Which prime lens is considered a must-have for Nikon D850 users?

Question

I finally pulled the trigger on a used D850 and Im honestly so hyped to see what this sensor can actually do but now I am stuck on the glass. Im torn between the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 Art and the Nikon 105mm f/1.4E. My logic was that the 35mm is basically the perfect everyday focal length and everyone says the Art series is just incredible for the price but then I saw some portraits from that 105mm and my jaw literally dropped.

I have a family wedding coming up in Vermont next month and I really want that one magic lens to carry around. The 105mm is pushing my budget hard though since I can only spend about 1200 maybe 1300 if I stretch it so I might have to find a crazy deal on a used one. On the other hand the 35mm is way more affordable and maybe more versatile for the reception shots? But will I regret not getting the legendary one for that 45 megapixel sensor? Its such a beast of a camera I dont want to bottleneck it with something average.

Which one would you guys grab first if you had to pick just one to live on the body for a while? Is the 105mm really that much better or is the 35mm the smarter play for a first prime...

Nfejdekofhofjwdoe jirekdwjfreo · Accepted Answer

Just a quick thought... I grabbed the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G when I started. It works well and is a decent, cheap option for those Vermont reception shots without overspending.

ThomasSat · Answer

The D850 is a total beast but yeah, it will show every tiny flaw in your glass if you are not careful. For a wedding in Vermont, you are probably gonna want that 105mm look for the outdoor portraits. That Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is basically the gold standard for F-mount portraiture. It resolves crazy detail on that 45.7MP sensor. But... getting it for under 1300 is tough unless you find a really beat up copy. Most used ones hover around 1400 or 1500 still because people dont want to give them up. The Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art for Nikon F is way easier on the wallet. It is sharp, like really sharp, but it is a totally different vibe. For a wedding, 35mm is great for the dance floor and group shots, but it wont give you that magic bokeh compression. If you are worried about bottlenecking the sensor, the Sigma Art series was actually designed for high-resolution bodies. MTF charts for the Art series are usually excellent, so it holds up fine against that sensor. If I were you and had that specific budget, I would maybe look at the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Nikon. It has vibration control which is huge for the D850 since it has no IBIS, and it is sharp as a tack. Or just grab the Sigma 35mm and spend the rest on a nice speedlight... but if you can stretch for the 105mm, it is the one you will never sell.

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Which prime lens is considered a must-have for Nikon D850 users?