so i am in a massive rush because my main zoom lens just decided to stop autofocusing today and i have my sisters engagement shoot in like ten days. i need a dedicated portrait prime for my d750 and i am losing my mind looking at reviews online. i keep seeing the nikon 85mm f1.8g recommended everywhere as the best bang for your buck but then i read some guys on a flickr group saying the bokeh is 'nervous' or busy compared to the 105mm or the 85mm 1.4 version. i really dont want to spend $1500 on a lens right now though since this is mostly a favor for family.
the shoot is gonna be in a park in seattle so it might be overcast or we might get lucky with some sunset light but i need something that is gonna make them pop from the background. i am worried the 85mm 1.8 might be too clinical? but the 105mm seems like it might be too long for me if i want to get some full body shots without yelling across the field at them. i did see some people mention the tamron 85mm with the vibration compensation but i havent used third party lenses much on my nikon dslr and im scared of it not being accurate or having weird yellow tints.
here is what i am looking for:
- budget is max $750, i am totally fine with buying used if it gets here fast
- must be sharp even at wider apertures because i love that shallow depth of field look
- has to work well with the older f-mount autofocus system because i cant miss focus on this
- not too heavy because i will be walking around for like three hours and my wrist already hurts
i also looked at the sigma 85mm art lens but people say its like carrying a literal brick and i have small hands so that sounds like a nightmare for a long shoot. plus i heard it has some focus hunting issues on older bodies? i dont know if that is still a thing. should i just play it safe with the nikon 85mm or is there something else i am missing that gives that 'magic' look without breaking the bank? i really need to buy this by tomorrow morning to make sure shipping works out...
I have shot with the D750 for years and honestly, you are overthinking the bokeh thing. I have been very happy with my results using the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G and never had a client complain about nervous backgrounds. It is the most logical choice for your budget and the weight is a huge plus since your wrist is already hurting. Here is the breakdown of what actually works well for this body:
- Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G is the safest bet. It is incredibly light, the autofocus is snappy on the D750, and it is very sharp wide open. I have had no complaints with this lens over hundreds of shoots. It just works.
- Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD for Nikon is the one to get if you really want that vibration compensation for the overcast Seattle weather. It feels more solid than the Nikon and the bokeh is a bit smoother, but it is noticeably heavier. The weather sealing is a nice bonus too if it starts misting. The Sigma Art is definitely a brick, so skip that if you have small hands and a sore wrist. Just grab the Nikon 85mm 1.8G used. It is basically the gold standard for bang-for-your-buck portraiture. It wont miss focus and the clinical look people talk about is easily softened in editing. Just buy it tonight and stop stressing... you will do great with it.
To add to the point above: definitely stick to your budget. You might want to consider the Tamron SP 85mm f/1.8 Di VC USD despite your concerns... honestly it beats the Nikon 1.8G on rendering and is way lighter than the Sigma.
- Grab a used copy to save cash.
- Stabilization is a lifesaver for handheld shots. Just make sure you calibrate it with the D750 AF fine-tune stuff so its pinpoint.
I'm quite satisfied with the compression from a longer focal length. Rendering definitely matters, so I politely disagree with the previous post; more reach provides better pop, though I'm not sure about weight.
Just saw this morning that you are in a rush to get this ordered. For an important family shoot, reliability has to be the top priority so you dont want to be fighting your gear on the day of the event.
- Stick with a Nikon prime if you want the best autofocus reliability.
- Look for a used pro-level Nikon lens that fits your budget.
- Stick to native glass to avoid any calibration headaches. I really think you cant go wrong with Nikon here. Third-party lenses have their place, but when you have a deadline like this, the native stuff is just more consistent on the D750. Just grab any pro-grade Nikon lens that fits the portrait focal range and you will be good to go.
Can confirm this works. Did the same thing on mine and its been solid ever since.
Man I wish I found this thread sooner. Would have saved me so much hassle.
