My sisters wedding is in a month and I am getting so stressed about which glass to pick up for my D750. I have about 500 bucks to spend and just cant decide. I read everywhere that the 85mm f/1.8 is the gold standard for portraits but honestly some people online say the 50mm f/1.8 is better for events because you have more room to move in tight spaces. Since the reception is in a dimly lit hall here in Chicago, I really dont want to screw this up. Is the 85mm gonna be too tight on a full frame sensor or should I just stick with the 50mm for the extra versatility?
Late to the party but I gotta be honest, the 85mm can be a nightmare in tight halls. I shot a wedding once with just my Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G and it saved my butt when the dance floor got crowded.
- You get more background context.
- Less risk of hitting guests. Be careful, maybe rent a second body or lens just so you dont panic. Dealing with bad lighting is way easier than misjudging your framing in a cramped space.
TL;DR: Go with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. Honestly, I would suggest the 85mm for portraits because the bokeh is just way nicer for weddings. Just be careful in tight spots. Make sure to back up early or you might miss the shot. If you feel nervous about the space, bring a backup zoom just in case. Good luck with the wedding, you'll do great.
Ugh, honestly, weddings are such a headache when you're stressing over gear. I've been shooting for years and unfortunately had some real issues with fixed focal lengths in those cramped Chicago venues. Honestly, the 85mm just isnt as good as expected when the space gets tight, but the 50mm feels kinda limiting for those intimate shots. Honestly, just look into some of the third-party glass options from major brands like Sigma or Tamron. You honestly cant go wrong with a decent prime from those guys, and they save you enough cash for extra batteries or memory cards, which you'll definitely need. Check out some of the wedding photography forums on Reddit or dive into some Fstoppers tutorials to get a feel for framing before the big day. You'll figure it out, just dont overthink the gear too much.