best portrait lens nikon?

Answer 1

In a 35 mm camera, the "classic" portrait lens is 85 mm. It is also common to go up as far as a 105 mm lens. This range lets you get a bit of distance away from your subject, but no so far as to become disconnected. It lets you play with the depth of field a bit more, as telephoto lenses can have a more shallow depth of field. If you are using a Nikon digital SLR, there is a 1.5x lens factor, so the proper lens for this classic proportion would be 56.7, but we can accept 60 mm.

Personally, I have and use the 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro Nikkor Autofocus Lens, which is commonly available for $400. I use this lens on various Nikon DSLR's and the results are quite good. It is a very sharp lens, but the f/2.8 easily allows me to alter the depth of field to favor the subject and de-emphasize the background.

For 35 mm cameras, there is an interesting lens designed particularly for portrait work: the Nikon Telephoto AF DC (Defocus Control) Nikkor 105mm f/2.0D Autofocus Lens, which sells for $925 at various outlets. This lens would work on a DSLR, but at an effective focal length of ~150 mm, you might find you can't work with it in a typical studio.

From the B&H Photo site: "Nikon defocus control offers new creative possibilities for shallow depth-of-field portrait photography. Photographers can fine-tune the foreground or background image area, creating unique blurred effects."

A really great lens that might be useful on either 35 mm film or a Nikon DSLR is the Nikkor 85mm f/1.4D IF Autofocus Lens, which sells for over $1,000. The f/1.4 really gives you the option of controlling depth of field. This lens is very highly praised in any reviews I have read. On a 35 mm camera, of course, it is the "classic" 85 mm length that gives just enough working distance without requiring a studio the size of a warehouse. On a DSLR, it is a slightly long 127.5 mm, but the smaller sensor might really benefit from the extremely wide apertures of f/1.4 and f/2, as it can be harder to created DOF effects with digital sensors.

If this lens is too rich for your blood, then the Nikkor 85mm f/1.8D Autofocus Lens at $400 might be more easily attainable. At f/1.8, it's not too far off from the f/1.4 lens, so it might be quite acceptable as a compromise. It is an excellent lens and Ken Rockwell says it is "just about the best performance you can get for your Nikon."

So - it depends on your camera and your studio space. For film, I think the best choice is the 85 mm f/1.8 for $400. For DSLR, I think the best choice might be the 60 mm macro f/2.8.

Answer 2

Nikon just released a new 85mm f/1.8 portrait lens. While many people recommend a 50mm lens as a portrait lens because of the crop factor, if you want that all important bokeh, you need to go to a moderate telephoto. And if you know how to "zoom with your feet", the telephoto focal length is not an issue. Some pros have even gone to using the Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 for portraiture.

Answer 3

The 85mm is a favored portrait lens. The f1.8 version can be bought used for less than $400. I also agree with the poster who suggested the 50mm. A 50mm f1.8 can be bought new for around $100. I have one of those and it is one of my favorite lenses.

Answer 4

Look for a 50mm lens with a low f-stop

Answer 5

28 to 105 is the standard for portriat photography.
Look for an F stop of 2.8 if you can afford one. Makes great available light shots.