What's the best prime lens for doing portrait photography on a Nikon Z6?
I have about 800 bucks to spend and need to get something before my sister's college graduation next month here in Seattle, so I'll probably be shooting in overcast or rainy weather. I read that the Z 85mm f1.8 S is super sharp and the go-to for portraits, but then a lot of people online say the 50mm f1.8 is way better if you are in tighter spaces.
I'm stuck because if it rains we might have to shoot indoors, but I still want that really creamy bokeh you get from the longer focal length. Which one should I grab?
Honestly, I had issues with the Nikon NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S indoors. The bokeh was not as good as expected and felt a bit nervous. Unfortunately, the 85mm is tight inside, but it's the better choice. Here is what I'd do:
- Get the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for around 800 bucks
- Just stand back and shoot from hallways if needed The optical superiority and weather sealing on the 85mm S-line are just too good to pass up for Seattle rain.
Go for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S but buy it used to save cash. You can usually find one for under six hundred, leaving you enough budget to grab a Nikon NIKKOR Z 40mm f/2 for tight indoor spaces. That way you get the amazing 85mm compression and a backup plan if it rains.
I had issues finding cheap gear locally for my last shoot, but:
- Check Nikons official refurb store for deals
- Just rent the Nikon NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S for the weekend
