Which prime lens should I actually get for portraits on my Nikon DSLR because I am honestly so fed up with my 24-120mm zoom lens right now! It keeps hunting for focus in low light and the images just look flat and boring and I am ready to just switch to something else entirely.
I have this huge family portrait session coming up in two weeks here in Seattle and I need something that actually gives me that creamy bokeh and sharpness that doesnt look like mush. I am looking at the 85mm 1.8G but then I see people raving about the 50mm or even the 105mm and now I am just confused and excited because I finally saved up about 750 bucks to spend on some real glass.
I am using a D750 and it is a great body but the lens is just killing the vibe lately. Is the 85mm really the king for this or should I look at something like a Sigma Art? I want my clients to actually be impressed with the results for once instead of me having to fix everything in post because the focus was slightly off. What are you guys actually using day to day that doesnt break the bank but looks professional? I really need to pull the trigger on this by Friday so it gets here in time for the shoot...
I've spent years shooting with the D750 and honestly, the 85mm is the sweet spot for portraits on that body. The 24-120mm is a decent walk-around lens but it can't touch the separation you get from a fast prime. For your $750 budget, you have two solid paths that will definitely impress your clients for that Seattle shoot.
- The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is lightweight and tack sharp. It leaves you with extra cash for batteries or cards too.
- If you want the absolute best rendering, look for a used Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F. It is heavy but the bokeh is noticeably creamier than the Nikon 1.8. Quick tip: when you're shooting that big family session, dont stay at f/1.8 the whole time. Stop down to f/2.8 or f/4 to make sure everyone's eyes are actually in focus. The lens is sharp enough that you'll still get a great blurred background even at those apertures.
I remember when I first started out with my D750 and I bought a used lens that turned out to be a total dud. It really soured my experience for a while, so I totally get the hesitation about spending that much cash on something new. For a big family session in Seattle, you really need to be careful with your focal length. I once tried to shoot a group of twelve in a small park with a long lens and I literally had to stand across the street to get everyone in. It was super awkward trying to shout directions over traffic while people stared. If you are doing larger groups, you might actually find the 85mm a bit tight depending on the location. Here are the ones I have stuck with for reliability and safety:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is probably the safest bet for the money. Its light and the focus is snappy enough for kids running around.
- Sigma 50mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art gives that professional look you want, but it is heavy as a brick and sometimes feels a bit unbalanced on the body.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is the budget king if you want to save some of that 750 bucks for extra batteries or a faster SD card. I personally think the 85mm is the way to go for the separation you want, but just make sure you have enough space to back up. I bought mine new for around 450 and it has never let me down during those high-pressure shoots. Just be wary of buying used gear right before a big job... I did that once and the autofocus motor died mid-session. Stick with a new one so you have a warranty in case it acts up during the shoot.
To add to the point above: you might want to consider the working distance too. I used to love my long prime for the look, but I ended up stuck in a corner during an indoor shoot and couldnt fit everyone in the frame. It was super awkward. Are you planning to be in a tight indoor space or out in a park for this?
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
