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.
Re: "Building on the earlier suggestion, Ive been happy..."
- I totally agree. I spent years thinking I needed the most expensive glass to look professional, but unfortunately, some of those legendary lenses are just not reliable in the real world.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED: Its a beautiful lens, but I had issues with it in tight spaces. You will definitely feel cramped in a Chicago studio. Plus, the hit rate on focus isnt as good as youd expect for the price when you are adapting to a Z body.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G: This one was a major disappointment for me. The character people talk about is basically just lack of sharpness and heavy fringing. For a 30x40 canvas, you want clean lines, and this lens just doesnt deliver that bite anymore.
- Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S: Since you are posting in the Z forum, you should really look at this instead. It is well under your budget, insanely sharp, and works every single time without the adapter headache. If you are worried about the back wall, stick to 85mm. The 105mm is a masterpiece, but being unable to frame your shot is a nightmare you dont want at a bridal gig.
