I need to know which prime lens I should buy for portraits on my Nikon D750 right now because I have a big shoot this Saturday and my main zoom just broke. Im looking at the 85mm f1.8G vs the 50mm f1.8 but I am so stuck. Online reviews say the 85mm has way better bokeh for headshots but my studio space in Brooklyn is tiny and Im worried I wont be able to back up far enough to fit the shots in. I only have about 450 dollars to spend before the weekend hits so I gotta make a choice tonight. Is the 50mm gonna look too flat for professional portraits or should I just cram myself into the corner with the 85mm...
Honestly, if your studio is as tiny as you say, the 85mm might be a nightmare. I have been in those cramped Brooklyn spots and being literally pressed against the wall just to get a basic headshot is really not it. You really dont want to be struggling with framing while your client is waiting there.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G is probably the smarter move for a small space. It wont look flat if you handle your lighting right, and it will actually fit the room.
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G has gorgeous bokeh but you will need like 10 or 12 feet minimum just for a half-body shot on your D750. I would suggest grabbing the 50mm to be safe. Just be careful with shooting super tight headshots because the 50 can kinda distort features if you get too close to their face... stick to waist-up or chest-up and you will be golden for the shoot.
