its 127 focal length perfect
Jan 18, 2015 08:15:27 #
ole sarg
Loc: south florida
What is an ART lens?
An ART lens is a used lens previously owned by a guy named ART!
Others replies may be more accurate, especially ones from Capt'n.
An ART lens is a used lens previously owned by a guy named ART!
Others replies may be more accurate, especially ones from Capt'n.
Jan 18, 2015 08:20:37 #
GrandmaG wrote:
Well, I didn't spend the money on it. I just drooled on it! For size, cost and bokeh, I was leaning toward a 50 f/1.4G auto focus for $400. Maybe down the road I can get a 70-200 f/4. New price is $1397, so I've been looking at used. I just worried the f/4 won't blur the background enough.
All of the reviews I have read says the 70-200 mm f4 has excellent bokeh. However, I am not sure this lens would be the best choice on a crop sensor camera, with a 1.5 crop, if you are looking to achieve something in the 85 mm focal length. At the short end it would be 105 mm, which is also OK for portrait work. And, price wise the lens is up there, although Nikon has, maybe had now, them on sale, refurbished, for about $1000 this weekend. Nikon's 50 mm, f1.8 lens for about $215 produces excellent portrait results on my D7000. Sometimes you can find them used at great savings.
Jan 18, 2015 08:33:18 #
GrandmaG wrote:
Yes, I did shoot this group shot with the 18-140. I also think the 70-200 will be too long even though some say it is THE portrait lens. So you've thrown a few other options out there. I would need a fast lens for the young grandchildren. I Do 5x7 & 8x10's of them for "The Wall". Is the 24-85 as good and/or as fast as the 24-70 f/2.8?
The Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 is not as fast as the 24-70 f/2.8. The 24-85 is also about one third of the cost of the 24-70. Rent each for a day, takes some shots and compare results, while considering ultimate use. Then you can make an informed decision on your needs.
Jan 18, 2015 08:48:47 #
Rongnongno wrote:
A gimmick to make folks feel they need to sped more money.
In portraiture you rarely use the corners where both the distortion and vignetting is present.
In portraiture you rarely use the corners where both the distortion and vignetting is present.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Agree with you on all counts !
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sadly, most companies that make lenses feel a need to manufacture "so-so" lenses and, then, they make their top of the line lenses which, is some situations, really are better than their "so-so" lenses. Perhaps, doing this, permits those who have a limited budget to, at least, get in on the action and purchase a lens, but doing so also makes a faux statement suggesting that photographers who have top of the line lenses are better photographers whereas such thinking becomes just another form of bias that thrives in our society these days. Yet, or should it be said, fortunately, those among us who have been around the block a few times, know that there are some among us who can make a better photo with a classic, old, non-coated, Goertz Dagor lens or any lens of the sort, or even with a piece of glass from the bottom of an old Coca-Cola bottle than can a neophyte using the most expensive lens made. :)
Jan 18, 2015 08:53:26 #
GrandmaG wrote:
Thank you for that reply. I was tempted to get it at the time I saw it...now I "gotta have it"! How do you like the 18-35? Also, the 24-105 sounds tempting. Will the DX lenses work on the D7100?
Yes, DX lenses will work on the D7100 because the D7100 is a DX body.
Jan 18, 2015 08:55:39 #
GrandmaG wrote:
Thank you for that reply. I was tempted to get it at the time I saw it...now I "gotta have it"! How do you like the 18-35? Also, the 24-105 sounds tempting. Will the DX lenses work on the D7100?
Yes, DX lenses will work on the D7100 because the D7100 is a DX body.
Jan 18, 2015 09:28:29 #
I second mwsilver's comment, they are great performers at considerably less cost than Nikon's best! I have both the 18-35mm f1.8 and the 30 mm f1.4 and they both are awesome.
Jan 18, 2015 09:46:21 #
Rongnongno wrote:
A gimmick to make folks feel they need to sped more money.
In portraiture you rarely use the corners where both the distortion and vignetting is present.
In portraiture you rarely use the corners where both the distortion and vignetting is present.
Someone thought that through and controlled any GAS that might have blinded them too. Good, Rongnongno.
Jan 18, 2015 09:48:17 #
elwynn wrote:
The D7100 is a DX camera.
True enough. GAS can cause confusion and toxic symptoms like a true poison.
Jan 18, 2015 10:47:38 #
RON 11
Loc: Pittsburgh
If you have the 85mm l.8 you already have one of the better portrait lenses out there You would probably be better served spending money on lighting accessories to enhance your portrait taking.
Jan 18, 2015 11:02:50 #
CaptainC wrote:
You asked what is the "best?" There is no best, because like everything else in photography...it depends.
Very True!!!
CaptainC wrote:
ONE of the best and the one used by 98.863% or professional portrait photographers is the 70-200 f/2.8.
While the Nikkor 70-200 f/2.8 is an outstanding lens, I think your estimate "used by 98.863% or professional portrait photographers" is a bit high.
CaptainC wrote:
A 50mm is just OK on a DX camera - too short on the FX.
As a portrait lens, I agree 50mm is a bit short for a FX body. The most recommended portrait focal length for full frame is 85mm. The 50mm focal length on a DX body would be the equivalent of 75mm on a DX body, which is pretty close, especially for someone with budget limitations who need to get the most versatility out of their lens dollars.
CaptainC wrote:
There is no reason to think full-frame is better for portraits. Just not true.
Totally agree. While there are some advantages to full frame, the D7100 should do quite well for portraiture.
Jan 18, 2015 11:44:47 #
GrandmaG wrote:
Hi! I am spreading my wings in portrait taking. I just got a Nikon D7100 with an 18-140 f/3.5-5.6. I have 2 prime lenses (85 & 35) both are f/1.8. I think I would get more use out of a 50 prime. The 1.8 is $100, the 1.4 is $400 (Nikon). So here's the dilemma...I saw a Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART lens for $900. It's much bigger than the other 50 primes and pricier. What IS an Art lens and is it worth the extra money? OR...should I forget the 50 and bite the bullet and just get the 24-70 f/2.8?
I dunno.
I do know that Ibanez built a series of guitars called Artcore. Bought one, but my playing never improved at all.
Amazing what "marketing" directors will come up with to try to excite people and revive lagging sales.
I fell for it with the Ibanez.
Jan 18, 2015 13:47:48 #
What is your expected Return Of Investment on that $900 lens?
Are you going to book more jobs or sell more photos because you used that lens?
Absolutely not. No one buys portraits because of a cool million-dollar lens. They buys because of ESP - "expression sells portraits". You'll get great expressions from how you handle the subject, not from some fancy lens.
Buy the cheaper lens now, and when your sales have increased to the point that you have income to cover the purchase, THEN buy the expensive lens.
Are you going to book more jobs or sell more photos because you used that lens?
Absolutely not. No one buys portraits because of a cool million-dollar lens. They buys because of ESP - "expression sells portraits". You'll get great expressions from how you handle the subject, not from some fancy lens.
Buy the cheaper lens now, and when your sales have increased to the point that you have income to cover the purchase, THEN buy the expensive lens.
Jan 18, 2015 13:48:31 #
I would say that there is an art to paying for this lens. The non art 50mm 1.4 is a great lens, heavy and sharp no zoom. Lists for 500$ saw it for less in NY. I have used it, but in our present art of photog, I am dead without some sort of zoom. Even if it is 24-70mm. We are in the era of changing lenses even with zoom. Unlike film days we did not have to be too concerned with dust. Yes we could travel with 20 different lenses and the weight and size would be equal to one full frame zoom.
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