Im finally doing some paid portrait sessions here in Chicago and need to upgrade my glass. Im using a D750 and have about 600 bucks to spend before my shoot next month. I keep seeing people swear by the 85mm f/1.8g because its sharp and affordable, but then I see others arguing the 50mm f/1.4 is way more versatile for indoor work in tight spaces. Ive looked at some review sites but everyone just talks about sharpness charts and not actual real-world results with moving subjects. Is the 85mm really too tight for smaller studios or should I just commit to the bokeh? What do you guys actually use for work?
Honestly, grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. Just be careful in tight rooms, cause you might want to consider backing into a hallway to frame your subjects properly!
Saw this earlier but just now responding! Totally agree that the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is a champ. But for those cramped Chicago studios, you really need to look at the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art as a backup. I once shot a wedding in a closet-sized space and that lens saved my life. It stays incredibly sharp and handles light perfectly. Definitely bring both if you can swing it!
Building on the earlier suggestion, I honestly have the exact same dilemma with my D750 kit. I have been agonizing over these focal lengths for like six months now, and reading through this thread hasnt really cleared the fog for me either. It is super frustrating when you have gear budgets and upcoming sessions but cant decide if the reach of an 85mm or the flexibility of a wider prime is worth the gamble.
- I am still stuck between prioritizing creamy bokeh or just being able to fit two people in the frame without hitting a wall.
- My budget is identical to yours, which makes the decision even more stressful because I really dont want to have a lens that just sits in the bag. I totally get your pain, and honestly, seeing everyone argue over charts while ignoring the actual logistical nightmares of shooting in small spaces is driving me crazy.