Can anyone tell me which prime lens is truly the best for portraits on a Nikon D850? Im getting so hyped because I finally saved up enough to upgrade my glass and I want something that really makes the most of that crazy 45 megapixel sensor. I mostly shoot portraits of my nephews at family get-togethers in my backyard around Seattle so the lighting can be a bit hit or miss which is why I want something sharp.
Ive been obsessing over reviews and I see everyone raving about the Nikon AF-S 85mm f/1.4G but then I also read a bunch of forum posts saying the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art is actually sharper for way less money. My budget is around 1200 bucks and I honestly dont know if I should stick to Nikon native glass for the autofocus speed or just go with the Sigma. Is the Nikon color rendition really worth the extra cash or will I regret not just getting the sharper Sigma? Im planning to pull the trigger on this by next weekend because I have a shoot coming up soon and I need to stop using my kit zoom for everything...
@Reply #1 - good point! Honestly, if you want to maximize that D850 sensor without dropping a fortune, check out the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD. It is super sharp and the stabilization is a total lifesaver for handheld backyard shooting. The native 1.4 options are nice, but they're overkill for family stuff. You really dont need the widest aperture, and saving that extra cash for a Godox V1 Flash would improve your shots way more than a slightly wider lens.
Coming back to this, you should seriously look at the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED. It is legendary for portraits on that D850 sensor. If that stretches the budget too much, look at the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G.
- Incredible bokeh
- Pin-sharp wide open
- Great build quality Check out DxOMark for the raw sensor data before buying. Honestly, native glass focus accuracy is unbeatable for moving kids.
Saw this earlier but just now getting to my laptop. Honestly, I bought that Sigma Art lens everyone hypes up, and while it is technically sharp, I had issues with focus shifts that drove me nuts during outdoor sessions. Unfortunately, it wasnt as reliable as I wanted for those fleeting moments with family, and the weight started to feel like a brick after an hour. Moving to the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G was a bit of a reality check for me.
- It is significantly lighter for backyard stalking
- Focus is consistent on the D850 unlike my old third-party glass
- The contrast is actually quite lovely for natural skin tones If you really want to make those 45 megapixels pop, pick up a Sekonic Flashmate L-308X-U instead of stressing over the f/1.4 difference. Learning to control your light with a meter makes way more difference than hunting for marginal sharpness gains. Dont overthink the spec sheet, just grab the native lens and spend the leftover cash on a nice tripod or just a good dinner.
Have you even rented either of these lenses yet to test the weight before dropping twelve grand... err twelve hundred bucks? Honestly, rushing to buy before next weekend sounds like a recipe for buyer's remorse, especially with how heavy that Sigma glass gets when you are chasing kids around all day. Backyard lighting in Seattle is tricky enough without fighting missed focus or front-back focusing issues that third-party lenses are notorious for on demanding sensors like the D850. Are you planning on using a tripod at all, or are you strictly handheld?
Honestly, I used the native 85mm for years before trying the third-party glass. The native lens has this classic look that just feels right for skin tones, but man, that other option is undeniably crisp.
- The native one feels snappier in low light.
- The alternative is definitely sharper pixel-peeping. If you want that perfect reliability for family shots, stick to the brand name gear. I think the trade-off is worth it.