Which prime lens is recommended for Nikon D850 portrait photography?

Question

I just bought a Nikon D850 because everyone said it was the best for photos but honestly I am so lost and I think I made a huge mistake buying something this fancy. My sister is getting married in like three weeks and shes counting on me to do her official portraits at the local botanical gardens and I am literally panicking right now. I have the lens that came with it but someone told me I need a prime lens for that blurry background look everyone likes? I dont even really know what a prime lens is I think it means it doesnt zoom? I have about 700 or maybe 800 dollars left in my savings to buy one more lens before the wedding date on the 24th and I just need something that will make her look amazing and not like a blurry mess. I keep seeing numbers like 50mm and 85mm and 105mm and I have no idea which one to pick for a D850 or if they even fit? Sorry if this is a really stupid question but I'm just a total beginner and I really dont want to ruin her big day. Which prime lens should I actually get for portraits on this camera?

RichardeRof · Accepted Answer

I have been shooting with the D850 for years and I am still so satisfied with how it handles weddings. You really didnt make a mistake buying it, but it definitely has a bit of a learning curve. Since you have around 800 bucks, you should seriously consider the Sigma 85mm f/1.4 DG HSM Art. I have used this lens for tons of portrait sessions and it works well every single time... the bokeh is basically butter. It fits your D850 perfectly because they both use the Nikon F-mount. The reason everyone suggests 85mm for portraits is because of lens compression. Basically, it makes facial features look more natural compared to a 50mm lens which can sometimes make noses look slightly larger if you get too close. On a high-resolution camera like yours, you need glass that can keep up with the sensor, and the Sigma Art series is famous for that level of detail. Checking out the website DxOMark is a good move if you want to see the technical scores for how lenses perform on the D850 sensor... its a great resource for comparing sharpness. Also, since you're in a time crunch, go to YouTube and search for D850 back button focus tutorials. Using that technique for the botanical garden shoot will help you keep her eyes sharp while the background stays blurry. If the Sigma is too pricey new, look at used copies on MPB or KEH... they are super reliable for used gear and you can usually find a deal within your budget.

Zodiactwa · Answer

Breathe! You honestly have one of the best cameras ever made, so youre already halfway there! For that beautiful blurry background look, you 100% want an 85mm lens. Since you want to save some cash but still get pro results, I highly recommend the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. It is super sharp and way lighter than the super expensive f/1.4 versions. I have used it for tons of outdoor sessions and it honestly makes everyone look fantastic! It is way under your $800 budget too, so you can save that extra money for some nice memory cards. Since it is a prime lens, it wont zoom, but thats exactly why the quality is so good. Just stand back a bit, focus on her eyes, and youre gonna crush it! TL;DR: Buy the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G. It is the absolute best bang-for-your-buck portrait lens for a D850.

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Which prime lens is recommended for Nikon D850 portrait photography?