What is the absolute best portrait lens for a Nikon F-mount body on a strict budget of around 300 bucks? Im currently shooting with an old D750 and Im trying to start doing some casual outdoor senior portrait sessions for friends before the fall colors fade away completely next month. I really dont want to break the bank since this is just a side gig to help out folks in my neighborhood.
I have been scrolling through forums for days and Im kinda stuck. Everyone keeps recommending the Nikon 85mm 1.8G, which looks amazing, but then I see people suggesting the older 85mm 1.8D or even the Tamron 90mm macro. I read that the D series is super sharp but might be noisy to focus, yet the G is way more expensive. Does the autofocus speed actually matter that much for static portraits? Im also in the PNW so lighting is almost always overcast, which makes me wonder if I need that extra stop of light or if a cheaper zoom would be better. It is all getting a bit overwhelming and I cant decide if I should just save up for the G or if one of the cheaper alternatives is gonna be good enough for print work...
Just catching up on this thread! Honestly, if you want insane sharpness on a budget for your D750, you have to check out the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. It is stupid cheap and the optics are just fantastic for the price point. If you really want that 85mm compression, look for a used Nikon AF NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8D. Sure, the AF is a bit noisy since it uses the screw drive, but for static portraits, it doesn't matter at all! Here is why you should look at these:
- The 50mm G is a total bargain that creates gorgeous background blur.
- That 85mm D lens is legendary for how sharp it is wide open.
- You wont even notice the AF noise outdoors, trust me. Since you are shooting in PNW overcast light, that f/1.8 aperture is gonna save your life. Skip the zooms, they just wont give you that look!
Honestly, if you are really trying to save cash for senior portraits, look at the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro 1:1 VC USD. You can pick these up used for a steal, and they are shockingly sharp! People get hung up on the portrait label, but a macro lens is actually incredible for portraits because it catches every single detail, and you can just soften skin a bit in post if it is too much. Plus, you get image stabilization which is a total lifesaver in those PNW overcast conditions where you might need to drop your shutter speed a bit to keep the ISO down. Since you are on a D750, you have plenty of resolution to crop in, so dont sweat the lack of a zoom. Prime lenses are just better for portraits anyway because they force you to move around and find the best angles. Skip the expensive glass for now and spend that extra money on a decent Godox V860II-N Li-on Speedlight if you can find one cheap. Even in overcast light, a little bit of off-camera flash makes a massive difference for catching that sparkle in the eyes. Just go out and shoot, stop overthinking the technical stuff and get those fall colors before they disappear!
Bump - same question here
Honestly, grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G used if you can find it near your budget. I know it seems pricey, but for a D750, that lens is absolute magic for skin tones! The focus is silent and way more reliable than those old screw-drive motors, which matters more than you think when you are trying to capture natural expressions. Forget the zooms, especially in the PNW. You really need that f/1.8 aperture for the overcast gloom to keep your ISO down and get that buttery background blur everyone wants for senior shots. The D version is okay, but it is noisy and the bokeh is kinda harsh. Save the extra few bucks and go for the G, you wont regret it when you see those files on your monitor!