So I've been shooting events on my D850 for like six years now, always sticking to my trusty 24-70 f/2.8. But I just booked a huge outdoor graduation portrait shoot in Seattle next month and I really want to step up my game with that gorgeous, creamy prime lens bokeh. I have about $1000 to spend. I'm totally torn between the classic 85mm f/1.4G and the 105mm f/1.4E, but I've never shot portraits exclusively on primes before and I'm worried about working distance and sharpness wide open on these older F-mount bodies. Which prime lens is actually the absolute best for Nikon DSLR portraits?
honestly the d850 is a beast for portraits because of that 45.7mp bsi sensor, but you really need glass that can keep up with that resolving power. i have been shooting with f-mount glass for a decade and im very satisfied with how these specific primes perform on high-res bodies.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is the absolute king here. the mtf curves are significantly better than the older 85mm, especially regarding sagittal coma flare. the electromagnetic diaphragm gives you more consistent exposures which is huge for event work. i have no complaints about the focus speed either, it is snappy even in lower light.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G is a classic but technically it struggles with some longitudinal chromatic aberration when shot wide open. its still a solid lens and works well for skin tones, but it doesnt quite have the bite of the 105mm.
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F is the one to get if you want the highest lines per millimeter resolution. it features two fld elements and one sld element which basically eliminates most optical defects. it fits your 1000 dollar budget perfectly too. dont sweat the working distance, the 105mm just requires you to stand about 4-5 feet further back than the 85mm for a standard headshot. im happy to dig up some raw files for you if you want to see the bokeh transitions or corner sharpness comparisons... just let me know.
