Just got a Nikon D850 from my uncle to take photos of my kids graduation next month, but I have no idea where to start with lenses. My budget is around $500.
Sorry if this is a dumb question but what portrait lens should I actually get for this camera?
Honestly, you should just grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. I have been using it on my own D850 for years now and I'm super happy with it. The background blur is lovely and it just works well without any fuss. You can easily find one brand new for under 500 bucks. Zero complaints here, it is a stellar portrait lens.
Re: "Just wanted to chime in quickly. Be careful..."
- Totally agree, the VC on the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD works incredibly well. Just be sure to test autofocus calibration beforehand so your graduation shots are actually sharp.
Just wanted to chime in quickly. Be careful with camera shake on the D850 because that 45MP sensor is brutal. I learned that the hard way. I ended up getting the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD used for around $450. The built-in stabilization saved so many of my shots from being blurry, especially indoors. You might want to consider that instead of the Nikon if your hands arent super steady.
