Which Nikon prime lens is best for portrait photography?

Question

trying to pick a lens for my sisters wedding next month. i read the 85mm 1.8g is the way to go but then saw people saying the 105mm is sharper.

i only have 600 bucks and im worried the 105 might be too slow for low light stuff. which one should i grab for my d750?

Nespressoinv · Accepted Answer

@Reply #1 - good point! tbh i think sticking with the basics is the most decent option for a wedding.Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is cheaper and works fine for what you need.f/1.8 is safer for low light than the 105mm.85mm is better if youre in a crowded room. it basically comes down to reliability and the 85 is the safer bet.

Douglasnor · Answer

> i read the 85mm 1.8g is the way to go but then saw people saying the 105mm is sharper. Just saw this thread. I have spent years obsessing over MTF charts and real world resolution tests, so I might be able to help you weigh those technical trade offs. Be careful about chasing peak sharpness if it comes at the cost of light gathering. I remember my first time shooting a low light venue with the Nikon AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED... honestly, it was a nightmare. While it is technically very sharp, the focus hunting was brutal because f/2.8 just doesnt let enough light into the AF system when the sun goes down. I would suggest sticking with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G for your Nikon D750 because that extra stop of light is non negotiable for weddings. The transmission levels on the 85mm are much better for the D750 sensors. If you can stretch the budget or find one used, you might want to consider the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art tho it is quite a heavy piece of glass. Make sure to test your copy for front focusing issues before the big day. Quick tips:Focus on the eyes using a single point, dont rely on auto area in low light.Check for purple fringing when shooting wide open against bright window light. The 105mm is a specialist tool, and for a wedding, youre gonna appreciate the speed and agility of the 85mm way more.

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Which Nikon prime lens is best for portrait photography?