Which Nikon F-mount lens should I get for portraits because honestly Im losing my mind with my current kit lens? Every time I try to shoot my sister in the backyard the background looks like a muddy mess and its just not giving me that sharp, dreamy look I need for my photography side gig. Im based in Chicago and really need to get something reliable before a shoot next Friday. My budget is around 500 bucks max. Is the 85mm f/1.8G actually worth the hype or is there something else I should be looking at? I cant keep dealing with these soft images anymore...
Honestly, just grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. In my experience, its autofocus is reliable and the bokeh is way cleaner than any kit lens. You wont regret it.
Honestly, the 85mm is fine but way overhyped for backyard shooting. I had issues with it being too tight in small Chicago yards. I used the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G for years, but honestly, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is the real winner if you can find one used. It has stabilization which is a lifesaver for handholding. The 50mm is just too common, try something with a bit more character.
Like someone mentioned, the 85mm is a solid choice, but I personally found the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G to be way more versatile for backyard sessions where space is tight. It was my first prime lens and honestly taught me so much about depth of field. You should check out the forums on dpreview to compare sample shots before you drop the cash. It definitely beats the kit lens for sharpness.