So I've been shooting with my D850 for like four years now and mostly stick to my 24-70mm f2.8 for everything because it's just so versatile but I finally have a dedicated portrait gig coming up next month and I want that creamy bokeh look you just cant get with a zoom. I'm actually really excited to finally justify a high-end prime! My logic was originally to just grab the 85mm f1.4G because everyone raves about it for the compression but then I started looking at the 105mm f1.4E and now I'm second-guessing everything. The 105mm looks incredible in samples but is it too long for indoor stuff? I'm worried about backing into walls at the venue.
Then there's the 50mm but that feels a bit too standard for what I'm going for. My budget is around $1,300 and I'm probably buying used to stretch it further. I need to make a call by Friday so I can get some practice in before the shoot in Philly.
Here is what I'm currently debating:
- 85mm f1.4G (the classic choice)
- 105mm f1.4E (the bokeh king but pricey and heavy)
- 58mm f1.4G (heard it has character but might be too soft)
Is the 85mm still the king for full-frame Nikon or should I really be looking at that 105mm for that extra pop even if it's a total brick? My wrists are already tired thinking about it lol...
Actually gonna have to disagree slightly on the 85mm G choice tho. Since youre on a D850 you really need glass that handles those 45 megapixels. The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is technically superior for resolution and CA control. If the weight is a dealbreaker, check the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F. It beats the old Nikon G lens on MTF charts and is much cheaper used.
I would suggest going with the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G for your shoot. While the 105mm is sharper, you might want to be careful about that working distance.
- The 85mm is way more versatile indoors.
- It weighs much less, so your wrists wont die. Honestly, the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a masterpiece, but backing into walls is a real risk... better to play it safe.
This thread is gold. Bookmarking for future reference 🔖
Regarding what #2 said about the 85mm G being a bit soft for the D850 sensor, I think that is a very fair point. To summarize the thread so far, you are basically deciding between the lighter, classic 85mm G or the much sharper but massive 105mm E. From a technical and budget perspective tho, the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F is the better play. It gives you that 105mm level of resolution for way less money. If you want to save even more, the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Nikon is incredible for the price. It has built-in stabilization which helps a lot with the D850 high-res sensor. It outperforms the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G in most bench tests and costs peanuts used. Tbh, you dont need to spend the full $1,300 to get pro results.
Stumbled on this thread today and had to jump in. @Reply #4 - good point! It is definitely worth keeping a list because some of these older lenses really start to show their age on high-res bodies. I actually bought the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G a while back and was pretty disappointed with it. On the D850 sensor, the chromatic aberration was honestly just distracting and it wasnt as sharp as I expected for a professional prime. It had issues with purple fringing that took forever to fix in post, which is the last thing you want after a big shoot. Since you are on a budget and need something reliable, here are my thoughts:
- Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F is probably the winner for pure image quality. Its heavy, but it actually resolves the detail your sensor needs. You can grab it used for around $750.
- Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Nikon is my dark horse pick. It has image stabilization which is huge for handheld portraits, and it is way lighter than the 105mm. Usually goes for $500-600 used. I really wanted to love the Nikon 85mm G but it just feels dated now. If you can handle the weight, get the Sigma, or save some cash and get that Tamron... it punches way above its weight class. You got this!
