Which Nikon F-mount lens is recommended for professional portrait photography?

Question

What is the absolute best F-mount lens for pro portraits because I have a huge gig in three weeks and I'm still undecided?

I've been looking at the 85mm f/1.4G and the 105mm f/1.4E and my head is spinning. I'm shooting on a D850 and I have about $1500 saved up from my last few shoots so I can finally afford the 'good' glass. I read on a few blogs that the 105mm is basically the holy grail for bokeh but then other people say the 85mm is more versatile for tighter spaces. My studio here in Seattle is actually pretty cramped so I'm worried I'll be stuck against the wall if I go with the 105mm.

I saw some reviews saying the 105mm can be a bit slow to hunt for focus compared to the 85mm and that's making me nervous since this upcoming bridal session is gonna be pretty fast-paced. I need something that is tack sharp at 1.4 because these clients are paying a premium. Should I just stick with the classic 85 or is the 105 really that much better for professional work? I need to order something by Friday to make sure it gets here in time for me to practice with it before the shoot...

Safiynava · Accepted Answer

jumping in here real quick... before you drop the cash, how much space are we actually talking about in your studio? What are the room dimensions? If you're doing full-body shots vs just tight headshots, that makes a huge difference for the focal length choice. I've used all of these on the D850 and here is the breakdown from a practical standpoint:Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED: This is the superior lens for outdoor work or huge venues. The compression is insane, but for $1500 you'll likely have to hunt for a used copy. It is pretty heavy tho, which can get tiring during a long bridal session.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G: The safe pro bet. Fits your budget perfectly, handles the high resolution of the D850 well, and is much lighter. The focus is snappy, tho you might see some slight purple fringing wide open.Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F: Tbh if you want clinical sharpness at f/1.4, this is the one. Its cheaper than the Nikon G and usually sharper across the frame. Just be ready for the weight... its a massive piece of glass compared to the Nikons. If you're already worried about the walls in Seattle, 105mm is gonna be a struggle. Stick with an 85mm to be safe. You dont want to be limited by your gear in the middle of a big gig... especially if you cant back up far enough for a half-body shot.

vector-jet.com-lig · Answer

Honestly if your studio is cramped, the 105 is gonna be a nightmare... I've been using the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G for years and I'm super satisfied with it. It's basically the gold standard for pros.Better for tight spacesSnappy focus for fast bridal shotsTack sharp at f/1.4 I have no complaints about the 85mm, it just works well every time.

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Which Nikon F-mount lens is recommended for professional portrait photography?