so my cousin is getting married in like two weeks up in seattle and she basically begged me to do some portraits for them because their budget is super tight and they couldnt hire a full-on pro. i have an old d750 that i love but honestly ive mostly just used the kit lens for landscape stuff when i go hiking so im kinda panicking right now. i need a prime lens that actually makes people look good you know? like that creamy blurry background look everyone wants for the "official" shots.
ive been looking online like crazy and i keep seeing people argue between the 85mm f/1.8g and the 50mm f/1.4g. i read on some blog that the 85mm is basically the gold standard for portraits because it doesnt distort faces but then i saw a thread on reddit saying that if youre indoors in a tight space (which the reception venue is, its some small old tavern) the 85mm is gonna be way too long and i'll just be taking pictures of peoples noses or something.
im looking at a budget of maybe 500 bucks or 600 if i push it and i dont mind buying used gear from keh or ebay. i just dont want to drop that much money and realize i cant actually fit the whole bride in the frame because the room is too small. but then again i dont want the 50mm if it makes her face look weirdly wide or "bulbous" like some people say it does.
here is what im looking at:
- nikon 85mm f/1.8g (used)
- nikon 50mm f/1.4g
- maybe a sigma art 50mm if i can find a deal?
im also worried about the light since seattle is basically a gray cloud this time of year and the venue is gonna be dark. should i go for the 1.4 for the extra light or is the 1.8 fast enough for a d750 sensor? i feel like every review i read just makes me more confused because everyone has a different opinion on compression and bokeh and my head is spinning. i really need to order this by monday so it gets here in time for me to practice a little bit...
Building on the earlier suggestion, I actually have a slightly different take based on my own nightmare experience at a wedding in a tiny dimly lit pub! Honestly, I think the 50mm is a bit of a trap for weddings. It is often not wide enough for the tight tavern rooms and not long enough for that amazing compression you want for the official portraits. Since your budget is $600, you can actually snag TWO killer lenses used and be covered for everything!
- Get the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G for the outdoor portraits. The background blur is just insane for the price and people look fantastic at 85mm!
- Grab a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED for the tavern stuff. It is fantastic for storytelling shots where you need to see the cake or the guests. I did this exact combo for a friend last year and having that 35mm saved my life when the reception got crowded. You will be so much happier having the variety!
> im looking at a budget of maybe 500 bucks or 600 if i push it Jumping in here because you can totally make this work! The D750 handles high ISO like a champ so f/1.8 is actually plenty of light for that sensor. One technical sleeper hit you should check out is the Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Nikon. It has built-in vibration compensation which is amazing for those dark tavern shots when youre worried about motion blur at slow shutter speeds! Its sharp as a tack and the bokeh is super smooth. If you want that classic portrait look tho, definitely grab the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. To stay under budget while covering the tight tavern spaces, look into this combo:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G for the official outdoor shots
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED for the indoor reception You can find both used for about 550 total if you check KEH or MPB. Having two primes is way better than just one in a tricky venue and youll love the results!
Over the years, Ive seen 85mm lenses fail in tiny taverns... Try these:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art The 50mm range is just safer indoors.
Building on the earlier suggestion, I am actually dealing with this exact same issue for a project next month and it is so frustrating.
- I have been looking for a solid prime for three weeks now and the conflict between the 50mm and 85mm focal lengths is just making me more confused.
- My Nikon D750 setup is similar and I am just as worried about the dark venue and the distortion issues mentioned here.
- It is basically impossible to find a straight answer when every photographer has a different opinion on what is safe for a small room.
Interested in this too
