Been shooting on my D750 for years but always stuck to my 24-120. I've got a gig in a cramped Jersey studio next month and need something faster for better bokeh.
I was looking at the 85mm 1.8G but worried about the reach in a small room. Which prime is actually best for tight indoor portraits on a $500 budget?
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED is a cost-effective solution for small spaces. It works well and im quite satisfied with the image quality.
I've been shooting with the D750 for years and honestly, it's such a reliable setup that I've never felt the need to switch. For a cramped studio in Jersey, you're right to be worried about that 85mm... it's probably gonna be way too long. I've been really happy with these two instead:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G: This is basically my favorite safe lens. It works well in small rooms and gives you a natural look without any weird distortion. Super sharp for the price.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED: If the place is really tiny, this one is great for environmental shots. No complaints about the focus speed either. Personally, I'd go with the 50mm. It's affordable and hasn't let me down when space was tight. Let me know if you need anything else!
@Reply #1 - good point! tho I'd actually push back on the 85mm being totally unusable. If you're doing tight headshots, it works fine. For a tiny studio though, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is my workhorse. I've used it for a decade because its 47 degree angle of view is perfect. The resolution holds up great on the D750 sensor. It fits your $500 budget easily and the bokeh is super creamy.
Yep been there done that. Can confirm everything said above is spot on.
Quick reply while im waiting for some files to export! I had this exact struggle when I started shooting in tiny Brooklyn lofts. I used to be a Nikon purist, but looking at the specs, some third-party glass is just incredible for the D750. The Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is an absolute beast compared to the standard Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. It has built-in stabilization (VC) which is amazing for staying sharp when the light gets low in a studio! Plus, that 45mm focal length gives you just a tiny bit more breathing room than a 50mm. Quick tips for your studio gig:
- Watch your minimum focus distance; being able to get close in a small room is a game changer.
- Check the MTF charts because that Tamron is surprisingly sharp edge-to-edge compared to the older Nikkors. That extra bit of width makes a huge difference in tight spots. Youre gonna love how much faster it feels than your zoom!
