So I finally upgraded to a D750 body after shooting on crop sensors for like five years and man the full frame experience is a total game changer. I really want to get into some proper portrait work now that I have the dynamic range to play with but my current kit lens is just not cutting it for that creamy bokeh look I see everywhere. My budget is pretty tight right now, looking to stay under 300 bucks if possible. I know the 85mm f/1.8G is the standard recommendation but are there any older AF-D gems or third party options that actually hold up today?
Congrats on the D750 move. It really is a solid camera. If you are watching your budget, I personally suggest looking into these two options that have served me well without breaking the bank:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- This is my go-to for budget work. It is sharp, fast enough, and the focus is reliable. You can find these used for a great price.
- Nikon AF-D NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8
- If you can find a clean copy of this older glass, snag it. The bokeh is classic and it feels very sturdy. It lacks the internal motor so it relies on the D750 screw drive, but that works perfectly fine. Check the used market carefully tho. Stick to reputable sellers and you will be happy with the results. No complaints here.
^ This. Also, I honestly had issues with some older AF-D glass on the D750, specifically the autofocus accuracy, which was pretty disappointing. If you want a sharp portrait lens without the AF-D headache, maybe check out the Tamron SP 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro VC USD. You can find them used for under 300 if you hunt around. It's incredibly sharp, though the focus speed is just okay compared to modern stuff.
Noted!