I am seriously losing my mind looking at these sample galleries and I just cant decide. I just wrapped up a corporate shoot and the background blur on my current 50mm was so distracting and busy it took me twice as long to edit out the mess in post. I have a huge bridal session coming up in a small studio space here in Chicago next Friday and I need something that actually looks professional. My budget is strictly under $1900 which is why I am stuck between the 85mm f/1.4G and the 105mm f/1.4E. I keep hearing the 105mm is the absolute holy grail for skin tones and that creamy falloff but I am terrified it is gonna be too tight for my workspace and I will be literally hitting the back wall trying to frame a shot. On the other hand the 85mm is such a classic and easier to handle in tight spots but is it really that much of an upgrade from what I have now? I need that real wow factor for these prints since the client wants some massive 30x40 canvases. Is the 105mm worth the extra weight and the risk of running out of room or should I just stick with the 85mm and call it a day? I honestly just need to pull the trigger tonight so I have it in time to test before the gig...
Honestly, I would suggest going with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G for a studio gig like that. I learned the hard way a few years back during a bridal shoot in a tiny loft. I brought a long lens thinking I needed that creamy bokeh, but I was literally pinned against the wall the whole time. I couldnt even get a full-body shot without cropping her dress out. It was a total nightmare and made me look unprofessional fumbling around with my back against the drywall... not exactly the vibe you want for a high-end client. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a total beast, but in a tight Chicago studio, it might be a liability. You really want to make sure you have room to breathe. The 85mm still gives you that massive wow factor for big prints and the falloff is gorgeous. Better to be safe and get the framing right than to be too tight and miss the shot.
Building on the earlier suggestion, Ive been happy with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. It saved me money and honestly looks sharper on my 30x40 canvas prints than the expensive versions.
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a huge letdown in tight studios. Youll just end up frustrated hitting the walls. I had issues with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G too—it is not as sharp as expected for that much money. Honestly, save your cash and grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. Its way more budget-friendly and holds up on those big prints anyway.
